My dear nieces asked me to sew an adult bib for their nana. She has tremors and has a hard time feeding herself. To protect her clothes she uses a bib. The girls bought some pretty fabrics and ask me to make the bibs. We wanted to create a more of an apron feeling, so I shaped the bottom of the bib like my aprons. It is intended to gently drape over the legs. The girls have reported that Nana loves them!
I drew up a pattern that you can download here.
I welcome any feedback/problems/photos you may have if you make one!
Jane, I bet that she loves these. Very smart, creative idea. As a previous Occupational Therapist, this is a great idea!
Does the velcro connect around the neck simular to a baby bibb?
Also, is there something that is keeping the sides going around toward the back?
Yes, I apply the velcro like I do a bib – I overlap the two pieces of fabric and apply a piece of velcro to each. There is not a waist tie. I wanted this to look like an apron rather than a bib and make it easy to put in place.
Thank you had fun making it.
Beautiful! As a “retired” nurse, I think it would make anyone who needed it, so much happier ;)!
Such an adorable idea. I think using seasonal prints would really make someone happy. Around holiday time it would really make someone feel special. You are a very special person.
wow, what a great idea!!
Thank you!
Great idea. I’ve been considering one to keep in my car as I have to eat-on-the run a lot and spills are bound to happen. I found that I can waterproof mine by using wax paper ironed on the front several times which creates a batik effect. A dressy but shorter under my sports jacket/sweater is very useful in restaurants to protect clothing in the middle of a busy day. Thanks.
I had a booth at a craft show a couple of weeks ago. I make and sell table runners am infinity scarves. My most popular table runner is a go big red nebradks football fabric. A lady who identified herself as a nursing home resident asked why people didn’t make adult bibs in that msterisl. Told her I could do that! I made it and used a black Terry cloth on the back and delivered before the next game . She was so excited!
That’s great to hear, Mary! Thank you!
‘ve been saying for years that some of these sewers need to come up with a fashion adult bib. Way to go. I am so excited that you came up withy this. Thank you.
Thank we love it. Its very handy to have and easy to make
Thank you for this pattern I am excited to make this for my in laws
I have made similar bib aprons for my Mom (89, Alzheimers, tremors), and recently decided I needed to keep a few in the car (grandchildren for ice cream stops or drive thru). Back to the machine. P.S. I made my Mom’s aprons out of PUL fabric as it is relatively leak proof.
How do I download the pattern–I do not see a download
https://www.maidenjane.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/adult_bib_pattern_1_pdf.pdf
If you add some nice big pockets, they could be useful for kitchen-work, crafting, almost anything that needs an apron.
Can these be made up and sold at craft fairs or small online shops?
If so, I would be happy to credit the pattern and a link back to you. Thank you.
I love this idea! Not only would our Mothers like to have one of these but my husband needs something to wear over his costumes when he eats and drives to his presentations 🙂 He LOVES this idea only he wants it to be a dark brown to hide any messes. (I am still encouraging him to dress when he gets there!)
Thanks Mary! Dark colors are good and men don’t like dressing any more than they have to! 🙂
Thank you for this apron, its just what I have been looking for cant wait to get started on them.First one is for my brother in law,who has had a stroke.My sister said its just what she wants for him. Of course I will make it in dark fabric.
Great Idea!
These are great! Can’t wait to download the pattern.
Thanks! Let me know if you have a problem with the download.
I am not able to down load the pattern. 🙁
I made my parents a couple of adult bibs for my down syndrome sister, who spills a lot. My parents and my sister love them! However I used old t-shirts where I left the head opening and cut the bottom 3/4 of shirt. Then I sewed a pretty print to the part that I cut off. It slips over her head. I like your pattern and would like to make her a couple.
Oops, I can download the pattern. It pays to read, lol. Thank you for sharing.
OK good!
I saw an apron like this in a coffee shop in Oregon, except that the shoulders crossed over each other in the back. Could you modify this pattern to that design? This is great for what it is meant for, but I have been searching high and low for a pattern like the aprons I saw.
You might be able to modify this pattern. I have seen the criss cross aprons on Pinterest. Here are three:
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/240098223861787434/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/AfSOjDR2aVpGKvIAopjgmUoKyp1aOYCmBlaDtFjLwsVh9d2jzfZ30v4/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/240098223861356146/
Make 18 for the assisted living home I work in.
That’s amazing Betty Jo! I’d love to see a photo!
What does the back look like?
It doesn’t have a back – other than the piece that velcroes around the neck. It is intended just to lay on the lap.
I had this pattern and love it. I moved last weekend into an independent living home and can’t find my apron
or pattern.
I know that others will like to make one after they see mine. I will give them your web site.
I’m sorry you lost your apron! The pattern is linked above or you can find it here:
https://www.maidenjane.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Adult-Bib-Pattern-1.1.pdf