DIY Burp Cloths | Full tutorial and template to make yourself! (2024)

DIY Burp Cloths can be made several different ways but this tutorial is the best EVER! I made these for my daughter but also received a myriad of other burp cloths at her baby shower. These were by far the most functional and the cutest!

(**Update: You can now purchase my template for these burp cloths here!

Now you don't have to cut out the template yourself! Hurray!**)

I have made some in anticipation of our son’s arrival, so these are more “boy” oriented ones, but you can obviously use any prints you want to.

I was lucky and found my fabric on a 50% off sale! Then I had a coupon for 20% off your entire purchase, even sale items. So, I figured my cost was 80 cents per burp cloth! (Plus the thread costs, but since we didn’t need to buy new thread…).

So not only are they the best burp cloths, they are also the cheapest!

Supplies you'll need to make DIY Burp Cloths

• Brown paper grocery store bag to make a pattern with
• Ruler
• Pencil/Pen
• Scissors for paper
• Fabric Pins
• Fabric scissors
• 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. Ew. The flannel fabric will absorb the spit up and they actually work better after each washing!)
• Matching or contrasting thread (4 spools of each color)
• A serger, or someone who loves you who owns a serger and is willing to sew a bit for you

Directions to make DIY Burp Cloths

Step 1: Prewash your fabrics

I know it is not a lot of fun, and I accidentally left my flannels in the dryer too long and they became entangled and wrinkly (Yes, I then had to iron them before I could cut them out…don’t make that mistake!), but prewash your flannel fabrics. You will be SO happy you did this!

If you don’t, they will shrink and cause the edges of your burp cloths to become wavy and then your burp cloths will not look nearly as good and, if you are like me, you will want to iron your burp cloths, which really is a ridiculous thing to have to do.

So please, avoid the heartache and prewash all your flannels before you get started!

Step 2: Create your Pattern!

Use the following dimensions and photograph to sketch out your burp cloth pattern on to an open brown paper grocery bag.

(Or go here to purchase the template!)

This does not have to be perfect, but try to get it as symmetrical as possible. However, remember that you will be serging around these so that will make up for some discrepancy in this step.

Once you have the pattern sketches on the bag, cut it out.

Length: 19.5"
Width middle: 7.25"
Width (widest point): 10.5"

Step 3: Cut the burp cloths

Fold your fabric in half. You will be cutting two burp cloth sides at a time. These burp cloths are double sided and made with 2 pieces of flannel each. (⅓ yard fabric yields 2 burp cloths sides).

If you are really adventurous, you can put two, folded fabric pieces together and cut four sides at a time. However, if you try this, be sure to pay attention that the pattern fits in all directions on all fabric layers otherwise you may end up with a short burp cloth in there. Oops.

Pin the pattern to both thicknesses of flannel and cut!

I like to cut all my burp cloths at the same time before moving on.

Step 4: Decisions, decisions, decisions…pair your burp cloths

Decide how to pair your fabrics. You will use two flannel pieces to make one burp cloth. You can, of course, use the same pattern for both sides of the burp cloth, but I like to mix mine up!

You get 2 flannel sides out of ⅓ of fabric. So, if you choose 2 different fabrics, you will have 4 sides which means you can use one fabric for the front and one fabric for the back and you would have 2 matching burp cloths. (does that makes senses?)

Once you have figured out your pairing, place both sides, right-side out together.

Step 5: Serge

Ok, well I fall into the group who does not own a serger. But I do know someone to owns a serger and who loves me. (Thanks, mom!) So I enlisted my mom’s help to with the final step of this project.: serging the edges together!

With wrong sides together (right sides out), serge around the outside edge in either a matching, complementing, or contrasting color of thread, your choice!

Step 6: Use and Wash…or give away!

Use these burp cloths often and wash them to death! They will absorb better after each wash! Or make a few DIY Burp cloths to give away as baby gifts!

Looking for other great ideas for your baby?

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DIY Burp Cloths | Full tutorial and template to make yourself! (2024)

FAQs

What is the best fabric for homemade burp cloths? ›

Organic Cotton – By far the most popular. Organic cotton is a favourite to use as it is all-natural. It is low maintenance and comfortable. And is absorbent which is ideal for burping pads.

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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.

Read The Full Story ›

Can you make your own burp cloths? ›

I used my cutting mat and rotary cutter and it made it so easy. Sew the two rectangles together, right-sides together, with a 1/2″ seam, leaving a 1″ opening in the middle of one of the edges. Flip the burp rag right-side out, and topstitch all the way around, including on the opening to close it.

How many layers of flannel for a burp cloth? ›

Bring the edge of the 6″ fold over to the line that is 3″ from the edge of the 9″ fold. Press all folds. You now have a folded flannel burp cloth with 4 layers of flannel in the middle 6″. Each 3″ side has two layers of fabric.

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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.

Read On ›

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 makes a good burp cloth? ›

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.

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What side of the burp cloth do you use? ›

A burping pad is one of the most straightforward baby products to use. You simply place it over your shoulder. The thin bit should be on your shoulder blade. While the larger sides protect the front and back of your clothing.

Get More Info Here ›

Do cloth diapers make good burp cloths? ›

Cloth Diapers Make Super Absorbent Burp Cloths

Cloth diapers are much more absorbent than traditional burp cloths. If your baby's spit-up is really bad, cloth diapers are the perfect solution for soaking it up quickly and effectively.

Is a washcloth the same as a burp cloth? ›

A burp cloth is usually thicker and smaller in size than a washcloth.

Can you use fleece for burp cloths? ›

Double gauze is wonderfully absorbent, a positive feature for a burp cloth! And, the cushy fleece feels soft and cozy against your neck and shoulders. The nap of the fleece also helps hold the cloth in place against your clothing so it doesn't shift much as you jostle out those baby burps.

What size are DIY burp cloths? ›

First up, you're going to cut out two pieces (a front and back) of your fabric out into a rectangle. You can make these whatever size you want, but for these I cut them out 10 inches x 20 inches, which is a great size for a burp cloth.

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Can you use receiving blankets as burp cloths? ›

A receiving blanket makes a good stand-in for a burp cloth in a pinch.

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How many burp cloths does a new mom need? ›

But anywhere between eight to 14 burp cloths is a good number to have for a single baby. However, if you have more babies, the number increases proportionately as each baby gets a fresh cloth each burp session.

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What is the best fabric to absorb water? ›

The most common absorbent fibre used is cotton, but other fabrics have recently been designed that are more absorbent, such as modal, micro-modal, Tencel®, and other viscose-based fibres. All of these are made from the same base material – plant cellulose – which loves water.

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What should I look for in a burp cloth? ›

Size is a matter of preference and your burping method of choice, some people like a large burp cloth they can throw over their shoulder while others prefer something smaller. The best fabric for burp cloths is one that's soft, absorbent and fast-drying.

Get More Info Here ›

Does Minky fabric work for burp cloths? ›

I have used this method to sew burp clothes for all of my own kids and they are always a great baby shower gift too! If you are new to sewing, this tutorial is for you! If sewing with the minky fabric makes you a little nervous you can always use chenille because it doesn't slip around as much as the minky fabric can.

Is microfiber good for burp cloths? ›

It depends on how you plan to use them. Microfiber is super absorbent, to the extent that it can dry out the skin and sometimes cause problems if left directly on a baby's skin, but for quick wipe ups, skin contact is just fine.