How to make a Custom Shop Apron | I Like To Make Stuff

To avoid sawdust in my pockets, I made a custom shop apron!
Sponsored by GraphicStock: graphicstock.com/iiketomakestu...
I work in the shop pretty much every day, and most of those days I leave with pockets full of sawdust. I decided to finally make a custom shop apron to try to get my pockets a little cleaner.
I'm also a complete sewing novice, so it was a great chance for me to practice my sewing. I learned a TON. I feel way more comfortable with basic stitching and the working of the sewing machine after this simple project. I used waxed cotton and some cotton webbing to make the apron.
TOOLS LIST:
(some are better than the versions I own)
amzn.to/2rCs7du - Waxed Canvas
amzn.to/2sEPvG2 - Canvas webbing
amzn.to/2sF0zmD - Slide buckles
amzn.to/2aFVEYw - Sewing Machine
amzn.to/2rCvD7L - Seam Ripper
amzn.to/2rWGREF - Sewing Gauge
amzn.to/2s5DSuH - Rotary cutter
amzn.to/2aXc3dy - Fiskars cutting mat
amzn.to/2aLCCCN - First aid kit
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About I Like To Make Stuff:
We have lots of projects including woodworking, metalworking, electronics, 3D printing, prop making and more!
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How to make a Custom Shop Apron | I Like To Make Stuff
• How to make a Custom S...
I Like To Make Stuff
/ iliketomakestuff

[@RobotJustice]

Sewing is one of those underrated skills that everyone seems to forget. It's super easy to do a "good enough" job, and it can be really handy. Bonus: I won $20 in college because a friend refused to believe I could sew.

[@fleshunit]

Wile E Coyote What you said could apply to pretty much everyone. Fit is very important, and it's overlooked by many. It's definitely a nice skill to have if you want to fix things up yourself, that's for sure.

[@Gantorin]

$20?!?! That is awesome! Good on you to take the bet... I would have too.

[@RobotJustice]

Wile E Coyote I'm this close to going that route. 6'1" and not super fat, so all my large shirts that fit around me properly show my belt after 2 washes. It's super hard to Large-Tall in anything fun, so I'm about to start buying XL and tailoring them down. It's either that or divorce - my wife is sick of my LT undershirts.

[@Yonatan24]

I find that hot glue works too :)

[@temmieshy930]

chrisbinnie haha nice

[@EvanAndKatelyn]

Sew some magnets in, so you can just hold up drill bits and they will stick! :) Wait... now I want to do that!! Also, your videos are so fun because we never know what we're going to learn new things about this time

[@totally_not_a_robot]

[@Iliketomakestuff]

+EvanAndKatelyn great idea!

[@MaltandMake]

If you do a lot of metal work you might end up with filings stuck to the apron that could be difficult to get off. Perhaps adding a long pocket which could hold a magnetic strip would work so you can take it out if you have problems getting the filings off.

[@shamikpai6206]

but if you but pencil in the apron pocket or any other sharp object won't it hit you on your chin or neck if you bend down

[@anthonylau3065]

+shamik pai I'm thinking that the pocket is low enough that this won't happen. It's about the same level as a dress shirt pocket.

[@BCal12345]

I am a tailor and would like to make a few suggestions. If you o not regularly use your machine then you should first oil the machine, replace the needle with a leather needle and buy new thread. Also when you fold the edges in it is called hemming. A seam is created when you join 2 pieces of fabric together. Hems should also be doubled over so as to enclose the raw edge and prevent fraying of the fabric.

[@crucialblue]

I love the diversity on this channel. You tackle all sorts of projects, not specializing in any one thing, and it makes for great entertainment as well as a great source of education and additions to any maker's toolkit. I swear, KZbin is a better teaching tool than any textbook I've EVER been forced through!

[@MakeSomething]

This gives me the confidence to dust off my sewing machine and put it to use! Also, great way to sneak in "Making It"!

[@EvanAndKatelyn]

We'd love to see what you make!

