DIY: How to create a bunny kitchen apron for kids
Here's a quick little project, perfect for a sewing workshop, or to sew with love for a special treat. It will suit budding pastry chefs in their first recipes, with hands full of flour and eyes full of pride! A super-cute accessory, ready for a parade of pretty memories.
On the sewing side, this apron is easy to make, even for beginners (like me). It requires very little material and can easily be sewn in one afternoon. A pretty plain or patterned cotton will do, but ideally a slightly thicker fabric, such as cotton canvas, which is easy to wash.
And now... it's time to create!
Material
1 meter of cotton canvas
1 meter of cotton ribbon (any width)
A good pair of scissors
A sewing machine
Thread to match the color of your fabric
Pins
A ruler and/or tape measure
How to make it
This project was designed for a 2-year-old child. Adapt the measurements to your child's age for greater comfort.
Step 1: Cutting the various parts
Start by cutting:
- 2 rectangles 35 cm x 25 cm (for the body of the apron)
- 2 rectangles 13 cm x 20 cm
One of these small rectangles will be used to make the pocket, the other to create the bunny's ears (more on this later).
Step 2: Create the shape of the apron body
Superimpose the two large 35 cm x 25 cm rectangles, right sides together, aligning the edges. To give them an apron shape, trace and then cut two bias strips on the top corners, creating a rounded trapezoid shape - narrower at the top, wider at the bottom.
A little tip: I used a cutting board as a template, and its shape was just about what I wanted.
Step 3: Set a rectangle aside
Once you've finished cutting, set one of the two rectangles aside - it will be used later as the apron lining.
You should now have a piece of fabric with the same shape as the one shown in the photo.
Step 4: Prepare the rectangle for the pocket
Take one of the small 13 cm x 20 cm rectangles and fold it in half lengthways, so that the 13 cm edges meet. Use a ruler to mark a 4 cm and a 10 cm mark on the 13 cm side of the rectangle.
Step 5: Sew around the rectangle
On your sewing machine, start sewing from the first line (4 cm), all the way around the rectangle (except the bottom, which is already closed, of course) to the second line (10 cm). Sew with a margin of 1 to 2 mm from the edge to ensure a clean, neat seam.
Make sure the edges of the rectangles are aligned when sewing.
Step 6: Turn the fabric inside out and sew the gap between the two lines.
Turn the fabric inside out, clearing the corners so that they're neat. Sew the space between the two lines (4 cm and 10 cm) with a margin 2 mm from the edge to close the pocket. Make sure the edges line up as you sew. Finish with a backstitch to secure the seam.
Step 7: Place the pocket on the apron
Position the pocket on the apron, about 6 cm from the bottom. Make sure it's centered and straight. Pin or clip the pocket in place to prevent it from moving during sewing.
Step 8: Sew the pocket onto the apron
Sew the three sides of the pocket to the apron (the two vertical sides and the bottom of the pocket). For a clean finish, sew with a margin about 2 mm from the edge and backstitch to secure the ends.
Step 9: Cutting the ribbons
Cut 4 ribbons, each 40 cm long. These will be used to fasten the apron.
Step 10: Sew ribbons to attach apron to waistband
Place a ribbon on each side of the apron, about 1 cm from the end of the trapezoid. Use a pin to secure the ribbons in place. Sew the ribbons with a margin 2 mm from the edge to secure them, making sure they are straight and symmetrical.
Step 11: Sew apron top ribbons
Place a ribbon on each side of the top of the apron, directly on the top edge, leaving a 1/2 cm gap with the outer edge. Secure with a pin and sew the ribbons with a margin 2 mm from the edge.
Step 12: Place all ribbons towards the center of the apron
Bring the 4 ribbons towards the center of the apron. Secure them with a pin to prevent them from getting in the way during the next step.
Step 13: Laying the second apron fabric
Place the second apron-shaped fabric right sides together on the first, making sure the edges are aligned. The ribbons should remain well inside, between the two layers. Pin the two layers together all around the apron.
Step 14: Sew all around the apron
Sew all around the apron, following the edges with a 2 mm allowance. Leave about 10 cm unstitched on one side, so you can turn the apron right side out. Remember to mark this space in advance with a small marker. Don't forget to tack at the beginning and end of your seam.
Step 15: Turn the curtain over and close the opening
Turn the apron right side out through the 10 cm opening. Clear the corners so that they are neat (you can use a thin object to do this). Once the apron is back in shape, sew the remaining opening about 1 mm from the edge to close it discreetly.
Step 16: Shaping the ears
Take the second 13 cm x 20 cm rectangle and draw two ears, each about 11 cm long. To obtain a regular oval, you can use a medium-sized bowl to partially trace it on the fabric. Then cut out the two ears carefully.
Step 17: Crease the ears
Take each ear and make a small fold on the bottom of the ear (the widest edge). Hold the fold in place with a pin before fastening.
Step 18: Sew the ears to the apron
Position the ears at the top of the apron, about 1 cm from the edge on each side, as shown in the photo. Make sure that the folds face the center and that the ears are slightly hollowed, not bulging. Sew them securely in place with a straight seam.
Step 19: Draw the bunny's face
Use a fabric marker to draw the rabbit's face on the apron. Draw the eyes, nose, mouth and whiskers if you like. You can personalize the face to suit your style by adding details like rosy cheeks or eyelashes.
Well done, your apron is now done!
