How to sew a baby burp cloth

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

In this tutorial, learn how to sew quick, easy and cute contoured burp cloths using soft flannel fabrics. Even someone learning to sew can make these burp cloths. At the fabric store, you can find adorable flannel fabric in a wide variety of prints and colors for boys or girls. After purchasing the fabric, make a bunch for yourself or to give away as a baby gifts.

If you are expecting a new arrival to your family or a friend is expecting, what projects can you sew for a little one? You can sew adorable baby items from blankets to quilts, bibs to diaper bags, toys to clothing. You can make the little one in your life special by making handmade gifts.

If you are interested in more free sewing tutorials, look to the right for a link to all our " Sewing Videos". Our Free Sewing Patterns page also has over 600 sewing projects.

Watch this video and read on 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

NOTE: Wash and dry the flannel fabric. This will prevent it from shrinking and curling later when it is washed.

STEP 1: CREATE A PATTERN

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

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

At the bottom 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 put a mark.

Now, make the burp cloth contour by gently make a curve from the 5” mark to the 7" mark. Round the two corners at the top of the pattern by using a dish or an old CD.

The pattern is ready to be cut out and should look like the photo above.

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

STEP 2: CUTTING FABRIC

Cut two pieces of flannel using the pattern as a guide - Fold the flannel fabric, place the pattern on the fold, pin and cut out. If you want the burp cloth more absorbent, cut a piece of cotton batting in the same manner as the flannel pieces.

STEP 3: SEW THE BURP CLOTH

Put the two flannel pieces with right sides together. If you are using batting, place the batting on the work surface and put flannel pieces on top.

To make sure the layers do not shift while sewing, pin all the layers together. On the long straight side, you need to leave an opening about 4" long. This opening will be used to turn the burp cloth right side out. As a reminder not to sew the opening, do not pin this section.

Stitch all the way around with a 1/2" seam allowance, but don't forget to leave a 4” opening in the middle of the straight edge. As you sew around the burp cloth, remove the pins. Do not sew over them.

After stitching, clip the curves being careful not to clip into the stitching. Clipping the curves allows the seam to be flatter after it's turned and ironed.

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.