How to sew a baby burp cloth

Sew a few practical burp cloths using this pattern!

Burp cloths need to be soft on the baby's face. So soft flannel fabric is the perfect choice.

In this tutorial, learn how to sew quick, easy and cute contoured burp cloths from soft flannel fabrics. Even beginners can successfully make these burp cloths. At the fabric store, you'll find adorable flannel fabric in a wide variety of prints and colors suitable for boys or girls. Once you purchase the fabric, you can create a bunch for yourself or give them away as baby gifts.

If you are expecting a new addition to your family, or if a friend is expecting, consider what projects you can sew for a little one. You can sew charming baby items from blankets to quilts, bibs to diaper bags, toys to clothing. Handmade gifts can make the little one in your life feel special.

If you are interested in more free sewing tutorials, check out the link to our " Sewing Videos" on the right. Our Free Sewing Patterns page also features over 600 sewing projects.

Watch this video and continue reading for a photo tutorial with step-by-step instructions on how to make a contoured burp cloth.

Watch our video tutorial below or click the link if you prefer to watch How to sew a baby burp cloth in Youtube.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. We make a small commission on sales through the affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you in advance for your purchase and your support! Please see our full Affiliate Statement for more information.

WHAT YOU NEED to sew a contoured burp cloth

Soft Flannel Fabric
Low-Loft Cotton Batting (optional)
Paper
Ruler
Pencil or Pen
Basic Sewing Supplies

INSTRUCTIONS for making a baby burp cloth

IMPORTANT TIP: Be sure to wash and dry the flannel fabric. Pre-washing helps prevent shrinking and curling after the burp cloth is sewn and later washed.

STEP 1: CREATE A BURP CLOTH PATTERN

You'll be creating a contoured pattern so the burp cloth fits comfortably on the shoulder.

Pattern Measurements:
Length 10”
Width at widest point 8 ½”
Width in the middle 7”

To make the pattern cut a sheet of paper or a brown grocery bag to 8 1/2" x 10". The 8 1/2" side is the width and the 10" is the length of the pattern.

On the bottom edge of the paper, measure 7” from the left side and place a mark. From the top right corner of the paper, measure down 5” and mark.

Now, draw a smooth, curved line connecting these two marks.

Round the two corners at the top of the pattern by using a dish or an old CD.

The pattern is ready. It should look like the above photo.

With a paper scissor, cut the pattern along the marked lines and mark the bottom straight edge of the pattern, "Place on Fold".

STEP 2: CUTTING THE FABRIC

For the burp cloth, you will need two pieces of flannel fabric.

Fold the flannel fabric in half with the wrong sides together. Smooth out any wrinkles or bubbles so the layers lay evenly. Place the long straight side of your pattern (the side marked place on fold) along the fold of the flannel fabric. Pin or clip the pattern to the fabric in several spots so it doesn't shift while cutting. Use fabric scissors to cut it out.

Cut a second flannel piece in the same manner.

For a thicker, more absorbent burp cloth, you can also add one layer of cotton batting.

STEP 3: SEW THE BURP CLOTH

Lay the two flannel pieces with right sides together, meaning the sides you want on the outside are facing each other. If you are using the batting piece, place the batting on the work surface first and then put the two flannel pieces on top of it.

To make sure the layers do not shift while sewing, pin or clip all the layers together.

Take the pinned pieces to the sewing machine and stitch around the outside edge using a 1/2" seam allowance. Begin near the middle of the long, straight side and sew around the cloth. Remove the pins or clips as you sew.

Stop when you reach where you started, leaving a 4" opening unsewn - this gap is where you will turn the burp cloth right side out.

HELPFUL TIP: As a reminder not to sew the opening, do not pin this section.

To help the fabric lay smoothly once turned, use scissors to clip the curves, being careful not to clip into the stitching.

Insert your hand into the opening and turn the burp cloth right side out. Be sure to poke out the curves and corners. A long stick, pencil or your fingers can be used from the inside to push out the seam.

With an iron, press the burp cloth flat and make sure all curves and corners are poked out nicely. Turn under the raw edges of the opening and press. Pin this section closed with a few pins.

STEP 4: EDGESTITCHING

Edgestitch all the way around the burp cloth about 1/4" from the edge. The edge stitching will close the opening. Remember to take your pins out just before sewing the opening section closed. Sewing over pins is not recommended.

TA-DA!
The burp cloth is finished. This easy project takes about a half-hour to complete.

If you are giving this as a baby or baby shower gift, make a few burp cloths, then fold and tie them with a cute ribbon. New mothers will appreciate these wonderful baby burp cloths and the contour will help them fit against the neck comfortably.

We have many other sewing video tutorials which may be of interest to you.

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions about this project, contact us through the YouTube Video comments or our Contact Us page. We respond to questions in e-mails and YouTube comments regularly.