My daughter is a barista and I felt like she needed a groovy apron.
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I’ve laid the steps out here so you can make one for yourself, if you so desire.
Step One: Find 1 1/2 Yards of Vintage Fabric
Of course, the fabric you use does not have to be vintage for this pattern to work.
I happened to have enough of the pictured, thrift store find, antique gold and avocado green material on hand. Also, the 70s vibe works well with my daughter’s place of employment.
Best to use a durable fabric like a mid-weight twill or a heavy-weight like denim. Mine is a printed, heavy cotton with a rough weave finish. The pattern calls for 1 1/2 yards, but will work with 1 yard.
Since it’s an apron, it’s bound to get soiled. Be sure to use washable fabric.
Places to find Vintage Fabric for your Barista Apron
If you already know how to sew, this is most likely the most difficult step.
🧵 Antique Markets, Thrift Stores and Yard Sales
🧵 Your Grandmother’s sewing stash (any relative or family friend will do)
🧵 Specialty shops like Fabric Warehouses, Quilting Shops and Etsy vendors
Experienced seamstresses wash their fabric before cutting. That way if the material shrinks or distorts, you’re dealing with a flat piece of fabric, not an item you spent time creating.
Also, it’s not uncommon for vintage fabrics to have funky stains on them.
I washed mine in cold water, after pre-treating a few age spots with Shout. Then I machine dried.
Step Two: Fold Fabric Longways, Cut Out and Sew Your Barista Apron
I used this video by to make my daughter’s barista apron.
I was surprised how simple it was to make.
Here’s a Cheatsheet
She has a printable pdf pattern for sale. < I’m not an affiliate and receive no compensation from this link.
🧵 Lay your fabric nice and flat. Fold right side together longways (so your salvage/finished edges are together). Cut out according to her directions (I’ve listed the measurements from the video below).
If the design on your fabric has a right way up, lay out your pattern accordingly.
These are the measurements, with seam allowances included, she gives in the video…
Body – 13″ x 31.5″ with curved arm cut-out 6.5″ from the fold to 8″ from the top corner of the rectangle
Straps – 2 long enough to wrap around and tie in front – 2″ wide x 38″ long; 1 neck strap – 2.5″ x 30″
Pocket – 15″ x 9″ – attached 13″ from the top of the apron
🧵 Hem and sew the pieces together as she directs. I’m a meh-level seamstress and I found her instructions really easy to follow.
🧵 Overall, it took me about 2 hours to complete this entire project. That included cutting out, sewing, ripping out, resewing and ironing.
Step Three: Ta-da! Iron Your New Barista Apron and Wear it Wherever!
Here’s my daughter wearing the apron I made for her.
She’s probably not going to be too pleased that I’m using this photo, but she’ll have to grin and bear it until I take another.
Cheers, y’all!
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