How to make a gauge swatch
With larger hook and MC, ch 19.
Row 1 Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across—18 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 2 Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn. Rep row 2 22 times more. Swatch should measure 4” x 4”/10 x 10cm. Adjust hook size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.
Note
To join yarn with a sc, make a slip knot and place on hook. Insert hook into st, yo and draw up a loop, yo and draw through 2 loops on hook.
BIB
With larger hook and MC, ch 32.
Row 1 (right side) Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across—31 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 2 Work 2 sc in first st, sc in each st to last st, work 2 sc in last st—33 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Rows 3-5 Repeat row 2 three times more—39 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Rows 6-48 Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn.
Left Strap
Row 1 (right side) Sc in first 13 sts. Do not ch, turn.
Row 2 Sc2tog, sc in each st to end—12 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 3 Sc in each st to last 2 sts, sc2tog—11 sts. Do not ch, turn.
Row 4 Repeat row 2—10 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 5 Repeat row 3—9 sts. Do not ch, turn.
Rows 6-30 Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn.
Row 31 Repeat row 6. Do not ch, turn.
Row 32 Sc2tog, sc in each st to last 2 sts, sc2tog—7 sts. Do not ch, turn.
Row 33 Repeat row 32—5 sts. Fasten off.
Right strap
Row 1 (right side) Skip center 13 sts, join thread with a sc in next st, sc in last 12 sts—13 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 2 Sc in each st to last 2 sts, sc2tog—12 sts. Do not ch, turn.
Row 3 Sc2tog, sc in each st across—11 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Row 4 Repeat row 2—10 sts. Do ch, turn.
Row 5 Repeat row 3—9 sts. Ch 1, turn.
Rows 6-30 Sc in each st across. Ch 1, turn.
Row 31 Repeat row 6. Do not ch, turn.
Row 32 Sc2tog, sc in each st to last 2 sts, sc2tog— 7 sts. Do not ch, turn.
Row 33 (buttonhole) Sc2tog, ch 3, skip next 3 sts, sc2tog—5 sts. Turn.
Edging
Change to smaller hook.
Round 1 (right side) Ch 1, making sure that work lies flat, sc evenly around entire outer and neck edges, working 3 sc in each corner and in the ch-3 sp, join round with a sl st in first sc. Fasten off.
Round 2 With right side facing, join CC with a sc in center st of left strap, sc in each st around, working 3 sc in each corner st, join round with a sl st in first sc.
Round 3 Ch 1, sc in each st around, working 2 sc in each corner st, join round with a st in first sc. Fasten off.
POLKA DOTS
Make sizes and colors as desired.
Extra-large polka dot
Using smaller hook, ch 3. Join ch with a sl st, forming a ring.
Round 1 Work 6 sc in ring. Mark last st made with the safety pin. You will be working in a spiral marking the last st made with the safety pin to indicate end of round
Round 2 Work 2 sc in each st around—12 sts.
Round 3 [Sc in next st, work 2 sc in next st] 6 times—18 sts.
Round 4 [Sc in next 2 sts, work 2 sc in next st] 6 times—24 sts.
Round 5 [Sc in next 3 sts, work 2 sc in next st] 6 times—30 sts.
Round 6 [Sc in next 4 sts, work 2 sc in next st] 6 times—36 sts. Drop safety pin, sl st in next 2 sts. Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.
Large polka dot
Work rounds 1-5 as for extra-large polka dot. Drop safety pin, sl st in next 2 sts. Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.
Medium polka dot
Work rounds 1-4 as for extra-large polka dot. Drop safety pin, sl st in next 2 sts. Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.
Small polka dot
Work rounds 1-3 as for extra-large polka dot. Drop safety pin, sl st in next 2 sts. Fasten off leaving a long tail for sewing.
Finishing
Weave in all loose ends, leaving polka dot tails free.
Lightly steam-press pieces. Arrange polka dots as
desired, then sew in place using tails. Sew on
button using sewing thread doubled in sewing
needle.
Make that Button Secure!
When attaching buttons to baby items, take extra care that they are sewn securely. Here’s how:
-For extra strength, sew buttons with button thread or plain dental floss. (Waxed or flavored floss can leave a residue on garments.)
-Starting on the right side of the bib, make a small stitch in the area where you will place the button. Place a toothpick between thread and button to form a shank.
-Make three or four stitches through each pair of holes, leaving the toothpick under the stitches.
-Bring needle through to right side of garment, remove toothpick, and wrap thread around the button stitches to make the shank.
-Take a small stitch to the back and to the right side again, and secure thread with a strong knot such as a square knot.
If you prefer not to use buttons, you can eliminate the buttonhole from the bib and instead stitch ribbon to the ends of the straps for a tie closure, or sew hook-and-loop tape to the straps. |