13 Cross Back ‘Japanese’ Apron Patterns & Tutorials (+ FREE) (2024)

May 17, 2022November 6, 2021 by Sara Maker

I’m sharing apron sewing patterns and tutorials that have a criss-cross back. They’re sometimes called Japanese aprons. I’ve included free printable sewing patterns, physical paper ones, and tutorials with apron measurements.

Heads up: This post includes affiliate links like Amazon ones, so I earn from qualifying purchases (at no cost to you). Thanks for using them 🙂

FREE PDF cross back apron patterns

Apron with front pocket by Tessuti

Download now ($0)

• Sizes: one size.
• Design: this apron has a square neck, wide straps, and a big front pocket. The edges are all turned and hemmed, so you don’t need bias binding.
• Stretch/woven fabric? woven fabric (in other words, non-stretch). Tessuti suggests medium weight cotton, linen, or denim.
• Amount of fabric needed: 1.2 – 1.6 yards / 1.1 – 1.45 meters.
• File format: A4, US letter, and copy-shop A0 sizes.
• Instructions included: yes.

Reversible kids apron by Spoonflower

Download now ($0). Read the sewing instructions.

• Sizes: 5 sizes (XS – XL) for children. Chest measurement: 20″ – 37″.
• Design: this apron is fully-lined and reversible. It has a round neck, 1 pocket, and it’s knee-length.
• Stretch/woven fabric? woven fabric (in other words, non-stretch).
• Amount of fabric needed: 1 3/4 yards – 2 3/4 yards, depending on the size you make.
• File format: US letter size (it uses 18 pages). You can also print this on A4 paper, there will just be more paper waste because the margins are bigger.
• Instructions included: yes, in this blog post. Plus a video tutorial which I’ve featured below:

Curved design by Hobby Craft

Download now ($0). Read the sewing instructions.

Note: this is a hand-drawn pattern.

• Sizes: one size.
• Design: this apron has a square neck finished with a facing, deep curves at the sides, 2 small patch pockets, and wide straps.
• Stretch/woven fabric? woven fabric (in other words, non-stretch).
• Amount of fabric needed: 2.2 yards / 2 meters.
• File format: A4 size (it uses 16 pages).
• Instructions included: yes, in this blog post.

Apron with 2 patch pockets

Download now ($0). Read the sewing instructions.

Note: this pattern doesn’t include seam allowances, so you’ll need to add those yourself. It’s also hand-drawn and the free version is not to scale.

• Sizes: one size. It’s best for people who wear small to medium clothes.
• Design: this apron has a round neck, deep curves at the sides, 2 patch pockets, and wide straps. It’s 36″ long, so about knee-length. All the edges are finished by turning the fabric under once and sewing.
• Stretch/woven fabric? woven fabric (in other words, non-stretch). The designer recommends linen.
• Amount of fabric needed: “With a seam allowance of ½ inch, you’ll need a piece of fabric 40 inches by 40 inches.” (source)
• File format: print-at-home PDF.
• Instructions included: yes, in this blog post. There’s also a video tutorial.

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Paid PDF cross back apron patterns

Hepworth Apron by Jenni Smith

Download US version or UK version ($14)

• Sizes: US 4 – 14 / UK 8 – 18.
• Design: it’s a long apron. It features a square neck with a front band, and 2 side pockets. French seams are used to create a neat finish inside.
• Stretch/woven fabric? woven fabric (in other words, non-stretch).
• Amount of fabric needed: 1.65 yards (1.5 meters) for all sizes.
• File format: pdf file or paper version for $28.
• Instructions included: yes, plus video tutorials here.

3-pocket apron by Cami Made

Download now (£2, approx $2.77)

• Sizes: 8 sizes. Bust measurement: 31.5″ to 45″ (80cm to 114cm).
• Design: it’s a long apron that goes past the knee. It has a square neck and 3 pockets at the front.
• Stretch/woven fabric? woven fabric (in other words, non-stretch). The apron in the photo was made from linen.
• Amount of fabric needed: 1.5 yards (1.4 meters).
• File format: PDF file in A4, US letter, and A0 copy shop sizes.
• Instructions included? yes, a printable PDF sewing guide is provided with the pattern.

Round neck apron by TOTOshopUA

Download now ($5.40 / £3.99)

• Sizes: XXS-XL.
• Design: it has a round scoop neck with a center pleat. It finishes mid-thigh and has 2 front pockets.
• Stretch/woven fabric? woven fabric (in other words, non-stretch).
• Amount of fabric needed: 1-2 yards.
• File format: A4 and US letter size.
• Instructions included: yes.

Square neck apron by TOTOshopUA

Download now ($5.40 / £3.99)

• Sizes: 2 sizes.
• Design: it has a square neck and 2 front pockets. It’s a short length, and there’s less coverage at the back, so less fabric is used.
• Stretch/woven fabric? woven fabric (in other words, non-stretch).
• Amount of fabric needed: just under 1 yard.
• File format: A4 and US letter size.
• Instructions included: yes.

High coverage design by Maven Patterns

Download now ($14.79 / £10)

• Sizes: S, M, L, XL.
• Design: this apron has curved side seams, 2 big patch pockets, and wide straps. The straps and front are finished with a facing. The apron is almost knee-length.
• Stretch/woven fabric? woven fabric (in other words, non-stretch).
• Amount of fabric needed: 1.6 – 2.5 yards / 1.45 – 2.25 meters.
• File format: A4, US letter, and A0 copy shop sizes.
• Instructions included: yes, in these blog posts. There’s also a tutorial on how to make this apron reversible.

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Paper sewing patterns for cross back aprons

These are physical products, not digital.

Simplicity Vintage Aprons 1221

Buy on Amazon

• Sizes: S, M, L.
• Design: this pattern includes 4 aprons. View C and D are cross back styles. They have gathered skirts, ruffles, square necks, patch pockets, and a unique waistband.
• Stretch/woven fabric? woven fabric (in other words, non-stretch).
• Amount of fabric needed: 1 – 2.5 yards.
• Instructions included: yes.

Kwik Sew K4301 Wraparound Apron

Buy on Amazon

• Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL.
• Design: this apron has a high round neck, side pockets, and optional ruffles. It offers lots of coverage at the front and back. You’ll need bias binding to finish the neckline, arm holes, and cross back.
• Stretch/woven fabric? woven fabric (in other words, non-stretch).
• Amount of fabric needed: 2 – 4 yards.
• Instructions included: yes.

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Sewing tutorials for cross-back aprons (without patterns)

These are step-by-step sewing tutorials. No printable sewing patterns are included. You’re given measurements and sewing instructions instead.

Apron with deep side pockets by Purl Soho

Read apron tutorial

• Sizes: one size.
• Design: this apron has a square neck, wide straps, and interesting side pockets. It’s knee-length.
• Stretch/woven fabric? woven fabric (in other words, non-stretch).
• Amount of fabric needed: 1 ¾ yards.
• Instructions included: yes, in this step-by-step photo tutorial.

1 yard rectangle apron by A Box of Twine

Read apron tutorial

• Sizes: one size.
• Design: this apron is made with one rectangle of fabric, 2 straps, and a crochet pocket.
• Stretch/woven fabric? woven fabric (in other words, non-stretch).
• Amount of fabric needed: 1 yard.
• Instructions included: yes, in this blog post.

This post was originally published on 11 January 2021. It has since been updated.

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