How to make a baby bib

1. Materials & tools

Materials (6–12 months)

• Outer fabric (cotton, double gauze) — about 25 × 30 cm (10 × 12 in)
• Backing (toweling or gauze, absorbent) — the same size
• 1 set of round hook-and-loop (about 2 cm / ¾ in), or 1 set of 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 baby's neck measurement, the bib width and its overall length. Presets cover newborn to 2 years. Measure the neck by running a tape loosely around its base.
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, and mark the fastener notches on the strap ends.
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, strap ends included, leaving a ~6 cm turning gap on the lower curve.

4-2. Clip and turn

1. Clip the neck curve and the inside corners where the straps meet the body, without cutting the stitches. Trim the allowance on the rounded strap ends.
2. Turn right side out through the gap and shape the strap ends and curves with a point turner.

4-3. Topstitch and add the fastener

1. Topstitch all around, closing the turning gap as you go.
2. At the notches, sew hook-and-loop (or a snap) to the front of the left strap and the back of the right strap. The strap ends overlap at the back of the neck.

5. Tips & variations

• Extra absorbent: use toweling or a layer of batting for the backing.
• Bandana style: a triangular version catches more drool.
• Hook-and-loop is safer: it lets go under a hard pull, so the bib comes off if a strap catches on something.