I'm just so excited to be sewing for my 3 friends who are all expecting. Gives me a chance to knock out lots of small projects from time to time, and take a break from some of the larger projects, pattern designing, and fitting issues that clothes sewing gives me.
I was pestering one of the moms-to-be – what can I sew you, what do you really need, or don't have enough of, or really used a lot first time round. Wait a minute she said and came back with – a rag. Er, what is that and what did you use it for? Apparently, it's a burp cloth – something new to me, but she explained she used cloths like this ALL the time and everywhere for mopping up spills, mopping up babies and toddlers, mopping up baby sick, wiping runny noses, mopping up food, etc etc. And when nursing, she explained the proper use of draping the ‘rag' over your shoulder while burping baby in case of any up-chuck down your back and clothes. Nice thought.
So you want me to make you some like this. Yes – exactly like this, except:
- a bit wider
- not so long
- shaped so they sit better on the shoulder
- thicker
- without the binding
- and in nice pretty fabrics
Right, so exactly like that one, but completely different. I get it. And she wants lots of them. OK. I switched to production line mode and sewed up a bunch. And they are pretty neat and pretty quick to sew.
How to sew the perfect baby burp cloth pattern – fast!
You will need (to make 3):
- fat quarter of nice cotton (baby style or something nicer for mom)
- fat quarter of terry toweling fabric or a cheap towel
- the pattern – download below (sized to fit 3 on a FQ)
- about 10 minutes
You can download the pattern and instructions for the Perfect Baby Burp Cloth from my design account at Payhip. It's a PDF file containing both instructions and pattern all in the same file. Enjoy!
I'll be making 3 at once to save time so I can sew up a nice big bundle of these for each of the moms.
Watch me make them production line style
Subscribe to the YouTube channel:
I made all these, including stopping to make the video, in about an hour. I'll make up similar bundles for the other two moms.
I'm rather keen on these myself. I don't think a baby will be coming our way, but these would be perfect cleaning cloths. Really hard wearing, a scrubby absorbent side and a lint-free smoother side for windows and mirrors. Good to keep in the car too. Then throw them in the washer, again and again. Very eco-friendly. You could omit the shaping and make them square for cleaning.
You can download the pattern and instructions for the Perfect Baby Burp Cloth from my design account at Payhip. It's a PDF file containing both instructions and pattern all in the same file. Enjoy!
Want more ideas for things you can sew for babies or for baby shower gifts? I've got lots of fun and easy ideas. Check out some more ideas here:
Thanks so much for the free pattern. This is my go to gift for new moms!!!
It’s not the prettiest or most glamorous gift they’ll receive but will probably be the one they use most often and be most thankful for! Good to hear you are putting the idea to good use.
I think this is a great idea and would love to make some, however, I have been unable to download the pattern it goes to a page called share and I never shows up.
This is usually something in your internet security software that is preventing the redirection. Do you have Kapersky? With Kaspersky, you can go to Protection >> Firewall >> Filtration system, and disable the “Banner Ad Blocker” feature to resolve the issue.
Love the pattern & easy to understand video. Wondering about using a serger for the edges with colorful thread instead of sewing, turning and topstitching. Thoughts?
You could give this a try. I know these cloths go through a lot of wear, lots of washing etc, so those edges could still become a little frayed or worn perhaps, or not be as soft. Let me know how you get on.
they are quick and simple. I just found them a little narrow so added 1 1/2″ to make them a little wider and they are perfect. thanks for the patter and video.
Going to do this for a friend’s first born.
Thank you for all the patterns, tutorials and advice you give on everything sewing, you’re a mine of info and enjoy your blog.
I just found this and think this pattern it is a great idea. I am going to try these. I have made burp clothes in the past, but I really like this pattern. I notice one of the comments concerned using flannel and thought I would share what one of the mothers I made for told me. She said the up chuck “rolled off” the flannel instead of absorbing and the cottons ones worked better. I only make in cotton now or make sure one side is terry.
Thanx so much for all your hard work!
May I sell them and if so must I put your credit on the label?
D.G. L
Yes you can sell them, and no, no need to give any credit. Good luck!
Great tips and great video tutorial!
I love in Victoria Australia and went to youtube to find a tutorial on burb cloths. So glad that I found yours!
I downloaded the pattern and have made 5 in less than 2 hours.
I made mine out of flannel.
The burp clothes match the bibs that I made yesterday.
Thank you!
So glad we found each other Karen and that you were able to get success with those burp cloths.
I found this pattern about 2 years ago, Ive made so many of them, they are quick and easy and so much cuter and cheaper than buying burp cloths – you can make a dozen (from start to finish) in one evening. Everyone I know that has a newborn gets these from me………………Ive even used fleece on one side, with terry cloth on the other (for cleaning up little accidents) THANKS FOR THE GREAT PATTERN
I am having trouble downloading the pattern. I click on the link and it was blank, is it my computer?
