Love… a Japanese cross-back apron
It’s not exaggeration to say that I actually love my trusty old linen Japanese pinafore cross-back apron. The straps are wide and cross over at the back. The front pocket is good and roomy. The cut just right. I love how it feels and looks and given half a chance could easily wear it every day. I think part of my love stems from the fact that I wear my pinafore apron when I’m being creative. Whether it’s a creative workshop I’m attending to write up later for the blog, or simply weekends spent pottering in the garden or cooking in the kitchen. Happy simple pleasures, and always in my pinafore apron.
I’ve noticed that this style of apron is increasingly popular within the creative community. I see lots of beautiful aprons at the creative UK workshops I attend. There are a lot of us who feel the same way about the aprons we wear when we’re being creative. So I thought I’d share a few of my absolute favourites with you.
Cross-back apron love #1 – In the Making Aprons
In the Making Aprons is a beautiful collection of artisan cross-back aprons handmade in London by Lisa Bennett. There are denim, ticking and linen beauties to choose from. Love the classic cross-back artisan apron as well as the pottery aprons (with deep split to allow for easy access to the potter’s wheel). Also love the Japanese Bero style patchwork denim waist apron. Check out the whole collection here, but my four favourites are these:
Pottery apron, striped denim
Cross-back pottery apron, stripe denim No 72. BUY NOW >>
Very distinctive and striking potters cross-back apron. A beautiful combination of bright red soft herringbone straps and sturdy navy/white stripe denim. Carefully designed for the needs of artists and makers, the split skirt allows plenty of movement whilst ensuring each leg is covered when sitting at the wheel. A wide pocket is positioned high on the waist to stow tools whilst working, additional breast pocket and slanted tab loop for cleaning cloth etc. Adjustable straps fit a wide size range and accommodate extra layers in a chilly studio!
Here’s the beautiful back view with size-adjustable bright red straps:
Cobalt Blue cross back denim apron
It’s the vivid blue that makes this one for me – and love how it combines with red stripes! Again, this is handmade in heavyweight fabric that will last and last. Fantastically comfortable cross-over straps mean no ties around the neck the bib pocket is good and roomy too. The perfect apron for any creative or artist.
I also love it in the Mustard denim colourway don’t you?
Mustard cross-back apron
My final pick from In The Making is this:
Ultimate craft apron
This apron is seriously fit for purpose. The bib features a row of hanging cargo pockets cleverly designed to remain upright and accessible even when the wearer is seated. A split leg skirt allows plenty of movement whilst ensuring each leg is covered when sitting at the workbench or wheel. Adjustable soft herringbone ties give all the comfort of a crossback apron with the fit of a tie apron.
Cross-back apron love #2 – The Prancing Hare
Teal linen apron handmade in England and available to buy from The Prancing Hare Etsy shop There are two styles available – choose from square pinafore or apron dress. Made by Irene Sheyko, you can also personalise her apron designs too.
And how lovely are these linen Mother and daughter aprons also handmade by Irene? Available to buy separately or as a pair.
cross-back apron love #3 – The Stitch Society
The Original Linen crossover apron by The Stitch Society is a real beauty. The Stitch Society aprons are so well made they will last and last. The Original also comes in Khaki cotton and Denim.
There’s a shorter Florist apron and The Crafter which isn’t cross-back but is definitely fit for purpose.
The Stitch Society is listed in our directory. Buy The Stitch Society aprons here.
Pinafore apron love #4 – Swedish House at Home
I love Cotswolds based Swedish House at Home – and this linen Japanese style crossover pinafore apron is specially handmade for them. I love the crumpled textural linen and the flattering shape. Pockets are just right too…
pinafore apron love #5 – Nadinoo
The newest version of the Nadinoo crossover apron/pinafore dress is this beautiful linen Artisan Pinafore.
It’s handmade made in England by Nadinoo and inspired by the clean lines of Japanese garment design, this apron dress can be tied multiple ways to suit your intention. Knot loosely to the sides (pictured) for the loose freedom of a potter’s apron, or pull in close by knotting to the front or back to style as a purposeful shift dress. Ultra-roomy patch pockets comfortably hold all your necessities, whilst wide hems ensure durability and uninterrupted drape. A tried-and-tested staple to serve you for years to come.
Nadinoo is listed in our directory.
Pinafore apron love #6 – Dodgson Wood
This cute Pinny is made from a choice of soft denim (for light chores) or dry oilskin (for more robust work). Beautifully designed by Sally Cowell who sews every pinny for Lake District-based Dodgson Wood there are no dangly straps. And it looks stylish over whatever else you are wearing.
Frequently asked questions about cross-back pinafore aprons
What is a cross-back pinafore apron?
A cross-back pinafore apron has wide straps that cross over at the back rather than fastening around the neck. The style is comfortable to wear for creative work, gardening and cooking, and many designs have roomy pockets and an easy, relaxed fit.
Why are cross-back aprons popular with makers and creatives?
Cross-back aprons are practical for creative work because the wide straps sit comfortably on the shoulders without a neck loop, while the generous shapes and pockets make them useful in the studio, garden or kitchen. Some pottery styles also have a split skirt to allow easier movement when sitting at a wheel.
What fabrics are used for cross-back pinafore aprons?
Cross-back pinafore aprons come in a range of fabrics including linen, ticking cotton and denim. Linen gives a softer, relaxed feel, while denim and heavier cottons can make a more robust work apron. The makers featured here use different fabrics and weights to create their own take on the classic style.
Other blog posts to enjoy
I made a cross back apron dress at one of the workshops that Dolly founder, Diana Uprichard, runs in Lewes. Here’s the apron dress I made. Click through to see the step by step images.
Easy step by step DIY tutorial to sewing simple skirts including this lovely linen skirt pattern by Merchant and Mills.
Discover Clothing Made in the UK in our Directory
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