In today’s post: Learn how to sew up an adorable Snow White dress up for the little princess in your life – it’s SUPER easy!
I’ve always been a little conflicted about the whole princess thing for little girls. No, I don’t believe that playing princesses is going to cause my daughter to have an eating disorder or teach her that her entire life is dependent upon finding a prince. But I do think our culture is entirely too focused on girls’ appearance and that the “princess culture” can contribute to that. At the same time, I appreciate Disney’s attempts to portray the princesses in their films as strong, brave, kind women who do a lot of good in the world. And I also appreciate the imaginative play I see going on when my daughter and her friends play princesses.
So yes, I’m a little conflicted. But apparently not that conflicted, considering I just made my daughter a slew of new princess dress-ups to share with her friends.
Click here for more DIY Princess Costume Ideas
I’ve made four different princess dress-up aprons with free patterns. Click here for the Snow White apron, here for the Rapunzel apron, here for the Elsa apron, and here for the Belle apron.
How to Make a Princess Dress Up Apron
Dress up aprons are nice because they’re really easy to sew – I can make one in about half an hour – and they take less than a yard of fabric. In addition, since there are ties at the waist and neck, each apron will fit a variety of sizes. This ensures the aprons won’t get grown out of too quickly, and it makes it easy to share them with friends who come over to play. They also hold up to washing better than many commercial princess costumes, making them perfect for everyday play. Pair one with a fluffy white skirt (here’s the one I got!) for an easy DIY Halloween costume!
After figuring out the easiest and cutest method for sewing up princess dress up aprons (IMO), I’ve created a free printable PDF pattern for you to download so you can make some too. The pattern I’m providing comes in three sizes: 2/3, 4/5, and 6/8 (although the largest one would probably fit 9 year olds too). A princess dress up apron would make a great handmade Christmas or birthday gift.
Today I’m going to show you how to make the Snow White dress up apron because it’s the simplest version. Then in the next week or two I’ll also share how to make a Rapunzel dress up apron, an Elsa dress up apron, and a Belle dress up apron, each with it’s own printable PDF pattern in sizes 2/3, 4/5, and 6/8. ***Update: all 4 patterns are now available! Click here for the Snow White apron, here for the Rapunzel apron, here for the Elsa apron, and here for the Belle apron.
You want to start by downloading the free Snow White dress up apron pattern by clicking here. Print it at 100% or full size, and be sure the grey box measures 1 inch by 1 inch. Half inch seam allowance is included in the pattern. This is what the pattern looks like:
Princess Dress Up Apron Video
I’ve made a video that tells you everything you need for the Snow White dress up apron and walks you through the entire sewing process. Watch through the whole thing and you’ll be ready to start sewing princess dress up aprons:
Snow White Dress Up Instructions
Shopping list:
- 1/4 yard blue fabric
- 1/2 yard yellow fabric
- 3 yards 7/8 inch wide red ribbon
- red thread (for sewing the waistband ribbon on – white is fine for everything else)
One last note: as I mention in the video, I use broadcloth to make these aprons; it’s cheap and doesn’t wrinkle as much as 100% cotton. You’ll find it near the quilting cottons in the fabric store. Mine came from Walmart and was only $2 a yard. I got my ribbon for $2 a roll at Walmart as well, making this a very inexpensive project.
Click here for the Snow White apron, here for the Rapunzel apron, here for the Elsa apron, and here for the Belle apron.
Edna WALKER says
I hate to say this, but with modifications you can make an adult size like for teachers or other adults and have a fun apron or a Halloween quick costume. I like the Star Wars ones. Great idea!!!!
Donna Robinson says
Thanks Autumn, I made the Snow White, Elsa and Rapunzel aprons for my nieces for Christmas. So easy to follow and make. Such a great idea, I hope they love them as much as I do. I would post pictures if I knew how to here. Thanks again, and merry Christmas
honey f says
Your video tutorial is absolutely fabulous! Your instructions are clear and well described. Thank you so much. My neices are getting an Elsa and a Rapunzel apron for Christmas. 🙂 I can’t wait to see their faces when they open them.
Laura says
I love this idea!!! My great granddaughter wants to be a princess everyday and she is only 2 1/2. I can’t wait to make her some. Thanks so much.
Roxanne says
These are the cutest dress ups and so much better than a full dress that is one size only. You are so creative. I love your site and pinterest boards. Thank you for sharing!!! I’ll be making all of your princess aprons this week for my granddaughter.
SHArlyn says
I say let girls play. Mine have, barbies and all, and abandoned it when they were ready. Darling aprons!