[@julianafalconar7979]

Make Something OMG im subed to you to! "!

[@JrRRr1976]

Make Something Looking forward to that.. ;)

[@SewingReport]

Do it!!!!!! (I may be a little biased, but I heart sewing!) Also - Dave and Bob - my husband is obsessed with your channels and the Making It podcast.

[@jondoe5866]

Thanks Bob. I tip my hat to you. So many youtubers have how to videos. They make so many mistakes that they speed it up and show off the end result afters days and weeks of trying. I like how you explained your mistakes and what you would do better. Keep up the good work.

[@forestlampcraft472]

This channel is so therapeutic. Congratulations

[@IMSTEPHENMILLER]

Out of all the skills I've learned as an adult, sewing has probably been the most useful.

[@clbgrmn]

Thank you for putting your ads in a background video while you play b-roll footage. You're a saint for doing it that way.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

:) I try my best to make it work for both of us :) Thanks!

[@craftedworkshop]

Great project, Bob! I'm going to be doing some leatherworking for the first time this week and fully expect to screw up plenty of times. That's the only way to learn!

[@SewingReport]

YASSSS!!!!!!!!!!! Dudes sewing! Let's bring it to the forefront!

[@eklevmyr]

First off, thanks for making this even though you're not a "professional". It is a great motivation to do things out of our comfort zones. I bought a sewing machines years ago to make stuff for work. I've never made anything great looking, but it is another tool and skill in the toolbox. Also, there are some great ideas in the discussion. Good video!

[@hacklabdesign]

I can not tell you how much I appreciate the variety of your projects and how motivating your videos are. thank you Bob. -ryan dewitt

[@Iliketomakestuff]

+hacklab that's awesome to hear! Thanks Ryan!

[@leyankee247]

Nicely done, Bob! Since you sewed an apron, I guess I have to build a shelf now. Insider secret: When you rip out a seam, call it "unsewing." It makes it sound on purpose!

[@lindalooloo12]

This is probably the only area i can give tiny tips to make it a tad easier :) (if you want them anyhow). When you're sewing around things like seems, pockets etc. Instead of taking the cloth out, just lower your needle, lift the foot plate and rotate the material around the needle, its usually cleaner and faster that way :) Also, taking pins out as you go along might help as needles can often break really easily. You did a great job, a really handy project :)

[@GoGreenMan]

Laura J W I've done a good bit of sewing in my life and my wife too and I've never seen a broken foot!? but hey, who am I to talk. lol great tip on the leaving the needle down for turning, that makes a world of difference

[@WhatIsKenDoing]

Never seen a foot break from pins but I hear my wife yelling all the time about breaking needles from hitting pins. Great tip on dropping the needle to pivot. My wife taught me that years ago.

[@lindalooloo12]

Wing it Workshop Sorry, I meant needle from pins (I should really proof read haha) 😶

[@lindalooloo12]

WhatIsKenDoing I'm sorry, I meant needle :) I will just correct that now

[@GoGreenMan]

Laura J W ohhhh ok, that makes sooo much more sense! haha yeah I know whatcha mean there. I've found that using the thinnest needle you can get away with for the material and thin pins as well helps with breaking tremendous. psychological (PS, see!) autocorrect gets me all the time too!

[@motzemog]

Great first sewing project and hope to see more in the future. My mom was a great seamstress and taught all 4 of us how to sew. It's been a life saver more than once in my life so far.

[@DrewLytle]

I literally do not have any buttons on my shorts because they kept falling off and I have been too lazy to take the time to learn how to sew them back on haha. Good motivation!! Thanks, Bob!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

+Drew Lytle do it! You'll be happy you added it to your skill list!

[@MaltandMake]

I'm really glad you did another sewing video. I like sewing things (I made a BBQ cover recently) and I think it's a real shame that lots of the maker channels skip 'craft' things like sewing or vinyl cutters as well as electronics and code. The variety of projects like this is exactly why I love this channel! Keep up the good work and hope the move is going well.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thanks so much!

