How to make a feeding bib apron

1. Materials & tools

Materials (size 90 cm)

• Main fabric (laminated cotton, coated fabric or oilcloth) — about 60 × 60 cm (24 × 24 in)
• Bias tape for the edges — about 150 cm (59 in)
• Hook-and-loop or a snap for the back
• Sewing clips (pins leave permanent holes in laminate)

Tools

• Sewing machine (or needle and thread)
• Fabric marker or pencil
• Ruler and scissors
• Iron
• Pins or clips

2. Make the pattern (auto-generated in Katagami)

With the Katagami pattern tool, you just enter the finished size and it drafts a seam-allowance-included pattern, tiled to print at actual size on Letter or A4.

1. Open the tool
   Open the pattern tool and choose “Kids' clothes” → “Feeding bib apron” from the tabs at the top.
2. Enter the size
   Enter chest, length, neck opening, sleeve reach and ease. Presets cover 80–110 cm.
3. Set the seam allowance
   Use the slider at the bottom (beginners: 1.0–1.5 cm / about 3/8–5/8 in).
4. Print
   Press “Print (actual size)”, then in the print dialog set Scale = 100% and turn “Fit to page” OFF. Check the 50 mm calibration box on the first guide sheet with a ruler.

3. Cutting the fabric

1. Trace the pattern
   Trace the body and mark the neck opening.
2. Cut
   Cut one body piece. Use clips rather than pins throughout — laminate keeps every hole you make.
3. Finish the edges
   Laminate does not fray, so the edges only need binding for comfort and strength.

4. Sewing

4-1. Bind the neckline

1. Sew bias tape around the neck opening, clipping the curve so it lies flat.
2. Leave long tails at the back — those become the ties.

4-2. Bind the outer edges

1. Bind the outer edges the same way, working slowly around the curves.
2. If the tape sticks to the presser foot, switch to a Teflon foot or lay tissue paper under the work and tear it away afterwards.

4-3. Finish the back

1. Add hook-and-loop or a snap at the back neck so it fastens quickly.
2. Check the neck opening is loose enough to be comfortable but not loose enough to slip off a shoulder.

✏️ Never pin laminated fabric — the holes are permanent and they show. Clips hold it just as well, and if you have to unpick, the stitch line stays visible, so plan the seam before you sew it.

5. Tips & variations

• Add a catch pocket: a fold along the bottom edge, stitched at the sides, catches everything that falls.
• Long enough to matter: it should reach past the highchair tray, or the food lands on the lap anyway.
• Make two: one is always in the wash at exactly the wrong moment.