Free Baby bib pattern pdf with pocket tutorial
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Free Sewing Pattern: You can make a baby bib! This free baby bib pattern pdf has a video tutorial to make it easy. Can be made with a catch all pocket or without. Baby bib has a generous size to cover baby completely and last for a while.
This free baby bib pattern is easy to make and versatile. You can make a cute and functional bib using a vinyl-backed cotton, flannel, and/or terry cloth!

Are you looking for a fun and practical sewing project to tackle? Look no further! In this free step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how to make a stylish baby bib with a convenient catch-all pocket using a free PDF pattern. Whether you’re an experienced seamstress or just starting out, this tutorial is perfect for anyone looking to create something cute and functional for the little ones in their life. So grab your free baby bib pattern, fabric, thread, and sewing machine, and let’s get started on making the perfect accessory for mealtime!

As parents, we always want the best for our little ones, especially when it comes to their health and well-being. This includes choosing the right products for them, such as clothing and feeding essentials. When it comes to mealtimes, one essential item that every parent needs is a bib. However, with so many options available on the market today, it can be overwhelming to decide which one is the best for your baby.
Benefits of making handmade baby bib
In recent years, there has been an increasing trend towards homemade baby bibs made by parents themselves. These personalized bibs not only add a touch of love and care to your child’s mealtime routine but also come with numerous benefits that make them a great option for any parent.
Cost-effective:
One of the main advantages of making your own baby bibs at home is cost-effectiveness. Babies tend to go through multiple bibs each day due to spills and drooling. This can add up quickly if you constantly buy new ones from the store. By making your own bibs, you can save money in the long run, as you can use materials that are easily accessible or repurpose old fabric or towels.
Eco-friendly:
Homemade baby bibs are also an eco-friendly choice compared to store-bought ones. Most store-bought bibs are made from synthetic materials that may contain harmful chemicals and end up in landfills after being discarded. By using natural fabrics, such as cotton or bamboo for homemade bibs, you not only reduce waste but also provide a safer option for your baby.
Customizable:
Another advantage of homemade baby bibs is that they are customizable according to your preferences and needs. You can choose different colors, patterns, and fabrics that suit your style or match your child’s outfit. You can also adjust the size and shape of the bib based on your child’s age and feeding habits. This personal touch makes mealtime more fun and enjoyable for both you and your baby.

Convenient:
Homemade bibs with a catch-all pocket, like the one we will be making in this guide, provide added convenience during meal times. The pocket catches any food or spills that may fall from your baby’s mouth, saving you from constantly having to clean up after them. It also reduces the mess on their clothes, making mealtime less stressful for parents.
Homemade baby bibs are not only cost-effective and eco-friendly but also customizable and convenient for both parent and child. In the following steps, we will guide you through making your own personalized bib with a catch-all pocket using a free PDF pattern. So let’s get started on making a practical yet adorable addition to your little one’s feeding routine!
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YOU WILL NEED:
Please be very careful when selecting what vinyl to use.ย Not all vinyl cloth is baby safe – some emit dangerous fumes. Please check with your cloth merchant before purchasing.
- 1/2 yard cotton backed vinyl, terry cloth, or flannel (see instructions to decide how much of what material you will need. For the Terry cloth bib you can also use deluxe bar towels) .
- ball point pen
- button
- Elastic or pony tail holder
- Sewing Essentials (scissors, pins, etc.)
- Fleece Fun’s Free Sewing Pattern (you can get it here)
Video tutorial for baby bib pattern
Baby bib with pocket Sewing tutorial
1 – Cut out the free Baby bib pattern
You will need to assemble the pattern. For instructions on how to assemble the free baby bib pattern pdf click here.
There are multiple ways to make this baby bib.ย You can make a bib with a pocket, or you can make a bib without.ย You can make a buttonhole, elastic, or Velcro closure on the strap. Please be sure to prep your cloth (terry cloth or flannel) by washing and drying it before you cut out the free pattern.
Decide if you are making a bib with a pocket or one without a pocket.

