I think Love 2 craft is saying that she wants the apron to actually open down the front with buttons or snaps for closure. She also said the ones she has seen are out of shirts and she wants to use her fabric. I believe if you have a pattern that you like just add extra fabric at the center fold to actually make a placket, then cut open and make your button holes on one side and buttons on the other. or ditto with the snaps. I am not sure about the back of the apron, because you would not need string ties if it opens down the front.