Project introduction
This pattern overview looks at the Animal Friends Bibs from Pattern Paradise, a baby bib design that can be finished as a chick, a lamb, or a bunny. It is not a full tutorial, so it explains what the project includes, how the pieces fit together, and what to gather before you start. For the complete directions, follow the Original designer’s pattern and instructions.
The bib is worked mainly in single crochet, which gives a dense fabric for dribbles and frequent washing. The shape starts as a wide center panel, then narrows into two shoulder sections that meet at the top. One side carries a buttonhole strap, and the finished edge is worked around the outside. It closes on the shoulder with a single button, although the source also names a Velcro fastener as an alternative.
Faces give each bib its character, and the designer used simple embroidery for the sample details. The source also mentions child safe eyes and permanent marker as other ways to add features, so you can choose the method that feels safest for the baby who will wear it. Because the base bib stays the same, you can swap colors and appliques to suggest almost any animal.
Access is straightforward. The designer offers the pattern as a free web version on the source page. An ad-free PDF version is also listed for purchase on Ravelry. The free web access does not mean the PDF is free, and the paid PDF does not mean the web version is paid, so check the format you want before you begin.
Animal Friends Bibs
The finished bib measures approximately 7 1/2 inches by 8 inches, not including the strap. The gauge given in the source is 17 sc by 17 rows equals 4 inches, so checking gauge helps keep the bib close to that size. The pattern uses US terms. The source notes explain that a starting chain 1 does not count as a stitch, and that a parenthetical number shows the stitch count for a round.
Before you start, gather every item on the source supply list so you can work through the bib and its animal details without stopping. Cotton yarn suits a bib because it is absorbent and easy to launder, and the optional terry cloth liner adds softness and absorbency to the main panel.
- Worsted weight cotton yarn: 100 yards of main color for each bib, plus small amounts of contrasting colors for facial features.
- Hook: H/5.50 mm.
- Button: one 1 inch button for each bib.
- Optional liner: 1/4 yard of cotton terry cloth fabric.
- Yarn needle for weaving ends.
The source uses US crochet terms. In the pattern, ch means chain, hdc means half double crochet, sc means single crochet, sl st means slip stitch, and st means stitch. Keeping this key nearby helps when you move between the bib body, the ears, the eyes, and the small finishing pieces. Plurals add s.
For the chick, make the basic bib in yellow. The beak is made as two pieces in orange, and the eyes are made as two round pieces in white. The source finishes the eyes with black yarn for the center and blue yarn for an outline around the side edges. Sew the eyes and beak in place, then add a little tuft of hair at the top.
For the bunny, make the basic bib in light pink. Each ear pairs an outer ear in light pink with an inner ear in dark pink, centered and sewn in place. The eyes are made as two pieces in white, finished with black yarn for the center and blue yarn for an outline around the side edges. Sew the ears and eyes in place, then embroider a nose and mouth with black yarn.
For the lamb, make the basic bib in white. Each ear pairs an outer ear in white with an inner ear in pink, with the inner piece centered on the outer piece and sewn in place. The eyes are made as two pieces in black. If desired, add small white buttons to the center of the eyes. Sew the ears and eyes in place, embroider a nose and mouth with pink yarn, and add curls above the eyes if desired.
Use the source photos as a guide for placement, and sew each piece firmly so it stays secure through washing and wear. Add optional eyebrows or eyelashes for any animal if you like. If you add the liner, place it on the main bib section for softness and absorbency.
