This study has investigated the influence of fiber orientation of free surface ply on the direction of crack propagation and the direction of crack propagation controlled by fiber orientation of free surface ply in the carbon fiber/epoxy resin laminates. And we have also investigated mechanical properties of various laminates having different degrees of fiber orientation of surface ply. As a result, we have found that the direction of crack propagation could be controlled by the fiber orientation of the free surface ply. We have also found that angle ply laminates with free surface ply of 90$^{circ}$ improve fracture toughness, tensile strength, and modulus compared to angle ply laminates, while the work of fracture is reduced.