Ruffle Bib Tutorial

Given that we have 2 boys we don’t see many ruffles around here.  Pretty much the only ruffles in our house are made from potatoes and come in a bag.

But I like ruffles.  Ruffles are pretty and girly and look especially cute on a baby.  So I decided to make a ruffle bib.  I may not have girls but that doesn’t stop me from making girly gifts for others.

Here’s my take on how to make a bib full of ruffles-

You will need:

• Bib pattern UPDATE: I’ve made a new bib pattern!  I fattened the straps up a little bit which makes it easier to turn in step 10.  You can use this old one or try the new one here.  The tutorial process is the same as the one listed below, just print and use this new pattern.
• 1 piece of fabric that measures about 8.5 inches by 11 inches for the front of the bib
• 1 piece of terry cloth that measures about 8.5 inches by 11 inches for the back of the bib
• 3 pieces of fabric to make the ruffles that measure 3 inches by 16 inches each

Here’s how you make a ruffle bib:

Step 1: Print out the bib pattern.  {Or the NEW BIB PATTERN}  Make sure that your printer settings are set to print it correctly.  The bib pattern should take up most of the page.  I give you this warning because I did not take my own advice when I made this bib and I didn’t realize until I had already cut my fabric.

Don’t worry, the measurements are correct for the bib when printed correctly and the steps are the same.  Your bib will be the correct size for a baby unlike my bib which is slightly smaller and will be perfect for my friend’s daughter to use with her dolls.  So moral of the story- make sure your printer settings are correct!

Step 2: Wash, dry, iron, and cut your fabric.

Step 3: Fold each of the long strips in half lengthwise with the wrong sides together.  Pin.  Adjust your sewing machine to make your stitch length longer.  Sew along the edge with the open ends (not the fold).  I sewed about 1/2 inch from the edge.  DO NOT backstitch when you begin and end.

Step 4: Take one of the strings hanging from the end and pull while pushing the fabric strip in the opposite direction.  Keep pulling and pushing until your strip is evenly gathered and about the right length to go across the middle of the bib.  Repeat the gathering process for each strip.

Step 5: Pin the top strip onto the bib with the sewn edge down and the folded edge up.  Sew across the strip, sewing over the seam from when you sewed up the strip.

When you flip the ruffle down and iron it your bib will look like this:

Step 6: Flip your top ruffle up so that it’s upside down again.  Pin your second stip just under the top one.  Sew across this strip along the seam just like you did with the first one.

Step 7: Repeat step 6 with the third ruffle.

Step 8: Take your bib front and place it right side down on the terry cloth.  Pin it into place.

Step 9: Sew around the edges about 1/4 inch from the edge but don’t sew all the way around!  Stop a few inches short of where you begin so that you can have an opening to turn the bib right side out.  Then trim off the excess fabric.

Step 10: Turn the bib right side out using the hole you left open.  The turning process really wrinkles the bib a bunch so take a little time and iron it.

Step 11: Topstitch around the edges, sewing about 1/4 inch from the edge.  This will close up the hole that you left.  Then add a snap or velcro to make a closure for the bib.

That’s it!  If you like this bib be sure to check out my basic bib tutorial as well.

So what do you think?  Do you love ruffles or not really?  I always find it interesting to hear people’s thoughts about baby style.  Are you more traditional?  Modern? Preppy?  I’d love to hear your “baby style” preference in the comments.

Cat

Cat is a teacher turned stay-at-home mom of two boys.  She shares crafts, DIY projects, kids’ activities, and a little bit about life in Ohio.  Learn more about her and the blog on the About page.