Cut outย one of the vinyl, and one of the flannel or terrycloth).
On the vinyl, just trace around with a pen rather than make additional pin marks.
If you are making a single sided terry cloth bib pin and cut 1.
You can also print up the pattern twice and lay it out as shown in the first picture.
Quick Tip
It’s easy to make several of these at a time – so fold the vinyl cloth over and cut 2 , do the same for the flannel and or terry cloth.ย This way you will be able to make multiple bibs.
2 – Adjust the strap length and check against baby so the bib will fit
I made the strap extra long on the free baby bib pattern. This way you can adjust it to fit your child perfectlyโsome kids need the baby bib right under their chin, while others like to have a little more room.ย Take the flannel and hold it around the child’s neck and mark the proper length.
If you are doing the elastic enclosure, we’re placing elastic at the end, so not much overlap is needed.
Or, if you are using a button hole or Velcro, allow for some overlap.ย Don’t have access to the baby? There are guidelines on the pattern.
Cut the long end of the strap to the proper length, and curve the edge so it will look nice. Cut the Vinyl half to the same length.
3 – Pin and begin to sew
If you are making the pocket baby bib: Carefully pin (clips are better) the right side of the vinyl and the right side of the flannel together
At the end of the long strap either pin a loop of elastic of a ponytail holder, sandwiched between the two fabrics. Be sure that the loop will fit over the button that you will be using.
Sew all the way around the bib using a .25 seam allowance,
leaving a 2 to 3 inch gap for turning along the bottom.
note
You can use sew-on Velcro instead of elastic and a button, add that after turning the bib right side out.
note
When pinning the pattern to the vinyl, pin very close to the edge of the pattern, as the pins leave holes in the fabric. You want all your pins to fall within the 0.5″ seam allowance you will be sewing with.
Optional:
Regular baby bib:ย You have the option of either making it double-sided (vinyl on both sides) or from 1 (or 2) piece(s) of terry cloth.ย If you are making it double sided refer to the pocket directions.
For a bib made from one piece of terry cloth, you can use bias tape to finish the edges.ย If you want a contrasting look, you can use double-folded tape to “pinch” the outer edge and sew that on (see yellow tape in picture).
You can also use single-fold bias tape if you want the edge to be invisible.ย Simply unfold one side of the bias tape, then pin the right side together to the bib, following the crease as your seam allowance.ย Then fold over the back side of bib and sew along edge to finish.ย Top-stitch if desired.ย Then move on to finishing the closures on the strap.
4 – Turn the bib and top stitch
Trim the straps as needed.ย Turn the bib right side out.
Quick Tip
Be careful when turning the straps, as the vinyl can stretch.โฏIf you used an elastic loop, turning the long strap is easy. Get a crochet hook and grab the elastic loop at the end of the strap to help you turn it!
Once you have turned the bib completely right-side out, top stitch .25 from the edge all the way around the bib, sewing shut the opening you used for turning as you go.
4B – For the pocket style of bib
For the pocket style, there is one more step when sewing the pocket. Fold it accordion-style from the bottom. With the fleece side facing you, and referring to the dashed line on the paper free baby bib pattern, fold the first section up so the vinyl side is now visible on the top of the bottom fold, with fleece touching fleece. Pin the fleece together.
Now flip the bib over so the vinyl side is facing up. Referring to the paper, fold the bottom up and gently pin it on the outside. You should now have a pocket with only vinyl on the front of the bib.
Sew along the top stitching to keep it in place, forming the pocket.
Quick Tip
To clean out the pocket, just flip the pocket inside out. I wanted to make a pocket bib that wasn’t dependent on snaps or Velcro.
5 – Finishing up the baby bib free baby bib
For elastic closure: If you haven’t already, add an elastic loop on the long side, then sew a button on the short side of the strap.
For buttonhole โ mark the buttonhole and sew on the long strap.
Sew a button on the short strap. For the Velcro, place the hook Velcro on the inside of the long strap and the loop on the outside of the short strap. Place a button on top of the long strap if desired.
Trim threads and admire your handiwork! And finally, the baby bib is finished.
Get the Free baby bib Sewingย Pattern Below:
You can get a free copy of Adobe reader here. By downloading you are agreeing to pattern terms of use. Click the picture of the pattern envelope to download the .pdf !

All of my free baby patterns – you can see those here.
love this baby bib? see More Baby Burp Cloths free Patterns
- Muslin Baby Bib Pattern and Tutorial
- Baby Bib Tutorial – A Handmade Gift Idea by Ula from Lulu Celeste
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- Free Baby Burp Cloth Pattern
- Easy Baby Burp Cloth Tutorial
- How to Make a Pacifier Clip
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Terry cloth is soft, washable and a great option for Baby Bibs. You can also use and upcycle hand or Kitchen towels for baby bibs. Flannel is absorbs liquid and is a good washable option. Oil Cloth is a great water resistant option, be sure to check that it doesn’t give off fumes that could be harmful to baby.
Bandada bibs are a triangle shape and are very easy to make. They can be made from terry cloth. You can find a tutorial for one here.
Honestly it can vary from baby to baby. Some baby drool so much that they soak through their clothes and can cause rashes, other babies only drool a little. A light muslin bib is a great option for catching drool and can be made out of cute fabric for baby. There is a great free pattern here.
Bibs for newborns are unnessesary and because baby cannot hold up her head easily dangerous. A burp cloth is all you need when baby is a newborn and there is a great pattern for one here.
Love baby patterns? You’ll love this collection of free baby shoe patterns courtesy of Sew Sew Easy.
































Lovely tutorial. The video and the instructions were very precise and wonderfully written and spoken. Making some for my nephew and this is very helpful.
Thanks.
The vinyl stretches as I sew. Should it be stabilized with zig zag or iron of pellon?
made a bigger version of the bib for a nursing home for the elderly they love them made them big enough for it to cover their clothes while in a wheel chair keeps their clothes clean thanks
I love everything in this tutorial! The instruction is very well said and done. All of the steps are clearly stated and I think it can be followed easily. No wonder that through this pattern that you have shared many baby bib maker will be inspired to make some/to do so. Thank you for this one and you really did a very great job!