Need to make mother waterproof bibs for the care center
 

I need some advise on how to make waterproof bibs for my mom. They need to be washable and be able to be threw in the dryer because she will be using them in a care center. I am trying to stay away from any fabric or material that could melt in a dryer since the care center will laundry them.

You can use the material made for sewing waterproof cloth diaper: it's call pul, and you can buy it from fabric.com. You can also use procare from Wazoodle.com. I have washed and dried my children's diaper at very high temperature hundred of times and the fabric is still in good shape.

Yes, the fabric is called PUL. I would order it online and read the washing instructions carefully. The quality brands can be washed & dried in high temps, and this actually seals the fabric around the stitching and makes the seams waterproof. There are some lesser quality versions that are 'wipe clean', so read before you buy!

Joanns carries the PUL fabric....I have made changing pad with it.....

The vinyl covered cotton fabric is fantastic. It's soft, feels just like fabric, and does great in hot wash and dryer. The thing about water proof bibs used at my Aunt's nursing home, everything runs off the bib onto the lap. Maybe put a strip of terry cloth along the bottom of the bib.

A while back I made a few adult bibs, they had a pocket at the bottom that would catch the get-aways.

Terry cloth towels cut down work great as well!

Getting ideas from others is a good, and I too thought first of the PUL fabrics ... lightweight!

Might I suggest you speak with your care centre personnel before making them.
It's not uncommon for facilities such as this, to have specific requirements, because of their commercial laundering process.
I would hate to have you do a lot of work, and to be told it is not acceptable.

You can also use "Rip Stop" in the middle of your bib sandwich. Will not be 100% waterproof, but will repel and not allow to soak through. I use it when I make my adult bibs. Good luck.

I never thought of the rip-stop. Thanks for the idea.

Excellent advice. Our Q Guild checks with our nursing homes prior to adopting them for our charity quilts, etc.

PUL is soft, drapable. I would put it on the back of the clothing protecter. It is great for making and lining diaper bags, too. Lunch bags, etc.
sandy

Thank you everyone for the advise. It will really help. I Had never heard of these fabrics before so this is learning experience and I am excited to try them out. Thanks again.

Lots of great ideas!

The care home my mom was in had bibs for the residents. Another thing to remember is that they bleach everything. I didn't know that and I was a bit shocked to see my moms brown pants turn orange and several other items of clothing were pretty funky colors. I finally decided to wash her clothing so she would like nicer when she was dressed.

When my boys were little I always folded over the edge of a cute kitchen towel and put loose elastic through it. This way they could pick out their favorite "covering" and pull it on over their heads. Also worked well as a super cape. Throw in washing machine!

Hi I made my brother (who was in a nursing home due to muscular dystrophy.. here is the pattern I used I made a pattern using freezer paper and then I used old terry cloth towels and flannel for backing... pul is also a very good backing it washes beautifully. Here is the pattern that I used.
http://www.sewing.org/files/project/...ib_pattern.pdf

I had to make some for my Mom, and I just used terry cotton dishtowels. You can get them in many patterns. The dishtowel size is almost perfect and adding that pocket strip at the bottom is great

I have not read everyone's posts, however, my Dad was in a care facility for a few years. It was a high rated one. I made bibs, not waterproof, from terry dish towels I bought at Walmart and the Dollar Store. I picked themed for holidays, anything that would catch the eye and create a conversation for others. I folded over the top corners on one end and made soft flannel ties. My Mom took them home to wash and return because the laundry at the care facility could sometimes take months before items of clothing were returned after being laundered.

I miss my Dad but am glad to have given him some joy at meal time.

Here is a link to the thread I posted a few years ago. Hope it helps.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/general...d-t207961.html

http://www.quiltingboard.com/general...s-t249917.html
This was shown a while back. I thought they were great as I have a friend who had a massive stroke, and needed something to cover her clothing.
Good Luck
Susan