Today is a big day because I feel like I have about a million things to tell you/show you/ask you.
Brother Sewing Machines has made it possible for me to put together some fantastic tutorials for you all and I am so humbled and excited to jump right in!
Wait. Can I show you the machine first?
Here she is:
And here she is without her skirt on. Don’t be embarrassed, it’s cool.
As soon as the angel’s choruses end we can get back to what I was saying.
There.
Anyway, tutorials! Lots of them! And the very first one is beginning right now – so get your sewing things together and let’s get started!
Y’all want a really basic, easy sewing project that is useful whether you have kids or if you are in need of a unique and much-appreciated baby shower gift?
This is one of my favorite projects. I have been selling these bibs and burp cloths in my Etsy shop since January 2010 and at last count I think I had made over 150 of them! I love picking gorgeous fabrics and gifting them to new moms. (Also, as you can imagine, Hazel has a few of her own.)
So, without further ado,
The Large Bib Tutorial
- 1 fat quarter of main fabric (a fat quarter {FQ} is a quarter of a yard of fabric that measures about 18″x21″. They normally cost $2.75 or less. Here’s a good place to find one. You should have no trouble getting either 2 bibs or a bib and a burp cloth out of one FQ.)
- 1 fat quarter of backing fabric (I always use cream chenille. It’s so soft – especially after washing! – and absorbent. It’s $12.99/yard at JoAnn’s but it’s extra wide and I always buy it with a coupon.)
- Pins
- A sewing machine
- Scissors
- 1 set of snaps
- Coordinating thread
- Iron
- The large bib printable pattern (or, for smaller babes, try the small bib printable pattern)
Get Started:
Begin stitching about 4″ from the bottom of the bib on the right side. Be sure to secure your stitch with a backstitch when you start.
Now we just need to trim the excess fabric from around the corners.
Cut the bottom corners close, but definitely take care not to cut too close – it’s a shame to have to go back and restitch things.
Also, trim around the upper curves. Now is the time when you can cut out the neck hole from the backing fabric.
And very importantly: snip little snips into the curve of the neckline, about 1/2″ apart so that when we turn it right side out all that seam allowance will be able to spread out and take the curve.
But please, in the name of all that is good and well-made, don’t cut through your stitching.
There. All trimmed.
Now, to turn it right side out.
Start with one side of the collar, then move to the next. It’s going to take some finger work (or you can use a dowel or the eraser side of a pencil, maybe even the dull side of a bamboo skewer), but you’ll want to be sure to really thoroughly press the seams out from inside.
It will start out looking like this:
But after some good convincing, you can get it to look more like this:
Spritz it good and press it well. Take care to turn in the raw edges of the fabrics at the opening when you iron.
If you have a tag, this would be a good time to slide it in place in the gap you’ve left.
Now for the topstitch. I’m telling you, the topstitch makes all the difference in making this bib go from “homemade” to “where did you have that made?”.
Start just above the opening and sew it closed first. Keep sewing all the way around until you are back to where you started. Backstitch, snip threads, and…
You’re done!
Okay, well you’re almost done. You still need to install the snaps.
No biggie – just follow the directions on the package and use whatever tools work for you. (I use Ryan’s hammer and one of Oliver’s blocks. I’m resourceful like that.)
Okay, NOW you’re done!
Feel awesome?
Great, ’cause you can also use these same steps to make a smaller bib (for younger babies) and a burp cloth.
To make the burp cloth, just cut 11″x17″ pieces of your main and backing fabric. And for the smaller bib, you can use this printable pattern as a cutting template. Just follow this tutorial, and skip the snap part for the burp cloths.
Feel even more awesome?
Great, ’cause here comes the good part. This is the day we’re going to get everything in one place.
I would love to have some feedback from y’all! I’ve gotten lots of requests for different tutorials and such that I have definitely been keeping track of. BUT – I’d love for this to be the place where we get all the requests together at once.
So, what do you want to see? Camera strap covers? Basic sewing skills? Please, name it and I’ll see what I can do.
And the payoff? Every comment will be an entry. I’ll choose a winner Saturday night and the winner will receive the bib I made in this project and a coordinating burp cloth as a prize. Even if you can’t use it for yourself, it’s perfectly gender neutral so it can make a great gift too.
Aaaand, one more thing. I’ve just opened my very own Flickr Pool. (See it over there on my sidebar?) Y’all are so good about sending me photos of the project you make with my tutorials that I think it’s a shame not to get the share them as a community. So, have you made a clock or a onesie dress or a mustache shirt? Any oven mitts or baby headbands out there? Please,jump in the pool! Post photos from past projects (there are lots to choose from) or from today’s tutorial. I can’t wait to see!
Okay, that’s all. Phew, that was a long post!
Happy sewing! And, Flickr pool-ing! And requesting!
