Hey y’all – we’re continuing Sewing for Babies month, and today I’m going to show you how to sew a drool bib. I’ve got a free baby bib pattern for you to use, and both written and video instructions. And there’s a secret trick I used on this project…
See the secret above? The back is laminated, to help keep the drool from soaking through to the baby! If you have a drooly baby like I did, that is KEY. For this bib I used Riley Blake Wiltshire Daisy cottons. The front is Wilshire Aqua Main and the back is Wiltshire Stripe Aqua.
To make the bib you’ll need the supplies listed below.
Note: If you want to save on fabric, use the same fabric for the front and the back. If you buy the fabric as listed, you’ll have enough for 2 bibs, each with 1 layer of flannel.
- 1/3 yard of front fabric
- 1/3 yard of back fabric
- 1/3 yard of flannel
- 1 inch of hook and loop tape or Velcro
- Iron on vinyl (affiliate link)
- The pattern, see below
How to Get the Pattern
The pattern will fit approximately newborn size through 6-9m. To get this pattern, click your preferred option from the buttons below as a newsletter subscriber or gallery access pass purchaser. Note that the free version of the pattern does not have printable instructions.
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Please note that all my free patterns are licensed for personal use only (no selling items made from this unless you purchase it) and by downloading you are agreeing to this license.
Important note on materials: I received a comment from Sew Can Do that I’d like to share here, “Thought it would be helpful to mention materials like iron-on vinyl or oilcloth shouldn’t be used on items like this that may go in a baby’s mouth. They are not CPSIA compliant (which means deemed free of leaching chemicals like phthalates or BPA), and that is required for items for children. Most laminated cottons have this certification, but vinyl does not. Many of Riley Blake’s other prints are available in laminated cotton though.” So buyer beware on this – you may want to substitute materials other than what I used.
Here’s the video tutorial below; if you prefer written instructions, you can scroll on by. If you want to watch this directly on YouTube, you can see it here.
Start by ironing on the vinyl to the back fabric according to the package directions. Then place the back fabric and front fabric right sides together. Place 1 or two pieces of flannel on top – it doesn’t matter which side is showing; the flannel layer(s) will end up inside the bib for absorbency.
Stitch around the bib, leaving about a 3 inch opening for turning as shown above. Clip the curves (see the video if you don’t know how to clip curves).
Turn the bib right side out. If you need help turning the straps, this is a handy tool (affiliate link). Press the bib from the front fabric side (don’t touch the iron to the vinyl).
Turn the raw edges from the hole in toward each other, then topstitch all around the bib to close the hole.
Sew the Velcro pieces on to the bib as shown below and you’re done!
Now put it on a teething cutie.
Anne
Great bib! Love the waterproof backing! I’ve got a Craft Gossip post that links to your free pattern here: http://sewing.craftgossip.com/free-pattern-baby-drool-bib/2015/04/14/ –Anne
Elizabeth Farr
Adorable model! That’s a great idea using the laminated back to keep baby dry.
Jamie Smith
downloaded this pattern to make baby shower gifts. I made a few “practice” ones and wasn’t sure that I was in love with the vinyl backing. I tried ironing the vinyl on the wrong of the backing of the bib. When I Turned it inside out the vinyl is on the inside and the bib is just as waterproof as if the vinyl were on the outside. Could even be reversible if the vinyl were in the middle of both layers of flannel. Might have to try that next time. Happy Sewing
yvette
Hi, I bought a large cotton towel on sale. Per metre very cheap compared with fabric shop. I use the toweling as a backer to the bib, well it can be a front, its a fully reversible design. The toweling soaks up lots of Bubba teething dribble. 🙂