How to Make Machine Embroidery Bibs
A new mother can never have too many bibs, so personalized bibs make great gifts. Machine embroidery is a quick and easy way to customize a store-bought bib, but you can also easily make your own bibs to embroider. Whether you purchase a pattern, convert a hand towel, or make your own pattern, the process is essentially the same. With only basic sewing skills and a little imagination, the results are sure to be the hit of the baby shower!
Things You'll Need
- Fabric, 1/4 yard will make two bibs
- Embroidery design
- Bib pattern, template or 6-inch diameter bowl
- Bias tape (optional)
- Snap tool and snap (optional)
- Hook and loop tape (optional)
Instructions
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Turn and Topstitch
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1
Cut out two pieces of fabric in the shape of the bib. Many patterns and templates are available. You can also trace a bib you like (remember to leave room for seam allowances). To make your own pattern, start with a rectangle 12 inches by 9 inches. Round off the corners and place a bowl in the center of one of the short sides. Trace the bowl and cut around this shape for the neck.
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2
Hoop the fabric for the front of the bib along with the appropriate stabilizer and embroider your design. Remove the fabric from the hoop, snip the threads, and trim the stabilizer to within 1/2 inch of the stitches.
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3
Pin the bib front and back with right sides together. Start at the bottom of the bib and sew a 1/4-inch seam all the way around the bib, stopping about three inches from where you started.
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4
Clip the curves and turn the bib right-side-out. Press 1/4 inch to the inside along the opening and topstitch around the bib. Apply a snap or a piece of hook and loop tape to the pieces that go behind the neck.
Bias Tape Finish
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5
Cut out two pieces of fabric in the shape of the bib. Many patterns and templates are available. You can also trace a bib you like (there is no need to leave seam allowances). To make your own pattern, start with a square 9 inches by 9 inches. Place a bowl so that one half of the bowl overlaps one edge of the fabric. Trace and cut out the semi-circle for the neck. Round off the bottom corners of the square. Round off the top corners so that the two sides of the neck opening come to a point.
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6
Hoop the fabric for the front of the bib along with the appropriate stabilizer and embroider your design. Remove the fabric from the hoop, snip the threads, and trim the stabilizer to within 1/2 inch of the stitches.
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7
Pin the bib front and back with the wrong sides together.
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8
Apply bias tape to the neck curve.
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9
Leaving an eight-inch "tail" on each end, apply bias tape to the remainder of the bib. The "tails" can be tied behind the baby's neck.
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Tips & Warnings
Cotton fabrics are more absorbent than synthetic fabrics. Terry, flannel, diaper flannel, sweatshirt fleece, cotton interlock, and chenille make wonderful bibs.
Polyester fleece is water repellent so using fleece for the back of a bib protects clothing from wet spills. Vinyl-backed terry and PUL are also good choices for waterproofing.
Add lace, ruffles, rick-rack, or other embellishments to further personalize your bib.
Cotton fabrics tend to shrink, so be sure to pre-wash the fabric before cutting and sewing.
