How to sew a simple reversible baby bib

Whether you have a new one of your own or know someone who has a baby, a baby bib is a must-have item.  Bibs make great gifts for a newborn.

For this baby bib project, we wanted the bib to be comfy for the newborn; so the bib is made with super soft flannel and to help with absorbancy it has batting inside the layers of fabric. And the nice thing about this bib is, it's reversible.

It is so much fun making things for baby.  Whether it is for your baby or as a baby gift, bibs, burp cloths, crib sheets, diaper bags, and baby quilts are just a few of the DIY projects you can create.  Try these DIY Things to Sew for Baby along with the lovely ideas for baby at the end of this article. 

Learn more about making a 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.

INSTRUCTIONS :

STEP 1: PATTERN

Download and print the free baby bib pattern.  Cut the pattern along the dotted line and add 2" in length to the pattern piece. 

STEP 2:  FABRIC CHOICE

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

STEP 3: CUT OUT THE BIB PIECES

To make the bib you will need three pieces of fabric - a front, a back, and a batting piece.  You will be cutting the fabric on the fold.  Fold the fabric so the pattern fits, place the pattern fold line along the fabric fold and pin the pattern to the fabric with sewing pins.   With fabric scissors, cut the fabric around the pattern.  Repeat this process for the other bib fabric piece and the batting piece.

To recap, you will have three pieces - the front of the bib, the back of the bib 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, put the fabric as follows:
Layer 1 - Front piece, right-side up.
Layer 2 - Back piece, right-side down.
Layer 3 - Batting piece. 

STEP 5: PINNING

Pin around the bib to hold the three pieces together.

STEP 6: SEW THE BIB

You'll be using the presser foot as a guide.  Line up the edge of the presser foot with the edge of the bib.  Sew around the entire bib but leave a 4” opening along one side.

The opening will be used to turn the bib right-side out.  Around the neck of the bib, you will have to go slow 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

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.

STEP 8: PRESS AND CLOSE OPENING

With an iron, press both sides of the bib so they lay nice and flat.

As you press the bib, tuck the opening edges inside to match the sides.  Pin them to hold them in place. 

To close the 4” opening there are two methods.  The first method would be to hand sew it closed using the ladder stitch which is also known as the blind stitch. If you are not sure how to did the ladder stitch, watch our ladder stitch tutorial.

The second method for closing the opening would be to close it when you edgestitch around the outside of the bib.  

STEP 9: EDGESTITCHING

Sew an edgestitch around the bib about 1/8" to 1/4" away from the edge.  This will give the baby bib a nice finished professional look.

STEP 10: ATTACHING THE VELCRO FASTENER

Now add the Velcro closure by cutting a 1" piece of velcro.  Sew one piece of Velcro to one side of the bib and the second piece of Velcro to the other side of the bib.  Add the Velcro where indicated on the pattern.

 The bib is complete!

These bibs are really, really fast and simple to make.  It only takes about an hour to make the bib and even someone learning to sew can make it.

We hope you enjoyed this video and will share it with your friends and relatives.

Happy Sewing!

THINGS TO MAKE FOR BABY

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