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DIY Bib Extender

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It seems like just yesterday that I sewed the chenille bib for the babies. Now, the bib can no longer comfortably fit onto the necks of the growing-up toddlers. They need a bib extender to continue serving their little “masters.”

baby bib extender

I am not sure if anyone used this method—sewing bib extensions. As a thrifty mom, buying new bibs at every growing stage does not seem like a wise expense, especially if the bibs are sentimental handmade gifts from friends and/or families.

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.

how to make bib extender
Snap button bib extender.

Ribbon, is one of the most convenient materials to use as it is commonly available and with a 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.

how to make bib extender
Velcro bib extender.

The first photo is the extender I made using a 1″ wide grosgrain ribbon 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.

how to extend bib lentgth

How To Make Bib Extender

 
bib extender

To make a 3″ extension, cut a 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 the snap button – fold the raw edge gain to hide it inside the ribbon}

 
bib extender

Sew the Velcro hook and loop to the ribbon, with one facing up and one facing down. Note the hook and loop side of the bib for which you are making the extender.
{For the snap button – install the stud and socket with their respective ring and prong with appropriate tools or pliers.}

 
bib extender

Attach 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 throughout the growing age of your baby.
Happy Sewing!

Author bio

Joanne Loh

~ Founder and Editor ~
Born into a creative family, Joanne Loh has over 40 years of experience in sewing, crocheting, and knitting. Well-known for her creative approach to DIY crafts, her creations demonstrate a strong dedication to quality and spreading her enthusiasm among the crafting community.
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Judy

Friday 16th of March 2012

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

Rachel

Wednesday 23rd of March 2011

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.

Craft Passion

Wednesday 23rd of March 2011

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

Stacy Couvillion

Monday 21st of March 2011

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

Craft Passion

Wednesday 23rd of March 2011

Stacy, yes, they are very easy to make be it sew or non-sew way :)

Peggy Gonzales

Monday 21st of March 2011

Good idea for thrifty moms.

Craft Passion

Wednesday 23rd of March 2011

Cheers for being thrifty together, Peggy!!!

Renee

Monday 21st of March 2011

Oh Great Idea...

Craft Passion

Wednesday 23rd of March 2011

:)