**Y’all are still welcome to comment, but the last comment that counts in the giveaway is Claire’s. I’ll announce a winner tomorrow.**
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the Brother NX800 machine mentioned above for free in exchange for a mention of the product in my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.
>My mom and I just bought a sewing machine last weekend and I am so excited about it! She knows how to sew, so she is teaching me! We have already started a dress and plan on making some skirts on Sunday! I'd love to see some basic sewing techniques, and I'd love to learn how to make camera straps!
>I would love to see camera strap covers! Our "came with the camera strap" is super boring.
>I love the bib. My kiddos are too old, but it would make a lovely gift. I might just try making one myself.
As a budding photographer with no place for my lense cap, I would love a tutorial on a camera strap cover – perhaps with a lens cap pocket?
>shutting my bib, snipping my stitches, not sharing my projects! so many places to go wrong and have shame. i'm nervous (not really). luckily the shame more than balanced out with the GLORY of that machine and your awesome first printable pattern. a button that cuts your thread!?!? crosshairs!?!?! this is great great stuff, raechel. must make these so that layla can give her "baby's first 4th of july" bib a break. my suggestion for a tute: ipad case/sleeve. i know you would get the precision and snugness just right where i have had issues. more BROtorials!
>I would love a VERY basic beginning tutorial. A how not to make a sewing machine cry when it sees you coming kind of thing.
>I love it! I am making things for my sister's baby shower to hang on a clothesline – I think I will add this in :-)
Camera strap covers would be useful for people – I am making those as a fundraiser for my 60-mile breast cancer walk I am doing in September.
Something other than tutorials could be sewing knowledge in general – stitch length, thread types, etc.
>Love the new sewing machine and how it coordinates so perfectly with the new pink walls of your sewing room.
Thanks for the tutorial. I can't think of anything I'd like to see at the moment but I do appreciate you taking the time to show us! You are so very talented.
>I'd love to see a few tutorials on little tops or dresses for toddler girls. Perferrably something simple though since my skills are still pretty basic.
Maybe some tutorials on basic sewing skills would be good too. For instance…
1. I've seen baby blankets with really pretty satin trim all the way around and I'd love to learn how to sew that on a blanket.
2. How to make corners on a basic baby blanket look pretty.
3. Tips on sewing stretchy fabric…are you supposed to use elastic thread? are there any special machine settings for elastic thread?
4. Tips for cutting straight when you have a large piece of fabric (like when making a blanket). When I try to make a square blanket, the sides never match up right.
>I would love some basic sewing skills blog post on here! You make the cutest stuff and I just went out and bought a sewing machine – my sewing is rough at best but I just made my daughters nursery bedding set from scratch!
I love your blog and reading about yourr adorable family!
>Oh, basic sewing skills! And a recommendation of a good, basic sewing machine. :)
>I would love a tutorial for those incredible ruffle bottoms like you have on your etsy store.
I'm looking forward to seeing others projects too.
>Raechel, she is beatiful {your machine, that is} love it. and love the bib tutorial, thanks for sharing.. I would love any advice you can give on making a quilt.. {like hand stitching the binding, for one} I am getting ready to sew for myself and just bought the most amazing fabric for my very own, first ever quilt :) so excited!!
>I am new to your blog, but I am already in LOVE! Thank you so much for the bib tutorial it will be the perfect project for my "happy spitter" :). I would love some basic tutorials as I am still getting my feet wet in the sewing department. I also love the idea of a camera strap (with a lens pocket as already suggested would also be great). Your photos are alos georgeous so any help in that department would also be awsome! Thanks for sharing ALL your talents with us!
>I basically want tutorials for anything and everything you've ever made for Hazel, because she always looks amazing in every photo. So if there's something you've made for her but haven't shared yet, I for one would love to hear about it!
Also, I've really been waiting for a good tutorial on zipper installation. Any interest in helping me out? :D
>I'm "sew" clueless that I would love to see no-sew handmade projects, like using no-sew fabric tape to make curtains, etc. Also, I've been trying to get up the courage to make a fabric-covered headboard…. :-)
>I would love to receive some basic sewing skills. Also, I would love to learn how to make baby blankets. This tutorial was awesome. Can't wait to try it!
>Starting out with the basics would be super helpful! I got a sewing machine as a gift for my wedding last year and I don't know where to begin! :(
>What a machine! Makes me want one too! I'd love to learn how to make camera strap covers. I've coveted them on Etsy for several years but haven't purchased one because they look easy to make. I just need a little direction! Can't wait to make one of your bibs, thanks for the tutorial!