[@gilliancoyle7332]

You did such a great job for someone who's not very comfortable sewing! Hopefully helpful tip to cut down how often you need to remember to backstitch at the end of a line of sewing: as you approach a corner, slow down (using the hand wheel if necessary). When you reach your seam allowance, stop. Make sure the needle is in the fabric, lift the foot, and rotate the fabric 90°. Put the foot back down and continue sewing! Using this method means you can hem something like an apron in one continuous line of sewing. Hope that's useful for the future. Again, brilliant job :)

[@Bunefoo401]

Been binge watching, but can’t seem to find them in order. So GLAD to see there’s something you CANT do well, lol. You’ve done everything Lee I’ve seen so very well, even when you admit you’re not an expert at some things. As for sewing, NEVER sew over pins ... you could end up breaking the needle on the machine, or jamming up the machine, costing to repair, or even worse, pin could shoot out and create bodily harm. Bet your wife gave you these instructions already.

[@talibrizvi8220]

It's Awesome To See You Trying To Figure How To Do Something New. Reminder To Keep Getting Better

[@kodydubarry4827]

I love when you get out of your comfort zone and use materials and techniques that you're not very good at. Great episode!

[@jhunphillip123]

When I was in elementary, we had a class that teaches sewing, from grade 4-6. It's a skill that is really useful for me since I tear some pockets and pop buttons a lot. As always, grreat videoo Bob, although I am a biit late. You're my inspiration in making stuff

[@oojagapivy]

That was cool to watch. A very underrated skill. I made aprons with my students at my last school about 17 yrs ago. My staff still make them with our students now. Damo

[@marcomolo]

well done Bob, Great to see you try skills that you're not super comfortable with. You're inspiring for people to just go and try something and not worry if it's gonna be perfect. Keep it up bud! from Ireland

[@austinwessels]

I've been listening to Making It from episode 1 for a few months now, and I just listened to episode 59 where you all brainstorm about various ideas. One of your ideas was a shop apron. It was a happy coincidence to see the completion of a project that began over a year ago! (It's all about managing expectations, as you have said many times.) I love the diversity of videos you produce!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

+Austin Wessels wow a year ago? Crazy 🙂. Thanks for listening!

[@dogsewdance]

Great job sewing! Love seeing more people adding a sewing machine to their shop.

[@perrypyle9011]

Nice Job Bob! one idea my wife had, (I don't sew either) was to put a small flap over the pocket and it wouldn't interfere with getting in the pocket. small is the key, only enough material to keep the sawdust out. Hope the move goes well. thanks!

[@robertsicksii602]

i really like this project and because of u i made my little sister a kitchen play set i love ur channel ur so inspiring to me and everyone I've shared this channel with thank you

[@Iliketomakestuff]

That's awesome to hear, thank you Robert!

[@YanBousquet]

Pandemic times give me time to try different things (out of my comfort zone) and I am making one right now thanks to you. Just want to say that you really inspire me, gave Arduino a try when you did, not so successful at it. Thank you for everything!

[@benjaminjmace]

I thought you were moving and the channel was going to slow down a bit for the next month lol. You are cranking these out! Great job!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Well, it WILL slow down probably, but not yet. :)

[@doubledarefan]

I thought you just had some videos you did not release yet, so you're releasing them one at a time during your move, so your channel stays hiatus-free.

[@JakeandEmmysDadWorkshop]

I've never wanted to learn to use a sewing machine, until today!

[@DumpsterMarcus]

Great project!! I love sewing. My grandmother thought me when I was a teen. And actually the different sewing patterns do different things. Like that zig zag pattern will make the fabric stretch more then the straight stitch. Did a great job

[@tedhobgood]

I want to applaud you for showing your mistakes. I think some people can sometimes be intimidated when somebody is showing how something is done, and it looks perfect the first time. I see this is several years old, and you've probably solved your cellphone-getting-sawdust-in-it problem by now, but just in case this helps, I'm putting my cellphone pocket on the back side of my apron, in the curved section. This way I can still feel it vibrate and can still reach it, but it keeps it out of harm's way from glue (in my case).

