DIY Bib Tutorial

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Yesterday, I posted the Fat Quarter Burpcloth Tutorial, and today, I have a bib tutorial for you!

I thought that making a bib would be a tough job, but there's really nothing easier.

First, you need a bib to trace, or you can make your own pattern. If you are tracing a bib that you have, be sure to trace the whole thing about 5/8" bigger than it actually is. This will allow you to sew the seams, and have the final result be the correct size.

You will need:

flannel (about half a yard)

sewing machine

thread

scissors

needle

snaps

Trace your bib onto kraft paper, or whatever you have handy. I used some blank newspaper-paper.

Pin the bib pattern onto a double layer of flannel, and cut it out.

Remove the pattern, and pin the bib pieces together, with right sides together. (see picture below)

Look at the back and make sure you don't have any puckers or wrinkles.

Sew all the way around the bib, leaving a 2-3" gap for turning. It is a little tricky to sew around the curves, but if you just go slowly, lifting the presser foot every few stitches, you'll get a nice, smooth curve.

Clip the curves (aka almost the whole bib!!) I highly recommend the Fiskars Micro-Tip Scissors (available at JoAnn). It is the sharpest, most amazing little scissors you have ever seen. It cuts curves amazingly well, and SO much better than a normal sized scissors. 

Make sure you do not clip too close to the seam.

Turn the bib right side out and press. A metal ruler works great for poking the seams out fully.

Pin (or just press) under the open edge so that it is even with the other edges. 

Put your needle in the left position and stitch around the entire bib at about 3/16", backstitching when you get to the end.

Hand sew on a snap for a neck closure, and you're done!

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Tune in tomorrow for another baby project. Thanks for stopping by! Visit the blog live to leave a comment.

Unfinished Friday: The Easy Bib

Sounds like a really great title, eh? Well, the fact is, the project is almost finished. All it needs is some velcro and some knot-tying. 

I snagged this cute pink polka dot flannel at Walmart, of all places, for $1.85. It was in the remnants bin, so I figured I might as well grab it. As it turns out, it's soft and fairly decent quality, even after washing. 

I dug out a bib that I liked, traced it, sewed, and out came this bib.

It is just a tad crooked and uneven, but hey, what do expect when you're hurriedly sewing with no lights on? I was in such a hurry, I had no time to turn on the lights. In any case, with some lights on and a little more precision, this will be perfect. The double layer of flannel is the perfect thickness, makes it reversible, and oh-so-soft! I can't wait to make some more. Hint: I got some Riley Blake chevron AND some elephants. 

I'll have the tutorial up in a few days. Meanwhile, happy crafting! Thanks for stopping by!