Vintage aprons are so pretty and I know a lot of folks that collect them. However, I rarely cook while wearing something that is worthy of protecting. But I had an idea for a more utilitarian apron, like a half apron that servers at restaurants wear. And it would use a couple of typical things I’d find at a thrift store: a vintage pillowcase and a ribbon belt.
Aren’t they delightfully well-coordinated?
And yes, you’re right- I *have* upcycled ribbon belts before! I think they’re such an untapped resource as a craft supply…
Anyway, back to my idea for a waist apron that would be functional AND cute. And, hopefully as easy to sew as it looks like in my head.
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Upcycling a Vintage Pillowcase and Ribbon Belt
First, I ironed the pillowcase (oh the horror of ironing!) and laid it flat with the closed end at the top, open end at the bottom.
Then, I laid out the ribbon belt about 2½” – 3” beneath the closed end. After determining it was decently centered, I pinned it in place.
Next, I folded the bottom of the pillowcase up, over the belt- roughly in half.
Then, with the bottom end (open end of pillowcase) still in my hands, I folded it part of the way back down. I carefully lined up the crease or fold just beneath the belt.
After smoothing it out and lining it up as evenly as I could, I pinned it in place, leaving the folded edge beneath the belt unpinned/open.
Sewing a Half Apron from a Vintage Pillowcase
Then, I headed back to the sewing machine. I stitched the ribbon belt in place and three sides of the pillowcase.
The folded crease underneath the belt? I left that section open (no stitching).
Last but not least, I needed to create two pockets from the wide opening of the half apron.
With the apron facing me, right side up, I folded it in half to find the center. I could have measured it, of course, but folding it was good enough for me!
Then, I pinned it along the fold, opened it up, and stitched down the center, creating two open pockets.
Ok, now the sewing part was done and there was just one more step!
I folded the section of pillowcase above the belt over the top of the belt and ironed the crease. That became the flap over the open pockets of my half apron!
How to Make a Half Apron from a Vintage Pillowcase
And just like that, I had upcycled a vintage pillowcase into a half apron. Simple, functional, and totally cute!
I could see all sorts of ways to use this half apron. Perhaps if you’re holding a bake sale or yard sale?
Or if you’re strolling through a flea market…or a vendor at a vintage market! The possibilities are endless and they are surprisingly easy to make. Even for a beginner sewist!
A special thanks to Maliasmark and Kate DiNatale Vintage for modeling my aprons!
And if you enjoyed this upcycled sewing idea, then you’ll love this pin cushion and sewing caddy I made from a vintage teapot!
AND I’m so excited to announce that my first book is now available! If you love working with flannel or fabric crafts in general (sewing and non-sewing), then you will LOVE “Crafting with Flannel”!
Craft on!
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
Great idea. I have made a bag before out of a pillow case but not an apron. I guess you could probably adapt your apron into a peg apron?
I’m sure it could be done!
Another great idea. I remember the pink & green floral pillowcase very well. They were sold in the Sears catalog. My teenage bedroom had your pillowcase & the matching floral top & fitted sheet.
Yes!! A LOT of people have said that and they all remembered that this set came from Sears!! How funny is that? 🙂
wow this sure is using the old noodle awesome idea and so dang cute too xx
Thank you so much!
Thank you so much! 🙂
That is so cute! and would be perfect for a cleaning apron as well to carry dust rags and such!
I love that idea!!
Really pretty! Pinned
So cute and crafty! What a fun way to re-purpose a pillowcase!
I am co-hosting the Fiber Tuesdays Link Party, and I would like to invite you to stop by and share this link!
http://www.ouicrochet.com/2015/06/fiber-tuesday-guest-hosting-link-party.html
Have a wonderful day!
Susie
http://www.ouicrochet.com
This is great! My mom and I have yard sales every year and this would be perfect! Thanks for the idea!
I looove the colors!