Do you have Kapersky Security on your computer? There is a setting in there that prevents certain redirects from short URLs and links. Let me take a look….found it….
With Kaspersky, you can go to Protection >> Firewall >> Filtration system, and disable the “Banner Ad Blocker” feature to resolve the issue.
I think that should sort it out for you. Do let me know.
I wonder if it wouldn’t be an idea to make some mirror image versions for the other shoulder! Thank you so much. My neighbour is expecting her first baby and I’ve been looking for a project to make for her. I think I’ve found it!
Actually the pattern is symmetrical so its the same both ways. Making a mirror image would actually make one exactly the same as the original 🙂 You could always mirror the fabric direction so it went one way on one cloth and the opposite way on the next – for a matching pair.
Thank you for this video and creation. My son and daughter in law will be adopting very soon and I thought this would be a big help. Going to enjoy making these for my grandbaby.
I took this pattern and after making one batch, decided to make them a little larger. I didn’t think the surface area was quite large enough for a burp cloth. I love the idea of this pattern and have already made several as gifts in the larger size!! Thanks!!
Thank you for sharing and for the video. I am much more of a visual learner, so I really appreciate it. Will be making these this evening!
Thank you for the pattern! Thank you for sharing!
some mothers wish they were longer and a little wider. But i dont know how to enlarge it. could you possably make a bigger pattern. I dont mind not making it on a fat quarter. Maybe you could email me it?
Its easy to make it longer and wider Maryann. Printout the pattern as usual, and then add on some extra around the outside until you have the length and width that you want. Then you can still keep the basic shape at the neckline, but add at the ends and the straight side.
If I try to make this out of flannel on both sides will I still need to put a towel or batting in the middle? Or will two pieces of flannel be enough?
I guess it depends on how much there is to catch or wipe up with the cloth. I’m thinking 2 layers should still be absolutely fine, no lining needed.
Does the direction of the grain line matter when cutting out the fabrics?
Not for something like this, no. Grain line affects how a garment hangs, but for a burp cloth, its really not that important.
Thank you!
I made two sets of these for my sister-in-law when my nephew was born. One at the original size that she loves for wiping up small spills and another at 150% that she uses for burp cloths. Really easy to make and they turn out fabulous! I just visited them and 8 months later they are still using them daily! Thanks!
I live in the US and don’t know what a “fat quarter” of fabric is. I have sewed for years and we in the US go by yardage 1/2 yard, 1/4 yard, etc. Our fabrics are 36″, 45″ and 60″ wide. I really love the video and the pattern!! Hope you respond soon!
A fat quarter is actually an American term for a cut of fabric and refers to a 1/4 yard. In the UK we use metres and centimeters for fabric. Its a quarter yard but instead of cut straight across the bolt to be 9 inches by 44, its a half yard cut into two, so it measures 18 inches by 21 or 22 inches. So still a quarter yard but a fat quarter rather than a skinny quarter yard. Its a popular cut of fabric and you will find them in pre-cut bundles.
Stores like JoAnn Fabrics sell tons of fat quarters – just ask & they’ll show you.
A fat quarter is a quilting term. A yard of fabric opened flat and cut into four equal squares.
Alicia, that is the shortest, simplest explanation of a fat quarter I have ever heard. Thank you!
Hi there!!
I love this tutorial! I am new to sewing, and I am a bit confused on the part where you cut the fabric opposite the opening to prevent it from bunching wrong? Can you explain how that works? How do you cut it so it doesn’t look like the fabric has been cut?
You cut while it is inside out, just around the curved edges on the seam allowance and make sure not to cut into the line of stitches you just sewed. This helps to make sure those curves fold smoothly when its turned the other way. Once you turn it the right way out, the little snips are hidden on the inside, and they allow the fabric to lie flat around the curves. Then you top stitch over the top, give it a nice press and it looks so much neater than if you miss this step.
I purchased a nice fluffy towel to make several of these. I was going to do one side flannel, one side fluffy towel. Sadly when I cut the towel it falls apart and frays…do you think this will hold together long enough??? Maybe it’s just the type of towel I got. I bought a nice red one to match some fabric I have and now I have several tiny balls of red towel all over my floor lol. I would hate to cause this to happen to a new mom..they have enough to keep busy :). Just wondering if you have any suggestions before I continue on. Love the idea of them.
Once you have the edges sewn, and then turn it the right side out and sew again, you’ll have secured those fraying edgs and I’m confident it should be just fine. But I know what you mean about the fraying. I just cut a faux fur for some Christmas stockings and had to vacuum the whole house afterwards – it went everywhere!
