I recently got a request for a custom embroidered baby bib through etsy, so I finally learned how to sew them. :D

Sewing a baby bib is a really easy project! You can even sew it by hand if you don't have a sewing machine. It's a fantastic projects for scrap fabric, too - it takes very little to sew a baby bib! I've also included a pattern that you can use for your baby bib on the next step.

Step 1: What You'll Need:

sewing machine and/or needle and thread
closure of choice (I used metal snaps, but you can do velcro or a button)
pattern (included below)
pins
iron + ironing board

The pattern is attached to this step - I found it lia's crafty journey - she's awesome and made it free for everyone to use as long as she's credited! She has a tutorial posted as well. :D

bib pattern Model (1).pdf
Download

Step 2: Cut Out the Bibs

Print the pattern out and cut on the lines. We'll be cutting out the pattern on the fold. You're going to cut out two pieces.

Fold your fabric over so that the pattern fits and pin the paper to the fabric - make sure you go through both layers of fabric! Cut around the pattern and then repeat the folding, pinning and cutting a second time. :)

Step 3: Pin the Bib Pieces Together

Pin the pieces together, ride sides facing. Leave an opening of 2-3 inches on the right side.

I like to mark the opening with pins that overlap the edges, and do the rest of the pinning within the edges of the bib.

Step 4: Sew the Bib!

You'll be using a 1/4 inch seam allowance. I thankfully have a nice presser foot a 1/4 inch notch in it, so I just keep the edge of the fabric lined up with that.

Start at the bottom of the turning opening and sew all around the bib to the needle marking the top of the opening. Make sure to backstitch at the beginning and the end.

Around the neck of the bib, you'll need to go nice and slow and really manhandle the fabric to where it needs to be. I also left the needle in the fabric and raised the presser foot a couple times in tight spots. :D

I like to press the bib after I've sewn around the edges, but you don't have to!

Step 5: Clip/trim/notch the Bib

This is going to ensure that the bib lays nice and flat and that your seams don't bunch once it's turned right side out. :)

Trim the excess seam allowance down to 1/4 everywhere EXCEPT for the opening. Then take tiny notches out of the very top of the neck piece of the bib and clip the large curve between those two pieces. Be careful to not cut your stitching! I've included pictures of all these steps, but if you're still unsure check out this awesome tutorial over at Sew, Mama, Sew!

Step 6: Turn the Bib Right Side Out and Press!

Turn the bib right side out. I like to use a crochet hook to get to all the hard to reach areas pushed out properly.

Once it's turned and everything looks nice, press both sides of the bib, making sure to tuck in the edges of the opening you left for turning. You want to tuck the edges in so it looks like it was sewn with the rest - nice and neat!

Step 7: Topstiching!

This will close off the opening and make the bib look nice and finished. You can either use a colored thread or a neutral thread - totally up to you!

You're going to be sewing with a 1/8 inch seam allowance this time.

Step 8: Attach Your Fasteners!

I used metal snaps that you sew on, but feel free to use whatever you like!

Just make sure to keep your stitches looking neat since they'll be visible. :)