Washcloth Bibs 101
So easy, so fun, so resourceful.
When you’ve taken all the random T-shirts and made baby pants, and rice pillows and nightcaps and pirate hats out of them…
you end up with quite a pile of scraps. Perhaps you’ve noticed, but I just have a hard time wasting stuff like this. I’d say it was because I’m a child of the depression, but I’m not. It’s just fun to find a new life for something on it’s last leg.
You will need:
old T-shirts
colorful washcloths
scissors
sewing machine
So, we cut the sleeves off and most of the front and back and cut through the back neck piece of the shirt.
Then we laid the washcloth on top…
and sewed it on.
You can sew down the bottom of the shirt back to the washcloth as well, if you’d like. Some I did, some I didn’t. Either way works.
Another way to do it is to cut the shirt in more of a half circle…
and sew it on top of the washcloth. Again, either way works.
We found that if you turn the bib around–it also makes an adorable cape…
just perfect for the hardworking superhero.
————————–
Happy Birthday Jane!!
Grab our button!
He wore that bib until we forceably removed it—and it’s usually the other way around. Brilliant, I say!
[Reply]
Launi Reply:
September 24th, 2009 at 10:18 pm
I’ll make about 10 more and we’ll split them up among the babies. They were so fun.
[Reply]
I love them! Are they for sale? I want one…two…three…oh goodness I will take them ALL!!!! Mwahahahahaha!
You are so smart and resourceful. I am a total waster. I need to do better on that.
[Reply]
Launi Reply:
September 24th, 2009 at 10:19 pm
I wouldn’t really know how to sell something from a recycled T-shirt. That seems kinda odd to me. We have one that the neck was too small even for Lily–I got carried away–so we thought of Piper.
[Reply]
I’m already super glad that you made these… tried and true… that fast!!!
I love that they are bigger than usual and cover up Baby Chomp’s shoulders; other bibs just don’t cover enough! These are AWESOME!!!
[Reply]
Launi Reply:
September 24th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
We’ll make tons since we often go through 5 a day if the babies come over.
[Reply]
Great bib idea! and upcycled too… nice work!
[Reply]
Launi Reply:
September 24th, 2009 at 10:20 pm
Yeah, I’m feeling pretty earthy right now. It’s a good thing. Wait…did I just quote Martha Stewart? yikes
[Reply]
Interesting design… anything that’s made of recycled stuff, I’m a fan of!
[Reply]
Launi Reply:
September 24th, 2009 at 10:22 pm
Hello Travis–Welcome. If you like recycled stuff–you should see what we do with plastic bags around here. Thanks for visiting us.
[Reply]
such a good idea and so simple!
[Reply]
Hi, I just discovered your blog….& my question is–if you cut through the neck band of the t-shirt (your orange shirt example), how do you keep it on the baby? In other words, how is it fastened? Also, what happens to the back “piece” of t-shirt beneath the neck band, once you have sewed the wash cloth to the front? My idea is that you cut it into a nice shape (or flush with the neck band?) and then zig-zag finish the edge. Just wanted your feed back, since I would love to make these very practical bibs!
[Reply]
Launi Reply:
July 17th, 2011 at 8:04 pm
Oh, my goodness–I did forget to add that in–didn’t I? I just measured around the baby’s head and added about 1/2 inch. With right sides together I sewed a new seam right up the back. And you’re right–I did fold up the edge about 1/4 inch and zig zag it. I’ll get that in the post. Thanks for nudging me to make it more clear.
:}
[Reply]
Pingback: Dollar Store Crafts » Blog Archive » Question: What to do with Baby Washcloths?
Pingback: Question: What to do with Baby Washcloths? |Candle Making Kits | Beeswax, Soy and Gel Candle Making Starter Kits
Pingback: MAKE IT! Gifts for Babies — The Titus 2 Homemaker
This is a great way to make a bib! I work with students with Autism and some need bibs. This bib doesn’t have to look like it’s for a baby but is more appropriate for school age students. Thank you for the idea!
[Reply]
Thanks so much for the idea! I have a 9 month old who is always pulling her bibs off, and she drools like you wouldn’t believe, so the terry towelling is a must – and they are expensive to buy – this is perfect! I bought a size 2 shirt from the op shop and cut off the top part, and used some terry towelling I had from years ago. I didn’t have to alter the neck at all. I actually cut a U shape out of the terry and it goes from the back all the way down, because she tends to wet the shoulders of her bibs as well. Wish I could post a photo!
My next experiment will be with a shirt I got that has a snap at the back – will be interesting to see how that goes to make a bib with a snap at the back.
[Reply]
why couldnt you use a childs shirt , maybe a size 5 than having to cut down a adults. I want to try this real soon. Sounds really cute.
[Reply]
Launi Reply:
October 4th, 2012 at 2:28 pm
Oh, I’m sure you could! I just have an over abundance of men’s shirts and needed to find something to do with them. :}
[Reply]
I wish I could buy some too!!!!! Not domestic at all and I don’t have a sewing machine
[Reply]
Pingback: MAKE IT! Gifts for Babies