[@Wintergatan]

Cool, i like it! I dont know if it works using a iron on the waxed fabric but otherwise ironing all the edges before and after sewing them makes everything look really straight.

[@KntckyFriedChkn]

Hey Bob,! Just wanted to give you a bit of a tip with sewing! (I've been sewing for quite a while and also work at a JoAnn) Since you had gone ahead and pinned most of your hems, the cleanest way to do corners is once you get to your corner, instead of sewing all the way through, and having to start another stitch, just stop at your seam allowance with your needle down. Then if you lift the presser foot up, you can pivot the fabric on the needle so you can have one continuous stitch! Maybe not too important on the edges, but maybe on things like the pocket. I know since it's a shop apron, the overall aesthetics probably arent too important, but if nothing else its a method that you can utilize on other projects in the future! Definitely a good project to practice with since its both very practical/utilitarian, aprons are also a pretty basic design. Not sure if its been commented on already, but I'd figure I'd put in my two-cents if its of help!

[@caskwith]

Good effort for a first attempt on the sewing machine. Really love the look of the wax cotton. Made a few aprons myself, it's a great practical project and I have several around the house now that get used when working and cooking.

[@tammylovescats]

That apron looks great on you. You did a excellent job. My dad knows how to sew so don't feel bad if you make a mistake.

[@billdiehl156]

It takes a real man to sew and wear an apron! Actually, I'm sick of pocket-dust too. I'd like to try my hand at sewing up an apron, but since I don't have a sewing machine, I'll see what Amazon or Rockler have for sale. Love your awesome videos!!

[@hugopohlak5831]

Something I'm waiting for every week!

[@BretWrightSTUFF]

Function over Form...Awesome! I like the Pinning style, I was taught to pin differently, it looked like you can sew over the pins...thats a time saver.

[@busterdickerson1575]

Love waxed cotton. Color combo is killer too. Great work man.

[@BruceAUlrich]

Very cool. I didn't think I would like the orange canvas stuff as much as I do. I don't like orange as much as you to, but it looked really cool. Especially with the waxed fabric. That stuff is cool! Great video.

[@HooverM75]

A few suggestions for it -- take the pieces you cut for under the arms, and put them lower as pockets. Also, the strap going around your waist, you might put it on the back of the material and before sewing over the seam under the arms, sew it into the seam so it's a little stronger, and folded into the seam. I have also seen on like where straps meet material, they sew the two rows/seams, but also an X from corner to corner to give some added support. Other than that, great start and good job! Awesome video!

[@DaveHernandez_davido]

Bob, that turned out great! You did a fantastic job for not being familiar with the sewing machine!!!

[@hkhangura]

I had actually made an apron for the same reason, I had made a pocket a little higher using a plastic to put my cellphone in. This way I could manipulate through the plastic and then wipe off any paint or stain on it. Great project.

[@nicholasmanha560]

I LOVE your videos. I just wanted to say thanks for giving me so much knowledge. I've only tried a few of your projects but they are still fun to watch!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Very cool to hear.. thank you!!

[@robertellenwood]

Great job Bob, as usual. I need to make several, one just for painting!

[@Gantorin]

I like how people are amazed when men sew, and do it pretty well. I know in a pass video you were moving, so I was curious how things are going. I hope everything is going smoothly. I can't wait to see the new shop, and videos you make next. Just like the toe pick in Ice castles movie... Don't forget the back stitch. lol

[@Iliketomakestuff]

+Timothy Messer thanks for asking. We've started the move but are still in our current home through most of the summer. We're making a few trips.

[@Gantorin]

I Like To Make Stuff being the move for a single person is tough, I am sure it is magnified with a family. You are super inspiring for a single guy in a small space, but I hope things go smooth, and safe. I wish we were close friends at times because my weekends would be much more fun. lol

[@Badgerworkshop]

Looks great. I made a waxed canvas and leather one the other week.

