When I first visited China in 2015 on a pottery residency, I noticed so many potters using a split-leg apron. Upon returning to Australia I sought out various fabrics that would suit my own design and began to source upholstery fabrics for their hard-wearing capability and endurance. We potters do make a mess and this type of fabric is perfect for the clay and glazes we tend to throw at it.

As a pottery teacher I have made myself many of these aprons as teaching a few classes a week requires a clean apron each time! Many of my students have also purchased these aprons and are proud to parade them around the studio and even at work.

The aprons are ideal for when you’re sitting at the pottery wheel working as they keep the mess off your clothes and cover your legs (usually to below the knee depending on how tall you are. Aprons can also be customised to suit your height).

They’re also great for working at a bench as it saves having to have a towel draped over your legs.

There’s quite a bit that goes into these aprons:

Firstly… the fabric is sourced (as much as possible) from industry off-cuts that usually end up in landfill. These offcuts are new and unused and by using them means that in a small way, we’re all contributing to saving the planet, one apron at a time.

Secondly… the fabric is pre-washed to minimise shrinkage and paired up with a contrasting fabric.

Next…. pieces are laid out and cut to size, individually overlocked, seams ironed and pieces sewn together with a designer label and washing instruction label inside.

Next… neck and waist straps are then chosen from either, black, white or cream-coloured herringbone tape and measured to fit. These are then ironed once sewn on.

Next… each apron is photographed, each photo edited and then used to advertise online.

Then… upon purchase, each apron is carefully folded and packed and on its way to you.

As a side note – caring for your aprons is a must. If they’ve got a lot of clay and glazes and other residue on them, be sure to give them a good hose-down by pegging them to your washing line first. For many, this type of wash will suffice. You can then throw them in your washing machine on a gentle cycle and add fabric softener too if you wish.

Thanks for all your support. It’s such a pleasure making these aprons and I’m only too happy to share the joy around. Please leave me a comment below or testimonial from having bought your own, unique split-leg apron.

To purchase your own unique, one-off apron – visit the Shop

Cheers, Deanna