Simple Knit Bibs
I found the original pattern that inspired these bibs in Mason-Dixon Knitting. If you’re a knitter and have not checked out these books, you really should. The patterns and color choices are always fun—a twist on traditional. I have several bookmarks in my copies and hopes to knit many of their patterns. I might have a bit of a knitter’s crush on the authors.
I have adapted the pattern for the bibs a bit, and have made them for several friends. I love knitting baby gifts that are both cute and serve a practical purpose—bibs are perfect, they don’t take long and they are versatile—any color(s) you dream of will fit the project.
Baby Bib Pattern
Use 100% cotton worsted weight yarn. It may fade over time, but that will add to the charm. Cotton is more absorbent than acrylic (and feels better to knit).
I use size 6 or 7 needles, it doesn’t really matter too much. Gauge also doesn’t matter for this project—it really is no fuss.
You’ll also need a button approximately 5/8” wide. I like to use a contrasting color.
And you'll need embroidery floss to attach the button, again, I like to use color here too.
Cast on 45 stitches.
Knit all rows until you have 32-36 garter ridges (that’s 64-72 rows of knitting).
To begin the straps: knit 10 stitches, bind off (BO) the next 15, knit 10.
Keep the first 10 stitches on your needle, we’ll get to those later. Knit 10 stitches until your strap is 5-6 inches long. Bind off.
Now, with the last 10 stitches on your needle, knit until it is approximately 1” shorter than the first strap.
Make a button hole in this strap. Knit 4, Bind Off 2, Knit 4.
Next row: Knit 4, Cast On 2, Knit 4.
Continue knitting all rows until the strap is the same length as the first. Bind off.
I like adding stripes to the bibs I make. The strips are also unfussy and can be as wide or thin as you like. I tend to like the stripes toward the bottom of the bib rather than in the middle.
To add the stripe, about 8 rows into the first color, cut the yard, add your second color and knit until you’re happy with the stripe width, then cut the yarn and start again with your first color. Viola!
The bibs pictured above were a baby shower gift for some dear friends. The dad-to-be hunts, and I couldn’t resist a camo bib with an orange button. Perfect!
Happy knitting!