I needed one of these when I did my yard sale I was always worried about the box full of money. Would be easy to whip up. Need a belt though
Vickie
Vickie’s Kitchen and Garden
Thrift stores!! 🙂
I’ll be looking for one! I’m co-hosting for the #HomeMattersParty and wanted to thank you for sharing your great project
Vickie
Vickie’s Kitchen and Garden
These are so cute! I think I’d just use one at home. Thanks for sharing!
These are adorable. Love ’em. Thanks for sharing your tutorial at Vintage Inspiration Party.
I am once again blown away by your creativity! I really need to learn how to sew. Thanks for sharing at Friday Favorites this week!
Thank you, thank you!! These are REALLY easy to sew- if I can do it, anyone can. 🙂
this is a terrific tutorial, perfect for wearing for yard sales too. Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things blog hop. Watch for your feature on Monday xo
Thank you so much, Katherine!
Haha! We used to have that sheet set! I can SO remember it. This is a cute craft. I had some pillow cases that I had bought to make a pillowcase dress for my daughter and never did. Maybe I’ll make an apron instead! Stopping by from Idea Box Thursday. Better late than never, right? Hope you’re having a great weekend!
SO many people have said that they had that set, LOL! It came from Sears. 🙂
Such a cute idea! & it’s easy too. Pinned & sharing on my FB page. Thanks for joining the party! Hope to see you again soon.
Sarah,
these aprons are adorable! I would love to have one of these on Market Days! I am launching a new link party tomorrow with Refresh Living starting at 7pm CST. We would love to have you come and link up with us!
Thank you!
Cat
Thank you for the invite- I hope to be there!!
Thank you so much for sharing on Fiber Tuesdays! I hope you are able join us again this week! 🙂
I can also see a real cute purse. Soft and simple with a long strap or a fanny pack type. Love the apron for craft shows.
Thank you so much, Judy!
Thank you so much for linking up to Merry Monday this week! I am sharing your sweet apron today on my Twitter! Hope to see you next week for another great party!
Have a great week!
Kim
I don’t have to go to a thrift store to get a pillow case to use… I can just go to my linen closet! This is so cute — and such a clever, creative idea. Thanks so much for sharing at Grandma Ideas Sharing Time link up!
Really cute idea! I have to tell you that when I spied that pillowcase with the colorful squares I just had to smile. Years ago I made a quilt out of two sheets for my oldest daughters bed just like that pillowcase. I finished the edges with picots made from the pillowcases. It was a sheet set I purchased at Sears. She still has it and loves it even thought the edges are totally worn out. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Thanks so much, Jann!
Hi Sarah! I LOVE your vintage pillowcase apron. I had sheets just like that growing up!
I just wanted you to know that you’re my pick for this week’s Rockstar! Bring your friends and vote here: http://www.theboldabode.com/creativity-unleashed-73.html
Good luck! <3 <3 <3
Thank you, Gwen- that’s awesome! And OMG, I have heard that from SO MANY gals!! In fact, I sold that apron before it ever made it to Etsy to someone who was swept away in that nostalgia! Everyone says that set came from Sears…one gal even had WALLPAPER in that print. 🙂
Oh, that is hilarious! I remember having the sheets, but I can’t quite remember what kind of bedspreads we had. Something that co-ordinated, I know!
Well… it is totally nostalgic. I’m sharing it on m personal facebook page so my sisters can see it!
Calico Garden ftw! https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/20/04/f4/2004f423229542f6f5dec8ea46870dcf.jpg
Love this! I’ve got a Craft Gossip post scheduled for later this morning that links to your tutorial:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/?p=82953
–Anne
Thanks, Anne!!
I will have to try this! Nice idea:)
I love this. I’m going to make one for putting my clothespins in. Perfect. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thanks, Jennifer- it’d be perfect for clothespins!!
Love this idea! It looks so easy to make, too. Thanks for sharing at Inspiration Thursday. Have a great week!
Well, I can’t sew worth a darn but, you’ve made me confident I could do this! Wonderful, straightforward tutorial, and they’re adorable!
