Make Your Own Bibs from Washcloths

There are thousands of adorable printed washcloths available. You pick them up from theme parks, exotic beaches and gift shops everywhere. Heck, you probably even have a few that were given to you as souvenirs! The problem is that they tend to be on the small side, plus, they aren´t exactly the highest quality in the world. So, what do you do with all those great, but relatively useless washcloths?

You turn them into bibs. Unique, fun and absolutely perfect for your baby. You can make them as gifts, too, instead of just handing over that same old washcloth to your baby niece or nephew! It's easy to do and takes only about ten minutes to whip one off. If you really get into it, you can make several bibs in a day and hand them out to everyone!

What you need to do this neat little project is simple. You will need a souvenir washcloth and a length of bias tape in the same color. Bias tape is available in any fabric or sewing shop. Alternatively, if you are going for a girly bib, you could use ribbon instead, doubled along its length and ironed. Just be forewarned that it will be a little more difficult to sew than bias tape.

Next, take an existing bib and lay it on top of the washcloth. You will need to trace the neckline with a pen on the back of the washcloth, leaving at least an inch of the border intact on either side. Now, cut the neckline out and discard the small piece that you just removed.

Measure out your bias tape. You will need enough to run around the edge of the neck hole, plus about ten inches on either side. Pin the bias tape to the neckline, starting in the center. Make sure that the tape is folded very neatly over the raw edges of the washcloth when you pin it.

Now, using the same color thread, sew along the edge of the bias tape, furthest from the edge. When you have finished, trim the threads and presto! You have a washcloth bib that will thrill any baby and its mother! Disney designs are particularly good for this project, but any washcloth will do, even plain colored ones.

So, the next time you find yourself in a souvenir shop in Mexico, take another look at those funky Mayan symbol washcloths and consider making a bib for your favorite little one. They make very neat and unique gifts.