Introduction: Recycled Plastic Bag Bib
I have seen some pretty cool stuff made out of the "fabric" from fusing together plastic grocery bags, so I decided to make one of my own. Hopefully you enjoy them as much as I have enjoyed creating them.
Step 1: Supplies
You will need:
1. Plastic bags- the kind you get from the grocery store. I also use the ones my food comes in from the potatoes, onions, anything really that comes in plastic bags. All you have to do is be careful with iron. Adjust the temp as needed for the bags you are using, Some are thinner than others.
2. Iron-
3. bib pattern- I just traced one I already had and used it as a base for mine.
4. 2 pressing sheets- you can find these at any craft/quilting shop. They are fabulous. Find the ones that you can use either side.
5. Glue gun and glue sticks
6. pair of scissors
The following items are great to have ,but not necessary:)
7. self healing cutting mat
8. rotary cutter
9. large ruler
1. Plastic bags- the kind you get from the grocery store. I also use the ones my food comes in from the potatoes, onions, anything really that comes in plastic bags. All you have to do is be careful with iron. Adjust the temp as needed for the bags you are using, Some are thinner than others.
2. Iron-
3. bib pattern- I just traced one I already had and used it as a base for mine.
4. 2 pressing sheets- you can find these at any craft/quilting shop. They are fabulous. Find the ones that you can use either side.
5. Glue gun and glue sticks
6. pair of scissors
The following items are great to have ,but not necessary:)
7. self healing cutting mat
8. rotary cutter
9. large ruler
Step 2: Prep the Bag
Cut the seam off at the bottom of the bag.
Then cut off the handles.
Clean and dry the bag very well. Mostly just wipe it out with a damp cloth.
Now a little side note if you are using a rotary cutter. If you are right handed, the bag (or fabric) will go to your right. If you are left handed, the bag,(or fabric) goes to the left. This makes your cutting more accurate. You measure with the ruler NOT the mat. Mats can warp and throw your cutting off.
Then cut off the handles.
Clean and dry the bag very well. Mostly just wipe it out with a damp cloth.
Now a little side note if you are using a rotary cutter. If you are right handed, the bag (or fabric) will go to your right. If you are left handed, the bag,(or fabric) goes to the left. This makes your cutting more accurate. You measure with the ruler NOT the mat. Mats can warp and throw your cutting off.
Step 3: Fusing
Now you are going to fuse them together. I used two for this bib. However I have done some of them that required more. Especially if I was putting designs in between.
I was unable to find two pressing sheets of the same size. So I purchase a large one and a medium one. Place one on your ironing board.
Your iron should be on a fairly low to medium setting.
Now layer the two bags on top of each other.
Place the other pressing sheet on top.
Now iron away. Keep ironing till the wrinkles come out. If you like the wrinkle look, by all means leave them in.
I was unable to find two pressing sheets of the same size. So I purchase a large one and a medium one. Place one on your ironing board.
Your iron should be on a fairly low to medium setting.
Now layer the two bags on top of each other.
Place the other pressing sheet on top.
Now iron away. Keep ironing till the wrinkles come out. If you like the wrinkle look, by all means leave them in.
Step 4: Cut Out Bib
Using your bib pattern, trace all around it onto your fabric.
Cut it out.
The bib pattern I had didn't have the pocket, All I did was trace the bottom of the bib pattern and make it 1/2 an inch larger along the bottom to glue it down.
Step 5: Velcro
Cut the Velcro 1/2 inch long.
Step 6: Glue
For this step I glued down the bottom of the bib and the velcro so those are the steps that are shown. However the glue wasn't sticking after I put it on my little guy. I don't know if I bought the wrong glue or what so I ended up after taking the pictures having to just iron being very careful around the edges and on the velcro. Still using the pressing sheets. So try both methods and see what works for you. I found ironing them worked the best.
Step 7: Random
Here are some old pictures I did for a bib I was creating for a class I gave a while back. I simply took pieces of different colored plastic bags and cut out a flower and drew on the plastic with a permanent marker. Came out pretty cute. Ha
Step 8: All Done
Now show them off. Take them with you. Just clean them with warm soapy water. Do not put in dishwasher or washing machine or dryer.