Looking for a quick and adorable sewing project? In this step-by-step tutorial, I’ll show you how to sew an easy baby bib that’s perfect for beginners. Whether you’re making a thoughtful handmade baby shower gift or just want a cute, functional bib for your little one, this DIY project is fast, fun, and beginner-friendly.
And the best part? I’m including a free baby bib pattern so you can get started right away!
As a new mom, I struggled to find store-bought bibs that were large enough to fully protect my baby’s clothes and absorbent enough to keep messes at bay. That’s when I decided to take matters into my own hands and sew my own! I’ve used this very pattern for my own babies and every baby I’ve needed a gift for over the years. These bibs are incredibly soft, super practical, and perfect for personalizing with your own special touch!
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Let’s get sewing!
Materials You’ll Need to Sew a Baby Bib
Before we dive in, let’s gather everything you’ll need for this project. Don’t worry—it’s a simple list with easy-to-find supplies!
- Quilting cotton: I like choosing cute patterns for the front of the bib.
- Flannel: This soft, absorbent layer goes in the middle to help keep messes from soaking through.
- Minky: I love using minky for the back of my bibs because it’s super soft, but cotton chenille or terry cloth work great too!
- Baby bib pattern: Download yours below!
- Thread: Use thread that either matches or contrasts with your fabric to achieve the look you want.
- Sewing machine
- Scissors
- Pins
- Fabric marker or chalk pencil
- Snaps or Velcro: I prefer snaps, but Velcro works well too.
- Iron and ironing board
- Chopstick or similar tool: Handy for gently poking out corners and shaping the bib after turning it right side out.
Get Your Free Baby Bib Pattern (PDF Download)
Ready to get started? Click the link to download your free printable baby bib pattern!
Printing Tips:
- Make sure your printer settings are set to 100% scale or “actual size” to ensure the pattern prints at the correct dimensions.
- The pattern prints on standard letter-sized (8.5” x 11”) paper—no special paper needed.
- Once printed, cut out the pattern pieces and tape them together along the dotted lines.
Bonus tip: I glued my pattern onto stiff cardstock to make it more durable—especially since I’ve used it a lot! Totally optional, but super handy.
Step-by-Step Sewing Tutorial: How to Sew a Baby Bib
Step 1: Prepare Your Fabric
Start by washing and drying your fabrics to prevent uneven shrinking. Different fabrics shrink at different rates, and if you wait until after sewing, your bib might not lay flat or look quite right—so don’t skip this step!
Once everything is dry, press your cotton and flannel with an iron to remove wrinkles and make cutting easier. Skip the minky! It’s heat-sensitive and can melt or lose its texture if ironed.
Step 2: Trace the Pattern on the Flannel
Place your bib pattern on top of the flannel and trace around it with a fabric marker or chalk pencil.
Step 3: Put the Layers Together
Now it’s time to make your fabric “sandwich”! Layer your fabric pieces in this order:
- Bottom layer: Minky, with the soft (fuzzy) side facing up
- Middle layer: Quilting cotton, right side (printed side) facing down
- Top layer: Flannel, with the drawn outline of the pattern facing up
Carefully pin the layers together near the traced lines to prevent them from shifting while you sew.
Step 4: Sew On the Lines
Sew directly on the lines you just traced. Start on one of the straight edges to make it easier to turn the bib right side out later.
- Backstitch at the beginning to secure your stitches.
- Sew all the way around the outline, following the curves slowly.
- Leave a 3 inch gap along one straight side—this is where you’ll turn the bib right side out.
- Backstitch again at the end to lock your stitches in place.
Take your time on the curves—go slowly and lift the presser foot to pivot if needed for smoother turns.
Step 5: Cut Out the Bib and Clip the Corners
Carefully cut out your bib, leaving about ¼ inch of seam allowance outside the stitching line. Around the opening, leave a little extra seam allowance—this will make it easier to fold in and stitch closed later. I’ve definitely trimmed too close before and had a hard time closing the gap neatly when topstitching!
Next, trim the corners and clip the curves in 1/4-inch segments, focusing especially around the neckline and any curved edges. This step might feel a bit tedious, but it really pays off! Clipping allows your finished bib to lay flat and gives it a crisp, professional finish. I like using snippers here because they make the job much faster and easier.
Tip: Be careful not to cut through your stitching—just snip up close to the seam.
Step 6: Turn the Bib Right Side Out
Carefully turn the bib right side out by pulling it through the opening you left.
Use a blunt tool (like a chopstick) to gently push out the corners and shape the edges. This helps keep the edges crisp and clean.
Fold the raw edges of the opening inward so they’re neatly tucked inside. I like to pin this in place to help the fabric hold its shape during the next step.
Step 7: Topstitch Around the Bib
Topstitch about ¼ inch from the edge all the way around the bib—including over the opening you used for turning. This step will close the opening and give your bib a neat, finished look.
Take your time sewing around the curves. Go slow, and pivot the fabric gently as needed to keep your stitches smooth and even.
Next, gently press the front of the bib flat with an iron.
Step 8: Add the Closure
You’re almost done—just one final touch!
I prefer to use plastic snaps because they’re durable, easy to install, and don’t wear out over time like Velcro can. Plus, they won’t snag on hair or clothing, which is a big bonus!
I use a snap set like this one—it comes in tons of fun colors, so you can match or contrast with your bib fabric for an extra-cute finish.
Prefer Velcro? That works too! Just sew a small square onto each end of the bib tabs and you’re good to go.
Use the snap placement marked on the pattern as a guide for positioning your snaps.
How to Wash and Care for DIY Baby Bibs (Easy Cleaning Tips)
To keep your handmade baby bibs looking great and feeling soft, follow these simple care tips:
- Machine Wash: Use a gentle cycle with cold or warm water to protect the fabric and colors.
- Mild Detergent: Choose a baby-friendly, fragrance-free detergent to avoid irritation.
- Avoid Fabric Softeners: They can reduce the bib’s absorbency, so skip them for best results.
- Air Dry or Tumble Dry Low: Air drying helps maintain softness and shape, but if you’re in a hurry, tumble dry on low heat.
- Spot Clean Stains Early: For tough messes, spot clean as soon as you can to prevent stains from setting.
With just a little TLC, your handmade bibs will stay soft, absorbent, and ready to catch all the dribbles and spills ahead!
You’re Ready to Sew with Your Free Baby Bib Pattern!
Now that you’ve followed this tutorial and downloaded your free baby bib pattern, you’re ready to make a stack of adorable bibs! Whether you’re sewing for your little one or making a heartfelt handmade gift, these bibs are sure to be a hit.
Who will you make your baby bib for? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below!
Happy sewing!
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