Simple Bib Tutorial

I love creating things with my hands, whether it's with paint brushes, pencils, charcoal, a needle and thread, or knitting needles. There is some kind of satisfaction when you look at your finished project and know that not long ago it was just scraps, just a ball of yarn, or a couple tubes of paint. To know that with a little hard work and persistence something can be created from only a few meager supplies.

I am definitely not an expert at any art, and I don’t like following patterns, but I grew up doing crafts with my mom, sisters and aunts and going to craft shows and fairs to sell our creations, so it has always been a joy to sit down and make something. The simpler projects are the most fun because you usually have instant gratification with a finished project to use or admire.

Since Emery was in need of a couple new bibs, I decided to use some scrap fabric I had to make her some. Here are some simple instructions for the bib.

What you’ll need:

-A bib you already own to use as a template

-Cotton fabric (14”X18” for the small bib, 16”X24” for larger bib) I used two flannel blankets I purchased from a garage sale last summer

-Terry cloth (same dimensions as above)

-Scissors

-Sewing machine or serger

-Velcro or snaps with a snap press/pliers

-Pins

Instructions:

Start by laying out your fabric (right side up) that you’ll use for the front of your bib and draping the template bib on top of it. Cut 1/2 inch around the edges of your template bib. Do the same with your terry cloth but with the right side down.

Cut out a “food catcher” flap for the front of your bib. The dimensions of this can be whatever you’d like. Mine was 4” tall.

This is what I mean by "food catcher" flap :)

Sew (tuck under the top part) the top edge of the food flap. Or serge directly over it without tucking it under.

Tuck it under and sew over the top

OR serge directly over the top

With a sewing machine: Pin the food catcher flap to the lower side of the front of your bib with the edges tucked under. Sew along the edges of this.

With a sewing machine:

Pin the front part of the bib (now with the food flap attached) to the terry cloth side, tucking all of the edges inward together. Sew these pieces all together along all the outer edges.

With a serger: Simply put all three pieces of the bib together, exactly like they would look upon completion and serge around all of the edges without tucking them under.

Edges of the bib tucked under, sew over the top about 1/8" from the edge.

Almost done! Your bib is looking like a bib now you just need to add the closure.

For Velcro: Cut a 2” piece and pin one side to the out part of the bib, and the other piece to the inside (terry cloth) of the neck strap part of the bib.

Carefully sew along the outer edges of the velcro, reinforcing it by sewing over it at least twice.

Snaps are another alternative, but you’ll need a snap press or pliers.