Dora Chef's Apron & Hat

Create this no-sew Backpack apron and chef's hat for your little kitchen helper.

Mermaid Adventure Sun., 6/23 @ 7PM ET on Nick Jr.

Materials

• For the apron:
• 1/4-yd. cotton duck canvas in orange
• Fabric scissors
• Dora apron template for Backpack
• Large purple piece of cotton duck canvas
• Iron-on transfer paper
• 3 1/2 yd. decorative ribbon (we used two different colors)
• Fabric glue
• For the hat:
• White poster board
• White tissue paper
• Stapler

Directions

1. Step 1: Make the apron shape

   Cut a 22- by 18-inch rectangle from the orange fabric. If needed, adjust the size to fit your child. To create the armholes, fold the fabric in half lengthwise and cut a gradual curve as shown in the illustration. Then, open up the apron and snip two small slits at the top of the bib and at the sides.

2. Step 2: Print, make and iron on templates

   Print the Dora Apron Template. From the purple fabric, cut out the overall Backpack shape and then the Backpack Flap. On iron-on transfer paper, print out the eyes and mouth pieces. Glue Backpack to the center front of the apron, curved sides only, leaving the top open for a pocket. Glue the flap to the top of Backpack. After the glue has dried, iron on the eyes and mouth, positioning as shown.

3. Step 3: Cut and attach the ribbons

   Cut three lengths of ribbon as follows: Cut two lengths that measure about 24 inches each and cut one that measures about 20 inches. Pass the ends of the two longer pieces through each of the side slits and knot on the reverse side. Pass the shorter one through a slit on the bib, knot on the reverse, and then, making sure the loop is big enough to go over your child's head, pass the other end of the ribbon through the final slit, and knot. Cut an additional length of ribbon and glue it to the hemline of the apron, as shown.

4. Step 4: Make the hat

   From the poster board, cut a wide strip that will wrap around your child's head, plus 1 inch. Staple it to create a circle. Accordion-fold about three layers (together) of tissue paper. You'll end up with a long accordion-folded rectangle. Staple one end of the rectangle to the inside of the hat base. Then staple the opposite end of the tissue rectangle to the opposite side of the hat base. Repeat this step (layering and accordion-folding more tissue paper), but staple this one across the first at a right angle (creating a cross, basically). Reach into the inside of the hat, and fluff the tissue paper until it is plump and billowy looking.