Fold n Go Travel Bib {TUTORIAL}

 Remember my post here about my Travel Bib?  Here's a little recap of the features:

Well, here' s the much anticipated tutorial. 
This tutorial is meant for personal use.

Please do not sell Fold N Go Bibs made from this tutorial.

Rounding up Materials & Making the Pattern

Materials:

Fabric: This bib does not require a lot of fabric so you probably have enough on hand.  The front, back, and pocket could each be cut from 11 x 14 squares (make sure they coordinate).

Bias tape: a few scraps will work because you only need a total of 4” (with an option of using another 9” for the pocket) **you could easily make your own by cutting a strip of coordinating fabric & either using a bias tape maker (I totally recommend buying one.  I have a cheapy from JoAnns.  It was like $5) or iron it in half length-wise and then iron each side in so it touches that center line. 

Snaps: 2 sets (you could probably make do with Velcro if you don’t have snaps)

Basic sewing notions & sewing machine

Make pattern-

        Go grab your favorite bib.  I love these Carter’s bibs that I have & they are what I used.  Fold it in half and trace just the top half on some sort of sturdy paper.  I used this paper bag type paper that I had lying around.  Freezer paper or butcher paper works well too.

2.    Using a straight edge of some kind, extend the “fold” line so that it is 8” long and the bottom edge needs to be 4 ¾” long. Then you’ll just have to join the bottom edge with the curved portion of the straps.  See pictures if this was too confusing (I’m a visual person). 

*word to the wise be careful not to mark on your bib like I did when making the pattern (haha)! Also, make sure to label the side that gets cut on the fold so you don’t forget.

3.    We are finished with the bib “body” Now let’s make the pocket. The pocket pattern piece is just a rectangle measuring 9 ½” by 5 ¾”.  At the top of the rectangle make a note that it needs to be cut on the fold.

Sewing the Bib

Cut out your pieces.  You need a front & back for the main bib and then the pocket.

      Reinforce the top of the pocket.  Sew a piece of bias tape across the top of the pocket but you could just topstitch across the top and I think it would be good enough! 

     Mark your pocket lines.  Fold the pocket piece in half and iron so that you have a line down the center.  Measure 2” out on either side of the center line and mark 2 vertical lines (these are for the 3 compartments).  The lines I made were hard to see so I marked them in red so you could see where they go.

Now pin the pocket piece to the back piece of the bib & sew down those 2 lines you drew. 

      At this point we are going to baste the little ‘wings’ in place before attaching the front.  Measure ½ way from the neck opening to the bottom of the bib (it should be 8”).  So, you will want to place the ‘wings’ 4” up on either side.  Make sure you center the ‘wings’ over that 4” mark (so ½ inch below & ½ inch above **see top picture above**). Oh, and pin the ‘wings’ facing in. Double check that they match up by folding the bib in half.  The ‘wings’ should lay on top of each other. If they are positioned correctly then go baste these on so they stay in place.  **I baste them to the front piece so I don’t have to deal with the pocket but you could baste to either and I think it’d turn out fine.

     Take the front piece and pin it, with right sides together, to the back piece.  Double pin about 2” above the pocket on one side then again another 2-3” above that.  These will indicate start and stop places since you will need to leave a 2-3” opening for turning it right-side out.

      Now it’s time to sew the bib together.  I use a 1/2” seam allowance.  Remember to start and stop where you double pinned!  You will need to be able to turn it back out.   **Remember to do a couple back stitches at the start & stop points to reinforce it.

     Once you’re done sewing, trim the edges & clip the corners & around the neck & straps.  I use pinking shears on those parts. Then turn it right-side out pushing out the corners.  Then iron it flat. **Do NOT trim anything by the opening where you did not sew because you want some fabric there to make it easier to sew shut.

     Topstitch around the outside about 1/8” making sure to close the opening.  **I learned the hard way that flannel does not want to cooperate when topstitching!  You’ll notice how wobbly my topstitching is- oh well this is just a learning experience!

     Add snaps to the neck straps & the little ‘wings’ and you’re done!  Go find an infant spoon & a travel pack of wet ones (or an infant wash cloth) to stick in the pockets! 

Please email me if any part of this was confusing and you need more information or help: bisforboy@yahoo.com

If you are not interested in making your own and would like me to make it for you please email me at

bisforboy(at)yahoo(dot)com.