[@horixe0n]

Perfect timing 😁

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Great!

[@lyncherr1]

Definitely need one of these for my workshop thanks Bob!!

[@MarcosThunder]

Awesome Bob, I'm just trying to pry from my mom's hands her machine, but the old lady doesn't give up her sowing machine that easily! haha!

[@CoverCatz]

well Bob coming from an upholstery specialist, I think that even through it all you did a pretty good job. what bothers me is there are so many young people out there that if they apply themselves they could learn the upholstery trade because the learning curve is small but the payout is phenomenal!

[@VampyRagDoll]

For your first time I'd be very proud of my effort if I were you. Greet job Bob. 👍🏽

[@Lavatronn]

What a great project! Thanks for this idea

[@cpope09]

Another great video!! Thank you for your time and effort, very enjoyable.

[@AugusDogus]

Great video man! I've been looking into buying an apron for a while, but now I might go this route!

[@robjones3132]

Augie the benefit of making your own is you get what features you want and arranged how u want them i sew alot its a bug once you get it ur constantly making

[@kcleo-]

Looks so good! honestly a great project for a beginner on a sewing machine, its got like all the basic skills on it. The material probably gave you a little trouble on the machine with the coating so it was a little harder

[@NicoandtheBear]

Awesome Video Bob! I love watching your videos.

[@DNHandcrafted]

I was commenting to my wife yesterday I might like a shop apron. I was thinking to buy, but now.... hrm. Thanks for sharing the successes and the mistakes along the way!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

+DN Handcrafted do it!

[@jeremygunkel]

Hey Bob, that turned out pretty rad. Thanks for sharing!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

+jeremy gunkel thanks Jeremy!

[@Chrisyepez1985]

wow that came out really nice!!

[@UriValdez]

I wish more guys would post sewing videos, they make it simpler, go straight to the point and def talk a lot less.

[@AngieWilliamsDesigns]

Great project. I totally need to make one. I've been looking at them to buy and I just haven't found one I like. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@dardanramadani2430]

Very very good idea Bob

[@Kyurnmakes]

Awesome job! Can't wait to see a followup on how you think it works for you! Would love to make something similar, but never know about materials or design! Would be cool to see what you think about the waxed material after some use. Thanks again for sharing!

[@mattlewandowski73]

for those making a shop apron, I might suggest attaching the strap to the back side of the apron instead of the front. it will look nicer. for a wood turners apron, you might consider using a heavy weight material such as heavy duck canvas to add protection against fragmenting splinters (a risk in certain woods and hollow cutting) and skipping the chest pocket. (I made a single pocket for a flat pencil on the inside chest of mine so I could reach the pencil from the side on one made for wood turning years ago.

[@summerswoodworking]

looks like you're pretty good at the sewing machine. I just started sewing on my little machine and I found it very hard to use. After a day of oops I finally got the hang of it! Great video Bob!

[@pdadegaonkar]

Amazing video Bob!

[@jeremynading2006]

I think it looks great for being a shop apron. it's ment for function instead of fashion. I made mine by hand out of denim and nylon paracord. one thing I learned is to make the opening of the pockets tight and at the side rather than the top as to keep debris out better.

[@MrBrian43119]

Bob this is a great idea! I have an apron but I've never been happy with it

[@RonWaller]

Nice project Bob. You looked like you knew what you were doing. Have to love editing lol. Now you need to get that thing dirty. Version 2.0 will have all kinds of bells and whistles like LEDs. Keep up the good work Bob

[@Aelanna]

Coincidentally, I just learned how to use my sewing machine this week, too! I was sewing up some holes in my pants pockets, but I may use it more now to make stuff!

[@ItsSavvo]

You know, ive gotten to the point with this channel where I dont even look at the title or most of the thumbnail, I just see the ILTMS logo in the bottom right and click away! Good job on the apron btw!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Aww that's very kind.. Thanks!!

