Steps:- Draw and cut out a paper template -- it's easy to freehand, or you can use an existing bib as a guide. We'll show two different styles.
- Place the paper template on oilcloth and cut out the pattern with regular scissors. (Oilcloth is great because when you cut it, you don't get frayed edges. It's really durable.)
- Next, you'll need this bias tape, which is available in sewing stores (usually near the thread) and comes in a variety of widths and colors.
- Place bias tape along the edges of the oilcloth, starting with the neck edge.
Tip: Binding can be hard to work with because it can be very narrow. What I've found to help is a special double-sided tape that is specifically made for sewing and can be found at sewing stores. The stickiness from the tape will not hurt your needle or machine. Place the tape close to the edge and place the bias on top to hold it in place. The tape will eventually dissolve when you rinse the bib.
- When you're sewing with oilcloth, use a larger needle, about a #16, and large stitches, about 3". When sewing around the curves, just take your time and go slowly (you may want to shorten your stitches around the corners). You'll get the hang of it in no time
- After sewing the bias on around the neck, you'll want to sew the bias around the entire outer edge of the bib. Make sure you leave a long tail of bias tape that will be used to tie the bib around the baby's neck.
For the second, larger bib pattern, you'll want to proceed as with the first, but before stitching the outside edge, add a pocket to catch any falling food.
- Use a contrasting piece of oilcloth (o, if you prefer, I've found a heavy transparent vinyl that comes in many colors at the sewing store). Decide how deep you want the pocket to be and cut a piece to fit the lower section of the bib.
- Sew a bias strip along the top edge of the pocket.
- Lay the piece on top of the bib. If you want to make two compartments in the pocket, sew a straight line up the middle. Regardless of how you want the pocket to be, the next step is to simply sandwich the bias strip between the pocket edge and the bib. Sew along the edge.
Once you start making these bibs, you have a hard time stopping! I've found that each one gets easier and faster to make. Just remember, if you have trouble keeping the bias tape along the edge, use that special double-sided sewing tape. Your baby will look adorable wearing her new bibs!
