8
Dec

Embellished Baby Bib ~ Pattern & Tutorial

Christmas sewing is in full swing here at The Cottage Home.  I’ve got a million and one projects on my to-do list and am slowly getting through them.  This will be my baby boy, Caspian Finn’s, first Christmas so I wanted to sew something for him.  Yes, I know he won’t know whether or not Mama sewed anything for him this year, but I want to make sure that everyone gets an equal amount of handmade gifts.

I picked up this woven trim somewhere…..not quite sure exactly.  I’m always on the hunt for unique items for embellishing. It’s been in my collection of trims for some time and now that I have a baby boy, I can finally use it!

I’m going to give you the basic bib pattern and a few instructions on constructing it, but the embellishing is up to you.  I know some people like to be given exact instructions for each project, but I want to inspire others to use their own creativity to come up with something beautifully and uniquely their own.  Use what you have, use what you love, but spend some time planning out your exact embellishments.  Think about using unique buttons, ribbons, trims, ric-rac, piping, embroidery floss, appliques, ect……

To print the baby bib pattern, click HERE.
Materials:
1/4-3/8 yard of two different fabrics (one for front and one for back)
Contrasting 4″ fabric for front
Unique trims and embellishments
Square of velcro
Double-sided fusible interfacing
Optional: Embroidery floss and hand-sewing embroidery needle
Basic sewing supplies
Baby bib pattern (print HERE)
Instructions:
Print out the baby bib pattern.  Tape together both pattern pieces connecting at the black dots.  Cut out pattern.  Place pattern piece on the fold of fabric and cut out the front and the back of your bib.  For the front I used linen fabric because I like the difference in the texture and for the back I used 100% cotton.
If you would like to add a contrasting strip of fabric to the front of the bib, apply with double-sided fusible interfacing.  Apply according to package directions.  My fabric strip was 4″ x the width of the bib.  Next add and embellish the front of the bib however you choose.  Get creative!
Once you have embellished the front of the bib.  Place the bib front and bib back with the right sides together and pin.
Stitch all the way around using a 1/2″ seam allowance, leaving a 3″ opening for turning right side out.
Notch the outer curves to remove any bulk and to help the curves of the bib lay flat.
Clip the inner curves, again, to help the curves of the bib lay flat when you turn and press.
Turn the bib right side out by pulling through the 3″ opening on the side.  Work the curves out and press.  Press the 3″ opening in line with the rest of the bib.  Edgestitch around the bib with a 1/8″ seam allowance ~ when doing this you will catch the 3″ opening and the edgestitching will close it.
Sew a square piece of velcro to the back of the bib.  You could also use a snap if you would prefer.  Either way works.
I embroidered my baby boy’s name on the front of his bib.  I just wrote his name in a water-soluble fabric pen and stitched over it.  I’m hoping this is something he will be able to have for a long time.  That little train trim is just too cute.  I’ve got an idea for some pants that might utilize that cuteness as well.
I have so many ideas for more bibs for this little guy.  If I were doing this for a girl, I’m thinking some ric-rac around the border, some fabric yo-yo’s and vintage buttons.  SO many options!
Do you think you might try your hand at embellishing a baby bib?  If so, I’d love you to add a picture to The Cottage Home Flickr Group.  It’s always a thrill for me to see your creations!

You may also like these:

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11 Comments

  1. Tubarozadesign says
    December 8, 2011 at 9:45 AM

    Such a lovely idea. Thanks for sharing! I will use the template and make it for a friend as a present for christmas.:O)))

  2. Suzie H says
    December 8, 2011 at 11:10 AM

    Oh my! That is, by far, the cutest little boy bib I have seen! Thank you for sharing this!

  3. Elizabeth says
    December 8, 2011 at 11:46 AM

    Beautiful bib! So special. Thank you (as always) for sharing your projects!

  4. luvinthemommyhood says
    December 8, 2011 at 1:52 PM

    Love this! Pinned 🙂

    P.s. Come check out the blog today 😛

  5. Katy Cameron says
    December 8, 2011 at 3:42 PM

    Aww, very cute, he’ll look great on Christmas day :o)

  6. The Sewing Dork says
    December 8, 2011 at 10:53 PM

    This is such an heirloom quality bib! You’re so talented.

  7. VickiT says
    December 9, 2011 at 11:28 PM

    Oh wow. You did such an amazing job on that bib. It is just beautiful.

  8. Mary says
    January 1, 2012 at 5:00 PM

    Beautiful bib… Your work is always inspiring. Tell me about the linen you used…. I’m looking to buy a bolt of this type/color to have on hand for all sorts of projects. Is it a Robert Kaufman or other?

  9. ednartesa says
    January 31, 2012 at 12:44 PM

    Beautiful!!!Love this!

  10. Anonymous says
    February 21, 2012 at 9:02 PM

    very, very nice. My best friend’s daughter had a baby boy today, and this will make a lovely gift. I don’t have any of that cute train trim, but I’m sure I have something that would work. Thanks for sharing this! Linda L.

  11. Holly Careless says
    September 26, 2012 at 2:16 PM

    Love this!! I followed your tutorial and created a bib for a little baby girl I know. The bib is all wrapped up now and in the post as a little gift. I did a little blog about it. I may even make another one for christmas !! 😀