Dungarees, Jumpsuits, Bibs, Overalls…….

No matter what they’re called,

If I learned one thing from 2020, it’s that I LOVE them all!

There’s something about wearing a good fitting pair of overalls that I find comforting. Plus if I’m not feeling too jazzed about a certain shirt, I can wear it with some bibs or overalls and I start to like it again. That got me thinking about turning some of my favorite trousers into some cute Dungarees.

I love my Duet Trousers by Love notions. They fit me so well thanks to all the great fitting instructions the pattern comes with. So I figured I should probably make a detachable Bib to turn them into a pair of overalls when I’m in the mood. I’ll show you how I did this in just a couple of hours.

First you will need:

*a completed pair of Duet Trousers(or any trousers with a side seam zip)

*about a yard of matching or contrasting fabric

*a clear ruler

*something to mark fabric with

*rotary cutter or fabric shears

*pins

*5 buttons or snaps

*matching or contrasting thread and needle

*sewing machine

I’m 5′ 5″ and wear a pants size 10-12 and t-shirt size med/large. So you will need to adjust these directions and measurements to suit your own needs. I also used a 3/8inch seam allowance to sew this. Alrighty then. Here we go!

I cut the Bib portion on the fold. Here is a picture of the measurements shown cut on the fold. I used a rotary cutter and clear ruler when I cut it out which made it super easy.

You will need to cut two of the bib pieces. The picture below is what my bib measurements were when unfolded.

I also decided to add a little pocket which you can do in what ever shape and size you want. I made mine the same shape as my bib just a bit smaller.

For the pocket I folded and pressed the top down 1/2 inch and stitched it in place. Then I folded the sides and bottom edges in 1/4inch before placing it on the front bib piece. I placed the pocket 2.5inches from the top edge of the bib and did a double row of stitches all the way around. I also stitched it down the center to make it two pockets. For no particular reason other than I just liked the way it looked.

Here’s the strap measurements.

I folded the straps in half long ways, sewed one short end shut and then down the long side. Clip the corner and turn it right side out and press. I also did top stitching down both long sides. It helps to keep the straps from twisting and losing shape.

With right sides together, I placed the straps 1/2 inch away from the side edge of the back bib, then I placed the front bib on top of it, sandwiching it all together. Then I sewed down one side, across the top and back down the other side, leaving the bottom open where the straps are hanging out.

I flipped it right side out and gave it a good press. Then I went back and did some top stitching around the edges and closed the bottom portion with my serger.

Now it’s time to figure out the placement for attaching the bib to the trousers. I started by safety pinning the bib to the middle of the trouser waistband. Then I tried it all on and pinned the sides where I thought they should be. I had my husband crisscross the straps evenly over the back darts and pin to the back waistband. Then I took it all off and made some adjustments. I did this a few times until I had everything just right.

You can see in the above picture where I ended up placing my buttons. The middle button is placed much higher than the sides. I then put 3 buttonholes straight across the bottom edge of the bib.

Once I had the buttons and holes all in place and the bib attached, I tried it on again to make sure the back strap placement was correct.  I marked both the waistband and straps so I would know where to put the buttons and holes.

This is where I placed the back buttons on the inside of the waistband.  I put buttonholes where I had marked on the end of each strap.

That’s it, you’re all done! I love how it turned out and I especially love that it’s not permanent. I can just attach the bib portion when I’m in the mood.

I love making small changes to garments I love. It kind of gives them a new life. Hopefully this helps you to look at your clothes a little differently.

Happy Sewing,

Koe