How to Make a Decoration for a Baby Bib

A decorative surface enhances a plain bib.

Bibs are infant and toddler staples that are in constant use around a busy household, making them ideal gifts for a baby shower. Customized bibs are a way to create a personalized touch, but are often overpriced for a gift that's made to get dirty. Creating your own decorations for a solid-colored bib can complement a nursery theme, gender or baby name. Purchase a bib with a decorative border to add a finishing touch for a keepsake gift for an expecting mother.

Things You'll Need

• Iron-on image
• Pillowcase
• Clothes iron
• Scissors
• Plain bib
• Stencil
• Foam paint brush
• Permanent fabric paint

Instructions

Iron-On Designs

1. Select an iron-on image from your local craft store. Alternatively, you can find an image from your computer and print it onto transfer paper.

2. Lay a pillowcase on a surface that is waist high, making sure to avoid heat sensitive surfaces such as ironing boards. Use an iron, without steam, to remove any wrinkles, and place the bib on the pillowcase.

3. Cut out the transfer design, leaving a small, even border of blank space around the edge, and place the image face-down on the bib. Turn the iron onto the highest setting, making sure the steam is still off.

4. Hold the iron with two hands and press down with all of your weight. Iron over the image from left to right for about 20 seconds. Focus on the edges and make sure to use as much pressure as possible. Repeat the process going from the top to bottom for 20 seconds. Remove the bib from the ironing surface and allow it to cool for at least two minutes.

Stencils

1. Lay the stencil flat onto the bib and tape the edges to keep the image from moving as you paint. Make sure the tape is not near the stencil holes, which will distort the image.

2. Dab a small amount of paint over the entire surface with the foam brush to make sure you don't use too much paint, which will bleed. Make several passes using small amounts of paint until the design is completely covered.

3. Allow the image to dry. Remove the stencil and the tape. Iron the front without steam to set the paint. If you used puffy paint, iron the back as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose a stencil in the theme of the nursery or baby shower theme. Alternatively, choose a single letter as a monogram.

• Select stencils that aren't gender specific such as animals and paint the image with neutral colors.

References

• Avery: Light Fabric Transfer Instructions
• Martha Stewart: Potato Print Baby Clothes