Victorian Pinafore Apron Tutorial & Pattern

Join me step-by-step as I recreate a late Victorian/Edwardian bib apron! I designed this apron by looking at examples of similar aprons in drawings, books, and magazines from the 1890s-1900s. Often referred to as a nurse's apron or kitchen apron, the bib and full skirt help protect your garment from dirt and grime. We might refer to a garment like this as a "pinafore apron" today!

This style of apron is perfect for a Downton Abbey cosplay or Alice in Wonderland cosplay. Wear it to fulfill your cottagecore or ghiblicore dreams! It's a neat and functional apron for use in modern kitchens, too!

CORRECTION: Sew the straps to the bib right sides together. Sew the skirt panels right sides together.

This apron is an easy project that can be accomplished in a few hours. It requires 2 yards of 45" wide fabric. It can be customized with tucks, ruffles, lace insertion, or embroidery, and it's suitable for hand sewing, machine sewing, or a combination of the two.

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[oh]

this is GODSENT, i saw loepsie made a similar one but as a beginner i really couldnt understand the instructions so i just gave up. now this pops up in my recommendations and im like IT WAS MEANT TO BE AFTER ALL!! thank you and i def staying on this channel for longer:)

[mimikaplun]

If anyone needs it, I changed the measurements given in the pattern from in to cm:
Pattern pieces:
All pattern pieces include 0.5 cm seam allowance
Bib: Cut one 24.13 cm x 40 cm
Straps: Cut two 9 cm x 84 cm
Waistband: Cut one 4.5 cm x 57.15 cm
Waistband facing: Cut one 4.5 cm x 57.15 cm
Ties: Cut two 6.50cm x 76 cm
Skirt: Cut one 88 cm x 112 cm, and cut two 88 cm x 37 cm (this will vary if you’re using narrower or wider fabric; generally, avoid having a seam down the center front; the apron skirt should be at least 1.4 meters wide).

[ShinHaeMin]

So I need to tell you: I'm from Colombia and actually study embroidery in an art school. So I will use your pattern for make my final project in a course. Thank you for your knowledge. This let me make a dream come true.

[cinnamon]

Bless you for making this pattern available for free!!! I'm trying to avoid spending too much on this new hobby (sewing/historical sewing) until I know it'll stick (I'm one of those people who drop hobbies in favor of new ones too often). This is gorgeous and I can't wait to try it

[DogWalkerBill]

Thank you! I am thinking of trying an easy "starter" sewing project. And I need a new apron!

[sugarfairy]

This is a great tutorial! I wanted to add ruffles to the bottom of the skirt and straps and it came out great!!❤

I used this tutorial to make myself a kitchen apron and I'm super happy with it! The tutorial was really easy to follow and I found the blog post with the extra cutting directions very helpful.

[Yan-rijg]

I made my own using your tutorial! :)
It was very clear and easy to understand. You even made me overcome my fear to make buttonholes, so thanks!

[karenlombardi]

Beautiful … love your attention to detail and your sweet narrative voice. I will be making large pockets on mine to use in the garden and chicken house ❤

[Kindofalot]

This is so pretty and it seems so basic the way you broke things down. Really appreciate it, and the references are super helpful! Subscribed ! :)

[sylviapellicore]

Made this in a pretty yellow linen blend for my sister to use as a faux undergown in a costume. It’s also very cute as a pinafore. I may need one too!

Very easy to adjust pattern sizing, and the video made assembly a cinch. Thanks!

[ladypinkbagsetc.]

This is a very good tutorial. I’m going to make this for Christmas. Thank you so much!

[mungbean]

This is PERFECT. I grew up doing 1830s-1860s reenacting as a kid and those aprons are so comfy and functional. Now as an adult I just haven't been satisfied with any of the aprons I've seen for sale. I just kept wanting *more* volume in the skirt, and a defined waist. You've completely nailed the look I want, and like another commenter said, I can actually figure out what you're doing! I had tried to make a super cute frilly 1930s repro apron as a teen, but when I got to the waistband, the directions exploded my mind and I couldn't go any farther. Thanks for giving me hope that I can do this!!!! (P.S. since it's 4:30 a.m. I probably just overlooked it in my exhaustion, but did you say how many yards of fabric you used here?) Thanks again!!! 🎉🎉🎉

[greatexp]

I bought a similar pattern, but the instructions were needlessly difficult. Thank you for the great, clear instructions! I finished the first one on my antique hand crank machine, but will do the next on one of my treadles!

[christinab]

Thankyou! Im costuming a theatre production of the addams family musical, and i needed a vintage "nurse" apron more the grandma, and this was perfect!

[vimo]

This is so good! The absolute best video on aprons I've found, showing exactly the kind of apron I want to make. Thank you so much!

[valeriewade]

Thank you for your instructions and pattern. Both were easy to follow and now I have my own basic apron I will certainly be using your instructions to make more and maybe even bei a little more ambitious by adding ruffles, lace insertion etc

[Plumfox]

Thank you so much! This was easy to understand even for someone who doesn't sew all that much. This will go great for my victorian maid costume! :)

[catherinehawkins]

Your work is so neat, beautifully crisp and perfect. A joy to watch!

[Fred-chwl]

J'ai suivis le tutoriel et j'ai réussi à fabriquer le tablier parfaitement et j'en suis très fier !! MERCI !!!!