>I love simple but adorable little girl's sun dresses and skirts. I would love a camera strap cover tutorial as well!
erin [underscore] zeller [at] yahoo
>LOVE yor tutorials! Thanks for the great bib design! I love that you share your knowledge instead of trying to personally stock etsy with all the cuteness :)
I would love to hear your tips for basic sewing. The lingo, the jargon, the steps, the materials. Also, how to put a ruffle on a dress. That would be awesome :)
>Love the machine. I can just imagine its sweet gentle hum. I'd love to have a tutorial on an easy little skirt. Even better if it were a fabric scrap user-upper pattern.
>The Momma's comment? made me laugh out loud.
and your machine is gorgey!
>I also enjoyed The Momma's comment! My machine used to cry when I approached it, but now I want to cry because I'm so jealous of the beauty that is your new machine. She probably also doles out parenting advice, yes? I mean, threads the needle? Cuts the thread? And let me guess – a one step button hole! She's amazing. Sewing heaven for sure. :)
I'd love the tutorial for the romper Hazel was wearing sitting on her doll house. Cute, cute.
>I want a sewing machine! And that one looks super easy to use!
And I would love to see a camera strap cover!!!
>I would love the camera strap and just basic sewing. I have had my sewing machine for almost a year and I barely know how to use it!
Thanks!
>I'd love some general sewing tips. My mom tried to teach me when I was young and I was terrible at it. I'd love to try to learn again. I appreciate your defining things like Fat Quarter for those of us that aren't sewing/fabric savvy!
>Ooohh I'd love a camera strap tutorial. I hoard fabric but never seem to do anything with it. The bib is fantastic. I just found out my goddaughter is pregnant with a boy so I would totally gift it to her.
Also I'm so happy you are doing your garage sale posts again. It's how I originally found you a couple of years ago. Fun stuff.
>I too would love a tutorial on anything girl: romper, ruffle bottoms, the adorable Anna Marie Horner fabric tie dress you made! I'd love some tips on quilts too! Love your tutorials – thanks!
>I would love for you to show us some basic sewing skills!
>Dude, please do not take this comment as an entry, because I have lots of bibs and burp rags of my own creation sitting around my sewing room. :) Please ignore this as an entry. (Although the dots are gorg.)
ANYWAY. Great tute! You made it great and clear and concise. Did you know that awhile ago I purchased the $23 or so (with a coupon) contraption to install pearl snaps "more easily," and I ended up taking it back because it was ridiculous? Never waste money on it, in case you were wondering. Hammer and a spool of thread (or block!) is all you need.
I'm going to buy the ruffler foot in a day or so, so I want to see a tutorial with ruffles so I can make sure I'm using mine correctly. I have purely selfish motives.
outiot!
>Would LOVE a ruffle bottom bloomers tutorial….or a ruffles tutorial altogether. Or a baby girls romper tutorial!
Love the new machine ~ glad you're enjoying it as well!
>I would love some basic sewing skills. Maybe even something idiot proof like a burp cloth? I have never seen anything ever but I still love your tutorials :-)
>I would love basic sewing skills too! I am just a beginner!! I've attempted a few things, but would love to sharpen my skills a bit!
>camera strap, for a point and shoot maybe?
>There's my hammer!
>Camera Strap Covers!! ANd I would love that bib and burp cloth for my brand new baby girl!!! :)
>I'd love some tutorials on jazzing up onesies: new-sew projects, ruffle bottoms, personalizing, etc.
Can't wait to share these tutorial with my mom (the sewing talent of the family!) so she can add this to the list of project for my twins!
>My daughter shared this with me, I think she's hinting that she wants some bibs from me for her twins (due in September). This new grandma-to-be is already sewing some quilts for them (and the cousin that's due in October)! I'm always on the lookout for new ideas, now especially for baby projects.
>I've long wanted to sew myself a camera strap cover… Would love a tutorial on that!!
Awesome! Lucky! Happy sewing!
>Camera strap cover, please!
>I am new to sewing and would love to see some info for beginners!
>Gathering – and those cute ruffle bloomers :)
>I would LOVe a machine that trims threads!
A tutorial I would like is little girls dresses (with sleeves)! I can do tank top or pillow case dresses, but those elusive sleeves just keep me guessing!
mmunford2000
>I love this tutorial! I am sure I will be sewing some of these soon!I would love more info on quilting or any baby girl dresses! Thank you again for this info. and pattern :)
>I would love, love, love to see a camera strap tutorial. My husband just bought me my first SLR camera and I would love to dress it up. :o)
>I would love to see some basics too. Like, length, width, and tension??? Still don't really understand what they are and how to use them! I also would love to see what the Laura Ashley of the Brother can do! Are their embrodery patterns in there?!? And a post on your ironing cover would be fab too!
>I was given a sewing machine a little over a year ago and I have yet to break it out of the box! I'm a little intimidated at how to even set up the machine to tackle a project. Maybe you could start from the very beginning– like how to thread a bobbin? ha!
