I looked through 100+ apron sewing patterns and cherry-picked the top 24, choosing only those that are stylish, well-made, and have good written or video instructions. 16 are even free! In this post, I’ll go over important details like sizing, design details, fabric suggestions, and difficulty level, so you can find the perfect apron pattern for you.
For more kitchen-related patterns, check out our recommendations for cross-back aprons, half-aprons, oven mitts and potholders.
Contents list:
Simple apron patterns:
Selvage denim apron with two patch pockets
Download now from Fancy Tiger Crafts – FREE
- Sizes: One size. The apron will be in the width of the selvage denim that is used.
- Design: Simple, baker / barista-style apron. Adjustable neck fastening and waist ties. Patch pockets.
- Fabric: This pattern is designed for 28-34” wide selvage denim, but it can be substituted with any heavyweight denim or canvas.
- Format: PDF instructions with measurements for cutting the apron and sewing the apron.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. This would be a great project for beginners since it’s such a simple design. When using the recommended fabric, no hems need to be turned up making it a quick and easy sew.
Waist tie apron with large patch pocket
Download now from Sweet Red Poppy – FREE
- Sizes: Adult and child sizes.
- Design: Simple apron with square neckline. Wide shoulder straps. Neck and waist ties. Large front patch pocket.
- Fabric: Medium to heavyweight woven fabrics like soft furnishing fabric, cotton twill, denim, cotton canvas, or oilcloth.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A4 and US letter size. Photo instructions are included in the blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. This would make a great first sewing project as the design is simple, the recommended fabrics are easy to work with, and the instructions are clear with lots of photos.
The Work Day Apron
Buy now from Merchant & Mills – £10.50 (approx. $12)
- Sizes: One size. Width at widest point: 33 ½” (85 cm).
- Design: Traditional unisex apron. Three front pockets. Neck and waist ties.
- Fabric: Medium to heavyweight fabric like oilskin, canvas, cotton twill or denim for a workwear feel, or a washed lined for use around the home.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A0, A4 and US letter size. Illustrated instructions are included with the pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. The pattern level is rated “beginner”. The style is very simple with lots of straight sewing involved. Webbing tape can be used to make the straps if preferred to reduce the amount of sewing.
Classic apron with pom-pom trim
Download now from Gathered – FREE
- Sizes: One size, but measurements can be customized. Width at the widest point: 31 ½” (80 cm).
- Design: Classic full-length apron. Neck and waist ties. Large front patch pocket. Pom-pom trim at hemline.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabric like quilting cotton, cotton twill, cotton canvas, denim, or oilcloth.
- Format: Blog tutorial with instructions and measurements for drawing out the pattern. Photo instructions are also included within the blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. The design is simple and the instructions are clear.
Adjustable neck aprons:
“Ramsay” classic apron for kids and adults
Download now from 5 out of 4 – FREE
- Sizes: Five sizes: Child 2 years – Adult 6XL.
- Design: Classic, unisex full-length apron. Large front patch pocket with two compartments. Adjustable neck strap. Waist ties.
- Fabric: Medium-weight woven fabric like quilting cotton, cotton twill, cotton canvas, denim, or oilcloth.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A0, A4 and US letter size. Illustrated instructions are included with the pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. The apron has a very simple design, and the instructions are clear.
Simple chef apron (+ Video)
Download now from Spoonflower – FREE
- Sizes: One size.
- Design: Classic full length apron. Adjustable neck strap. Waist ties. Front patch pocket.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabric like quilting cotton, cotton twill, cotton canvas, denim, or oilcloth.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A4 and US letter size. Written instructions with photos are included in the blog post and there is also a video tutorial.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this would be a perfect pattern for a beginner since the design is very simple. The instructions are clear and the video tutorial is helpful for beginners.
Plus size aprons:
“Sam” size-inclusive classic apron
Download now from Helen’s Closet – FREE
- Sizes: US 0 – 34. Hip: 33” – 62″ (84 – 157.5 cm).
