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Learn how to make a DIY kids apron using a cheap apron from the craft store and your Cricut! The file is available in Cricut’s Design Space to make today.

“Maker in training” DIY kids apron made with Cricut

Hey guys! I recently did a post on how to turn a JPG or a PNG file into an SVG, and I used my logo as an example. Well I ended up putting that logo onto a plain white apron for myself, and while I was at the store, I couldn’t help but pick up a toddler-sized apron.

I previously shared some kids aprons I made for my friend’s daughters. R was still too young for an apron, so I made some cute dyed and personalized aprons for her girls instead. They turned out great and were really fun. But now it’s R’s turn!

Instead of torturing R by making her wear my logo around, I decided instead to put together a cute little “maker in training” apron. It’s perfect for her to wear when she’s coloring, painting, or helping in the kitchen (mostly with Mike—you know I don’t cook).

This tutorial also layers iron-on vinyl, so if you’ve never done that before, make sure to check out my tutorial on how to layer iron-on vinyl to create more dimensional projects. Some of the smaller parts of this image were also perfect for smaller pieces of scrap vinyl I had in a little baggie. Just waiting for the perfect project!

Here’s what I used:

And here’s how I made my “maker in training” DIY kids apron.

Step 1: Cut the design pieces

You can access the project in Cricut’s Design Space here (make sure you’re logged in!) and customize if you’d like to. I cut mine in a few different parts. First I cut out the bottom paint splatter in black everyday iron-on.

Then I cut the rest of the design in 4 separate cuts: the big “MAKER” in purple glitter, the smaller “in training” in purple glitter, the top row of the little images in gold glitter, and the bottom row of images in gold glitter.

You can cut the little images in one cut, but you’ll waste a lot of iron-on weeding out the center where the text goes. Since I was using little iron-on scraps, I just did it in two separate cuts.

Step 2: Apply the base layer

To apply the base layer, I used my EasyPress to apply heat for about 3–5 seconds. Use the Cricut Heat Guide for the temperature you need. Only a few seconds seems short, but all you’re really doing is melting the adhesive enough so that the image stays in place.

You don’t want to totally set it yet. Let it cool for a few seconds and then slowly and carefully peel off the liner. But don’t throw the liner away!! You’ll need it for the next step too!

Learn how to convert any into into an .SVG, how to use holographic mosaic iron-on material, how to cut DIY wall decals, and how to slice text and objects in Cricut’s Design Space!

Step 3: Add the little images and text to the apron

Next add the images and text to the apron. Cut the liners away so that they aren’t overlapping in too many places. Then, before applying heat, add the liner from the base layer over top of everything. I’ve already done that in the photo below—it’s just hard to see.

You have to do this because if your EasyPress’s heat plate touches the base layer of vinyl directly, it will scorch it and leave marks. The liner helps protect it.

Once this was done, I did about 15 seconds of firm pressure with my EasyPress to adhere the little images and text, as well as set the base layer. Then I flipped the apron over and did about 15 more seconds of firm pressure from the back to further set the entire design.

I used a balled up paper towel to burnish the design…which basically just means that I repeatedly went over the liner while the design was still hot to help encourage a strong adhesion while the transfer was cooling. Then I carefully peeled all of the liners off.

And that’s it! I love how it turned out. Mo asked me if she could make cookies when she put it on…at 7:15 AM on a Thursday before school. 🙂

Pin my DIY kids apron project!