I am lucky enough to be the mom of two very active little boys who are constantly wanting to “help” around the house. We encourage this “helping” out as much as possible as it teaches some great lessons.
I decided to better help them help me they each needed an official multi-use tool belt! Depending on what activities they are doing, they can put the necessary tools in the belt so they are within easy reach as they “help” around the house.
My son and I tie dyed these aprons earlier this summer. The aprons are the inexpensive plain white aprons you can pick up at almost any craft store. I had hinted that I had other plans for these aprons, and this is it!
The aprons are pretty cute as is but, honestly, we do have other play aprons. And these seemed like a perfect template to create a tool belt without need to start completely from scratch. The bias edges of the aprons will give the tool belt a clean look so that with just a little bit of alteration these will be perfect as tool belts!
To begin, cut off the straps from each side of the apron.
Cut the apron off 6″ from the bottom.
Remove the neck straps of the apron.
Cut the apron 4 1/2″ from the top.
The side straps from the original apron will be the new side straps for the tool belt.
The top portion of the apron will become the pocket of the tool belt.
Fold over a hem of 1/2″ on the unfinished side of both the apron and pocket and iron flat.
Tuck cut ends of the side straps under the hem of the apron and sew a 1/4″ seam across the top.
Sew 1/4″ seam across the top of the pocket. Center the pocket on top of the apron and pin in place. Sew along the bias for a clean look to attach the pocket to the apron.
From the portion of the apron we have not used, cut two 2 x 3 1/2″ strips of fabric. Fold over long edges and sew a 1/4″ seam. Attach fabric strips to the apron on each side of the pocket. Allow an approximate 3/4 – 1″ gap between ends of fabric to allow loops to be large enough to slip tools through.
Not only do the boys love helping us with their hammers and wrenches, but they also love to help me in my gardens. Their gardening tools also fit perfectly into their tool belts.
They can also use the tool belts when they are playing on their own such as in the sandbox. They are the perfect multi-use tool belt!
Using the original accents of the apron really give the tool belt a clean look. And the heaviness of the fabric makes them perfect for play. Prepare to impress with very little work!
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Sheri says
June 25, 2018 at 2:40 PMWhat a great idea! Thanks for sharing at the To Grandma’s House We Go DIY, Crafts, Recipes and More Wednesday Link Party. Pinned!
Maureen says
June 20, 2018 at 5:17 AMMy son loves to be a big helper and this looks like such a great idea for him! Especially when Dada is working outside with his tools, this is a great item for him to have and shadow his Dad.
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
Elaina says
September 28, 2017 at 9:37 AMMy son is sooo into tools these days! he would love this! My daughter could help me with this easy sewing job on her kids’ sewing machine she just got for her birthday. Thanks for the cute idea!
Megan says
July 9, 2017 at 8:01 AMThis is a nifty idea, I bet my boys would be a lot more interested in helping out if they had these tool belts! #MerryMonday
Multicultural Motherhood says
July 9, 2017 at 4:52 AMI also have 2 active little boys and they would love these! Might have to get my sewing machine out. #Fruggalmommas
samantha says
July 20, 2016 at 3:44 PMHow cute! I bet my kids would have a lot of fun with these. Thanks for joining the Family Joy link party. 🙂
creativejewishmom/sara says
July 17, 2016 at 9:04 AMTruly adorable all around! thanks for sharing on craft schooling Sunday!
Emily Thompson says
August 30, 2014 at 7:21 AMwhat an easy way to make a tool belt or anything belt! The Tie die is super cute too. Pinned!
Beverly {Flamingo Toes} says
August 28, 2014 at 10:20 AMThis is so clever Michele! I never would have thought of making a little tool belt from an apron but it turned out super cute! I love the tie-dye on it too. So fun!!