Sew a Reversible Baby Bib with This Free Printable Pattern

Whether you have a new mom or know someone who is, a baby bib is a must-have item.  Bibs make great baby gifts for a newborn.

For our free baby bib pattern, we wanted the bib to be comfy for the newborn, so it's made with super-soft flannel. To help with absorbency, it has batting inside the layers of fabric. The nice thing about this bib is that it's reversible.

It is so much fun making things for the baby.  Whether for your baby or as a baby gift, a bib, burp cloth, crib sheet, diaper bag, and baby quilt are just a few of the DIY sewing projects you can create.  Many DIY baby accessories can be found on our DIY Things to Sew for Baby page, along with the lovely ideas for babies at the end of this article. 

Learn more about making an adorable newborn baby bib by watching our video, or keep reading this post for a DIY photo baby bib sewing tutorial with step-by-step instructions.

STEP by STEP Tutorial for making a baby bib:

STEP 1: the free PATTERN

The first thing you need to do to make this simple bib is download and print the free printable template baby bib pattern. You will find a link to the free PDF pattern after my signature at the end of this article.

After printing the pattern, cut it along the dotted line and add 2" to the length of the pattern piece.

STEP 2:  best FABRIC CHOICE

Flannel is an excellent choice for a baby bib. It is soft and comfy against the baby's skin and absorbent. Most fabric stores have a wonderful selection of colors and prints. Terry cloth would also make a cute bib.

Cotton fabric could be used, but it will not have the absorbency of flannel fabric.

STEP 3: CUT OUT THE BIB PIECES

Three pieces of fabric are used to make the bib: a front, a back, and a batting piece.

Cutting the fabric on the fold. Fold the fabric so the bib pattern piece fits, place the pattern fold line along the fold, and pin the pattern to the fabric with sewing pins.

Cut the fabric around the pattern with fabric scissors. Repeat this process for the other bib fabric piece and the batting piece.

To recap, you will have three pieces—the front, the back, and the batting, which is the inside of the bib. The batting helps to make the bib more absorbent.   

STEP 4: STACKING THE FABRIC PIECES

On a flat work surface, stack the bib pieces as follows:

• First Layer - Front bib piece, right side up.
• Second Layer - Back bib piece, wrong side up.
• Third Layer - Batting piece.

STEP 5: PINNING bib pieces

Pin around the bib to hold the three pieces together so they will not shift while sewing.

STEP 6: SEW THE BIB

Use the presser foot as a seam allowance guide.  Line up the edge of the presser foot with the edge of the bib.

Sew around the entire bib, leaving a 4” opening along one side. The opening will be used to turn the bib right-side out.

Stitch slowly around the neck of the bib and pivot around the curves by leaving the needle down in the fabric, lifting the presser foot, and turning the fabric.  

STEP 7: CLIP AND TURN bib right side out

With a scissor, clip the curves.  Be careful not to clip into the stitches.

To turn the bib right-side out, insert your hand into the opening and pull the fabric through the opening.

Use a pencil or other pointed object to help push the seams out and flat.

STEP 8: PRESS AND CLOSE OPENING

Press both sides of the bib with an iron so they lay nice and flat.

Tuck the opening raw edges inside as you press the bib. 

Pin the opening to hold the seam in place.

There are two different ways to close the 4” opening. The first method is to hand sew it closed using the ladder stitch, also known as the blind stitch. If you are unsure how to do the ladder stitch, click to watch our tutorial.

The second method for closing the opening would be to sew it closed as you edgestitch around the outside of the bib.  

STEP 9: EDGE STITCHING

Sew an edgestitch around the bib about 1/8" to 1/16" away from the edge.  This will give the baby bib a nice, finished, professional look.

STEP 10: ATTACHING THE VELCRO FASTENER to the baby bib

The last step is to attach the hook and loop tape (or Velcro) fastener by cutting a 1" piece.

An alternate option is to attach Kam Snaps instead of the hook-and-loop tape. Look below for instructions on this alternate option.

Sew one piece of hook and loop tape to one side of the bib and the second piece of tape to the other side of the bib.  Add the hook and loop tape where indicated on the pattern.

Sew around all sides of the hook and loop tape to ensure it's fully secure.

The photos below show the hook and loop tape attached to the bib.  Note that one piece is on the front and the other is on the back.

Alternate Option - Attach Kam Snaps

If preferred, Kam Snaps can be used on the baby bib.  Pick out two caps, a socket, and a stud.  The Kam snaps are installed in a similar orientation as the hook and loop tape.  One is facing up, and the other side is facing down.

Make a hole in the bib with an awl.

Install the Kam snaps with the snap pliers. If you are unsure how to install Kam Snaps, click the link to see our full tutorial.

If you make a mistake when installing the Kam snaps, see our tutorial on how to remove Kam snaps.  Notice the orientation of the Kam snaps in the photo below.

The bibs are complete! Below is a photo of two finished bib fronts.

The backs are just as cute, so that the bibs can be used either way.

These cute fabric bibs make a great baby shower gift.  Make several and wrap them together.  Or create a baby gift basket with these and some of our other projects linked below!

These bibs are a quick sewing project. They only take about an hour to make; even someone learning to sew can do them.

Since we don't have a baby as a model, here is a bib on a large stuffed animal.

Below is the back closure behind the head.

free baby sewing patterns

• Burp Cloths - Burp cloths are a must-have baby item. Learn how to make them with this DIY tutorial.
• Cross Stitch Pullover Bib
• Crib Quilt - DIY cute crib quilt tutorial.
• DIY Crinkle Tag Toy
• DIY Diaper Changing Pad
• Baby Bandana Bib Pattern - Stitch up your own baby bandana bibs in less than 30 minutes!