Tutorial: Baby's Burp Cloth

Fun & functional burp cloths you can make in less than an hour!  

Combine a fat quarter of a fun print with some flannel, for a super absorbent, bright & fun burp cloth.  This hourglass design allows you to throw it over your shoulder without it bunching up near your neck - comfortable for both you & baby!

The illustrations feature an organic cotton guitar/mandolin print from 'Cloud 9's 'The Land that Never Was' collection.  Mix and match some fabulous prints for your own little one, or create a set for a baby shower gift.




Materials:

You can make the burp cloth any size you like, but a good size is that of a typical fat quarter:  18" x 22".  Adjust the quantities below based on the size you choose.

• 1 fat quarter (18" by 22" rectangle) of primary fabric
• 1 yd flannel (2/3rds yd if 54" wide fabric is used)
• Note:  terry cloth and minky are good alternates for flannel
• thread

Fabric Preparation:

Wash and dry fabric, as nearly all fabrics shrink some with the first wash.  And, as your delicate baby's face will be touching this fabric, it's always a good idea to ensure the fabric is nice and clean with no residue from the manufacturing process.  I also like to press my freshly washed fabrics before cutting.

Figure 1

'Pattern' Layout & Cutting:

Just 4 pieces, all cut in the same hourglass shape.

Front:  Cut (1) 18" by 22" piece of primary fabric (figure 1).

Figure 2

Figure 3 

Create the hourglass shape:  Fold the 'front' in half crosswise and again lengthwise (figure 2).  With the 2 folds on the top & right, cut 1/4 of an hourglass shape (figure 3).  Unfold and you have your hourglass shape (figure 4).

Tip:  If you're not comfortable working freehand, practice on plain paper until you get the shape you like, and use that as your pattern.  

Figure 5

Figure 4

'Lining & 'Back':  Cut (3) pieces of flannel using your 'Front' hourglass shape as your pattern (figure 5).  (2) of these will be the lining, and the 3rd piece will serve as the backing.  These 3 layers of flannel make this super soft & absorbent. 

Assembly Overview:

There are just 3 steps to assemble these pieces:

1) Attach the 'Front' to the 'Back' & (2) lining pieces, leaving an opening to turn right size out

2) Turn the burp cloth right side out & fold under seam allowance at opening

3) Top stitch around the perimeter, stitching opening closed

See below for step by step instructions with photos.

Assembly Details:

Figure 7

Figure 6

1) Attach the 'Front' to the 'Back' & (2) lining pieces, leaving an opening to turn right size out

a.  Put (2) layers of the flannel together, place the 'Front' on top, right side up, and place the final piece of flannel on top of the 'Front', right sides together (figures 6 & 7).

Figure 8

b.  As a reminder to leave an opening, place pins to mark the start & stop points of where to stitch (figure 8).

Figure 9

Figure 10

c.  Stitch all (4) layers between the points marked (figures 9 & 10).  If you're using a standard machine, trim & finish the seam.

Figure 12

Figure 11

2) Turn the burp cloth right side out & fold under seam allowance at opening
a.  Turn the burp cloth right side out and press (figure 11).

b.  Fold under the seam allowance on both the front & back and press.

3) Top stitch around the perimeter, stitching opening closed (figure 12).


And, that's it!  What a simple project that adds a little color & personality to this baby necessity!