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.
So, I came up with an alternative. Bibs made out of upcycled shirts! So much better.
You can make these with either:
adult graphic tees
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 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.
These make such great baby gifts!
Please use this tutorial for personal use only. Do not sell these bibs.
I now follow your blog…great stuff!!
I “like” a little tipsy on fb now as well!
I follow you blog, thanks!
I already follow “a little tipsy” blog (and have for a long time) 🙂
i “like” a little tipsy on FACEBOOK!
LOVE this bib idea!!! Thank you–I will be adding this my must make list!
I follow your blog. Very cute.
I follow a little tipsy
I like a little tipsy on facebook
I am now a follower of your blog too!
I like a little tipsy on facebook.
I follow your blog! I love your stuff!
ky.jackson@gmail.com
I follow A Little Tipsy.
ky.jackson@gmail.com
I already follow A Little Tipsy.
tiffisbill21@yahoo.com
I already like A Little Tipsy on FB..
tiffisbill21@yahoo.com
I am now following your blog.
I love this tutorial and can’t wait to make a few of these! I hate how most bibs look and won’t use them unless I absolutely have to. These are fun and stylish!
tiffisbill21@yahoo.com
I follow your blog and love the craft ideas!
I follow ur blog~ PS SOOO many cute things!
marknikithomas@yahoo.com
I follow your blog… I love all the tutorials and can’t wait to have a little time to start making all of the projects on my to-do list!!
Follow the blog 🙂 Love fabric number 9
I now follow your blog. Very cool. Thanks!
susansisney@hotmail.com
I’m already A Little Tipsy follower, thanks!
susansisney@hotmail.com
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
I follow your blog! I love all the fabric! Those cute bibs would be great for my little boy!
elizabethharrison07@gmail.com
I’m a follower of A Little Tipsy!
elizabethharrison07@gmail.com
I like A Little Tipsy on Facebook!
elizabethharrison07@gmail.com
Adorable! I love this idea.
I want to make those bibs! So cute but the links are not working. Help!
I am a follower of the blog!
I have been looking for cute bib ideas for baby #3 but the links for the pattern are not working – Please help! Thanks!
ladybug486@gmail.com
I now follow better life bags. Cute stuff!
I’m a new follower! I love it when I can follow another fun blog!
I am already a follower of A Little Tipsy. Thanks for the opportunity to win such cute stuff!
I also already “like” A Little Tipsy on facebook. I’m crossing my fingers! 🙂
What a great twist to making bibs, I love love love it. Thanks for sharing. I’m now a follower of your blog.
Love the upcycled bibs! Thanks for sharing. I’m now a Better Life Bags follower.
I’m also A Little Tipsy follower now, too!
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!
I’m a new follower! Yay, I can’t wait to try these bibs for newest little guy…
Yup, already a follower of A Little Tipsy because it’s just too much fun!
I’m following both blogs and “like” both on facebook! I love this idea and can’t wait to try it.
pengwynn007@yahoo
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.
You are so creative! I now follow your blog!
-ameliaahn@gmail.com
I like a little tipsy on facebook.
justenoughstyle.blogspot.com
I’m a follower of her blog.
justenoughstyle.blogspot.com
Became follower of your other blog.
heidikittelson at gmail dot com
Follower of a Little Tipsy.
heidikittelson at gmail dot com
Hi – I’m now following your blog – so cute!!!
Thanks for such a cute idea!
Definitely going to follow you! Great tutorials on your blog.
i now follow your blog… dont let the name or picture confuse you thouh…its under my husbands name 🙂
I’m now a follower!
I follow A Little Tipsy!
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!
I’m a follower of Better Life Bags!
I’m totally a follower of Better Life Bags! I think it’s such an adorable way to contribute to a better world community!!!
Love your blog and the adorable bibs!
I now follow Better Life Bags….the blog.
those are the cutest bibs! I can’t even get the bobbin in correctly to even start to try to sew even a napkin. But still cute
I follow a little tipsy
henckelhouse@yahoo.com
I like a little tipsy on facebook
I’m a follower of A Little Tipsy!
I like A Little Tipsy on facebook!
I now follow your blog 🙂
I follow A Little Tipsy too!