Thank you!! That’s how a felt 6 months ago when Santa brought me the machine…!!! 😀
Sarah, this is an awesome idea!!! Love it!!!
Thank you!! They were fun to make (and then have my friends model them!). 🙂
These are darling. I love the size of them! Thanks for sharing at The Creative Circle. xoxo
Thanks so much, Kathryn!
Those both turned out so stinking cute! What a great idea!
Oh my gosh…how pretty!
Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J!
Thanks!
This is an adorable idea! Thanks for the easy tutorial, too!
Thanks, Tina!!
Fantastic repurpose of a vintage pillowcase. Now that is a sewing project that even a complete sewing novice can do. Thank you for sharing at Vintage Charm. sb
Practical yet purposeful. I’m pretty sure I had the quilt-looking pillowcase pattern as a kid in the 80s! Visiting from Vintage Charm party.
I think a lot of us had that pattern- I eventually found the original Sears ad online for it! There was even wallpaper in that pattern…a little pattern overload, classic ’80s. 🙂
I like having an apron on when I’m working on projects. Now I’ll be grabbing up a few pillow cases when I see them at the thrift store. Very creative and easy to make, thanks for the idea!
Thanks, Amy!! They do come in handy, that’s for sure. 🙂
What a cute idea!! My kids love to help me in the kitchen and they have some pillowcases they got from the Disney Cruise we went on and they would be perfect for this project!! Thank you for sharing and linking up with us over at the Welcome Home Wednesdays Link Party!!
Thank you, Lisa!!
I love the apron and I love to Iron too!!! My grandkids are coming and I am going to have them bring their old pillowcases to make them each an apron. Thanks!!!
Thanks, Debby!!!
OMG! So many memories came rushing back!!! I had that set ?
You are not alone- it was SO popular, and I’ve loved seeing everyone reminisce about it. 🙂
Jihad this set, still have shams and bed spread.
What a great (and simple) idea! Thanks for sharing on the Pleasures of the NW’s DIY party!
Super cute and would be so helpful for events I do! Plus that’s an awesome way too recycle. Pillowcases seem to multiply haha.
Thanks, Andrea!
You’ve provoked memories of my daughters when they were little with this sheet set I used in their rooms. I still have those sheets. Made a comforter with the sheets too. Love your apron. Reminds me of the one I made in 4H in 5th grade. Thanks for sharing.
I just LOVE how many of my readers either had this set or their daughters had this set- it’s the sweetest thing!!
This would have come in handy when I was doing craft shows some years back. I love finding new uses from ordinary things.
I like this clever idea. Makes for a pretty and practical apron.
Amalia
xo
Another great idea. It would be a shame if we kept all those linens hidden away and got no use out of them. Things are meant to be used and not kept in the closet!
Yessssss!
I’m another one who remembers that sheet pattern; my mom had them on her bed! Cute idea. And this is about the level of my sewing so I know I can do it. Anyone without a belt can take 1″ wide grosgrain ribbon and 2 D rings or O rings like your belt is made.
These are so lovely and what a great idea. Thank you for sharing at Dishing it and Digging it link party.
I sewed a casing at the top instead of sewing the belt onto the apron . That way, you can just pull the belt out if you want to use it for something else. Very cute idea for repurposing!
I saw you at Target today! We were checking out at the same time and you had a cart full of pillows chatting with a friend. I was wondering if there was going to be a pillow case tutorial. 🙂 I also totally texted my friend because it was like seeing a celebrity! 🙂
I absolutely love, love, love this pillowcase up cycle!!!! I inherited quite a few vintage handkerchiefs, pillowcases, etc. after my MIL passed away. They are all beautiful! My daughter loves vintage aprons and I just know she would love it if I made her an apron or two!!! These aprons would be a perfect Christmas present for anyone. Love it!!!!!
Oh, yay!! I’m so thrilled you found this post, Daphne!