Free Bib Pattern for all Skill Levels!

Looking for an awesome Bib Pattern? Amber, from the Creative Team is sharing her EASY and REVERSIBLE bib pattern today! This pattern comes in both toddler and infant sizes. Amber does an awesome job explaining every step. Enjoy! -Linda

Bib Pattern: Easy and Reversible!

bib pattern



Hey everyone!  I hope you guys all enjoyed the pocket bib tutorial last month because I’m back with a new pattern today for you to try out!  Last time I showed you how to sew a laminated cotton bib with a pocket and today I’m going to show you how to sew a reversible bib.  The shape is still the same as the last pattern but I’ve added on a seam allowance so even if you downloaded the infant and toddler pocket bib patterns from last time you will want to download the new patterns as well!  

Bib Pattern Downloads

free bib pattern

Download Infant Reversible Bib Pattern Here

reversible bib pattern

Download Toddler Reversible Bib Pattern Here

Baby Bib Tutorial

Supplies:

  • (2) 18″x 11″ cuts of your favorite fabrics
  • (1) Snap Fastener (For this tutorial I used a size 15 which is 3/8″ or 9mm)
  • All Purpose Thread
  • Coordinating All Purpose Thread for Top Stitching

Prep Your Pattern and Fabric

First things first, you will want to pick out the fabrics you would like to use for this project.  When I sew infant bibs I tend to use a fun print on the front and then either an absorbent terry cloth or a super soft minky on the reverse side.  For my toddler bibs they aren’t usually as messy so I can get away with doubling up the fun with prints on both sides!  It is all up to you!

After you have downloaded the the pattern of your choice be sure to cut each piece out and tape together where it is noted on the pattern.  Then trace out your bib pattern onto your fabric and cut it out.  Place your face (front) sides together so the backside of your fabrics are what you see on the outside.  Because we are working on what is going to be the inside of the bib we need to leave a gap where we can turn the fabrics right side out.  I usually like to find the straightest stretch of my fabric staying far away from any curves and start there.  By having the opening on a straight edge it makes it is less noticeable when you top stitch the opening closed and makes a smoother seam.

bib tutorial

The pattern we are using has a 1/2″ seam allowance.  I have always hated trying to follow the measuring guides on my sewing machine so I actually adjust my  needle left so that the space between the needle and the edge of my presser foot is 1/2″ which is my seam allowance!  This will not work for everyone since not all sewing machines have a feature where you can slightly adjust your needle position but if yours does it is very helpful! 

easy bib pattern

Sew Your Seam

Once you shave sewn almost all the way around stop before you get to your starting point and make sure to backstitch.  For this pattern you can give yourself a 1-2″ gap.  This gap is where you will turn your fabric right side out.

bib tutorial

Trim and Clip Seam Allowance

Before you turn your fabric you will want to remove some of the excess bulk from around your seams.  By doing this your seams will be smooth and lay flat once you have turned your bib right side out.

If you have inner curves, like the neckline in this case, they should be cliped into the seam allowance at even intervals ending about 1/8″ from the stitching.  If your curve is shallow you can clip farther apart while if your curve is deeper you should make your clips closer together.

On this pattern we also have outer curves (mainly the bottom edges) that also need to be clipped.  To clip outer curved seams you will need to cut small “v” like shapes.  Again just like your inner curves they should end about 1/8″  from the stitching and should be clipped farther apart for shallow curves and closer together for deeper curves.

baby bib pattern

Turn Bib Right Side Out

Now its time to turn your bib right side out!  Remember that little gap at the bottom you left?  You want to reach inside and pinch one of the layers of fabric and pull it out through your opening.

how to make a bib

Don’t forget while you are pulling everything right side out that you can also reach in and push against your seams to get help them to lay flat.  Now your bib should be all closed up except for the one small opening.  Looking good so far right?

how to sew a bib

Iron

Now grab your iron to press out your seams.  I like to start in the middle of the bib and slowly push my way out toward the edges.  This will push the seams out so they are nice and flat.

diy baby bib

Topstitch

Once your bib is pressed its time to topstitch!  A topstitch is a stitch that is sewn parallel to the edge of your fabric.  Depending on your project a topstitch can either be decorative or functional.  In our case it is actually both.  We are functionally closing off the opening at the bottom we used to turn the bib right side out as well as stitching over top of our seam allowance so that the seams don’t “sink” back in when the bib is washed.  Our topstitch is also decorative because it gives your bib a nice polished look!

Set your machine stitch length to a slightly longer length than normal and try to find a nice coordinating color thread to blend in with your fabric.  I actually like to sew with a length slightly less than your longest length setting on your machine.  By doing this I’ve found you have more control over your fabric because the longer your stitch length the more the fabric has to move forward with each stitch.  Because the fabric moves very quickly while you sew it can tend to “jump” if your presser foot does not have the proper tension.  A stitch length that is too long can also make it hard to have smooth stitching around sharp corners.  Try practicing with different stitch lengths on a scrap piece of fabric before you topstitch to see what length you like the best!

baby craft

Apply A Snap Closure

Now all you have to do is apply a quick snap and you are done!  I used a standard size 15 snap fastner which is 3/8″ or 9mm for this bib but you can use whatever size you like best.  I bought a kit at my local fabric store that came with a easy attacher tool and two different sizes of snaps for about $6.  No matter what type of snap you end up deciding to use just make sure to read and follow the directions that are included.