I follow your blog!! I love this bib idea. Now I know what to do with all my old t-shirts.
I also follow A Little Tipsy!
Thanks for the chance to win!! Love this tute so much, I can’t wait to make these! I’m a subscriber also.
Desi
I am now a follower of your blog… very awesome that you support other people trying to make a living!
sis_celiadawn at yahoo dot com
I am also a follower of A Little Tipsy.
I follow your better life bags blog!
I also follow a little tipsy now. Both really fun and great blogs!
I am a new follower of your blog!
veniceangel@hotmail.com
I follow “Better Life Bags” Blog…such great stuff over there. Love that she donates 10% to help others in their business!
leimomi24atgmaildotcom.
I follow your blog already!
leimomi24atgmaildotcom
I “Like” A Little Tipsy on Facebook.
leimomi24atgmaildotcom.
“Liked” a Little Tipsy on FB
I “liked” Better Life Bags on FB! Such cute stuff! Can’t wait to make some of it!! The button down bibs are super adorable!!
I follow BLB blog!
I follow your blog.
I “like” you on Facebook.
Now I follow BOTH blogs! Also, I “like” A Little Tipsy on FB. Cute, cute, cute idea!
I like Little Tipsy on Facebook.
I Follow A Little Tipsy.
I “like”ed A little Tipsy!
Now following Better Life Blog!
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.
Seriously, so very clever! Love these bibs. Found you via The Fabulous Pinterest.
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???!!!!
Love your blog and tutorials!
Love the blog
I want to make those bibs! So cute but the links are not working. Help!
Thanks for post.
Bibs
These are so adorable. What a great idea. I’ll have to rifle through the closet looking for some shirts that will make great baby gifts.
Love it! I posted a link to this on my blog…thru my pinterest board.
Thanks!
Jennifer @ The Craft Barn
I am following you and I love the bibs
Thanks for the tutorial. Going to make some for my little guy!
I am now a follower! Love your ideas!!
I am now a follower and am looking forward to following you and seing all you creat.
Hi, thank you for sharing. Such a great tutorial! I posted your tutorial on my blog with a link back to your blog, hope it’s ok http://makeitandwearit.blogspot.com.au/2012/04/bib-for-your-baby.html
Please write me if there is a problem makeandwear@gmail.com.
Hello! I am now following your blog! I love your ideas, thank you so much for sharing. I have posted my recent work based on your bib tutorial 😉
This is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO cute!!!! love the buttons and pocket on the orange plaid!
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 🙂
I am now a follower of your blog! Love the bib idea!!!
Just started following your blog. So excited! Love all the great ideas.
Tgnz1@yahoo.com
I vsited your blog and become a follower!
I “like” A Little Tipsy on Facebook.
I follow a little tipsy on Pintrest!
I’m now a “A little tipsy” follower and liked in on Facebook!!!
I liked “A Little Tipsy” on Facebook! 🙂
Love the tutorial and so happy to have found both these blogs 🙂 Can’t wait to see more!
tristanjewel@yahoo.com
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.
I just started following your blog. I love the creative ideas you share! Thank you!
Wonderful Tutorial! I love it!
I linked to it on my blog post on the best baby tutorials, here:
http://welivedhappilyeverafter.blogspot.com/2012/11/35-baby-sewing-tutorials-ideas-found.html
<3 Hannah
I now follow your blog
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
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.
Love the bibs! Super cute idea.
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.
Great bib tutorial, I love your idea of upcycling the bib. I just have one suggestion, I think it would be better to use snap buttons than the velcro. The tendency with velcros is that they get pulled off easily once babies get stronger.
http://ghcbibs.com
So lovely bibs! You make me wanna try. Thank you for sharing!!
So cute! Will be trying bibs soon!!
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!
I made these little bibs and even made a quilt from the scraps! The tutorial was easy to follow and my daughter and her husband loved the bibs! Linked right back to yours and Rebecca’s blog: http://faithtrustandbreastcancer.blogspot.com/2016/08/baby-cs-bibs-and-quilt-old-school-style.html! Thank you for sharing!
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.
Babies and buttons on bibs—just a word of caution.