Applique is a simple quilting technique that allows you to embellish just about anything by using a few stitches and a little fabric. For this project, use these templates -- or a design of your own -- to add a whimsical touch to a baby's bib or T-shirt.

Tools and Materials
Appliqued Bib Designs Template
Scissors
Fabric
Spray starch
Embroidery floss
Invisible pen
Pencil
Sewing needle and thread
Iron

Baby Bib How-To
1. Download, print, and cut out the bib template. Trace the shape of the template onto your fabric, leaving a 1/4-inch seam allowance, and cut the shape out of the fabric. At curves, cut slits at 3/8-inch intervals. Cut extra slits around concave areas to ensure smoothness. Notch the convex areas to prevent pleating. For outside corners, cut slits at 45-degree angle to reduce bulk. For inside areas, cut single slit at 45-degree angle.

2. Sew a running stitch around the shape of your fabric. Fold seam allowance over the template, and press with a medium-heat dry iron. If the shape has curves, turn under the points first. After pressing each piece, take out the running stitch and the paper. Baste together the individual parts of the design -- the nose to the face, the ears to the head -- and baste the assembled pieces to your bib or T-shirt using a whipstitch that runs around the perimeter of the design.

3. Fill in the details, such as the eyes and nostrils of the pig, the word eat and the steam for the bowl, or the eyes of the chick. Draw the steam and the word eat using the invisible pen, and embroider it using a chain stitch. Thread needle with two strands of embroidery floss and knot the end. Insert needle back to front. Make one stitch. Then, insert the needle back to front through the middle of stitch, coming up between the two strands of thread. Repeat process. Use a French knot for the eyes of the pig and chick.

Resources
The Mark-B-Gone Marking Pen can be purchased at Prym Dritz. The clothing used in this craft can be found at the Gap.

Special Thanks
Special thanks to Cindy Treen for demonstrating this craft.