easy bib pattern

With the tool that I have all you have do do is push the prong side of the snap through the fabric,then turn the fabric over and place the snap side overtop of the prongs that is sticking through the fabric.  After you have them in the proper position place them inside of the easy attacher tool, close the top to secure the snap and hammer the top of the tool.  Hammering will crimp the two pieces together to secure them.  I love this style of snap because they are quick, easy and don’t require any extra sewing.  There is a little bit of a learning curve to make sure you get everything aligned right so don’t get frustrated if you don’t get it right the first time.  Again make sure to refer to the directions included with the snaps you purchase!

how to add a snap

Once you finish the first side of the snap repeat the process for the second side.

easy bib tutorial

Then give them a good ‘ol snap to make sure they work okay.

reversible bib

And your done!!!  If you are new to sewing I know that this is a lot to take in but slow down and take your time.  You will be surprised to see that after you finish your first one the second one should be a breeze.  I’ve had so many babies to give gifts for lately that I can whip these bibs out in no time!  If you run into trouble or have any questions just feel free to leave a comment and I’m here to help!  Be sure to share photos of your finished bibs with us too, we want to see your all your hard work!

Don’t have time to sew?  Check out finished reversible and laminated bibs in my Etsy shop here!

Happy Crafting!

Amber

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Comments

  1. 1

    :) I love this bib so much!! What would be the softest material that would still work nicely?

    1. 1.1
      Christine

      I too am wondering what you used on the top. I’ve tried a cotton print, but it seems to make the bib stiff and not very absorbant so i doesn’t make it to the middle bamboo layer. What type of fabric did you use on the front side?

  2. 2
    Maureen Hughes

    A question about the reversible baby bib – when we cut the bib on the fold, the part where the snap is attached protrudes beyond the material so it is shorter than desired. This means it will be tighter round the baby’s neck or have I done something wrong in the cutting process? Thanks Maureen

  3. 3
    Diane

    I had the same problem as Maureen. I solved it by piecing the bib together, but that leaves it with a horizontal seam across the bib. I would love to know if there is another way to do it. Thanks, Diane

    1. 3.1

      You can line the edge of the top piece (where the snap goes) with the fold, and it makes your bib about a half inch wider. You can also make a bigger pattern by extending the bottom of the pattern that aligns with the fold, so that it is even with the top piece (with the snap.)

  4. 4

    Hi Crafters! I was just taking a look back and saw all of your comments. Yes it looks like the original pattern published was not the correct file. I am so sorry! Please feel free to download the newly updated pattern and you should be able to get sewing without any more hiccups!

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  7. 5
    Barbara

    Cute and easy to make

  8. 6
    Joana Luis

    hi ;)
    Can you please let me know where I can find the same Press Snap Fastener blue like yours?
    Many thanks
    Joana

  9. 7

    Sorry, but there is absolutely no way that this reverseable bib pattern for a toddler is going to fit around their neck, especially after the snap is attached. I printed it, cut it and am now looking for something else. My grandson is 13 months. This toddler pattern size is more suited to a 6 month old. Head up !

  10. 8

    I never expect that making a baby bib is just so easy. I have tried making some but I failed especially when it comes to putting a snap closure. It seems so hard to do. But then I was really amaze in how did you put it so perfectly. Thanks for this sewing tutorial, many aspiring baby bib maker will surely learn from this. Great
    job!

  11. 9

    To make this even easier, I would use velcro for the closure. As far as sizing, use these instructions and use a bib that fits for pattern alterations.

  12. 10
    Angela Jackson

    A very detailed and well explained bib tutorial. Kudos to you, great job!

  13. 11

    I finished the bib and now am concerned after reading other comments. This is a gift so I can measure the toddlers neck size. Will the next fit with this latest size pattern. Should I take it apart and increase the neck size. Thanks!

    1. 11.1

      oops, should have typed
      I CAN’T measure the toddler’s neck.

  14. 12
    Linda

    Hi, thanks for the bib patterns! I was realizing I had only one bib left for my grandkids came over. In two days I’ve made about 7 bibs! I made the infant and toddler for my daughter to take home using scrap fabrics I had hanging around. We put them to the test today, and they worked great! My daughter liked how they were wide and long. I used two pieces of regular fabric, and laid them on top of a square piece of cotton batting. After sewing around the bin, I cut the batting to the bib. I turned them right side out, and top stitched the bib. Thick and absorbent!

    Thank you again for sharing!

    1. 12.1

      Awesome! Thanks for the note! :)

  15. 14
    Laura

    Thank you so much!!! I’ve tried several patterns for baby bibs and yours is both the simplest and perfect in size. My first baby was a drool machine so I’m making as many of these as I can before #2 arrives. I really like the fact that the neck on the infant size fits a toddler, too. A couple snaps in different positions means 1 bib should last years.

  16. 15
    ANASTASIA

    HI LOVE YOUR BIB PATTERN

    CAN YOU PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF I CAN USE FABRIC ON THE FRONT AND FLEECE FOR THE
    BACK

    DO GET BACK AS SOON AS YOU CAN

    THANKS
    ANASTASIA

    1. 15.1

      Yes you can :)