- Design: Full-length classic apron. Options for cross-back tie or halter neckline. Chest and waist pockets. Towel loops.
- Fabric: Medium to heavy weight fabric like quilting cotton, cotton twill, cotton canvas, denim, oilcloth, soft furnishing fabrics, or waxed canvas.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A0, A4 and US letter size. Illustrated instructions are included with the pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think a beginner would enjoy this apron as there are lots of straight lines involved and it would be a great way to practice pressing and topstitching. The instructions are clear and the design is simple.
Cross back aprons:
Modern patchwork apron
Download now from Suzy Quilts – FREE
- Sizes: One size. Width at the widest point: 29 ½” (75 cm).
- Design: Full-length classic apron with patchwork design. Cross-back ties with loops at the waist. Fully lined.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics like quilting cotton, cotton twill, canvas, broadcloth, linen, denim, oilcloth, or waxed canvas. For the patchwork, it’s helpful to use the same fabric type for each of your pieces.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A4 and US letter size. Photo instructions are included with the blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this pattern would be a good one for a beginner as an introduction to patchworking and lining a garment.
“Allspice” wrap style apron with cross-back
Download now from Hey June Handmade – FREE
- Sizes: XS – XL. Hip: 32” – 60” (81 – 152 cm).
- Design: Full-length apron. Wrap style, cross-back design. Scoop neckline. Front patch pocket. Bias tape finish. Curved hem.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight, soft, woven fabric like quilting cotton, cotton twill, linen, or denim.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A4 and US letter size. Illustrated instructions are included with the blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. Suitable for an advanced beginner who is comfortable with bias binding. The wrap construction requires some attention to detail.
“Victor” cross-back apron with clip-on straps
Buy now from Merchant & Mills – £10.50 (approx. $12)
- Sizes: One size.
- Design: Full-length apron. Small top pocket and large, divided waist pocket. Adjustable cross straps attached with dungaree-style clips.
- Fabric: Medium to heavy weight woven fabrics like cotton twill, cotton canvas, oilskin, broadcloth, denim, or waxed canvas.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A0, A4 and US letter size. Illustrated instructions are included with the pattern.
- Suitable for beginners? Suitable for an advanced beginner due to the fitting of the adjustable straps with sliders and clips.
Apron with front pocket by Tessuti
Download now from Tessuti – FREE
- 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.
- Fabric: Medium-weight woven fabric like denim, cotton, or linen.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A0, A4 and US letter size. Illustrated instructions are included with the design.
- Suitable for beginners? Suitable for an advanced beginner as there isn’t any bias binding involved.
Apron with deep side pockets by Purl Soho
Make now from Purl Soho – FREE
- Sizes: One size.
- Design: Square neck, wide straps, and interesting deep side pockets. It’s knee-length. Cross-back design.
- Fabric: Medium-weight woven fabric like cotton or linen.
- Format: A cutting layout is provided on the blog post. There is a step-by-step photo tutorial for sewing the apron.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, this pattern is suitable for an advanced beginner. Ideal for practicing straight lines and topstitching. There are more parts to sew together than other aprons though, so it’s a bit more complex and time-consuming.
You can find more cross-back apron patterns here!
Half aprons:
Half apron with front patch pocket (+ Video)
This tutorial is available from Farmhouse on Boone – FREE
- Sizes: Finished measurements are not given, but the main apron pattern piece is 28” tall x 20” wide / 71 x 50cm.
- Design: Short length. Large patch pocket on front. Waistband with long ties. Option to color block the apron pocket for decoration.
- Fabric needed: Light to medium weight woven fabric like cotton, cotton twill, denim, corduroy, soft furnishing fabrics, or linen. You could even use a tea towel or tablecloth fabric.
- Format: Blog tutorial with cutting measurements.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. This is a simple style with clear photo instructions. There’s also a video tutorial.
