So you have chickens in your backyard- first of all, lucky you- and you likely know the egg situation can get overwhelming really quickly. Not in a bad way. You know, the idea of fresh eggs for breakfast each day is every backyard chicken keepers dream. But it is just one of those nice problems that turns into a weird organizational disaster. This happens as soon as you try holding onto a dozen eggs in your arms while shooing a rogue hen in your path with your elbow. Keep in mind, it is all cute until you drop one!
So here is something I didn’t even know was a thing until recently – a crochet egg apron. Yes, an apron. For eggs. And yes, it really is as adorable and weirdly genius as it sounds.
It’s dubbed as the Egg-Celent Apron (which may or may not be brilliant depending on your preference on puns). But let me tell you about the legit functionality?! This apron holds and protects up to 19 handcrafted eggs. This is very close to an entire day’s egg collection for some people. All the eggs are nestled in little pouches sewn into the apron itself. Can you imagine having both hands while your precious little eggs are secure and wrapped around your waist? It’s like some kind of adorable but functional chicken sourced fanny pack. No basket, no plastic bowl or eggs sliding around? No hoodie pocket dangerously sagging under the weight of your breakfast?
Honestly, it is the kind of invention that is totally silly, yet totally functional and important. And cute, especially when getting out there every morning. This would be the perfect gift for your friend who lived her best homestead life during lockdown. Now talks about her chickens like they are her coworkers.
The pattern comes from a website called HeartHookHomes, and they have a ton of crochet patterns and not just egg aprons. I’m talking cardigans, throw blankets, slippers, anything cozy you can make from yarn. I bet they have a pattern for it. But the Egg-Celent Apron is definitely their featured item.
If you crochet, you could totally make one. All you need is a size J hook, a sewing needle, and bobby pins (yes, I was surprised too). You will also need about 725 yards of cotton blend yarn. It sounds like a big commitment. But considering it ends up holding 19 eggs, might as well get some use out of the yarn. Apparently, cotton is best because it holds up better “under pressure”—literally.
The DIY process seems pretty straightforward—even if you’re not the most advanced crocheter. And I imagine that for the people who crochet for fun, this would potentially be one of those fun projects that is both cute and useful when you’re done. Win-win.
But hey, maybe you’re not crafty. No shame. I can barely sew on a button. The good news is that there are lots of Etsy shops that sell finished crochet egg aprons. So you can still live the egg apron dream without having to learn what a half double crochet stitch is! Most of these are handmade by small-batch makers who pour their heart and soul into every apron. Some will use more and better yarns, fun colors, and some give you the option to custom size and even embellish with cute designs.
You also get an extra added bonus of supporting small businesses. Not to mention, you get a functional and fun product, and someone gets to keep pursuing their passion. It’s a lovely little wholesome loop, especially in the world of homesteading and handmade.
I also kind of want to point out how much of a difference this apron makes in actual day-to-day chicken tending. There is definitely a transition from the awkward egg shuffle. This includes hoping you don’t drop one while shoving the coop door open with your hip. Then, it moves to this zen-like, hands-free experience where everything just… sits. Then, if it’s cold or raining, or you have kids assisting who treat balancing eggs like a game, the apron strips a lot of the risk away from the experience.
What I like most about using this apron is it adds a bizarre little oomph of joy to an otherwise mundane chore. I mean, collecting eggs is already sort of magical if you think about it. You’re best friends with someone’s breakfast?! This just adds a little sparkle. A little color. A little bit of “I’m living out my weird farm-core fantasy.”
And sure, it’s not going to change the world, but it makes egg collecting nicer. Which, some days, really is enough.
So whether you’re ready to tackle an actual crochet project yourself. Or you’re adding one to your Etsy cart right now (I fully support you), just know that this thing exists. It’s much more practical than you’d expect from an item that looks like it belongs in a children’s book about chickens who knit.
And hey, if you’re someone who already loves DIY or handmade stuff, there’s plenty more out there. People have been crocheting really fun and clever things lately. Ear warmer crowns are another favorite of mine if you’re into fun-but-functional accessories. For now, though, let the egg apron be your gateway craft. Or at the very least, your next perfect impulse purchase.
Happy egg collecting. Keep those yolks safe.
