21 Mar 14

Tutorial: Bib Extender

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Picture 1 of 4 (Click arrow for more pictures)


It seems like it was just yesterday that I sewed the chenille bib for the babies. Now, the bib can no longer fit comfortably onto the necks of the growing up toddlers. They need bib extender to continue serving their little “masters”.
 
I am not sure if anyone used this method – sewing bib extension. As a thrifty mom, buying new bibs at every growing stages seems not a wise-able expenses. Especially if the bibs are sentiment handmade gifts from friends or/and families. So… I got this idea from the maternity waistband which I used during pregnancy – EXTENDER. Instead of elastic band for the waistband, I used grosgrain ribbon for the bib but you can use just any ribbons of your choice, or you can even sew fabric tube that matches with the bib you have made or bought.
 
Ribbon is one of the most convenient materials to use as it is commonly available and with vast selection of colors, designs and sizes. All you need to do is adapting the type of fastener of the existing bib, 2 most common types are velcro and snap buttons.
 
The first photo is the extender I made using 1″ wide grosgrain ribbon and it is for the velcro fastened bib I bought. The photo below is the 3/8″ wide grosgrain ribbon + prong snap buttons for the chenille bib. The concepts are the same, instead of sewing velcro, just install the no-sew or prong snap button. One thing you need to determine is to make sure that the snap buttons (sew type or prong type) are from the same type in order for them to fasten together.
 
snap button bib extension

Below is the tutorial for a velcro bib extender, just adapt the method for your fastening type.
 
Make Bib ExtenderTo make a 3″ extension, cut 4 ½” length of 1″ grosgrain ribbon (¾” fold back) or extension + 1½”.
Lightly burn the raw edges of the ribbon to stop them from fraying.
Fold and press ¾” from 2 ends.
Cut 1″ length from a pair of 1″ velcro.
{For snap button – fold the raw edge gain to hide it inside the ribbon}

Bib ExtenderSew the hook and loop of the velcro to the ribbon with 1 facing up and 1 facing down. Take note on the hook & loop side from the bib that you are making the extender for.
{For snap button – install the stud and socket with it respective ring and prong with appropriate tool or pliers.}

bib for all agesAttach the bib extender to the bib and you will have a bigger neck hole for the kids.


Make a few with various colors and lengths and you will be able to use the same few bibs through out the growing age of your baby.
Happy Sewing!
Velcro extender

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14 comments... read them below or add one

  1. Pingback:Tutorial: Make a bib extender to lengthen neck straps · Sewing | CraftGossip.com

  2. Anne Weaver says:March 21, 2011 at 2:45 am

    Brilliant!! This is so smart!! From now on, whenever I make a bib to give as a baby gift, I’ll be sure to also include a matching bib extender.

    I linked to your tutorial on Craft Gossip Sewing:
    http://sewing.craftgossip.com/tutorial-make-a-bib-extender-to-lengthen-neck-straps/2011/03/20/

    –Anne

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  3. Alice says:March 21, 2011 at 3:27 am

    That is such a clever idea. I must pass it on to my daughter for her toddler. Thanks so much for sharing your solution to the problem. I’m sure many Moms will appreciate it.

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  4. Renee says:March 21, 2011 at 3:50 am

    Oh Great Idea…

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  5. Peggy Gonzales says:March 21, 2011 at 4:36 am

    Good idea for thrifty moms.

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  6. Stacy Couvillion says:March 21, 2011 at 5:01 am

    These are very interesting. And a great idea! They don’t look that difficult to make either!

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  7. Rachel says:March 23, 2011 at 1:48 pm

    That is SO SMART! I’ve never seen or heard of these before, just genius! Thanks so much for the pretty how-to, I’ll be linking.

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    • Craft Passion says:March 23, 2011 at 3:26 pm

      Rachel, I am glad to share this idea in One Pretty Thing! As I told Anne, the bib manufacturers are going to curse if they found out that I am teaching this technique through internet… :p

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  8. Judy says:March 16, 2012 at 4:46 am

    So practical yet so simple–my favorite kind of tutorial! Thank you for sharing. I know many of our snap customers will find this useful. Judy @ KAMsnaps.com

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