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,” says Chelsea 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:
- Make It Quick
Johnson’s popular burp cloth tutorial on Life With My Littles only takes three steps and less than a yard of fabric.
- 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!” says Linda 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.
- Add Ribbon
Super easy, super cute! Using beautiful ribbon and cloth diapers, this how-to from Ginger Snap Crafts shows you how to create cloths to match your baby’s nursery or make a simple baby shower gift — all with very little sewing!
- Round It Out
“Every mom wants to feel she’s using something special for her baby,” says Deby Coles of 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.”
- Embroider Initials
Want to make your burp cloths a little more personal? Through My Front Porch’s cloths are made with chenille and flannel and then custom embroidered to make it extra special.
- Print a Pattern
This printable pattern from Stop Staring and…Start Sewing makes this curved burp rag an easy job. Don’t forget to add matching onesies for a fun gift.
- Sew Finished Edges
These large burp cloths from Jones Design Company are made with terry cloth and linen (most fabric will work). The turned-in edges of the fabric side give them a designer look.
- Make It Loopy
Dress up premade burp cloths with a twist … actually, a loop! This great idea from Merriment Design adds a fabric loop to hold binkies or a little toy.
- Use Scraps
Though this tutorial from Steph Jacobson is 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.
- Add a Scalloped Trim
She’s Kinda Crafty dresses up burp cloths by adding an easy scalloped edge, made with jumbo ric rac.
- Ditch the Needle and Thread
This tutorial from Bombshell Bling is perfect for crafty non-sewers who want a burp cloth that’s just as cute and handy as the sewn kind.
- Crochet a Border
An adorable addition to any burp cloth, you can do this crocheted edging from Jade Louise Designs even 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 the mother of 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 on Facebook.
