How to Make Your Own Bib Overalls

Making your own clothes is fun.

One outcome of the economic crunch is the revival of the art of making one's own clothes. Pattern companies and sewing machine manufacturers offer sewing classes for every skill level. Very basic beginner classes to advanced sewing and tailoring classes are available throughout the nation. For many home sewers, a visit to the local fabric store will be sufficient. Fabric, elastic, thread, scissors, a sewing machine and a pattern are all that is required to make a great pair of elastic-waist pants. If, however, you want to alter that pattern to make a pair of bib overalls, the process is simple.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Elastic
• Thread
• Scissors
• Elastic waist pants pattern with side seam pockets
• Tracing paper
• Marking pen
• Tape measure
• Snaps
• Ruler
• Straight pins
• Sewing machine

Instructions

Preparations

1. 

   Be a trendsetter by creating your own style.

   Pin pants pattern to fabric

2. Make pattern pieces for bib and shoulder straps. For the straps, measure the distance from your waist to your shoulder and add 6 inches for the length. Draw one pattern piece the length of your shoulder strap and four inches wide. For the bib, draw a rectangle pattern piece 12 inches high and half the width of the front of the pants pattern.

3. Cut the pants pattern according to the instructions.

4. Add 4 inches to the waistband pattern before cutting.

5. Cut the waistband in half lengthwise and at side seams

6. Cut four straps and two bibs.

7. Interface two of the strap pieces, one of the bib pieces and the waistband front.

Assembly

1. Sew the pants according to the pattern instructions, leaving the waist open at the pocket.

2. Sew the straps and bib together, turn and top-stitch.

3. Attach one half of the front waistband extending 2 inches on each end.

4. Attach one half of the back waistband.

Adding the Bib

1. Attach the straps to the pants back, approximately 3 or 4 inches in from the side seam.

2. Attach the bib lengthwise to the center of the pants front.

3. Attach the other half of the waistband to the pants front and back, leaving the side seams open.

4. Insert elastic half the length of your waist measurement in the back waistband.

5. Turn the top of the pocket and stitch. It is important to leave the pocket open at the top to allow for ease in getting in and out of the overalls.

The Finishing Touches

1. Finish the front and back waistbands and top-stitch the front waistband.

2. Attach snaps to the bib straps and the waistband tabs on the pants front.

3. Attach snaps to the side seams of the pants back.

4. Hem the pants to the desired length.

References

• Independentliving.org
• Love to Sew