crooked whimsy: quilted bib with recycled backing: a tutorial

Since making a recent quilt top for a friend's baby girl, I thought it would be nice to include a matching bib as part of the gift. I wasn't sure if it was worth the time to quilt such a small item, but in hindsight, I'm so glad I did. I was also happy to recycle an old pink towel, which makes a bright and absorbent bib backing.

Start by gathering the "ingredients" necessary for your bib.

You will need:

a reusable towel -11.5" x 14" rectangle
batting -11.5" x 14" inch rectangle
30- 2.5" x 2.5" fabric squares (if you're looking for a quicker finish, use mini charm packs)
disappearing tracing pen/marker
pins, thread, scissors
velcro or snap enclosure
point turner or other object to poke out corners/edges of bib

Lay out your fabric squares to your desired design. I tried to follow the pattern of my larger quilt as much as possible.

Then, sew your squares into six rows using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

After sewing the rows, use an iron to press open your seams for a crisp and clean appearance.

Sew your six rows into three thicker rows, then press all seams open again. Finally, sew your three rows into one small quilt top, pressing your seams open one final time. I pinned my rows together as I went along to keep everything straight and secure.

Like a regular quilt, I pinned my "top" to the piece of batting to keep it in place while sewing.

Then use your walking foot to quilt the top to the piece of batting in whatever pattern you wish. In this case, I preferred basic straight lines in a vertical/horizontal grid. Pull the pins out as you finish.

Trace a pattern for your bib. I found and printed half a dozen free bib patterns online before selecting this one by Sew She Sews. I traced one half using an erasable marker, then flipped the pattern and traced the other side.

Once traced, carefully cut out the bib along the line.

Place the bib right side down onto your towel. Pin the three layers together to keep them secure.

Use your machine to stitch around the outer edge of your bib, leaving a 3-inch opening to turn it inside out later.

Cut out the bib again, being careful not to cut your stitching. Leave a longer tab at your opening for easier finish later.

Turn your bib inside out, using a point turner or other tool to ensure that all corners/edges are pushed out. I used my marker, and it seemed to do the trick. Then, securing the longer tab on the inside, carefully pin your opening closed. I pressed mine to flatten the edges, which made sewing it much easier after.