Adult Bibs
 

I am looking for advise on making Adult bibs. Do you have a pattern, what fabrics do you use and what size do you make.

Thanks

I've never made one but here are quite a few patterns for different ones that you might be interested in:

https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/adul...tterns-2977861
http://sewwithaloha.blogspot.com/201...dult-bibs.html
https://www.emblibrary.com/EL/elproj...e-pdf-pattern/

my guild made what are called dinner scarfs instead of bibs. the back of the neck was curved and fairly narrow (about 3-4") and the ends were much wider. I don't have a pattern, our community service chair just made one up. the nice thing about dinner scarfs is that they don't look like bibs, are easy for a caregiver to just drape over the persons shoulders. best way to describe is they are like jacket interfacings but much wider. we cut 4 layers, sewn together at the back of the neck, stitched, turned and then the open spot for turning was machine sewn.

Here's one from Man Sewing:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AykM4BGpnoA

My dear Aunt was not able to reach up around her neck to 'attach' bib closures. I made up this pattern for her. She just lifted it up over her head and laid one side across the other on her chest. If one side was soiled, she just crossed them the opposite way.
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My Dad had Parkinsons for 16 years. In the later years, he needed a bib with every meal, but my mom thought bibs looked very undignified, especially out in public. I made him a bunch of aprons like the ones we use to BBQ in, and they worked really well. Just slip them over the neck and don't tie the strings around the waist. They covered the front and the lap. I use one I bought a long time ago as the pattern, and they take about a yard each. I made them with sports team, fishing, and other "manly" fabrics, including denim. Extra bonus: anyone in need of an apron can wear them.

This is the style my friend preferred after she lost use of one (dominant) hand. She could just toss it over her head and since it was longer and covered the lap she did not have to worry about whatever food was lost on the way from plate to mouth using her non-dominant hand.

I make them (I call them dignity bibs). I make them with the 'flaps' about 17" long so they drape over the shoulders. I started making them for my mom when she was in a nursing home and they were easier than the ones that hook behind the neck. I line them in flannel so they 'stick' to the shirt and don't move. I basically do a half yard width of fabric with the neck hole starting at about 18". So they look like a giant U shape. Bib = 18"x 18" Straps = 23"x 4" (shoulder is at about 6" up from neckline). I had a special request for some XXXL men's bibs and simply increased the width to 20" and the length to 21" and instead of curving all the corners, I made them a bit angular (thought it looked a bit more masculine). I sell quite a few of them in the shoppe and tell folks to carry it in their purse in a ziploc bag. That way when they user gets them all messy at the restaurant, you have something to carry it home in! Sewing is basic - all the way around, leaving opening on side, turn and topstitch. On the XXXL ones, I added a stitch right down the center front for stability.

There are some on the internet, google The Snarf Scarf. Lots of places sell them and they are expensive. I've made the scarf style bib and it's really easy, it's just a long wide scarf. I make mine 54" long and each side is 9" wide. I use flannel, I prewash it because it shrinks a lot. I use two layers, I buy 7/8 of a yard and get one snarf scarf out of each piece of fabric. I cut four strips and join two strips together for each side. I sew the two long pieces together matching the seams and just sew along 1/4" seam, leave an opening to turn it and then topstitch. Of course you can adjust the size to fit a smaller or larger person and buy more fabric to correspond with your measurements.

I agree with you, if they are able to fasten them. My Mom was in a nursing home before her death and their bibs had velcro fasteners. They were fine until they had been through the laundry many times. The lint built up and some became so full that they would not stay closed. I like the idea of being able to drape them over their necks like the aprons mentioned.

I read your request over an hour ago, and have been reading and looking at info on them that came up in a google search. The bib that was the most interesting to me was the video tutorial from Ron Appell of Man Sewing. Missouri Star even has a printable tutorial of a bit over one full page for this bib. No ties, snaps, or buttons. I intend to make a few of these. They require one yard of fabric and about 1 1/2 cups of plastic beads.

My father was in his 80's when he landed on his head on the cement driveway, thanks to his wife "helping" him by holding and moving the ladder while he was standing at the top of the ladder. He was in a rehab center for a long time because of the head injury. He already had parkinsons, so had a number of little helps like a spoon that strapped to his hand, etc. His step-daughter grabbed a half apron and tied it around his neck for a bib. When I was a teen, we sewed these aprons for gifts and called them "cocktail aprons".
In one of Mary Mularie's books there are instructions for adult bibs. She points out that many of us eat on the go most days, often eating in the car, and these keep our clothing presentable.

Thanks for asking the question. It brought me to something I didn't even know I needed and wanted.

My mom, who I lost last month, was in a nursing home before I rescued her. She Hated those bibs...they were so institutional ! So God Bless those who make these nicer ones for their loved ones.

That is the pattern of choice for my group to make. I made several for my grands and have them in the car too. I sometimes need one to cover my whole front when driving and snacking. LOL

I drew my own pattern, I do them double sided in cotton fabrics so they are reversible and washable.

Me too! It's something I never thought about, but, will make up a few. Car eating, great idea. Also, a little longer could be a quick apron.

thanks!!!!

I call them clothing protectors.

Mkotch, I love the apron idea. It preserves dignity.