[@TomPetersonRefuseReuse]

If anyone would like to try sewing, drive around on bulk trash day, or the days before.You may find a good machine. I've found at least 5 sewing machines, and most of them still work!

[@temmieshy930]

Looks good well done it's cool

[@FredMcIntyre]

Really cool Bob!

[@duckypeace6368]

Fantastic job!

[@JaneSy2002]

I'm going to make an apron for my husband thank you for your video!❤️

[@gandsnut]

I've been sewing since I got my first machine in 1978 after college graduation. I still have that Brother, plus 2 others and a serger. And I'm just a regular hetero guy. While I have made clothing, mostly my sewing is utilitarian or maker / decorative. Staying in on a rainy day listening to Bach Brandenburg concertos and sewing is about as good as life gets. Wait - breakfast in bed served by a mostly-nekked ladyfriend is better. Particularly if she's outrageously rich. And playful. And smart. And prefers dogs. And has family in Norway. Or Denmark. I'm flexible.

[@mariah4451]

Aw, this was the cutest video - just not used to seeing you in at the deep end like that. As marvellous, enjoyable and helpful as ever though :-)

[@jesseb6883]

this is the first vid I could watch before I get on my bus🤗

[@MCsCreations]

Really nice work, bro!

[@sandrochiavaroBeerCircles]

Well done Bob!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Thank you!!

[@AlexSwavely]

This is a great sort of project to learn sewing with. Very simple and it's fine if it doesn't turn out perfect. I would suggest moving the top strap buckle to one side, though - you're going to quickly get annoyed with it digging into the back of your neck.

[@LivefreeanddiyTv]

Nice shop apron... my MIL is staying with us this week, she's been sewing crap like crazy. I really need to pick that skill back up. I haven't sewn since middle school! Anyway, good job! 🤓👍

[@braw87]

That's awesome, I fully expect to see this on you every time the lathe is fired up!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Hold me to that, because I'll probably forget to grab it :)

[@CustomAdventurist]

You are a perfectionist!!

[@matthewhay399]

If you ever want to do some more sewing projects, I'd love to help you out with some of it. My mother taught me to sew when I was in Boy Scouts, so I could attach all of my own patches rather than have her do it, and I did some more while I was in the navy to save on uniform alterations. My wife and I are just getting into making clothing for our daughter and some things for ourselves, and I actually recently started a (very) small business making custom gear for outdoor use. Sadly, people are still surprised to hear that a man enjoys sewing, and spends a fair amount of his free time doing it, but I hope that videos like yours here on KZbin can get more people into it.

[@J38x729]

Super cool video, keep up the great work!

[@ElDiablo70281]

Pretty cool. Little tip: Instead of having a neck and waist strap, you can clip on a pair of suspenders to the top and sides. Even a light piece of cloth can get heavy hanging around your neck all day. 11 years of working at Home Depot.

[@montydunn8705]

Was wondering what your next textiles project would be after you said you wanted to do more sewing. Didn't think of this what a great idea as well as extremely well executed as always. Thanks Bob :)

[@MultiTom1956]

Multi talented artist:-) very nice!

[@AGlimpseInside]

But it's going to cover all of your Star Wars shirts brother! Such a cool project and I definitely like the magnet for drill bits or screws idea too!

[@Iliketomakestuff]

I'll just have to make an apron out of star wars material :)

[@AGlimpseInside]

I Like To Make Stuff that's the spirit!!

[@philipfullerton393]

Nice looked like you were doing really well with the sewing machine

[@Frank004]

Thank you was looking for this.

[@davestrain1762]

Nice Job Bob... I have thought about this project, The one I have isn't long enough sometimes. For my experience I find that Iron on hem tape is great to glue down the hems prior to sewing.

[@TinyBasementWorkshop]

Hell yeah! Just bought a Singer and will make myself an apron just like that 😁 mostly because of the same reason of sawdust on my phone inside of my pockets 😂👍🏼

[@hanaomer1709]

Hi Bob , thanks for your videos .