Baby Bib Pattern – The Best Free Baby Bib Pattern in 3 Sizes

Sew tons of cute baby bibs using my best, free baby bib pattern in 3 sizes, ranging from newborn bib to toddler bib. A set of these adorable baby bibs and one of my Ultimate Diaper Clutches (pattern here) will make the perfect handmade gift every new mom would love to have.

This post contains affiliate links. Thanks for your support. This post is part of the BABY SEWING PATTERNS series on this blog. Check out more baby sewing patterns:

• Diy Knot Headband tutorial
• Cute baby hat – FREE pattern!
• this 2-Sized Free Bandana Bib For Babies and toddlers (Updated!)
• this cute Baby Burp Cloth – FREE Pattern
• the easiest Baby Blanket Pattern

Baby Bib Pattern

This baby bib was designed to be simple and minimalistic, and a good project even for those who are new to sewing (though you might want to see this beginner guide for sewing too!) It’s perfect to have at hand for every occasion and it is available in three sizes, from newborns to 4 years. And since everybody has been asking me what fabric I used: it’s the gorgeous Sweet Baby Girl collection designed by Lori Whitlock for Riley Blake. I loved working with these prints.  Mix-and-match works great, the prints are small and perfect for tiny baby things to sew. If you are expecting a little baby girl, this is your go-to fabric. Teddy bears, cats, sheep, rabbits – and my favorite, these cute pink elephants with little hearts on their trunks and the tiny floral background – irresistible!

I designed the bib pattern for my own babies – and I’m quite picky about the bibs available out there in shops, so you know you’re going to be making a great shaped bib that will get lots of compliments. Perfect for a drooly baby, a messy toddler or a perfect baby shower gift!

First, for those of you who like video tutorials, I’ve made a video slide-show to get the feeling of how easy it is to sew one:

No time to sew now? Use this link or the image below to save it to Pinterest and sew when you need the pattern:

What is the Finished Size of these baby bibs?

Width x Length: 
Newborn(Small, 0-3 months) 7″ x 9 1/2″ (18 x 24 cm)
Baby (Medium, 3-12 months) 8″ x 10 1/2″ (20 x 27 cm)
Toddler (Large, 1-4 years) 9 1/2″ x 12 1/2″ (24 x 32 cm)
Neck Opening: Newborn Size 9 1/2″ (24 cm), Baby (Medium) 11″ (28 cm), Toddler (Large) 12″ (31 cm)

What size baby bib does my baby need?

If you are not sure what size baby bib your newborn needs, it’s always better to go one size up. You can add a second kam snap to the back, so ther are two sizing options in one single baby bib. How cool is that!

SUPPLIES to sew the baby bib pattern:

• A fat quarter of quilting fabric (I used a few pieces from Lori Whitlock’s Sweet Baby Girl collection.)
• Fat eighth of terry cloth: 14″ x 11″ (36cm x 28cm) /alternative: sew-in batting, interfacing
• A set of KAM snaps or metallic snaps or Velcro tape
• sewing machine or needle, pins or sewing clips,
• iron, scissors, or rotary cutter plus cutting mat (I use this one by Olfa)
• baby bib pattern – scroll to the end of this tutorial for the link.

Baby Bib Sewing Steps:

Let’s sew!

Step 1 – Print the Baby bib template

Decide on the size you need. In doubt, choose the larger size. Print the pattern (link at the end of the tutorial) to a piece of cardboard or paper. You’ll cut two pieces of fabric from it, like this:

Step 2 – Optional Piecing

If you want your bib pieced like I did mine (see the piece on the left?), you’ll first cut three pieces of fabric and stitch them together using a 1/4″ seam allowance (0.7cm).

  To make it super easy for you, I did all the measuring and here are the dimensions:

You’ll get these:

Step 3 – Cut The Baby Bib pieces

Then use the template to cut 2 pieces from fabric and 1 from interfacing, interlining or best a layer of terry cloth for maximum absorbance.

Bonus tips – What Interfacing to use for baby bibs?

Now, a few words on absorbance and a suggestion for extra-drooly babies: use terry cloth as an interlining layer. Here’s an image to show you options and from left to right, it’s terry cloth, then thin woven fusible interfacing and batting. They are all good, but terry cloth will always be the preferred choice for me when sewing bibs.

Step 4- Layer The bib pieces

Place the terry cloth on a flat surface, then one piece of fabric right-side-up, and the other piece of fabric facing down (So the fabric will be RST, right sides together). Like this:

Step 5 – Sewing the bib

Stitch around using a 3/8″ or 1 cm seam allowance. Make sure to leave a 3″ (7cm) gap at the bottom, for turning. Go slowly and use a short stitch length, it will make sewing curves a breeze.

  Step 6 – Trim Off Bulk On the Seam

Trim down the terry cloth layer close to the stitching line to reduce bulk. Like this:

Also, trim and notch the seam allowance on the fabric, using pinking shears, taking care not to snip into any stitches. I use my tiny and cute (and sharp!) polka-dot scissors to cut tiny V-shaped notches into the curved edge portions. One thing to remember: do not trim down the seam allowance of the 3″ part that has not yet been sewn.

Step 8 – Turn the Bib Right Side Out And Close the Gap

Turn right side out, using a point turner or a non-sharp object like a chopstick or a knitting needle.

Press well, especially the opening. Topstitch around the bib, also closing the gap.

Step 9 – Add Kam snaps or Other Type of Bib Closure

Last step: add KAM snaps. If you haven’t done that before, here’s an easy tutorial for you:

or a video slideshow, if you’re more of a YouTube person:

It’s easy and quick!

I hope this makes it super easy for you to sew a load of baby bibs, either for your own or your friends’ babies. Enjoy! Also, make sure to get a coordinating free bandana bib pattern (here), a free baby sized earwarmer headband (here). Now use up your stash making lots more. If you share your bibs on Instagram, make sure you tag #applegreencottage so I can find them and see!

No time to sew now? Use this link or the image below to save it to Pinterest and sew when you need the pattern:

How Do I Get the Baby Bib PATTERN for FREE?

The pattern is available IN THE SHOP – but WAIT! Get it for free when you sign up for our free newsletter:

I’ll email you the bib pattern in 3 sizes when you sign up for the FREE AppleGreen Cottage newsletter –  at this link:

CURRENT SUBSCRIBERS: You can re-download the bib pattern for FREE from my shop with your 100% DISCOUNT CODE that’s is in my latest newsletter – visit the SHOP (here – scroll down for BABY BIB PATTERN) and apply coupon in ‘View Cart’ before checkout.

For anyone who’d prefer not to join the newsletter, you can still purchase the baby bib pattern in my shop.

Or check out this popular pattern in our shop: Ultimate Diaper Clutch – a perfect baby welcoming gift every new mom would love to get!