>camera strap covers or maybe a skirt tutorial!! pleaseandthankyou. :)
>Camera strap, and iPad covers. Also, I just bought my first serger. I have NO idea how to use it yet. Help please?
>That machine is AH-MAZE-ING. I would be too scared to use it!!! So awesome that you have been given this opportunity! You rock girl.
I'd love a camera strap tutorial and I too need some serger basics. I have my (late) great-grandmother's serger and I need to take advantage of that gift! I have also been meaning to ask/request of you a little tour of your sewing room and/or your sewing organization. I need some pointer and motivation to clean off my dining room table and get organized! Then maybe I'd have room in said table for more projects!!! ;) I gotta get a pic of one of the headbands I made for my girl using your tute… Even though my skillz are nothing compared to yours, oh wise one!
>I would love a tutorial on how to do binding…. or a simple dress for baby girl!
>I'd love to see some more BOY based tutorials :)
Also basic sewing skills would always be a helpful brush up :D
>I would love some basic sewing techniques!!!!
carlykh@comcast.net
>Love the bib tutorial. As the mom of three little boys, I'd love to see some boy sewing tutorials in the future.
>I know I've asked before, but I will ask again… A tutorial on how you make your adorable labels. I bought the supplies you suggested, now I just need some direction. :-)
>I would love a tutorial on how to turn my son's jeans (w/ the knees ripped!) into shorts!
>I'm so excited to see this tutorial on here! I got a sewing machine in March and have only used it once! And I'm expecting baby #3 in December. I'd love to see basic tutorials, anything using a ruffler foot and baby gear!!! Thanks for sharing your projects!!
>Yay for your new machine!! Yay! =)
Thank you for the easy tutorial. I sewed as a child with my mom but got out of it in my late teens. Now, as a mom, I eye every little thing and wish I hadn't given it up. After seeing this I am tempted to try my hand at sewing again. Pun intended! Ha!!
>I read this tutorial right after you posted it but I didn't comment because I couldn't decide what other tutorials I'd like to see… until today! My husband bought me a nice fancy DSLR for Mother's Day so I'd love to see a camera strap tutorial (along with basic sewing skills because Lord knows I need all the help I can get). I'd also love to see a simple baby sling tutorial, if you have one!
Happy Mother's Day!
>She is a beauty (the machine I mean!) Thanks for the bib tutorial. I need to make a few baby gifts. I saw on your amazon list that you love the Silhouette. I was wondering if you used it much? I have one but would be interested in knowing what you use it on. I haven't used mine very much at all. I'm all about some basic sewing skills though. THanks for all you do.
>some ideas… I know there are tuitorials out there, but I always like how easy yours seem to be to follow… apron (for mom and/or little girl), curtains (for my baby girls room), coffee clutch, super hero boy's cape, camera strap cover
hey! just wondering if you ever use PUL fabric with your bibs to make them water resistant…
also wondering if you know of a good place to buy PUL for good prices.
thanks!
I’m finally getting around to doing your sewing class since my MIL just bought me a machine yesterday!
Hey Denise!
No, I’ve never used PUL, but I have thought of using oilcloth (Heather Bailey makes some nice stuff!). I’d try Etsy for PUL maybe?
Hi Raechel! I hope you read this comment since this post is form a while back but I just found it and love it! I live in Germany and I’m self-teaching how to sew ;) I wanted to make a bib for my son and found your post absolutely helpful! So I went to buy the cream chenille but was told (and something might have been lost in translation because my German is still on the works) that chenille is really hard to find because it’s a “special” fabric… I guess I need to go look for it someplace else but was wondering if you have any recommendations for fabric substitutes?
Thank you!
Hi Tania! You can use any kind of terry cloth! You just need it to be a absorbent and sturdy. Honestly, you could cut up some old or inexpensive towels to use for the backing!
best of luck!
Raechel
Awesome tutorial, thanks! Will be making many of these bib/burp cloth sets for gifts. I’d love to see tutorial on making luggage tags. I just picked up some clear vinyl for a wristlet class I took & used tissue paper before getting a teflon foot. Would love to make some fun bright luggage tags to give my girlfriends & co-workers for holiday gifts. Also, how to make those cute tags to put on our handmade gifts. Thank you so much!!!
What a great tutorial for a bib. I was going to print off the LARGE bib, and the small bib I actually what prints out. Have you noticed this? Darling things you have made
I found your bid and tutorial on pinterest….and I’ve downloaded your pattern…I’m making some bids for my grandson…so thank you very much…I really do appreciate all your trouble in making this tutorial…it is very helpful…and I’m sure my grandson will love them too…
Love your tutorials. I am currently attempting to make doll clothes for raggedy an and andy dolls my mom had made before she passed away and am not getting the 1/4′ seam allowance when it comes to hemming the apron plus it keeps puckering on the thin fabric my mom had for it so tutorials on those would be helpful :)