 The first step is to cut out the fabric or decorations you want to use and place them on the denim in a pleasing arrangement. Because we are going to use a crumb pocket on this bib, we want to leave room at the bottom for that. We used Wonder Under to fuse the Sponge Bob decorations in place. You can do a single line of stitching around each one or use fabric glue instead. Make sure if you use glue that you can sew through it without harming your needle or your machine. |
 Cut a back out of the same pattern, but reverse the pattern so the right side is out. The bib sandwich of denim on backing should be wrong sides together. You could use denim here, an old towel that has a not so worn spot, or use what we did - a receiving blanket. |
 Find a coordinating fabric to use as your crumb pocket. We had some leftover primary color fabric which matches the rainbow on the Sponge Bob Fabric. |
 We made 1-3/4" wide bias tape out of leftover Sponge Bob fabric, folded it once, and pressed it. The roll just keeps it in place for later use. You need enough to go around the edge of your bib and a little extra. |
 Satin stitch around all of the appliques with a matching thread. Use only the denim piece of the bib at this point. The back thread doesn't have to match because you are not using the bib back as of yet. It won't show later. |
 After all the satin stitching is done, trim threads and check your work. |
 We have chosen to use a fray stopping agent on the stitching. This is suggested if you intend to use and wash the bib. It will extend the life of the threads in a big way. |
 When the fray stopping agent has dried, lay the bib top (the denim) on the bib back (the receiving blanket). Pin in place. |
 Stitch a scant 1/8" around the whole bib, catching the backing. You will trim excess backing next. |
 After trimming excess backing, place the crumb pocket fabric (folded upon itself so it is two layers thick, or you can stitch two pieces together if you don't have enough to fold). Pin in place. |
 Turn the bib over and stitch again a scant 1/8" to catch the edges of the crumb pocket. |
 Trim any excess fabric again. Your bib is now ready for the bias binding. |
 Turn down one end of the bias binding, and begin to stitch around the whole bib with about a 1/4" stitch. |
 When you come to the turned over part, use about 1/2" or more binding, stitching through all layers. Trim excess binding. The bias should curve nicely on the inside neck area and outside curved areas at the fastener area and bottom. |
 Turn the bias to the back of the bib, turn in the edge of the bias strip, pin, and stitch in place. We find it much easier to stitch this on by hand. You may do it as you wish. |
 Cut a small piece of hook and loop fastener about 1-1/2" in length. |
 Trim the hook and loop fastener to create an oval. We keep it stuck together to do this in order to get the same size pieces. |
 Pin the soft side of the hook and loop fastener to the denim side of the bib as shown. Machine Stitch in place. Pin the hook part of the hook and loop to the back of the bib on the opposite neckline. Machine stitch in place. |
 And here's the front of the finished bib... |
 ...and the back of the bib. |
 Notice how nicely the bib curves around the neck when fastened? |
 And here's the back view. |