I was thinking about making some adult bibs for my Mom's nursing home residents. Has anyone made them? I was thinking about making them with a coated fabric. Would like some advice on fabric, should it be washable or wipeable. They would wash them, but bleach is used a lot. I would like to make them cute. Thanks

My friend makes these like lobster bibs (you know the plastic kind you get at Red Lobster), but she makes them out of fun cotton fabrics that are washable (not plastic like a baby's bib might be). Lobsters, other fishing fabrics, food fabrics, cupcakes, etc. Bright, cheerful fun fabrics that both men and women would wear and not be embarrased. She even makes ones that look like tuxedo fronts or fancy dress fronts. Be creative and they will love you for it.

Vicki, I have made these and have some now for sale. They are reversible and I used to put pockets on both sides. Th closure is with velcro at the neck. I use nice and pretty cottons. and I pick some fishing and bears and moose or man stuff for the male bibs. If you want my pattern, it is just my own, Suzanne

Thanks you so much. I would love the pattern. How much are you bibs?

Simplicity has a cute pattern for these. Also, as a respect and dignity issue, when I was a nurse in a nursing home, we called them "Clothing Protectors" instead of bibs.

http://www.simplicity.com/p-1637-crafts.aspx

What a unique idea. Something brighter than what the homnes have now. Great idea.

Yes this is a great idea, I might try to make some for my FIL's nursing /retirement home. But you know these would be handy to have when we go to quilt shows, looking at the photo section of our board and quilt shops. I know I have a bad time with drool and it isnt because of my meds......... :P :lol: :P :lol: :P

Billy

thank you for posting this, my grandmother uses these and I had no idea how to get started with them.

There's been some good discussions ont this subject in previous threads. Try the search function above.

A few things I remember
* for dignity, do not call them "bibs" ... forget what the PC word is!
* check with the facility before making as to what fabrics have worked best in the past from the usage perspective; also that are acceptable for their laundering process
* "coated", rubberized, plastics, etc. while good in a home setting, usually will not withstand the heat of the washing/drying standards in institutional laundry requirements.

It's a wonderful thought and I hope you will make them. Just be sure to check it all out before you get to work, so you can avoid disappointments that may happen if you don't.

My sewing buddy made the bibs using towels. They worked great for her mother.

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

I use this pattern have made several for a nursing home in our area. I usually make them around Christmas and use a Christmas print. They are very easy to make.

Thank you for your post. My mother lives with me and I had been thinking of making a few for her. The bucket list has grown some more.

The ones out of soft stuff like terry cloth are the best. The catch the food drips but are also soft enough to wipe a chin if needed. My mom used one when she was in the hospital and it is great for a quick wipe up after eating.

I would check with the nursing home 1st and find out what they would prefer. Am sure that all homes are not alike. Marge L.

I have made them from kitchen towels. I cut a hole in the neck, use some fleece ( I think it's fleece) binding so it's soft on their necks and then put some Velcro so it can be closed. They can be washed over and over again.

Hi Vicki. I make these clothing protectors in all types of colors and trim pieces. I started making them when my mom had a stroke and didn't like the ones they were using in the rehab and nursing homes. They are durable and waterproof with crumb catchers. They have really caught on! Maybe you can get some ideas at www.bibitcreations.com. There really is a big need for them.

I made some flannel on one side & knits on other (was cleaning out stash).Theu need to withstand very hot water. I chk with home & they wanted longer to go down towar laps. I made mine about 3".. Had some inexpensive flannel & it shrunk unevenly I can get 2 from 1yd of fabric.. Made plaid flannel for the guys. I had borrowed a basic pattern (shorter) from home & just lengthened it

I really like the protectors that look like fancy vests and dresses. Those would be a great conversation piece!

I was asked to make one as a joke for a friend to give. I used the Simplicity pattern and embroidered on it. It had a fork and spoon and I embroidered "Bring on the spaghetti" They really liked it.

My mom made some for my grandma out of hand towels. She cuts a neck circle out of one end, then uses bias tape to finish the edges. The bib can be secured with velco, or the bias tap extended and finished off to make ties. The towels are absorbent and washable.

fyi.... I was at Hobby Lobby earlier this week and saw "coated fabric" that was really cute. It was in the home decor fabric section. Good luck!