Anyone remember our fun Flint pants bib overalls hack (the bib is a free pattern add-on!)? Well since the Wattle skirt is just the skirt version of the Flint pants, the bib hacks works the same on the skirt pattern as well! So why not create a cute bib for your Wattle skirt? And it works with any of the Wattle views, but I’ll be showing you on View A.
Now, you can follow the original Flint bib tutorial post exactly to make your Wattle bib fully attached, but today I’m going to go over a few other options. The biggest one – how to make the bib and straps detachable!
See? Make your bib and straps separate, and attach it with buttons and buttonholes.
So then you can go from this…
To this! And then back again! Two looks in one!
Ok ok, how about we get into it then? First, make sure you’ve downloaded the free bib add-on for the pattern pieces!
Making the bib and straps detachable
Start by making your bib. In the original tutorial post, we went over a couple options for the bib – including two layers, one layer, topstitched center seam, pocket, etc. But here is another option – two layers with no center seam and no pocket. Just super simple and clean.
Now finish the bottom edge of your bib with your preferred method. Here I used my serger.
Sew 4 evenly spaced buttonholes along the bottom edge, about 5/8″ or so from the edge. (Whoops – first decide on which buttons you will be using before making the buttonholes! Small is best, and flat is better, too, since they will be on the inside of the skirt up against your body.)
Align your bib with your skirt to figure out button placement. One corner of the bib should line up with the opening edge, and the other corner should line up with the pocket edge (mine is a tiny bit off because of an error, so disregard).
Sew your buttons on….
…but make sure you sew the buttons through the inside layer of the waistband only, so that you can’t see the stitching from the outside of the skirt. If you are doing this during your skirt construction, it would be easier to do before you topstitch the waistband down fully.
Also, you want to make sure you choose small buttons so that they don’t interfere with the buttons of your waistband closure (if you chose that closure).
This is how the bib will sit in the waistband when attached.
Now also finish the bottom edge of the two straps. And sew a button on each of them.
If you are making the attached bib and straps like in the original tutorial post, the two-piece waistband has notches for the straps.
But since we are working with the original waistband here, we need to measure out where to put the straps/ buttons for the straps. I went with about 2 1/2″ on either side of center back.
Sew your two buttons on…
Again, making sure to only sew through the inner layer of the waistband, so not to see the stitching from the outside of the skirt.
Now you can attach the straps.
(Note : you may notice that my straps are only one layer with seam allowance finished and turned in. This was just because of lack of fabric. I recommend a two layer strap like in the original tutorial post.)
Stitching the straps together
Here’s another option that wasn’t mentioned in the original bib tutorial post – you can stabilize the straps by sewing in a diamond shape where they crossover/overlap.
So, put on your bib skirt and determine where the straps naturally cross over. Pin in place (have someone help you if needed).
Sew a diamond shape where the two straps overlap to keep them in place and stop them from potentially falling off your shoulders.
All done! Now you can add and remove the bib as you please for two completely different looks.
Enjoy!
LOOKING FOR MORE WATTLE POSTS?
Here’s the full list of Wattle tutorials :
- How to choose between Wattle & Wattle Curve
- Pattern Tester Round-up
- Inspiration + Ideas
- Pockets (all views)
- Bias Cut seams (views A & D) and Tips for Pattern Matching
- Pleats (view B) and Alternate Pleat Patterns
- Gathers (view C)
- Button Waistband
- Tie Waistband
- Hemming
- Wattle skirt hack: Bib overalls (This post!)
- Wattle skirt hack: Gathered tier hem
Don’t forget to tag your creations with #MNwattle and @megannielsenpatterns when sharing on social media, and check out what everyone else is up to!
Don’t have the pattern yet?
