Basic Bib:
Baby bibs are an essential part of a parent's supply kit, and new parents are sure to go through more of them than they imagine. Knitting bibs is a lot of fun and an easy, useful project that all parents will appreciate.
This Star Bib is just a basic Stockinette bib with a Moss Stitch edging. The star is added with duplicate stitch, so you could use the same pattern and any motif you like, from a monogram to a skull and cross bones.
The strap, knit directly onto the bib itself, includes a series of buttonholes so that the bib will fit children of different sizes.
Materials:
- about 55 yards of medium weight cotton yarn (I used Lily Sugar 'N Cream
- one pair size 7 US knitting needles
- a small amount of contrast yarn for motif
- Star chart or motif of your choice
- a button that will fit in the buttonholes you've made (mine is a half-inch button from my stash)
Gauge:
16 stitches and 24 rows per 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch. Gauge is not critical, but should make a somewhat firm fabric.
Size:
Finished bib is about 9 inches wide and 7.5 inches long, with an 11-inch strap.
Instructions:
- With main color, cast on 36 stitches.
- Work in Moss Stitch 4 rows.
- Keeping the first and last 4 stitches of each row in Moss Stitch, work the body of the bib in Stockinette Stitch until it is about 6.75 inches long.
- Work 4 more rows in Moss Stitch.
- Bind off all but the last 4 stitches in pattern.
Knitting the Strap:
- Work the remaining stitches in Moss Stitch until strap measures about 8 inches. Next row, work first two stitches normally, yarn over, then knit or purl the last 2 stitches together (depending on where you are in the pattern).
- Work straight 1 inch, then repeat buttonhole row. Work another inch, make another buttonhole, then work 4 more rows.
- Bind off in pattern.
Finishing the Bib:
Decide where you want your motif to appear on the bib; I put mine in the bottom left corner as you face the bib. Stitch using duplicate stitch in a contrasting color.
Next, choose a button and sew it on to the top right corner of the bib as it faces you. I used one ply of the contrast yarn, or you can use a coordinating thread if you prefer.
