How to Sew a Basic Baby Bib for Beginners

If you’re a beginner sewist looking for a simple project, learning how to sew a basic baby bib is a great place to start. Whether you’re new to sewing or just want to make something practical, baby bibs are quick, easy, and super satisfying to make. Plus, they’re perfect for those adorable little ones in your life, whether for your own baby or as a thoughtful gift.

I still remember the first time I made a baby bib. I was so excited about the idea of creating something handmade, especially since they’re such a useful item for parents. I had no idea it would be as easy as it turned out to be! So, if you’re feeling a little intimidated, don’t worry—I’ve got your back.

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Materials You’ll Need

Before we get started, let’s make sure you have everything you need. For a basic baby bib, you’ll need:

• Cotton fabric (about 1/2 yard should be plenty)
• A piece of absorbent fabric for the back (flannel works great)
• Bias tape or fabric for the bib’s trim
• Snap fasteners (or velcro if you prefer)
• Sewing machine
• Scissors, pins, and measuring tape

You don’t need to break the bank on fabric. For your first bib, you can use scraps you already have around the house. It’s a fantastic project to use up leftover fabric. I remember using some leftover cotton from an old shirt I had—it turned out super cute!

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Cutting Your Fabric

Start by cutting out your fabric pieces. You’ll need two shapes for the front and back of the bib, plus a strip for the trim. A simple teardrop or rounded shape works perfectly for a baby bib, but you can get creative with the shape if you like. I’ve seen some people use a heart shape or even an animal outline!

Cut your fabric for the front of the bib from your cotton, and for the back, use a soft, absorbent fabric like flannel. I like to use flannel because it’s cozy and it absorbs drool like a champ. Trust me, it’ll be appreciated by the parents!

Assembling the Bib

Now comes the fun part—sewing! Start by placing your front fabric piece and back fabric piece right sides together. Pin them in place to keep everything nice and secure while you sew. Make sure you leave a small gap around the edges to allow for turning it inside out later.

Here’s a tip: Start sewing from the bottom of the bib, sewing all the way around and leaving a couple of inches open at the top. It’s easy to forget that step, and then you’ll be stuck trying to figure out how to turn your bib right-side-out!

Once you’ve sewn the fabric, turn the bib inside out through the opening. This is where you’ll see the magic happen as your bib starts to take shape. Make sure the corners are poked out nicely—use a pencil or a chopstick to do this if necessary.

Adding the Trim

Now let’s talk about the trim! You can either use pre-made bias tape or make your own. To make your own, simply cut strips of fabric about two inches wide and fold the edges in to create a neat finish. Sew the bias tape around the edges of the bib, ensuring you catch the fabric underneath as you go. This gives the bib a nice clean look and adds durability.

It’s always exciting when you see the final shape of the bib coming together. I remember getting so giddy when I added the bias tape to mine—it really made everything pop.

Adding the Fasteners

Next, it’s time to add the fasteners. You have a couple of options here: you can use snap fasteners or velcro, depending on your preference. I personally prefer snaps because they look a little more polished, but velcro is super easy to apply if you’re in a rush.

To apply the snaps, use a snap tool (or a hammer if you’re using those classic snap kits). Place the snaps on the neck area of the bib, making sure they’re spaced evenly apart. If you’re using velcro, simply sew a small strip on each side of the bib’s neck opening. I’ve used both and honestly, they both work just fine for a baby bib!

Final Touches

Now that your bib is all sewn up, it’s time for the final touches. Give it a good press with your iron to smooth out any creases. I love pressing my seams because it makes the whole project look so much more professional, even when it’s just a beginner’s project.

Once you’re done, step back and admire your work! You’ve just sewn your very first baby bib—how cool is that?

How to Sew a Basic Baby Bib for Beginners: A Simple Yet Rewarding Project

Whether you’re sewing your first bib or just need a quick, practical project, learning how to sew a basic baby bib is a perfect choice. Not only will you have a functional piece for any baby in your life, but you’ll also get that amazing sense of pride when you see your creation come to life.

I have to say, there’s something really rewarding about making a bib by hand. It’s a simple, useful item, but when you see how well it works, you can’t help but feel proud. And the best part? You can whip these up in no time and in any fabric you like—making them a perfect handmade gift. So go ahead, grab your materials and give it a try!