This bandana bib pattern is an easy beginner sewing project. It makes a perfect diy baby shower gift, especially if paired together with my diaper clutch pattern. Actually, this must be the easiest bandana bib tutorial you've ever seen! NOTE: pattern updated - now in 2 SIZES, baby bandana bib, and toddler bandana bib!

First off, this post includes affiliate links. Thanks for your support. This pattern has been updated and now includes 2 sizes – up to 1 year (baby) and 2 years (toddler). And if you're new to sewing, start at this how to sew guide, or take a look at the main list of easy sewing patterns for beginners. All free!
Also, the bandana bib is part of my free baby sewing series:
Join the FREE 6-part email guide and sew the CUTEST things for a baby - the EASY way! You'll get my best baby sewing ideas by email.
Now let's talk diy bandana bibs. Want to hear why I love them? Three things: so useful. Fashionable. And super quick to make. This is why the bandana bib tutorial was one of the first-ever tutorials I created here at AppleGreen Cottage. My readers LOVED it!
And while that was a great thing, you can imagine my early photos were not the best - and this is what I'm improving today. Dear friends, meet the new, improved, and updated tutorial. And I added an extra size to the free pattern, while I was at it. 🙂
Why You'll Love This Free Bandana Bib Pattern
Really, these diy bandana bibs are amazing for soaking up teething baby drool. I made a lot of these bandana bibs when I had my first baby. And I mean a lot!
There was always a stack of my diy bandana bibs somewhere close, ready to use. Once the first one got wet, I'd just switch out to a new one and I was set! They saved me from countless clothing changes throughout the day, real life savers.
Even better, everybody loved this stylish addition to the baby's outfit.
And you won't believe how easily and quickly they can be whipped up!
First, here's a quick slideshow just to get you familiar with how easy this bandana bib is to make. Check it out here, but heads-up, it's still all old photos 🙂
I want you to be able to make your own baby bandana bibs so I designed my own pattern for you to use. I've drafted quite a few bibs before I was happy about the design. Scroll down to Step 1 to download the best bandana bib pattern I've drafted so far - works great with any material!
Supplies To Make the Bandana Bib:
- sewing machine
- two pieces of fabric
- optional: one of the two pieces can be absorbent material: terry cloth or similar
- sewing machine, scissors, pins, thread
How Much Fabric Do I Need to Make a Bandana Bib?
You can use scraps! You only need two pieces that will each cover a lettersize or A4 page format, no more (even a bit less, if you check out the free PDF pattern). I often use scraps of cute kid-themed fabrics.
What fabric to Use for the Bandana bib
There are more fabric tips at the end of this post, but in short, you can either choose two contrasting pieces of cotton, or one in cotton plus one super absorbent layer for backing, like terry cloth. Upcycled fabric, as long as it's absorbent, will work fine too.
Bandana Bib sizes - MEASUREMENTS
The small-size baby bib has a neck circumference of 11 ½" or 29 cm. The large-size bib has a neck circumference of 13" or 33 cm.
Bandana Bib Tutorial - Steps
The seam allowance for this project is ⅜" inch (1cm). And now the text instructions to make this reversible bandana bib:
Step 1 - Get the FREE Pattern
Get the template from the shop here - it's absolutely FREE! Print and start cutting and sewing right now.
I’ve created a template that you can download for free. To download the FREE bandana bib TEMPLATE, click the button below. You'll be taken to the shop - scroll to BANDANA Bib Pattern, it's $0!
Get the free pattern HERE. It's $0 in the shop, no code is needed. Optional, as an alternative:
OR do you want a printable copy of the WHOLE tutorial? Scroll to the bottom of this tutorial for more details!
Step 2- Cut The Fabric
Using the free pattern, cut two pieces from your fabrics. They don't need to be the same. In fact, it's more fun if they are not:
Step 3 - Sewing step
Place the two pieces with the right sides of the fabric together. Using a ⅜" (1 cm) seam allowance, sew nearly all the way around. Leave a 3" opening at one of the two straight edges of the bib, so you'll be able to turn the bandana bib right side out. It is marked on the pattern.
Step 4 - Trim The Seam Allowance
Trim off some of the fabric in the seam allowance. Do this around each curve. It will make turning easier and the finish nicer. You can use pinking shears if you have them.
Step 5 - Turn And Topstitch
Turn your bandana bib right side out. Fold the edges at the opening towards the inside and press it. I love using my new DIY pressing board for that. So much faster!
See how to make a handy DIY Ironing Board for all your small projects.
Makes all your easy projects even quicker!
Topstitch along the edges all the way around your bandana bib, ⅛" (3mm) away from the finished edge. If you're in a hurry, you can just topstitch over the opening you left before.
Step 6 - Add Kam snaps
Install KAM snaps as fastening (scroll down for more closure options) Done!!
If you haven't installed KAM snaps before, here's an easy tutorial for you - also, see what KAM snap size I use and why:
More Tips for Sewing Bandana Bibs
And here are even more tips to make the bandana bib pattern work for you - better, easier, and quicker!
What Fabric To Use For Sewing the Bandana Bib Pattern?
