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Why every potter needs a split-leg apron

April 2, 2020 by Deanna Roberts 13 Comments

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. Website image - pottery split-leg aprons 1 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.

Website image - pottery split-leg aprons 2

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.

Website image - pottery split-leg aprons 6

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

Filed Under: Pottery aprons

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Adrienne Mann says

    October 9, 2020 at 8:34 am

    Thank you Deanna for my wonderful apron. I am so happy with this item. It is so pretty that I want to wear it out!
    It’s super practical in keeping you clean while working on the wheel or hand building and it is beautifully made. It is really a excellent addition to my studio!

    Reply
  2. Jacqueline says

    July 7, 2020 at 11:16 am

    Deanna’s aprons are simply beautiful and made with quality materials and so much heart. I love mine and just ordered one as a gift for my friend 🙂

    Reply
  3. Kat says

    April 16, 2020 at 10:03 am

    KatLove my apron, it makes so much sense! The split is perfect for wheel work, pockets practical and the fabric is beautiful. It came with care instructions. I wear it every time I’m in the studio no matter what I’m doing. Very happy thank you!

    Reply
  4. Jayne Lawlor says

    April 15, 2020 at 3:03 pm

    Venco wheel coverRed floral apronDeanna went above and beyond. Not only did she make me a beautiful apron, when asked if she’d made Venco pottery wheel covers she said, “No, but I can!” And she did, both look fabulous, love them, thank you!! Highly recommend.

    Reply
  5. Julie-Anne says

    April 6, 2020 at 1:24 pm

    Forest apronJust got my new apron and it is so lovely. It fits perfectly and the fabric is the perfect weight for keeping me dry and clean when I am on the wheel. I’m not going to be able to just have one of these!

    Reply
  6. Natalie says

    April 6, 2020 at 6:30 am

    Natalie apronI love my apron! I had been looking for one for some time as the split leg design made so much sense but they didn’t seem very common. When I saw these designs though, I was hooked! Such character and style. Definitely recommend using one of these.

    Reply
  7. Jaimee says

    April 3, 2020 at 11:50 am

    Jaimee specialI absolutely LOVE my apron!! So comfortable and easy to work in and I look absolutely fabulous in it!! Plus I feel like I work cleaner because it’s so pretty I don’t want to dirty it 😉
    Thanks so much Deanna! 💕

    Reply
  8. Kym says

    April 3, 2020 at 12:09 am

    KymLove, love, love my new apron ! Beautifully made from fantastic quality materials. Ordering and delivery very smooth. Would definitely recommend.

    Reply
  9. Denise McDonald says

    April 2, 2020 at 4:09 pm

    Denise apronI’ve always had a problem with aprons not being wide enough to protect both of my legs from the clay when sitting at the potters wheel. I recently purchased one of Deanna’s aprons and I LOVE it! The split leg design is perfect for my production throwing at the wheel, keeping both legs clean and comfortable. Really functional (there are pockets too!) AND gorgeous – so beautiful in fact I was reluctant to get that first clay on it.

    Reply
  10. Tracey says

    April 2, 2020 at 4:05 pm

    Tracey. WalkersOMG! These aprons are amazing. Not the usual stuffy, boring aprons that you see everywhere – these aprons have character! I love the fabrics and how all the aprons are in different combos of colour and pattern… and the different designs (with ‘modesty panels’) are so cool! The best bit is the split leg feature for throwing- it makes them soooooo comfortable and stops them riding up when you’re busy! Can’t recommend these highly enough! Every potter should have one!

    Reply
  11. Fiona says

    April 2, 2020 at 3:28 pm

    FionaI have one of Deanna’s beautiful hand made aprons and absolutely love it. Functional and beautiful – highly recommend.

    Reply
  12. Christine Wrest-Smith says

    April 2, 2020 at 3:27 pm

    Hi Deanna,
    I bought my apron about a year ago- I LOVE IT- it saves my clothes better than having a towel over my legs which usually falls off anyway. I love the funky design and I’ve had SO many compliments from potters in my clay group. The aprons are a perfect design, and I think they are very well made with quality fabric, I’ve worn mine often and it still looks like new, cheers,
    Christine W-S.

    Reply
  13. Vikki Furnival says

    April 2, 2020 at 3:24 pm

    Vicki 3Vicki 1Vicki 2I own three of these beauties! Crafted by the wonderful Deanna Roberts. Beautiful colours and fabrics!
    A must for any potter or chef as they can be also be used in the kitchen!!

    Reply

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I have been involved in ceramics for many years. As a teenager I admired a potter at a market and made a pact with myself that I would take it up one day. I took the plunge at 27 years old and began to experiment with various designs, methods, … Learn More about About

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