How to Sew a Baby Bib + Pattern

Intro: How to Sew a Baby Bib + Pattern

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

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. :)

STEP 9: And You're Done!

Put it on your baby or cat of choice.

Lookin' good, Luna!

Comments

[jacqui F]

brilliant so easy to follow thanks a bunch

[bruf]

judyr I purchased a bib pattern and thought it looked small, but did a test bib anyway and it looked like it would fit a doll and not my 2 mo old grandson! I was about to make a pattern of my own, but found yours instead-it looks perfect! Thanks so much.

[bobandkat2]

I have embroidered a bib and want to know how to cover the stitches with a backing. Can you help me?......Kathie

[AmbreenS1]

hey...thank you so much for for tutorial ....it is really very easy to understand and the pdf model idea is Great...!!! love it

[AngelaJ1]

Thanks for sharing how easy it is to do your own bib. This is really a great post.

[roboneill02]

These steps for making a baby bib are very simple and I am pretty much sure that everyone can follow it. I couldn't say anything more about this. Thank you for sharing!

[Olivia87]

Could I use flannel to make a bib? Or is it not absorbent enough?

[maaaar]

what kind of fabric are you using ? it's soo pretty

[jessyratfink]

It's actually just super cheap cotton fabric I found at Daiso! I know I've seen prints like the one I was using at Joann's, though

[vesquivel-lopez]

love it!! but I just dont get how you sew close the end that stays open, to make it look like it was sewn together like the other side....please help this lost sewing soul

[jessyratfink]

Check step six for picture help!

So once you've turned it right side out, the hole you left will have fabric sticking out. You need to fold over and tuck both sides of the fabric in so it lines up with the sewn parts of the bib. :)

Then you press it and sew over the top, which keeps the opening lined up and closed.

I hope that helps!

[jessyho862013]

that is cool too! ;)

[wold630]

Thank you for not using Velcro for the attachment on your bib. Not sure if you have little ones or not but when they get sick of wearing the bib and try to tear it off their neck it scratches and cuts the back of their neck. I learned quickly to use non-Velcro bibs. Nice work and I love your fabric choice.

[jessyratfink]

I was really worried about the Velcro being uncomfortable. I couldn't think of a way to put it on so it would 't scratch. Plus, it is the worst thing I the world to sew on. :)

Happy I was right about that!

[emilyvanleemput]

This is so cute!
BTW love your cat :)

[jessyratfink]

Thank you :D