“Crumb-catching Oilcloth Bibs” Sewing Project

Oilcloth is making a comeback. Today’s oilcloth is a shiny, washable plastic fabric that makes great table covers, seat covers, aprons, bibs, appliance covers and totes. I recently copied my mother-in-law Marylou’s oilcloth apron that she had been using since her bridal shower--- 60 years ago!! She loved it but it was cracked, worn and beyond repair and needed to be replaced.

Following is a simple older child bib project using oilcloth. You can make the pattern yourself and embroider or appliqué the child’s name on the crumb catcher. You’ll get the best results using your serger’s overedge function.

Supplies:

• ¼ yd. of oilcloth
• 3” contrasting strip of oilcloth
• 2” hook and loop fastener
• Threaded serger
• Tape measure
• Scissors
• Embroidery machine and embroidery thread (optional)

Directions:

1. On a sheet of craft paper, butcher paper or newspaper mark the pattern on the right in pencil using the measurements on the photo. This will be the pattern for the apron and the crumb catcher. Cut both pieces along the outline.
   
   
   
   
   
2. Outline the pattern on the wrong side of the oilcloth. I was using an entire roll and placed the bibs lengthwise but if you only purchased a ¼  yd. of oilcloth, you’ll have to place the bibs sideways, which will not matter since this fabric has no grain and will not unravel or stretch.
   
   
3. Cut along line.
   
   
4. Repeat with  crumbcatcher pocket pattern on contrasting solid.
   
   
5. Sew hook fastener right side up along inside edge on left top side of bib. Trim excess fastener to match bib outline.
   
   
6. Sew loop fastener on underside of bib right top along inside edge.
   
   
   
   
   
7. Optional: If you are embroidering names on the pocket, you can fit two pockets in one hooping of sticky stabilizer in Brother’s 5x7” hoop. Simply rotate your name 90* to stitch it on sideways.
   
   
   
   
   
   
8. Serge the top straight edge of the crumb pocket.
   
   
9. Pin pocket to bottom of bib on right side and thread serger with matching colors. Follow manufacturers directions to set up 3 thread overcast with a close stitch length.
   
   
   
10. Starting at inside neck edge of left top serge carefully around the inside curve of neck edge and continue until you have gone all the way around the bib. Remove pins as you sew and make sure you include the hook and loop fasteners as well as the crumb pocket in the over edge seams.

Enjoy an easier clean up!