[GrizzlyBagWorks]

Hey Guys,

So I'm hoping to get a little input from those of you that have a little more experience than myself. I'm making a shop apron for a friend to give as part of a wedding gift but am not really sure what features I should build into it for him. Since it's a surprise I can't exactly ask and I'm really not experience enough in the shop to know what is practical

I made the apron seen below for myself and like it but am wondering what things a more seasoned craftsman looks for. Half the time I'm just shoving in my digital calipers, a pencil, a pocket square

I guess most basically:

• What tools do you keep in your apron?
• What kind of strap, or retention system do you like?

Thanks so much for your help guys!

 

[GrizzlyBagWorks]

thanks for the feedback and compliments! I really appreciate it. I'll look into the x-strap setup a little further. I discounted it initially because I thought it would be a nuisance to put on and take off but it sounds like it might be a good option. I was considering adding a flap over the large pockets on the waist that could be pulled over the top to keep sawdust from filling the pockets but then tucked behind the opening for quick access. Looks like the veritas apron has something similar.

Do you think those loops for hammers/tape measurer are really worth it? Seems like people just add them on to the aprons for looks or "added features" but I really wonder how useful they would be. I'd rather make it as minimalist as possible.

@lateralus, the fabric is a midweight cotton canvas with polyester inner lining to "class it up" a bit. The first one I made was out of denim, which I also liked. I ended up remaking it in canvas since I felt this one was a little too narrow across the chest and a little too long.

 

[GrizzlyBagWorks]

Thanks-I did!

 

[GrizzlyBagWorks]

You guys are awesome. Thank you so much for the feedback and suggestions!

I think I'm going to broaden the top of the apron a little more and widen that top pocket so there are too narrow pockets on the outside. He's right handed and so am I but I put the pocket on the left for the pencil to see if it was more comfortable reaching across the chest to grab it.

I'll go ahead and try the cross strap style with a quick release buckle on the back. I do like the look of the leather with copper snaps/rivets but function is more important than form in this case, so I'll give it a try. I'll do a flap that can be tucked in behind, or pulled over the front to keep shavings/sawdust out of the larger pockets as well.

How low do you guys think the apron should go? Mid thigh? Right Above the Knee? Below the Knee?

 

[GrizzlyBagWorks]

@charles, That Duluth Trading Co. apron has a really similar strap system to what I was thinking of using. I was looking my dog's harness and thinking "hmmm…I think I could use this design for the apron straps". Duluth beat me to it but is still a little different. The method I have in mind will still allow for the use of leather and copper rivets but will keep the weight off the neck and still be adjustable. I'll post the photos when I finish it.

I thought about doing a leather apron but decided against it since I thought it might be a little too warm in the summer.

Thanks guys!!!