Tutorial: Sleeved Toddler Bib

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If you're coming over from Inspire to Create at Sew Chic and Unique, welcome!  I'm excited to be a part of such a fun event!

I've literally been using the same three bibs for my kids since Wyatt was about 1.  He's now 3.  And Weston's now 1.  Everytime I look at those bibs, I can't believe that I'm still using them and feel guilty that I haven't gotten around to making some new ones.  The velcro doesn't stick very good anymore, and since Weston's favorite dinner-time activity is to rip the bib off and throw it on the floor (I know all you moms can feel my pain, right?), it's finally time for a change :).

I remember my mom making bibs out of hand towels for all the grandkids to wear, and I've tweaked that idea a bit to add "sleeves" and an optional pocket to the bibs.  They're easy, they're fast to make, and the best part is that they work!

So go and find yourself some hand towels, and let's get started!

Materials:
hand towel (the larger the better -- I found the white one pictured in these instructions at Ikea for a whopping 50 cents -- places like Ross and TJ Maxx are great too)
knit scraps (rib knit works best) - cut a 12"x3" piece

Instructions:

1. Using a bowl or other object approximately 5-6" in diameter, trace a circle in the middle of the towel, 6" from one end.  I know, white is not a smart choice for a bib, but I had the towel on hand (obviously shoved in my sewing stash), so I thought I'd use it as a tester :).

2. Place knit right sides together, matching short ends, and stitch in place using a 1/4" seam allowance.

3. Turn knit right side out and fold in half , matching raw edges.

4. Baste raw edges together.  This will be the collar.

5. Mark middle of collar by folding in half at seam.  Use these marks to evenly pin collar to circle, with the folded edge towards the outer edges of the bib.

6. Stitch collar to towel, keeping your stitch line just outside of your traced circle.

7. Carefully cut away inner circle of towel.  Note: If you have a serger, you can leave a little excess towel seam allowance.  If you do not have a serger, cut the towel seam allowance to match the collar seam allowance.

8. Finish inside collar seam allowance by serging raw edges or using a zig zag stitch.

9. To form sleeves, turn bib front toward bib back, folding at the mid-point of the collar.  Stitch lines approximately 1" long along side edge on each side of bib back to secure sleeve openings.

10. To form optional pocket, fold bottom edge of front side of bib upward approximately 3-4".  Stitch in place along edges of bib.  Note: As pictured, you may need to stitch 3/4" or so in from edge if the fabric along the edge is too thick to stitch through.

Make a few -- your kids will love not having a scratchy plastic bib on their necks.

...And you'll love the bib staying on your little ones :).

I'll be linking to some of these fabulous linky parties!