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How to Make Baby Bibs From Hand Towels
This simple DIY baby bib has a secret...it's actually an upcycled towel! Learn how to make your own here!

If you're tired of buying cheap bibs that easily fall apart, then you'll love this tutorial: How to Make Baby Bibs From Hand Towels. Created by blogger Ann Strecko Koeman, this easy step-by-step tutorial will show you how to design a baby bib that's designed for heavy-duty wear and tear.
Learn how you can transform some dollar-store dish or hand towels into budget-friendly DIY bibs that are sure to be a hit at baby showers. Design the perfect bib for your new grandbaby with this free sewing tutorial.
You can find more of Ann's fantastic craft projects on her blog, AnnMakes! Here's Ann...
"Keeping your kids’ cute outfits clean during special occasions can be a challenge. I don’t know about you, but I have found that commercial bibs don’t provide full mess coverage, especially at the shoulders and around the neck.
After years and years of post-holiday laundry sessions, I decided that enough was enough, and I went to the department store to purchase some soft and inexpensive hand towels.
I got to work and invented a baby bib pattern of my own, one that would be big enough to catch any mess my little ones could throw at them. I had less clothing to wash plus a pile of bibs that could just be thrown in with the rest of my dirty towels.
Here is my baby bib tutorial! I hope they help you as much as they helped me!"
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Step 1. Size Up Your Towel
If necessary, cut the towel in half. Hand towels are sold in varying sizes, and the one in this example measures 15” by 24”, so I cut it in half. I sewed over the cut edge to keep it from unraveling.

Looking for more great sewing projects for your grandbaby? Don't miss our collection of DIY onesie tutorials!
>> 18 Baby Onesie Sewing Patterns That are the Cutest Ever
Step 2: Cut a Hole for the Head
Trace a circle between 5 and 6 inches in diameter near the upper edge of the towel, leaving enough towel to drape over the baby’s shoulders.

Step 3: Form the Neck of the Bib
Cut a piece of ribbing or very stretchy knit at 3” by 18” (approximately). Sew the ends together to form a tube. I recommend using a zigzag stitch or an overlock edge to enable stretching.

Step 4: Put a Ring on It
Fold the tube in half along the longest edge to create a ring that is about 1 1/2”.

If you have an upcoming baby shower, find the perfect gift idea by downloading our free eBook!
>> Sewing for Baby: 11 Small Sewing Projects for Your Little One Free eBook
Step 5: Bring It All Together
Using pins, attach the ring of ribbing to the opening of the towel. Try to keep the seam in the back. Secure temporarily with the pins stretching slightly as you pin.

Step 6: Serge the Neckline
Sew the neck ring again with a zigzag stitch on the sewing machine or with a serger.

Step 7: Secure the Ribbing and Finish
Topstitch 1/8” from ribbing on the towel side. This will secure the ribbing and keep it from rolling out.
And there you have it! A bib perfect for your next baby shower!


Find some of our favorite baby sewing patterns in our reader-favorite list of sewing projects that you'll adore!
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About the Author:
This guide was written by Ann Strecko Koeman, the creative mind behind the craft blog, AnnMakes. Visit her site for more amazing content!
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upnseams
Sep 25, 2017
I am into 18" doll clothes right now and handbags. Love these two new things.

tlazolteatl 853295 5
Sep 18, 2017
I have been using this pattern for years. Sometimes I open the neckline at the back and use snaps or the hook and loop closures for more versatility.

Princess Carolyn
Sep 14, 2017
How sweet! I have a friend who's about to have her first baby. I'm sure she'd appreciate a handmade gift like this.

bambakes7
Sep 12, 2017
This looks easy enough for me (an inexperienced sewer) to manage. A homemade baby bib would be the perfect gift for a baby shower!

jadoredior
Sep 06, 2017
This is so budget-friendly. Those cheap plastic bibs from Walmart can tear so easily, so it's nice to have something durable around. Thanks for the straight-forward instructions!!
JMc
Sep 03, 2017
I love to make baby bibs, and this is a fun one I'll have to try- thanks! I'm also addicted to making zipper bags of all shapes and sizes! )
necolharness 08890 83
Sep 03, 2017
Right now my favorite project is one for someone else or for charity. I've made 6 t-shirt quilts and a door hanging. I'm working on 2 more quilts and a scarf right now.

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