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Baby Week: Shirt Bib

By 133 Comments

Let me introduce myself.
My name is Rebecca and I blog over at Better Life Bags… the blog.

When I’m not crafting, I also run a small business creating custom diaper bags, hand bags, and accessories called Better Life Bags.

I donate 10% of every purchase to low income entrepreneurs in developing countries – which is why we are called “Better Life Bags… making lives better one purse at a time!”

The fun part is that YOU get to pick your own fabrics for the bag you want!
I hope you’ll come check things out.

Anyway…Today I have a great tutorial for you to try out.
When my son was born, I had the biggest distaste for baby bibs. I hated how “babyish” they looked, yet I knew how functional they were for drool, food, etc…

 

So, I came up with an alternative. Bibs made out of upcycled shirts! So much better.

baby wearing orange plaid shirt bibBaby wearing graphic tee shirt bib

You can make these with either:
adult graphic tees

Shirt bib examples: green with dandelion, blue with recycle symbol, brown with "smooth like butta"

or toddler button down shirts
{You can use an adult men’s shirt, you just won’t be able to fit the cute pocket on the bib.}

Shirt bib examples: green plaid, red plaid, and red, yellow and green plaid

Shirt Bib Instructions:

1. First, download the bib pattern here and here.

Pattern and cut steps:

2. Then, cut out the pieces.

3. Next, trace the pieces backwards onto separate sheets of paper.

4. Cut out the second pattern pieces except leave a small tab on the side of the bib piece and the bottom of the strap piece (shown below).

5. Then, tape together your bib pattern piece.

6. Cut your t-shirt down the side seams and lay it open on the table.

Do the same if you’re using a toddler shirt. I usually look for 3T or 4T at the thrift store.

7. Place your pattern piece over the graphic you want to capture.
{You will have to fudge with the strap pieces. It seems that neck holes on adult tees are too big, so the strap ends up a little thinner than the pattern piece. This is upcycling after all!}

With the toddler shirt, be sure cut around the collar.
Also, cut at least 3/4″ above and below any buttons so you don’t have to worry about sewing over them to finish the bib later.

8. Now, cut your bib out.
{Just do your best to shape the straps}

9. Next, use your shirt as the pattern piece to cut out the back of your bib.
Lay your bib upside down on top of the fabric you choose for the bib back, pin, and cut. I use the super soft minky chenille you can find at fabric stores. SO SOFT!

Sewing Steps:

10. Keeping the right sides together of your two pieces, sew with a 1/4″ seam allowance all the way around. Leave a small opening on the side of the bib to turn it inside out.

11. Turn your bib inside out and press out the seams.
Fold the opening in and pin it shut.

12. Next, sew around the entire bib with a 1/4″ seam allowance.
This is where you need to be careful of buttons getting in the way.

13. Cut a small strip of velcro and place it on the shirt side of one strap.

14. Then, sew around the edges of the velcro.

15. Place the other half of the velcro on top of the one you just sewed.

16. Overlap your straps and peel off the second piece of velcro (keeping it in place on the second strap of the bib). Sew this piece of velcro on like you did the first.

17. You’re shirt bib is done!

These make such great baby gifts!
Please use this tutorial for personal use only. Do not sell these bibs.

Come visit me to find lots of tutorials like…

Comments

  23. I already follow your blog although I had missed this tutorial when posted there. The pattern downloads aren’t working here if you have a few seconds to check those out. Thanks for such a great tutorial.

    vburr at charter dot net

    Reply

  37. Very cute idea! I am a follower!

    I hope people listen to you and don’t sell them, but I’ve learned when you put the idea out there, you can’t control what others do with it!

    Reply

  40. I’m following both blogs and “like” both on facebook! I love this idea and can’t wait to try it.
    pengwynn007@yahoo

    Reply

  41. I just wanted to let you know, that I tweeted about this project! It’s a great one!

    Amber
    @lifelovegreen

    PS I can’t follow you on twitter since I can’t access it at work I’m posting via Hoot Deck.

    Reply

  53. Aw! Love your blog and all your fun stuff! Thanks for the chance to win.. We are getting certified to adopt! I have two boys and we’re becoming foster-to-adopt parents to add a baby girl to our family! LOVE the chance to add some pink into our lives!

    Reply

  72. I follow “Better Life Bags” Blog…such great stuff over there. Love that she donates 10% to help others in their business!
    leimomi24atgmaildotcom.

    Reply

  85. The bibs are adoraBLE! SUCH A CUTE IDEA FOR THOSE HOLEY, STAINED, super cute graphic tee. I am a follower and thanks for a very generous giveaway.

    Reply

  87. So glad I found your blog (via the blog Happy Together). I am excited to now be subscribed and can’t wait to see what you show us next! Just want to add that your children are adorable – I’m not sure where you find the time to do the blogs and tutorials AND be a great mom! And how do I know you are a great mom? Do you see the smiles on your children’s faces???!!!!

    Reply

  100. Just signed up for your email list and an following your Pinterest boards. Love love LOVE your site! You have convinced me that it is high time I get myself a sewing machine 🙂

    Reply

  109. Love your bibs! I’ve been making bibs and burp clothes for my grandson and friends. I really like the shape of your bib, how it curves in a little. Where is the link to download the pattern? I can’t find it.

    P.S. Your bags are gorgeous, I may try to make myself one.

    Reply

  113. You have no idea how happy this tutorial has made me. I am going to make bibs for my SIL’s new baby from her Dad’s plaid shirts. When he passed I asked for all of his shirts. I made a quilt for her 1st child and now for her second a stack of bib’s. Her Dad will be in spirit keeping her little guy clean! thank you

    Reply

  114. I love all your ideas. I am really amazed at all of your great ideas. They are both usable for home and as art ideas for school projects. Thank you so much for sharing.

    Reply

  116. Well my heart is doing the little pitter patter happy dance. Not only did I find your blog and a new way to make bibs but I find out you’re LDS. It’s great to be able to go on here and read the message. Thank you for putting it on here. So refreshing.

    Reply

  120. Such a cute idea! A friend of mine recycled few of her elder son’s tees this way and the new bibs for her younger son looked great. I should try too. Thank you for the tutorial!

    Reply

  122. going to make some this week. can’t find dressy bibs for nice church outfits. all the cutesy bibs just cover up the nice outfits and I wonder why I bother dressing him at all …lol.

    Reply

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