How to make a baby bib

1. Materials & tools

Materials (one bib)

• Outer fabric (cotton, double gauze) — about 25 × 30 cm (10 × 12 in)
• Backing (towelling or gauze, absorbent) — the same size
• 1 set of snaps (e.g. plastic snaps)

Tools

• Sewing machine (or needle and thread)
• Fabric marker or pencil
• Ruler and scissors
• Iron
• Pins or clips

2. Make the pattern (auto-generated in Katagami)

With the Katagami pattern tool, you just enter the finished size and it drafts a seam-allowance-included pattern, tiled to print at actual size on Letter or A4.

1. Open the tool
   Open the pattern tool and choose “Baby” → “Baby bib” from the tabs at the top.
2. Enter the size
   Enter the neckline width and depth, and the bib size by age. Add a snap to close.
3. Set the seam allowance
   Use the slider at the bottom (beginners: 1.0–1.5 cm / about 3/8–5/8 in).
4. Print
   Press “Print (actual size)”, then in the print dialog set Scale = 100% and turn “Fit to page” OFF. Check the 50 mm calibration box on the first guide sheet with a ruler.

3. Cutting the fabric

1. Trace the pattern
   Trace the cut line and seam line onto the wrong side; align the grain.
2. Cut 2
   Cut one outer and one backing. Trace the neck curve accurately.
3. Finish the edges
   Zigzag the edges if the fabric frays.

4. Sewing

4-1. Sew around

1. Place the outer and backing right sides together.
2. Sew all the way around, leaving a ~5 cm turning gap.

4-2. Clip and turn

1. Clip the neck curve and corners (without cutting the stitches) so they turn smoothly.
2. Turn right side out through the gap and shape the curves with a point turner.

4-3. Topstitch and add the snap

1. Topstitch all around, closing the turning gap as you go.
2. Attach the two halves of the snap at the neck points (near the top corners).

5. Tips & variations

• Extra absorbent: use towelling or a layer of batting for the backing.
• Bandana style: a triangular version catches more drool.
• Great gift: make a few in coordinating prints.