When a loved one in my family was diagnosed with corticobasal degeneration, she requested that I make her an adult bib. Although it is usually a slow-progressing disease, she lost a lot in a short period of time; including living unassisted, much of her ability to speak, the ability to walk, and the use of her left hand. Due to her illness, she was having a hard time eating and kept dropping food and liquids on her shirt (although you could also use a waterproof backing).
After the request I did a bit of brainstorming on how to make an adult bib to fit her needs – she was in a wheelchair and couldn’t get close to the table – I came up with a smock style adult bib to cover a portion of her legs as well. I chose a pretty fabric for the front and a thicker flannel for the back to help absorb any spilled liquid. Below you will find a beginner friendly tutorial for those with basic knowledge of sewing to make this simple clothing protector.
Dignity Bib Simple Sewing Project
SUPPLIES
2 yards of fabric
I purchased = 1 yard of a pretty patterned cotton fabric and 1 of a solid flannel.
Scissors
Sewing Machine
Thread
DIRECTIONS
Cut the fabric to the following dimensions – 36″ L x 30″ W.
Put the wrong sides together and fold in half lengthwise. Pin if you feel the need.
Grab a large bowel (10″ works great) to create the neck hole. Place the middle of the bowl at the center of the fold. Trace around the bowl and cut out.
UPDATE: See the image below to see how I cut the rest of the bibs – they lay better along the top. The bottom width is 20″ (while fabric is folded in half). I also rounded the corner and then tapered it up. The part that straps behind the neck I curved and tapered allowing the top neckline to lay better. This is similar to how I made my son’s batman cape. The first design worked out, but I feel like this one lays better while in use.
Turn right side out.Â
Top stitch around the whole bib, making sure to fold in the hem of the opening.
Add velcro to the tabs and you’re adult bib is done.
The adult bib has a haircutting cape vibe, but it does the job perfectly. After delivering the first one, I was asked to make a couple more. I’m so happy that it worked and helped her feel more comfortable and less worried while eating.
Such a great idea!! Hoping to make some up for the convalescent home I use to work for!! SO cool! Thanks for sharing!
My mother also needs something like this as she is handicapped from a stroke. It’s great that people have met the need for these, although I still cringe every time I hear my dad ask for Mom’s “bib”.
Have him call it “Mom’s apron”
His grandmother was the one that called it an adult bib (she was the one that asked me to make them). She passed away a few years ago now, but these were very helpful. My Pepere currently is using them and that’s we call them – his “food Apron”. <3
This is fantastic. My grandmother passed away a year ago and each time I went to visit her during dinner I dreamed of someone making an adult bib that was pretty and made her feel pretty. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for the post and the share . . . hubby quirky lips and all (grin).
I work in a care facility for adults with developmental disabilities. One of the neatest clothing protectors (slightly more dignified than “bib”) I’ve seen used a regular sized bath towel and a wash cloth that’s great for wiping the mouth and chin in between bites! The person cut a small scoop for the neck and then it sewed together with bias tape that could be tied around the neck. I love your design, I’m sure Gram is going to be the envy of her dining room!
My husband’s Nana could definitely use one of these! Thanks for the great tutorial – I look forward to making this for her! 🙂
That is great! My grandmother could have used one of those in her later years, but the ones in the stores were never as cute or functional as your! She WILL be the envy of the dining room!
HHAHAH This is awesome. My husband needs this so bad.
And love that you shared your creation with our readers this week too.
Thanks for linking up at Nothing But Country Creative Creations Tuesday. You rock!!
It’s nice! I saw some nice dignified bibs at http://www.bibitcreations.com. They don’t look like baby bibs and are fun and cheerful. If you don’t like to sew, they might have some you like. Kathryn
I need to make some for my mum. I was a hairdresser and some of our capes had slits to put your arms through. I wonder if this would be a help or hindrance .