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Recycled Crisp Packet Apron DIY

This upcycled crisp packet apron is a little quirky,  certainly a fun recycling craft idea.

Regular readers may remember a post with 8 different ideas for upcycling crisp packets.  At the time my husband suggested an apron, a google search later and it seems no one has made one. I am delighted to say I have created his idea – one DIY recycled crisp packet apron:)

I engaged my work colleagues in saving up empty crisp packets for me, to bring a wide variety of colours and designs.

DIY Crisp Packet Apron

If you love upcycled aprons I have an alternative denim full apron, or denim half apron pattern, or alternatively an upcycled t towel apron tutorial. I have to admit my full-size denim apron pattern is my favourite.

Create your own Recycled Crisp Packet Apron

To make your own you will need:

  • 35-40 different crisp packets
  • Piece of fabric
  • 3 meters of bias binding
  • 1.5 meters of fabric tape (for ties)
  • sellotape

To make:

Cut out background fabric – this will be the base you sew your crisp packets to. Use an existing apron as a guide, if you don’t have one to hand you could go free hand. I used the pattern pieces as a rough template from the book “Great British Sewing Bee” (this is the book from the first series, dare I confess it’s the first pattern I have used from it?!). It is 35″ long, 30″ wide at the bottom and 11″ at the top.

Pattern cutting

Layout your crisp packets, overlapping on each edge by a centimeter, check you are happy with the colour balance.


Crisp Packet Layout

You may wish to photograph your lay out before removing all but the bottom layer.

Sellotape the top of the crisp packets to the lining. This holds them in place whilst you then stitch each bag down.

Sellotape crisp packets into place

I suggest you have a practice on a spare crisp packet with a piece of your lining fabric – I found the tension on my machine needed a little adjusting. Lengthen the stitch to help prevent the packets ripping, if your packets do rip you may wish to place gaffa tape or masking tape on the back of the packets to strengthen them.

Sew your first layer down.

Layout the next layer – you may wish to ensure you keep your layers straight by measuring down from the top of the apron and marking a guideline with tailor’s chalk.

Tailors chalk

Once you have sewn all layers of packets onto the apron turn over to the lining side and stitch all round the edge.

Trim the crisp packets to the size of the lining.

Attach bias binding all round the apron, I held mine in place with clover clips (you could use pins or hair slides). Attach your ties (22″ long each) and neck tie (22″) under the bias binding as you go.

Finish Apron with bias binding

One finished apron – what would you make with crisp packets??

Recycled Apron

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Lee

Saturday 6th of October 2018

I love this! Just wondering if you had to wash them before making it?

Thanks!

Vicky

Sunday 7th of October 2018

I don't remember washing them, I suspect I wiped them out.

kristin

Wednesday 16th of December 2015

You made this look very nice! BUT: this SOUNDS like a good idea in theory, but in practice- I know I would get the "so, you made this out of garbage? How.... interesting..." the projects never turn out looking as nice and presentable as they do in the online images - just like the "empty toilet paper rolls to hide your electronics wiring" it looked just like that, empty toilet paper rolls strung around wires- cheap looking, and rather distasteful :(

Jess | Make and Do Crew

Tuesday 15th of December 2015

The Buzzfeed list of "16 Gifts You Can DIY From Stuff You Already Have Lying Around" is live now. Feel free to check it out, comment and share it with your followers. The more traction it gets, the better for all of us. http://www.buzzfeed.com/makeanddocrew/21-gifts-to-diy-with-stuff-you-already-have-lying-212bi#.idydoAq7m

Happy crafting!

Jess

Jess | Make and Do Crew

Monday 14th of December 2015

Hey Vickie-

I just included your awesome crisps apron tutorial in a Buzzfeed list I currated called "16 Gifts You Can DIY From Stuff You Already Have Lying Around." Just wanted to say thanks for the great DIY idea!

Jess

Elsie Pop

Tuesday 3rd of March 2015

This is SO cool! xx

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