How to Make Snap Bibs

Fabric remnants can be turned into a baby gift when you make bibs.

For a baby gift that is practical and gives you an opportunity to show off your sewing skills, a stack of handmade bibs works well. They don't use much fabric, so they can be a fabric stash-busting project. In addition, add a snap closure so parents don't have to fumble with tying a knot behind the neck of a squirmy little one. It's a suitable project for sewing beginners, but those with more sewing experience will find room to demonstrate their expertise.

Things You'll Need

• Craft paper
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Flannel
• Vinyl
• Bias binding tape, 1/4 inch wide
• Straight pins
• Thread
• Sewing machine
• Sewing needle
• Sew-on snaps
• Soap or chalk

Instructions

Preparing Your Bib Pattern

1. Draw your bib pattern on craft paper. The bib should be at least 10 inches long from the top of the neck straps to the bottom of the bib and at least 8 inches wide. Draw the neck opening at the center as a circle or oval at least 4 inches wide and 5 inches long.

2. Cut out the bib pattern with scissors.

3. Overlap the neck straps of the bib pattern so they cross enough to accommodate the snap.

4. Launder and press the flannel according to manufacturer's directions.

Sewing the Bib

1. Cut out one piece each of flannel and vinyl using the bib pattern as a guide.

2. Stack the flannel piece on top of the vinyl piece.

3. Envelop the cut edges of the pieces in bias binding all the way around the bib. Pin in place.

4. Sew a straight stitch all the way around the bib near the point where the edge of the bias binding meets the bib fabric.

5. Sew the snap stud -- the part that sticks up -- onto the end of one neck strap with a sewing needle. Avoid crossing over the stud with the thread.

6. Mark the tip of the stud with soap or chalk, and bring that end to the end of the other neck strap, touching the point where the straps will overlap.

7. Sew the snap socket to the point marked by the soap or chalk. Avoid crossing over the center of the socket with the thread.

Tips & Warnings

• Use a medium to heavy sewing machine needle to sew through all the layers, depending on the thickness of the flannel and vinyl.

• Mix and match flannel, vinyl and thread colors for bold effects.

• Don't get "no-sew" snaps unless you have the tools to apply them.