Here are a few bonus tips to help you with your sewing:
- as an alternative to quilting cotton, you can use thicker (but soft!) fabric as the second layer, maybe flannel or terry cloth.
- Sweatshirt fleece works too. The sewing will not go on so smoothly but the bib will absorb better.
- You can also opt for a third layer, some kind of interlining. I've made several three-layer bibs so far.
- Double gauze is another great and super soft material to use for your diy dribble bibs. These would be on the thinner end though.
The softest version I've ever made was from two layers of jersey. Just make sure the jersey is not too thin.
What closure is best for bandana bibs?
Bandana bibs can be fastened using a hammer-on or hand-sewn metal snap, a plastic snap, pieces of Velcro - and let's not forget the good old buttons. Sometimes, they would also simply be tied off, but that causes a large knot that's not too comfortable for babies, so I'm leaving that one out 🙂
What do I use to make bandana bibs? I used to make them with nearly all the above options. But then I discovered KAM snaps. I absolutely love KAM snaps. For several reasons: one, adding KAM snaps is so easy! They come in a gazillion of colors, so you can mix and match to your heart's content. They are inexpensive. And they are so comfortable for the baby. No Velcro scratching that little neck!
The photo below shows a bandana bib with velcro closure and one with metal snap fasteners:
No time to sew now? Save this reversible baby bandana bib pattern to Pinterest for later:
How Can I Make An Adjustable Size Of the Bandana Bib?
You can easily adjust the size of the large bib by simply adding additional snaps/velcro to size down or size up the neckline. This way, the large bib will fit several sizes - baby, toddler, and even older kids. I've done it before and it has worked perfectly!
This bandana bib pattern is quite simple and easy to make. It will be made in no time and save you some money along the way. Who knows, you might just create an all-time favorite bib for your baby or toddler!
WANT A PRINTABLE COPY OF THE WHOLE TUTORIAL?
Do you want an ad-free, printable copy of this online tutorial? Find it here for just $3. You won’t need to access the internet every time you want to make it. ------ Or get the BUNDLE with ALL the Printable Tutorials - current and future ones!
WANT MORE FREE TUTORIALS AND Patterns?
Get email updates and never miss out on new patterns, printables and tutorials:
Or check out this popular pattern in our shop: Ultimate Diaper Clutch - a perfect baby welcoming gift every new mom would love to get!
Use both my bandana bib pattern and the Ultimate Diaper Clutch pattern and you've got a perfect homemade baby welcoming gift set!
Andrea
Hi! When I print the pattern everything comes out fine except the actual pattern; this page is all dark blue and the cutting lines are not visible. I have tried 3 times now (using a lot of printing ink..) Do you know what might have happened?
Damjana
Andrea hi,
thanks for reaching out. If the pattern pieces are printing with a dark (black/dark blue) background, that is because you need to update your Adobe Reader.
Warmly, Damjana
Sharon Ricard
Thank you so much for a EASY PDF pattern, these came together so quick and are just adorable. Thanks again!
Damjana
Sharon hi,
I'm so happy you liked it. Happy sewing,
Angela
Thank you so much for this pattern. I have a baby nephew due in November so thought I would give this a go. It’s been years since I have done any sewing. The pattern, photos and explanation are really clear. I look forward to starting my next sewing project with you. I was going to post some photos but I couldn’t upload them on here?
Cucicucicoo: Eco Crafting & Sewing
These are so adorable! My kids are past bib-age and I wish I'd known about this style when I actually needed them! I love that they're reversible! 🙂 Lisa
Anonymous
Thank you so much for this free pattern! I nanny a 3 year old fellow who has autism and recently he's started chewing on his shirts when he gets stressed or excited. This looks like it will be perfect for him! Protecting his clothes while looking like a style choice rather than a bib. I'm going to whip one up now out of my stash and see if his momma wants me to make some more when she comes to pick him up this afternoon.
Anonymous
Just wanted to update that it worked great! He wore it to preschool and it did exactly as we wanted, he was chewing on the bib instead of his clothes. He and I went to the fabric store and picked out fabric to make several more! The only change that i made was to extend the length of the bandana part a bit, the neck circumfrence was just right, but it wasn't quite long enough for him. But he's 3 years old (a bit older than the target audience) and is a VERY large guy as he's the same height and weight as my 5 year old!
Anonymous
to make it 'slouchy" make the top layer 1/2in larger all the way around.
Anonymous
Hello!
What size bib pattern is this aimed towards- 12mth+ toddler?
I'm after a pattern that's for a younger age group (around 4mths) would I just cut this pattern down?
Damjana at AppleGreen Cottage
Hi, yes, you're right.
I started using this pattern when my toddler was around 1.5 years old. And there really is a simple way to make the pattern smaller: you can just cut it down, or even better: use the size from the template, but add additional snaps/poppers/velcro to size-down the neckline. This way, the bib will fit the baby when she's older, too. I've done it before and it has worked perfectly! Happy sewing 🙂 Damjana
Anonymous
How much fabric do you need?
Pam @Threading My Way
You can't have too many bibs. Thanks for the great tutorial and for sharing the pattern.