How to Make Burp Cloths: A DIY Guide to 12 Patterns (2024)

Child care

You need a lot of burp cloths, but don't waste money buying them. No matter your skill level, you can sew these simple squares.

How to Make Burp Cloths: A DIY Guide to 12 Patterns (2)

Learning how to make burp cloths is a wise investment of your time — you always need more than you think you will. Far from being used for only burping, burp cloths are priceless in the bassinet, tucked under those chubby chins and wiping runny noses.

Having a baby is expensive, but making your own burp cloths is a great way to cut costs. “I definitely think making them saves money. When I made my set of burp rags for my daughter, I bought a set of matching fabrics and then about two yards of minky,” saysChelsea Johnson, creator of Life With My Littles. Minky is a plush, 100 percent stretchy polyester fabric that resembles chenille and is a favorite among moms (and babies!) for burp cloths. “It was pretty cheap, and I made a bunch for the cost of buying only a few at the store,” Johnson adds.

You can easily go through a dozen cloth diapers used as burp rags in one day (then you’re grabbing for receiving blankets, dish towels and washcloths for your baby’s spit up!) so making a few dozen is recommended.

Here are a few easy DIYs to teach you how to make burp cloths:

  1. Make It Quick
    Johnson’s popular burp cloth tutorial onLife With My Littlesonly takes three steps and less than a yard of fabric.
  2. Use Batting
    “Burp cloths are very easy to make! They are actually a great project for a beginning sewist. You can whip them out in minutes!” saysLinda Gardner, the creator of Craftaholics Anonymous. 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.
  3. Add Ribbon
    Super easy, super cute! Using beautiful ribbon and cloth diapers, this how-to fromGinger Snap Craftsshows you how to create cloths to match your baby’s nursery or make a simple baby shower gift — all with very little sewing!
  4. Round It Out
    “Every mom wants to feel she’s using something special for her baby,” saysDeby Colesof So Sew Easy. Her “Perfect Baby Burp Cloth Pattern” is a fave on Pinterest with almost 30,000 pins, and for good reason — the high-quality, boutique-style cloths are a breeze to make. “Using a fat quarter of fabric, a piece of backing such as toweling, in this case, or flannel, I was able to make them up quickly in sets of three and use the whole piece of fabric with very little waste,” says Coles. “Certainly a better value than the cheap ones you buy in the store that aren’t as nice and won’t last so long.”
  5. Embroider Initials
    Want to make your burp cloths a little more personal?Through My Front Porch’scloths are made with chenille and flannel and then custom embroidered to make it extra special.
  6. Print a Pattern
    This printable pattern fromStop Staring and…Start Sewingmakes this curved burp rag an easy job. Don’t forget to add matching onesies for a fun gift.
  7. Sew Finished Edges
    These large burp cloths fromJones Design Companyare made with terry cloth and linen (most fabric will work). The turned-in edges of the fabric side give them a designer look.
  8. Make It Loopy
    Dress up premade burp cloths with a twist … actually, a loop! This great idea fromMerriment Designadds a fabric loop to hold binkies or a little toy.
  9. Use Scraps
    Though this tutorial fromSteph Jacobsonis a bit more labor intensive, you end up with a unique gift or item for your own baby. It’s a good way to use extra fabric scraps, too.
  10. Add a Scalloped Trim
    She’s Kinda Craftydresses up burp cloths by adding an easy scalloped edge, made with jumbo ric rac.
  11. Ditch the Needle and Thread
    This tutorial fromBombshell Blingis perfect for crafty non-sewers who want a burp cloth that’s just as cute and handy as the sewn kind.
  12. Crochet a Border
    An adorable addition to any burp cloth, you can do this crocheted edging fromJade Louise Designseven if you’ve never crocheted before. This one’s especially sweet on cloths for baby girls.

Want more DIY ideas? Learn How to Make Cloth Diapers.

Margie Mars is themotherof eight and Oma of three. She writes for several top parenting sites and specializes in Attachment Parenting and Autism. Margie and her family live in Oregon. Follow Margie onFacebook.

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How to Make Burp Cloths: A DIY Guide to 12 Patterns (2024)

FAQs

What are the measurements for a burp cloth? ›

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 is the best fabric for homemade burp cloths? ›

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.

What is the best burp cloth DIY? ›

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.”

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.

How much fabric do I need to make burp cloths? ›

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.

Can you make your own burp cloths? ›

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!

Why are burp cloths thicker in the middle? ›

Some burp cloths are designed to be thicker in the middle to catch and absorb the bulk of spit-up or vomit, keeping it away from your clothes.

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.

What is the difference between a burp cloth and a muslin? ›

Muslin Cloth v's Burping Cloths

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.

What can I use instead of burp cloths? ›

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.

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.

Can you use flannel for burp cloths? ›

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.

What can I use instead of batting fabric? ›

I've used different alternatives for batting including:
  • Used ight flannel bedsheets.
  • Old blankets.
  • Used bedsheet.
  • Knit polo shirts, cut out and laid flat.
  • No batting, to minimize weight.
Jan 31, 2022

Can I use towel instead of batting? ›

Lightweight Towels – Can be used as a substitute for batting, but it will definitely give a different thickness and feel to a quilt.

How many burp cloths do you use a day? ›

During the milk-feeding stage, you'll probably go through about one burp cloth per day — potentially more, depending on how soiled they get. As with bibs, it's a good idea to have enough to hold you over until your next laundry day.

How many burp cloths do I need in my diaper bag? ›

Pack one or two burp cloths or even washcloths for your baby's spit-up, or for wiping up spills. Bottles and feeding supplies. If you are using them, pack baby bottles and other feeding supplies like bottle nipples, pre-made formula (or powdered formula for mixing later), or a portable bottle warmer.

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