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Cable Stay-On Baby Bib: Free Knitting Pattern

This is the completed bib.

This is the completed bib.

Knit a Pretty Baby Bib That Stays in Place

There are many baby bib patterns you can get online. This is one of the free stay-on baby bib patterns. It includes braided cables and seed stitches. It's a perfect bib style for babies because they can't pull and rip it off.

The bib's collar can also help keep baby's neck warm in cold weather. The bib not only keeps the baby's outfit clean, but it is also a cute fashion statement in a different style from traditional bibs.

Pattern Details

It uses the knit-in-the-round method with a cable needle for the collar and flat knitting for the bib part. You should knit with stretchy yarn for the neckline but use cotton for the bib part to get better absorption. If you're a beginner, be sure to check out the step-by-step instructions in the tutorial videos for help!

Babies can't remove this bib, making it very convenient for parents!

Babies can't remove this bib, making it very convenient for parents!

Great Knitting Book for Baby Gifts

Pattern

  • Skills needed: Basic knit and purl stitches, cable, knitting in the round
  • Size: One size
  • Yarn used in the pictures: (Yarn A) 100% acrylic, Cat 4 worsted weight, Caron Simply Soft Baby Brights Ombre 9801 approx. 25 yds and (Yarn B) 100% cotton, Cat 4 worsted weight, Lily Sugar & Cream Pretty Pastels 00199 approx. 38 yds
  • Needles: US 5/ 3.75 mm 16 inches circular needle, cable needle, and yarn needle

Abbreviations

K = Knit

P = Purl

C4F = Slip 2 onto cable needle and hold in front of work, K2 from left-hand needle, K2 from cable needle

C4B = Slip 2 onto cable needle and hold in back of work, K2 from left-hand needle, K2 from cable needle

sts = stitches

Instructions

Cast on 100 sts with Yarn A by using circular needle. Make sure not to twist and join to knit in the round. Place a marker to remember the starting stitch.

Rows 1–10: (K2, P2) around.

Remove the marker. Knitting in the round is done and start flat knitting.

Row 11: Bind off 58 sts knit-wise to knit sts and purl-wise to purl sts (OR) bind off knit-wise to knit sts and purl-wise to purl sts until you left 41 sts on the needle, then P1, *(K2, P2), repeat * to end. There will be 42 sts on the needle.

Row 12: [Right Side] Change to Yarn B and K6, P2, K2, *(P1, K1), repeat * to last 10 sts, K2, P2, K6.

Row 13: [Wrong Side] P6, K2, P2, *(K1, P1), repeat * to last 10 sts, P2, K2, P6.

Row 14: K6, P2, K2, *(P1, K1), repeat * to last 10 sts, K2, P2, K6.

Row 15: P6, K2, P2, *(K1, P1), repeat * to last 10 sts, P2, K2, P6.

Row 16: K2, C4F, P2, K2, *(P1, K1), repeat * to last 10 sts, K2, P2, C4B, K2.

Scroll to Continue

Row 17: P6, K2, P2, *(K1, P1), repeat * to last 10 sts, P2, K2, P6.

Row 18: K6, P2, K2, *(P1, K1), repeat * to last 10 sts, K2, P2, K6.

Row 19: P6, K2, P2, *(K1, P1), repeat * to last 10 sts, P2, K2, P6.

Row 20: C4B, K2, P2, K2, *(P1, K1), repeat * to last 10 sts, K2, P2, K2, C4F.

Row 21: P6, K2, P2, *(K1, P1), repeat * to last 10 sts, P2, K2, P6.

Row 22: K6, P2, K2, *(P1, K1), repeat * to last 10 sts, K2, P2, K6.

Row 23: P6, K2, P2, *(K1, P1), repeat * to last 10 sts, P2, K2, P6.

Repeat Rows 16 to 23 (3) times to reach Row 48.

Rows 49-53: K all.

Bind off and weave in ends. Enjoy!

More Free Knitting Patterns

© 2012 Christy Hills

Comments

Sarah on July 23, 2020:

If I repeat rows 16-23 (3) times it only brings me to the end of Row 47. Should I knit only on Row 48?

Jeanne on August 09, 2017:

Love this bib, but I don't do cable. Is there a was to make just knit and purl stitches? If there is could you send me instructions to make it. My email address is jea520@yahoo.com. Thank you very much for your help.

Christy Hills (author) on February 02, 2013:

Hi faythef, thanks for your visit and voting up.

Christy Hills (author) on February 02, 2013:

Hi happyhedhe2, it is the same as Cat 4 medium worsted weight, I used Cat 4 medium worsted weight Caron simply soft yarn for the booties.

Faythe Payne from USA on January 30, 2013:

This is very cute and practical..I think I will make one for my granddaughter..voting up and across

happyhedge2 on January 16, 2013:

I am confused by yarn categories. The knitted red & white baby booties call for category 4 baby knitting worsted. Is that the same as category 4 medium worsted or more like category 3 "light"?

Christy Hills (author) on January 09, 2013:

Hi happyhedge2, You are very welcome and I am happy that the videos can help you. Congratulation to you to be a grandmother soon. Have a happy knitting!

happyhedge2 on January 05, 2013:

I was terrified of using a circular needle and have read instructions however, your instructions are so clear and the videos so helpful I truly appreciate them and you for doing them. I am 70 yrs. old and going to be a first time grandmother in August. I just received this information on Christmas Day..........what a wonderful gift! You have inspired me to learn. Thank you so much.

Christy Hills (author) on November 15, 2012:

Thank you soooo much for your stop by and valuable comment. I am not a real pro and if you find out errors in the patterns, tell me please.

Wanda on November 15, 2012:

I really love your patterns, they are so cute! I downloaded the Seamless Yellow Baby Sweater Dress, Cute Knitted Shoes for Little Feet, and•Colorful Candy Baby Hat. Oh yeah, I forgot the Cable Stay-on Baby Bib. I was thnking of making the dress, booties and hat all in the same color as a set. I love your designs, they are so different then any I have seen. Can't wait to see what you come up with next.

Cindy on October 23, 2012:

What a clever idea!

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