Utility apron with 6 pockets (1 zipper)
Buy now from SandraVeeCosplay on Etsy – $8
- Sizes: Waistband fits from 25” – 50” waist (63.5 – 127 cm).
- Design: Utility style half apron. Double layered patch pocket. One large zipper pocket. Two slit pockets. Tab for attaching keyring. Bias bound edges. Curved hem. Long waistband with D-ring.
- Fabric needed: Light to medium weight woven fabrics like cotton, cotton twill, denim, chambray, soft furnishing fabrics, or linen.
- Format: PDF digital download (A4 size) which includes fully illustrated instructions.
- Suitable for beginners? I think this would be a good one for advanced beginners to try. Some sewing skills would be an advantage since a zipper pocket needs to be inserted. Attaching the bias binding could also prove quite fiddly for a complete beginner.
You can find 15 more half-apron patterns here!
Vintage style aprons:
Retro style apron with gathered skirt
Download now from Sew Mag – FREE
- Sizes: One size.
- Design: Retro-style apron with sweetheart neckline. Wide, adjustable neck and waist ties. Gathered skirt. Front patch pocket.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics like quilting cotton, cotton lawn, or linen.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A4 and US letter size. Written instructions are included with the blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? Suitable for an advanced beginner due to the sweetheart neckline and the gathered skirt. The instructions are sparse, so this pattern is not ideal for a complete beginner.
Victorian / Edwardian kitchen apron
Make now from Pour La Victorie – FREE
- Sizes: One size.
- Design: Vintage-style kitchen / pinafore apron. Square front bib. Cross tie back. Full-length gathered skirt. Wide waistband. Waist ties.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics like quilting cotton, cotton lawn, or linen.
- Format: Measurements for drawing out your own pattern pieces and the sewing instructions are provided within the blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? This pattern is suitable for an advanced beginner to an intermediate sewist. Some sewing experience would be useful for the gathering and facings.
Pinafore apron with frilly straps
Buy now from StudioHandworks on Etsy – approx. $11
- Sizes: 2XS – 5XL. Hip: 34” – 59” (86cm – 150 cm).
- Design: Vintage-inspired pinafore apron. Square neck front bib with added frills. Waistband. Full gathered skirt. Cross-back straps with frills and waist tie. Front patch pockets.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight woven fabrics like quilting cotton, cotton lawn, gingham, or linen.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A4 and US letter size. Illustrated instructions are included with the blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? No. Although the instructions are clear, the frills and the gathering make this pattern more suitable for an intermediate sewist.
Children’s aprons:
“Big chef little chef” kids’ aprons with adjustable straps
Make now from Straight Grain – FREE
- Sizes: Two sizes. Widths at the widest points: 15 ¾” – 25 ½” (40 – 65 cm).
- Design: Traditional style apron with adjustable waist tie. Front patch pocket. Halter neck.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight fabrics like quilting cotton, cotton lawn, or linen.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A4 and US letter size. Illustrated instructions are included with the blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? I think an advanced beginner with some sewing experience would be able to make this pattern. The instructions are clear and illustrated but there are facings involved that could be difficult for a complete beginner.
Vintage bib front apron with gathered skirt (+ Video)
Make now from Polka Dot Chair – FREE
- Sizes: Ages 4 – 12.
- Design: Vintage-style, bib front child’s apron. Patchwork gathered skirt with curved hem. Front patch pocket. Neck and waist ties. Optional ricrac trim.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight fabrics like quilting cotton, cotton lawn, or linen. Fabric scraps can be used to make a patchwork design.
- Format: Instructions for drawing your own pattern pieces and photo instructions are included with the blog post. There is an additional video tutorial showing how to make the apron here.
- Suitable for beginners? I think an intermediate sewist would better suit this project. There is some gathering involved and attaching the waistband, the bib, and the ricrac trim could prove tricky for a complete beginner.
Bias trimmed child’s apron
Buy now from Oliver + S – $8.95
- Sizes: 6 months – 10 years. 19.5” – 30” (50 – 76 cm).
