This is something I have been thinking about too. One suggestion is to make an applique on a different piece of fabric that is then hand sewn on to the bib. By taking care the plastic is not sewn so stays intact. My other thought is that the binding between the two fabrics is opened up so the design can be sewn on without damaging the plastic and then the binding is resewn. As of yet I have not got round to sewing out either of my ideas SO I look forward to hearing what others and yourself come up with. Happy sewing

I've commented in the Project section. Love Chris

What I do on the bibs that I am stitching for my little grandniece is just do the embroidery on the fabric, plastic in the middle and another fabric on the back, it works great****then finish them with a bias tape all the way around, you can also use lace and ribbons...****

I have made my own bibs at times. First emb on top fabric then i sandwich a piece of "sail cloth" then i put the baking on. Sew together then pull throug, Add a fancy stitch around the edge, or as maria said piece together with binding. This way will also make the ties.

I bought a bunch of this type of bib at my local dollar store. I tried stitching thru the plastic but it was not to my 'standards' so for the rest of them I just pulled off the plastic, then added the embroidery design. I don't hoop the bibs, they tend to stretch so I use wss on top (just float it there) hoop washaway on the bottom an lay your bib on top, if your machines doesn't have an outline stitch to hold it in place you can use the spray adhesive.