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

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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? ›

Flannel – As well as being soft and warm, flannel is breathable. And it is more absorbent than any other material. Muslin – This is an eco-friendly material that is soft and gentle on the baby's skin. Ideal for wiping away drool and spit-up.

How many layers of flannel for a burp cloth? ›

Folding the Flannel Burp Cloth

In order to create the look of the prefolded diaper, I fold the flannel so that the center has 4 layers of flannel and the sides have two layers of flannel.

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.

What makes a good burp cloth? ›

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 difference between a burp cloth and a muslin? ›

Cheeky cotton burp cloths are double layer, so thicker than standard muslin cloths and primarily used over the shoulder for burping after feedings. As they are generously sized, they also make great soft bibs, so are truly multi functional. You can even use these folder as a cloth diaper insert or booster!

What can I use instead of burp cloths? ›

If you're looking for a burp cloth that will last through even the most explosive feedings, look no further than cloth diapers; they're a great alternative to regular burp cloths.

Can you use flour sack towels for burp cloths? ›

I started to research other options and found a great post comparing various materials for making DIY burp cloths (see the post here). This blogger's very scientific method found found that flour sack dishtowels were actually the most absorbent material (above prefolds and barmops!).

Can you use receiving blankets as burp cloths? ›

Sometimes, a burp cloth just doesn't cut it. Either the mess is too big, they may all be in the laundry, or you simply forgot one at home. A receiving blanket makes a good stand-in for a burp cloth in a pinch.

How many burp cloths does a new mom need? ›

If you are wondering, 'how many burp cloths do I need?' It depends on how often your young one spits up, the number of feedings(which are unnumbered as they are still breastfeeding), and how often you want to do the laundry. But anywhere between eight to 14 burp cloths is a good number to have for a single baby.

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.

What is the best size for a burp cloth? ›

The most popular spit-up pad is approximately 45cm (17.7 inches) long by 22.5cm (8.85 inches) wide at its widest part. Which is the size of our burp cloths.

Can you use a bib as a burp cloth? ›

Burpy bibs are typically made of absorbent materials like cotton or terry cloth, which can effectively soak up liquid. This makes cleaning a breeze, as the cloth can be thrown in the washing machine. 3. Versatility: burpy bibs often have a design that allows them to be used as both a bib and a burp cloth.

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 I need in my diaper bag? ›

Burp cloths.

Pack one or two burp cloths or even washcloths for your baby's spit-up, or for wiping up spills.

How many burp cloths does a newborn need? ›

If you are wondering, 'how many burp cloths do I need?' It depends on how often your young one spits up, the number of feedings(which are unnumbered as they are still breastfeeding), and how often you want to do the laundry. But anywhere between eight to 14 burp cloths is a good number to have for a single baby.

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