What makes a good fabric for the kitchen? Whether it's an apron or a tea towel/ dish towel, which fabric is better than another? Why do chefs and bakers prefer one over the other? Here is a brief rundown of what's what and what you might like.

Linen: do you immediately think of summer dresses or pants? Timeless and classic. Linen fibers are from the flax plant and much stronger than cotton. They yield cool yet absorbent fabrics. However they do wrinkle easily. This fabric makes a perfect kitchen apron, a place where it gets hot!

Chambray: a plain weave fabric made of a white weft and colored warp yarn creating a beautiful watercolor look. It's cotton, it's sturdy. Light to medium weight. Great fabric for aprons or table cloth.

above chambray fabric from fabric.com by Robert Kaufman

Denim: Really? Denim? Yes. Many kitchens are now preferring or wearing denim. Denim as you know comes in many weights and weaves. From 3 oz to 16 oz, denim is made to take a beating. It is woven in a twill weave, a zig zag or angled weave. This makes it quite strong and hard to tear. Similar to chambray it is sometimes made with 2 different colored yarns. Denim will make a great apron for kitchen wear, restaurant wear or studio wear. Don't buy something too heavy because it may become cumbersome and hot in a kitchen.

Denim apron from Jones of Boerum Hill Brooklyn

Do you have a fabric you love to use in the kitchen? Or something you absolutely will not use! Please share!

Happy Friday!

Tracey Toole

www.traceytoole.com | www.traceytoole.etsy.com

As a designer of aprons I have to admit I don't have one, specific favorite apron. I do have a certain style I like. I like a full size, long, butcher apron with adjustable straps and a few pockets. I still struggle with do I want velcro on the pockets so my phone doesn't fall out when I am cooking or baking. Then I think, I don't want to be carrying my phone. But of course I usually end up carrying it in my back pocket.

I've been looking at aprons on Etsy and of course being a handmade market place globally, there is quite a selection. I chose a few of my favorites all domestically made. First up is from White Barn Mercantile from Southern Minnesota. What I like about these aprons they are a clean design, simple, and sturdy. I am speaking from seeing the photos and reading the descriptions. But canvas which most of the aprons are made from is strong, durable cotton fabric. Grommets will keep your ties held down securely. This apron would be good for a crafter, wood worker or gardener. It may get a bit hot in the kitchen because canvas is a heavy fabric.

white barn mercantile orange canvas apron

Next up is this depression era style pinafore. I think I may have a photo of my grandmother wearing one of these in 1934. A beautiful, simple and utilitarian fabric, linen is lightweight and sturdy coming from the flax plant. This pinafore is great for the mom on the go. She can throw this over her jeans and shirt and get down to cleaning house. Retrohome is based out of Florida and I like her shop bio, "reinventing simple".

From Fayetteville, Arkanasa meet American Native. If you work in a woodshop or with any other heavy duty materials where there is much hammering, sawing or other manly type things this apron is for you. Denim and leather. Not just any denim but cone denim. The best you can get in the US.

Do you have a favorite apron? What do you wear it for? What do you love or hate about some aprons?

Have a great weekend!

Tracey Toole

Fabrics for the Kitchen

Apron Picks on Etsy