Learning how to make these DIY baby burp cloths was the very first sewing project I ever completed. So I consider it an excellent project for those who have NEVER sewn a thing in their life. Because they are rectangular and sewn with straight stitches, it makes for a SUPER quick project. Not to mention, it’s perfect for last minute baby shower gifts!
What you’ll Need to Make DIY Baby Burp Cloths
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18″ x 22″ of cotton fabric of your choice, any pattern or color (fat quarters are good for this!)
18″ x 22″ of terry cloth, cloth diaper insert material or any other absorbent material
Coordinating thread for top stitch
One bobbin of thread that matches to your absorbent material
For me, learning how to make DIY baby burp cloths was super easy because it only involved the basics of sewing. In addition to that, it was my first ever sewing project, and I learned FAST. Because you are sewing a rectangle, it’s great practice for keeping your lines straight. Also, you are measuring and cutting to size. And once I got the hang of it, I could make them in under 10 minutes (which is awesome!).
Step by Step Guide for DIY Baby Burp Cloths
First, you will want to load your coordinating bobbin and thread into your sewing machine (I use white in the bobbin for white terry cloth and a top thread color that blends best with my cotton fabric).
Next, iron your terry cloth and cotton fabric and cut to size (18 X 22 inches)
Then, pin your fabric together inside out (print facing inside, side of terry cloth you will evenutally want to show facing inside as well.
Next, starting with a back stitch to secure the thread, sew 1/4 inch from the edge of the fabric down one of the longer sides, pulling out the pins as you go.
When you get 1/4 inch from the end of this side, needle should still be inserted in fabric. Lift the footer, and rotate the burp cloth one quarter of a turn. Place the footer down and sew the shorter side until you-again-are 1/4 inch from the corner of the fabric with the needle still in the thread.
Again, lift the presser foot, turn the fabric a quarter turn, lower the presser foo. Then, sew 1/4 inch from the edge of the fabric to 1/4 inch from the next corner.
What is the Best Homemade Baby Shower Gift?
Burp cloths make the best baby shower gifts because they are not only useful and sentimental, but they are handmade. So, the person receiving it knows that you took the time and thought to make something specially for their baby. I like to give it as a supplement to store-bought gifts on a registry, so that that the person can receive something they asked for, as well as something uniquely made JUST for their baby. If you don’t have a lot of time, the fact that you can make these in under 10 minutes is motivation enough to use as a baby shower gift. Sometimes, I will sew ahead of time, so that they are ready to go at a moment’s notice!
Finally, finishing the baby burp cloth…
On the final corner, sew 2/3 of the remaining fabric ended with a back-stitch to secure the fabric, leaving 1/3 of the fabric un-sewn and with a hole at the bottom.
Trim all excess fabric (especially the corners).
Then, from the remaining hole, turn the burp cloth inside out. Use a knitting needle or chopstick to push the corners out from the inside.
Fold both fabrics of the hole inwards about 1/4 inch and sew a top-stitch (use a back stitch at the beginning and end of this stitch).
Finally, lay the burp cloth horizontally, 1/3 the way from each edge of the burp cloth, sew a straight vertical top-stitch (use a back stitch in the beginning and end of each stitch to secure the fabric). You will end up with 2 straight lines dividing the both into perfect thirds. This will help keep the fabric from bunch when washed and will help with folding.
Other Uses for Burp Cloths
Burp cloths can be used as napkins, cleaning rags and you can even strategically sew on ties to repurpose them as washable Swiffer pads! Perhaps, my favorite use it unpaper towels. It would have been easy to name this blog How to Make Easy DIY Unpaper Towels because this is exactly how I would make them. Additionally, you could add snaps to connect them so they stay on a paper towel roll.
I hope you enjoyed this easy sewing tutorial. If you liked this post, be sure to sign up for my newsletter at the end of the blog to be the first to know about more sewing tutorials, recipes and more!
So what is the best fabric for burp cloths? Cotton chenille is the best fabric for absorbent burp cloths I've found, and combined with a terry cloth layer for absorbency is far superior to any other combination.
“Gerber cloth diapers in a pack of 10 are hands down the best burp rags out there.” “Get Gerber Cloth Diapers makes very absorbent burp clothes and much cheaper than traditional ones.”
What is the standard size of a baby burp cloth? Most burp cloths are around 15 -22” in length and 10 - 15” in width. They are this long so that they offer as much coverage as possible and also drape over the shoulder without falling off.
Many parents use cloth diapers as burp rags because they're so versatile. They won't tear or stretch out of shape, and they provide the perfect absorbency for any messes your baby might make. Their softness, absorbency, and durability make them the best choice for burp rags.
She adds, “If you want a more absorbent burp cloth, you can add batting in the middle.” Gardner's tutorial, “How to Sew Easy Burp Cloths,” is a breeze with bright, clear photos to guide you.
Muslin burp cloths are lightweight, breathable, soft, and durable. They are gentle on a baby's delicate skin and absorbent, making them ideal for daily use and quick cleanups. Cotton burp cloths are a bit heavier, but usually softer, more comfortable and absorbent. They also hold up well after multiple washings.
Use – These are used during feeding to wipe away small amounts of milk. While spit-up pads protect you and your clothes when burping a newborn. Size – Muslin cloths are square in shape and measure 25cm x 25cm.They are smaller in size than spit-up rags.
I only use two flannels no batting when making burp cloths. I have seen some in LQS that use just two layers of flannel. They feel really soft and I bet they are absorbent. I have been making burp clothes using flannel on one side and a prefolded diaper on the other.
⅓ yard flannel fabric per burp cloth (44”-45” wide fabric) (Flannel is the key here, so don't buy cotton fabric. Spit up will just run off of cotton burp cloths and/or soak through to your clothes.
Now when I say these are the easiest and best burp rags you will ever sew, I really mean it. Two rectangles of fabric sewn together, flipped right-side out, and then topstitched. I am not kidding, they are that easy. So now that you're not scared of this sewing, let's dive right in!
It depends on how often your young one spits up, the number of feedings(which are unnumbered as they are still breastfeeding), and how often you want to do the laundry. But anywhere between eight to 14 burp cloths is a good number to have for a single baby.
We're using nursery flannel (a cotton flannel) on these burp cloths for extra absorption, plus an interfacing layer which will help them keep their shape through repeat washings and add extra absorbency. Don't use Minky, fleece, lightweight cotton, or muslin on these – it will just make a mess when stuff gets on them!
The answer is simple – A burp cloth is used to catch spit-ups when babies burp. A washcloth is used to dry the little one after a bath. A burp cloth is usually thicker and smaller in size than a washcloth.
Tea Towels – You can use a tea towel instead. They are a good size and absorbent. The main negative is that most are pretty ugly. And you might not like drying the dishes with them once you know what they have been used for.
The most common absorbent fibre used is cotton, but other fabrics have recently been designed that are more absorbent, such as modal, micro-modal, Tencel®, and other viscose-based fibres. All of these are made from the same base material – plant cellulose – which loves water.
These burp cloths are ridiculously easy to make–seriously, if you can sew in a straight line, you can make these. They are so much softer and cuter than cloth diapers, and they make perfect baby shower gifts. Whip up several, and grab them whenever you need a quick gift.
I have used this method to sew burp clothes for all of my own kids and they are always a great baby shower gift too! If you are new to sewing, this tutorial is for you! If sewing with the minky fabric makes you a little nervous you can always use chenille because it doesn't slip around as much as the minky fabric can.
Introduction: My name is Geoffrey Lueilwitz, I am a zealous, encouraging, sparkling, enchanting, graceful, faithful, nice person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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