I worked in a nursing home and towels did work the best. They would sew a yoke and attach it to the one end of a towel. I have also seen women use these when baking. Always had the towel handy to wipe your hands on.

I made some for a friend's MIL. I call them aprons-instead of Adult Clothing Protectors-because I think they look a bit like the old fashioned aprons my grandmother wore.

I made them long enough to cover the entire lap when seated. Adapted a pattern I found online. Used cotton on one side, towel on the other and added a pocket for tissues or napkins on the front (cotton side) and snap closure. They were a big hit and easy to make.

Pat

What a great idea....I would recommend like a little pocket or 'troff' on the bottom, for the food that doesn't get into the mouth and rolls down the 'bib'...its kinda like the stop bumper on the bottom. You could just fold up the bottom perhaps 2-3" and sew the side seams....And yes make them pretty and interesting....I like the idea of a tuxedo for the men, a pointed white collar, perhaps a red bowtie, a shirt with buttons.....perhaps a colorful holiday vest.....can you not picture it....

Do a search for Adult Bibs. there was a recent thread on here about them

I bought some tablecloth fabric (flannel one side, vinyl on other) to make a bib for Mom. She had original just copied form someone else, and made a pattern on newspaper for me. But, I think I found a free pattern, I will try to remember to look.

I used to make them for my dad. Didn't have a pattern and just winged it with a velcro closure and one big pocket at the bottom to catch any crumbs. He was at home at the time and mom washed them alot. Made out of nice sturdy cotton and a couple out of terry cloth.

I agree that you should check with the home to find outif they have any requirements or restrictions, but regardless any use of plastic coated or vinyl will not hold up in laundry of the facility due to heat of dryers.

Good thinking Billy :)

if you want a wipe-able fabric you could cover the material with a plastic vinyl (there are different weights) and then there is flannel backed fabric (not sure of the same) but have used to cover out-door furniture....When I was a child I use to use that fabric/flannel backed plastic type fabric for something called a "sit-upon" from Girl Scouts...I think it is table cloth material/fabric....the other Item I have used was shower curtain lining that you could get inexpensively...I always put a soft fabric on the back, and make them attractive in pretty colors...
hope it helps.

My brother-in-law wears a white chefs apron when he is eating lunch at home because he is always on call (he is a realtor) and food seems to gravitate to his tie and shirt. It is much easier to wash an apron that a dress/tie. I wonder how an apron would work? It would protect their laps too