I’ve mentioned a few times over the last week or so that I have been spending a lot of time at my sewing machine. I don’t know about you, but I go in major fits and spurts with sewing. I won’t sew a thing for weeks/months, and then sit down and knock out a bunch of projects in just a week! I’m certainly not the best sewer in the world – I’m pretty much self-taught with a few tips and lessons from Mom along the way. But I just love that I can take great fabrics and turn them into something original and fantastic. Such as these terry & flannel burp cloths!
Some of my favorite projects to make are baby/kid projects – they are small, simple, and you can use really fun fabrics in small doses. What luck that a good friend is expecting a baby in a few short weeks!! I jumped at the chance to make her some homemade goodies in anticipation of his arrival. Check out these adorable and oh-so-easy burp cloths I whipped up for her shower!
Having now had a baby myself (and road tested a lot of different burp cloth options), I feel like I have a good handle on what makes a “good” burp cloth. For me – it’s all about good absorbency and hassle-free maintenance! I knew exactly what I wanted to make some burp cloths out of: terry and flannel. Both soft, both fun, and both super absorbent!
Yup – these burp cloths are reversible! Cute flannel dots on one side and white terry cloth on the other.
I kind of made these up as I went along, but they turned out so darling that I wanted to share! You don’t need a pattern, a ton of sewing skills, or a ton of fabric. In fact, if your fabric stash is anything like mine, you might be able to make a set using what you’ve got around the house!
Here’s what you need!
- Terry cloth – I buy mine off the bolt from JoAnns or Hanco*cks. I like that it’s wider and lighter weight than using a towel from a store, making it much easier to sew up just the right size! The burp cloths measure 12×15″ when done, so you can get 6 out of one yard!
- Flannel prints – My polka dot prints were left over from sewing for my own baby (um…2.5 years ago!), but you can find a wide range of flannel prints almost anywhere these days! Again, you just need 13×16″ rectangles, so this is a great project to use fat quarters or larger scraps if you have them!
- Notions: ruler and rotary cutter, cutting mat, thread, sewing machine, scissors, iron.
The first step is to cut your terry cloth down to 13×16″ rectangles. This is most easily done with a rotary cutter, ruler and cutting mat. (Pssst…if you sew a lot and don’t have this cutting set – get one! It makes a world of difference cutting projects down fast and right!)
Next, if you want (this step is optional!), round off your corners. I used a saucer from the kitchen as a guide!
Repeat around all four sides.
Next, pin your terry right sides together to your flannel. Here’s a trick I learned back while making the Monster Stuffies. You don’t have to spend the time measuring and cutting the second piece of fabric. Once your pieces are sewing together, it’s easy just to trim the excess away! AND your guaranteed to have your pieces line up!
Next, sew all the way around the terry cloth edge with a 1/2″ seem allowance (bottom left). Be sure to leave a 3″ hole open for flipping the cloth right side out. I used my serger to cut and finish the hem for me (bottom right). If you don’t have one or don’t want to use it, just use scissors to trim away the excess fabric.
Flip the burp cloth right side out and press flat. Pin the 3″ opening shut, and then top stitch all the way around the finished cloth.
Now make as many as you want or need!
These are really quick and easy to pull together – maybe 10-12 minutes each!
A new baby needs lots of burp cloths, so the more you make, the less laundry for the Mommy!
Now just tie them up with a pretty bow, and they’re ready as a perfect shower or “welcome to the world” baby gift!
Next week, I’ll show you the other half of this baby gift – a coordinating hooded towel. (Told you I’ve been sewing lots!). This weekend, we are transitioning our house from Summer to Fall. I have some really fun plans up in my head, so I’ll have an update for you on that too!
Have a great weekend!
See You Soon!
Megan
FAQs
Muslin – This is an eco-friendly material that is soft and gentle on the baby's skin. Ideal for wiping away drool and spit-up. They are quick to dry but not as absorbent as cotton and flannel. Chenille – Another versatile fabric is Chenille.
Does flannel make good burp cloths? ›
Flannel: Flannel does a pretty good job of absorbing, but is not so great at keeping the mess from smearing all over the place. Gross. Terry Cloth: Great for absorbing liquids and pretty good at keeping smearing to a minimum. Overall, this is my second-choice material if I don't have cotton chenille.
How many layers of flannel do I need for a burp cloth? ›
Place the two pieces of flannel right sides together with the batting underneath. Pin all three together around the outside edge. Sew ⅜ inch from the edge all the way around the burp rag, leaving the edge open about 3 inches. Backstitch at both the beginning and end of the seam.
Which cloth diapers are best for burp cloths? ›
Gerber Prefold Gauze Diaper
In addition to being a top-ranked cloth diaper, parents can use it as a burp cloth, a cleaning rag, and more. The multilayered cotton utilizes a gauze fabric similar to muslin but with a slightly coarser (but still soft) weave.
Do burp cloths need batting? ›
Use Batting
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.
Is muslin or cotton better for burp cloths? ›
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.
How to choose burp cloth? ›
Things to consider before buying burp cloths
- Choose a type of cloth that is absorbent and soft.
- Choose a size that is large enough to cover the baby's chest and stomach.
- Choose a design that you like.
- Consider the price and whether the cloths can be washed and dried in a machine.
Babies usually need burp cloths for as long as they're fed by bottle or breast. It's different for every child, but they get most of their sustenance from milk until about 12 months of age. While many children continue drinking milk after their first birthday, they may not still need to be burped each time.
What can I use instead of burp cloths? ›
If you're looking for a burp cloth that will last through even the most explosive feedings, look no further than cloth diapers; they're a great alternative to regular burp cloths.
Can you use receiving blankets as burp cloths? ›
Sometimes, a burp cloth just doesn't cut it. Either the mess is too big, they may all be in the laundry, or you simply forgot one at home. A receiving blanket makes a good stand-in for a burp cloth in a pinch.
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.
What can I use old burp cloths for? ›
Dresses or Blankets for Dolls – Once your baby gets older they will play a lot with toys. Old burping pads make for the perfect blanket, mattress or dress for dolls. They will love it, even more, knowing they used it when they were a baby. Cleaning Cloth – Spit-up cloths are ideal to use as a cleaning cloth.
How many burp cloths should I register for? ›
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.
Is a washcloth the same as a burp cloth? ›
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.
How can I make my burp cloths more absorbent? ›
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!
What should I look for in a burp cloth? ›
Things to consider before buying burp cloths
If you are not sure whether you need burp cloths, here are a few tips for choosing the right ones: Choose a type of cloth that is absorbent and soft. Choose a size that is large enough to cover the baby's chest and stomach. Choose a design that you like.
Does Minky fabric work for burp cloths? ›
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.
Is microfiber good for burp cloths? ›
It depends on how you plan to use them. Microfiber is super absorbent, to the extent that it can dry out the skin and sometimes cause problems if left directly on a baby's skin, but for quick wipe ups, skin contact is just fine.
What is the difference between burp cloth and face cloth? ›
What do these actually do then? 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.