- Design: Slim fit apron with curved shoulders. Side pockets. Bias bound edges.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight fabrics like quilting cotton, cotton lawn, or linen.
- Format: Print-at-home digital pattern in A0, A4, 36” copsyhop, and US letter size. Instructions are included with the blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? I think an advanced beginner with some sewing experience could have a go at this pattern. Although the design of the apron is simple, attaching the bias binding could prove tricky for someone with no experience.
Reversible kids apron by Spoonflower (+ Video)
Download now from Spoonflower – FREE
- Sizes: 5 sizes (XS – XL) for children. Chest: 20″ – 37″ (68 – 94 cm).
- Design: This apron is fully-lined and reversible with a cross-back design. It has a round neck, one pocket, and it’s knee-length.
- Stretch/woven fabric? Medium weight woven fabric.
- File format: US letter size. You can also print this on A4 paper, there will just be more paper waste because the margins are bigger.
- Instructions: Instructions are available on this blog post. Plus a video tutorial you can watch here.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. The majority of this apron is sewn by sewing a curved line and turning the apron right side out. The video tutorial is helpful for beginners.
Paper sewing patterns for aprons:
Bib style adult apron with gathered skirt
Buy now from Simplicity – $13.97
- Sizes: XS – XL. Hip: 31.5” – 50” (80 – 127 cm).
- Design: Vintage style bib-front apron. Crossover shoulder straps. Wide waistband. Wrap-around skirt for full coverage. Front patch pocket. Optional hem ruffle with shaped yoke. Optional lace trim. Towel loop.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight fabrics like quilting cotton, cotton lawn, gingham, or linen.
- Format: Paper pattern with instruction booklet included.
- Suitable for beginners? No. The views with ruffles are better suited for an intermediate sewist due to the gathering, shaped yoke, and bias-bound pockets.
“S3949” child and adult apron with bib variations
Buy now from Simplicity – $11.17
- Sizes: Child S – L. Hip: 24” – 34” (67 – 87 cm). Adult S – L. Hip: 34.5” – 44” (88 – 112 cm).
- Design: Children’s and adults’ aprons with three different designs. Classic style apron with front patch pocket. Waist and neck ties. Heart-shaped bib with gathered skirt and patch pockets.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight fabrics like quilting cotton, cotton lawn, gingham, chambray, or linen.
- Format: Paper pattern with instruction booklet included.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. The simpler views are suitable for an advanced beginner. The views with the gathered skirt and the heart-shaped bib are better suited for an intermediate sewist.
“S9436” child and adult apron with cross-back detail
Buy now from Simplicity – $13.97
- Sizes: Child S – L. Hip: 17” – 34” (43 – 87 cm). – Adult S – L. Hip: 32” – 44” (83 – 112 cm).
- Design: Straight-cut, fitted apron with cross-back straps. Front patch pockets with optional gathers. Front facing. Optional ruffle detail.
- Fabric: Light to medium weight fabrics like quilting cotton, cotton lawn, gingham, chambray, or linen.
- Format: Paper pattern with instruction booklet included.
- Suitable for beginners? I think an advanced beginner with some sewing experience could have a go at this pattern. The style is very simple, but sewing the facings could prove difficult for a complete beginner.
What to read next:
- 13 Cross Back “Japanese” Apron Patterns & Tutorials
- 17 Half Apron / Waist Sewing Patterns
- 16 Sewing Patterns for Potholders & Oven Mitts
- DIY Double Oven Mitt: FREE Professional Pattern & Tutorial
This article was written by Sally Gauntlett and edited by Nisan Aktürk. It was originally published on 5 September 2022 and has since been updated.
Sally Gauntlett (author)
Sally started sewing as a child. In 2008, she started a handmade business selling personalized gifts and homeware. She then became a sewing content creator, sharing her makes on Youtube and Instagram. Read more…