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Rae's 90s-Inspired Plaid Bibs

Since the moment the woven mini plaids went on the shelf at Fancy Tiger, I knew I had to find a way to work them into my wardrobe. Simultaneously, I had been hemming and hawing over what fabric to use to make a pair of Burnside Bibs. As I planned on making the fitted version, I knew I wanted something with a bit of structure but wasn’t feeling perfectly inspired by any of the options I considered. Finally, it clicked that the plaids and bibs were made for each other! I knew they would create a beautifully structured and tailored pair of bibs that had a 90s flair. I sure wasn’t disappointed!

Handmade Burnside Bibs
Pattern: Burnside Bibs by Sew House Seven (Version 1, full length), size 6
Materials: Woven Mini Plaid in Soot
Modifications: Used metal 6” zipper instead of hidden zipper

I knew that using a plaid would present some challenges with fabric preparation and cutting, as I wanted to make sure that my plaids matched. Luckily, this fabric didn’t warp at all with pre-washing and it was fairly easy to press it in place, using the plaids to line it up with ironing. I definitely recommend using a rotary cutter to cut out your pattern pieces to minimize shifting/movement of the fabric during this process if you choose a directional or plaid fabric. All pieces were cut straight on the grain, as directed, with the exception of the back pockets, which I cut on the bias for a bit of visual interest.

A word of advice: If you think you have enough thread to complete this garment, GET MORE. Between serging/overlock stitching my pattern pieces and all of the topstitching, I went through at least two and a half medium sized spools! It’s worth not skimping on these details, however. Serging my edges made it so easy to line up my pattern pieces, and the double rows of topstitching give everything a gorgeous finish. Feeling adventurous? Consider a contrast thread for your topstitching!
Metal zipper on burnside bibs
Victoria, one of our former Tigers, wrote a blog post a couple of years ago detailing her version of the bibs and mentioned that she recommended using a metal zipper in place of a hidden zipper, since it is more likely to hold up under heavy use. I am so grateful I took this advice! I don’t worry about the zipper breaking when I scooch it over my hips!

Sizing is something that I was a bit uncertain of with this pattern, and was initially a bit worried that my finished garment wouldn’t fit! I recommend going with your widest hip measurement (particularly if making the fitted version) to determine your size, unless your waist is larger than your hips. There isn’t a ton of seam allowance included in this pattern, and the way that multiple pieces line up in the waist mean that simply letting out the seams a bit isn’t the easiest solution if the finished garment is too small. You can always tailor in a bit, and these look fantastic even when a looser fit is achieved.

These plaids come in a variety of gorgeous colors that are perfect for fall and layering under sweaters and cardigans. You’ll just have to beat me to them while I make more bibs!

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