Thank you Deby…I will give it a try. I might do the outside stitching in a zig zag stitch. Perhaps it will hold the toweling together even better..and if I do it in a bright contrasting colour it should pop!! Thanks for your quick response :).
Good idea, then you’ll know it will hold up wash after wash.
Washing first stops most of the fraying
I absolutely love your demonstrations in pursuing this burp cloth! The idea of making our own and being able to customize the burp cloths with the fabric of our choice makes the task even more fun! Thank you for such a great pattern! This is great for gifts and much more!
Happy to hear that you like it. Sometimes its nice to make something quick and easy and not have to worry about fitting!
Thank you!!
Has anyone made these using 100% cotton batting in the middle?
I have been making burp pads forever, and I use quilt batting in them. Works great and moms like them because they absorb really well.
What kind of quilt batting is the most absorbent?
I don’t think quilt batting is designed to be particularly absorbent. It also wouldn’t stand up to the sort of wear and tear and heavy washing you would use for a burp cloth I think.
Thank you very much for sharing your pattern. I do charity work at a children’s hospital and we always have a lot of babies, in need. These will perfect to give to the new Mom’s.
My sister just had a baby girl on Saturday. I’ve got some baby themed fat quarters that have been sitting around for two years; so glad to have learned a use for them. I can’t wait to sit down and make some of these for her! Thanks for sharing!
Have just completed 12 pink and 12 blue. Thanks for the pattern it was wonderful having curves instead of corners!
The link doesn’t work for me. It just shows a tiny dot and that’s it. Is there any other way to get the pattern?
Hi Ana, try this direct link to the page in case that works for you. If not, please let me know.
I’m not sure I am printing the pattern to the correct size. I’ve printed it actual size with the portrait orientation, but it seems much smaller than yours. My printout, after taping it together with the overlay, measures 16″ long. whereas yours seems to be 18″. Even with not overlapping it is only 16 and 1/2″ long. I guess I could just add an inch in the middle, but just wanted to know if it is my printing or is the pattern smaller?
I’ve just measured and my pattern is 16 inches long too. A fat quarter is about 18 inches so I made the pattern to fit on with a bit of working space around the outside. Looks like you are fine Megan.
Thanks Deby–I just thought it looked like your pattern covered the whole 18″ of the fat quater. I’m off to make some for my newest grandson, due the beginning of Dec.
im so sad and embarrassed… i can not figure out how to download the free pattern. ive gone to craftsy and put in my cart and i cant figure it out. ive got tons of patterns in there , free and i have no idea how to download them 🙁 i sure hope someone can help me figure this dilemma out!! i thought i was smart enough to do most things on the computer but this one has stumped me! thanks to whom ever rescues me !!! michele
Oh dear, sorry you are confused Michele. It’s not too difficult. You say you have a lot of patterns in your cart – great. Now go ahead and press the check out button. If they are all free ones, you won’t have to pay. Once you’ve checked out, you’ll get an email from Craftsy with download links, but you’ll also get them on the screen too and you just hit the download button and save them to your computer. I have a video here which shows you how to do it. https://so-sew-easy.com/download-print-pdf-sewing-patterns/
thank you so much for your help deby…well now that just beats all…i never once thought of checking out in my cart….all the other places i go to get free downloads dont have a cart first…now i feel silly…but so appreciate the great clue to the mystery…..lol thanks again deby for the prompt and wonderful thoughtful reply….ta ta for now….gonna get my download going..here and ck out….!!!!! :0 ) happy dance!!
These will make great baby gifts. Getting the pattern in case I have a need to make a baby shower gift. Love your ideas and tutorials. You are so talented and gracious to share with everyone! Thank God for people like you.
A must for every new mum. We used to use nappies for the same purpose, but the fun prints and the shaping make these SO much better.
These would make the best baby gifts!! I’ve got a Craft Gossip post scheduled for later this evening that links to your pattern:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/free-pattern-the-perfect-baby-burp-cloth/2014/09/02/
–Anne
Deby, these are great! I think I’ll make some for my daughter whose expecting.
Just in time! Im making a couple of baby gifts will be using left overs to make hopefully another item added thank you. As always great tutorials
Thank you for the pattern! and the video. Do you think these could be done with flannel?
Yes, absolutely. That would be lovely and soft.
Flannel is absorbent and seems to me would work very well. I have a stash of flannel I’d like to use. Would you use the flannel on both sides or just the back?
Absolutely, whatever you have can be used. Flannel will feel lovely against the baby’s face.
These look awesome! I can’t wait to make some. Thanks for sharing.
Great tips and great video tutorial! I will be a grandma in a few weeks so I have been learning all about burp cloths too!
That looks like a great gift! Thank you for sharing!