How to Sew a Terry Cloth Bib
Terry cloth is a thick, absorbent material that works great for making bibs. You can buy terry cloth at the fabric store, or save money by cutting up an old towel. Terry cloth bibs can be as simple or as decorative as you want. You can fasten the bib using hook and loop tape (commonly known by the brand name Velcro) or snaps, or by tying it with pieces of grosgrain ribbon.
Things You'll Need
- terry cloth
- matching thread
- measuring tape
- scissors
- straight pins
- sewing machine
- 1/2 inch wide grosgrain ribbon
- hook and loop tape or two small snaps (optional)
- hand sewing needle or hammer (optional)
Instructions
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Sew a Terry Cloth Bib
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1
Cut a piece of terry cloth about a half inch larger on each side than you want the finished bib. The bib can be rectangular, rounded or shaped like an animal face.
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2
Set your sewing machine to a zigzag stitch, if available.
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3
Fold each cut edge of the bib over about a half inch toward the back side. Zigzag stitch along each folded edge, so that the zigzag stitches overlap the cut edges. This will keep the terry cloth from raveling.
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4
Cut two pieces of grosgrain ribbon. For a bib that ties, cut the ribbons long enough to extend from just below the top of the bib and tie in a bow around the back of the neck. For a bib with snaps or hook and loop tape, cut the ribbons long enough to extend from just below the top of the bib to the back of the neck, overlapping one to two inches.
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5
Pin one end of ribbon to each back side of the bib, just below the top edge. Stitch the ends of the ribbons to the bib.
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6
To attach hook and loop tape to the bib (optional), cut one piece of hook tape and one piece of loop tape, each about one to two inches long. Pin the hook tape to the top side of the upper end of one ribbon. Pin the loop tape to the under side of the upper end of the other ribbon. Stitch around each piece of hook and loop tape using a zigzag stitch.
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7
To attach snaps to the bib (optional), place the bumpy sides (studs) of the snaps on the top side of the upper end of one ribbon. Place the indented sides (sockets) of the snaps on the under side of the upper end of the other ribbon, making sure to line them up with the studs. Sew on the snaps like buttons, or use a hammer to attach no-sew snaps.
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1
Tips & Warnings
The bib should be fairly snug around the neck in order to protect the clothing, yet not uncomfortably tight.
You can decorate the edge of the bib with a strip of contrasting bias tape, ribbon, rickrack or trim if you desire.
Use caution when working with scissors, pins and sewing machines.
