Simply Soft Burp Cloth Tutorial + FREE SEWING PATTERN

This is absolutely 100% the very best, softest, most absorbent DIY burp cloth that you can sew at home. LISTEN. No, these are not them community craft fair burp cloth that Nana gifted you. (Although that was still super thoughtful of her.) This burp cloth is just like that luxury one that cost upwards of $20+or more! See how you can do it yourself for a fraction of the cost, without cutting the softness quality. Make these super soft burp cloths as a gift for an expecting mama or for yourself — they are THAT nice!

Let me first just preface this with, this probably isn’t revolutionary. BUUUT I came up with this pattern shape and fabric combo while expecting my second baby. My first baby had reflux like nobody’s business. Baby and Mommy were changing clothes on the hour way too many times to count. I found myself in near-constant tears searching for the perfect burp cloth. Some may say obsessed. After having tried lots of store-bought burp cloths, including some high-end name-brand ones; I was left wanting something BETTER. I began dabbling in sewing my own to save money and simply because I just enjoy using pretty fabrics. But my first attempts were not impressive. Womp. Womp. While my first-generation burp cloth was absorbent, it didn’t feel luxurious and I found myself cringing a little every time I would wipe my baby’s sweet little face with those cotton burp cloths.

When expecting my second baby, I knew that this time I would find something better! This led me to create a design that I thought would be perfect for me and I’m excited to share it with you today! I have gifted these to 5 of my new mama friends already and literally, everyone raves about how nice and soft they are! I know that you’re going to love them too.

You can click the link here to download your own copy and print it out. Just make sure that the box measures 1 inch.

So let’s get started!

This is going to be pretty simple. You’re going to need three different types of fabric.

• A jersey knit/stretch knit fabric
• A Minky soft fabric
• A diaper cloth fabric

Now, if you are looking to make only a couple of burp cloths, you can get away with buying as little as 12 inches of each fabric. Some fabric stores (like Joanns) will allow you to have it cut to that width. Trust me I understand how fabric can quickly get expensive. There’s nothing more annoying than having way more than you need. Sometimes when I have too much fabric I have a hard time managing it all while I iron and cut it. So 12 inches is just enough for this project! But if you want to make a bunch, then a yard of each will be plenty.

Ok, got your fabric? First things first!

Step 1: Into the wash with your fabric!

It’s important to first wash your fabric. Using cold water is fine. But do add a cup of vinegar to set the color (and prevent future bleeding). Otherwise, no detergent is necessary. Then dry with normal heat. If you think you might sew more often, like I do, keep one of those big vinegar jugs with your laundry detergent! Handy when you need it.

If you are new to sewing, you might not know this. Prewash or Not?!?? This may be one of the biggest points of contention for so many seamstresses. You’ll find people who swear by both ways but here is my take on it. Not all projects necessarily need to have their fabric pre-washed. Some do, some don’t. I don’t want to get into specifics now BUT this is one project where you should absolutely prewash and press (aka iron) your fabric before you begin! Here is an example of what will happen to your burp cloth if you do not pre-wash all 3 of your fabrics.

The problem with using 3 different fabric mediums is that they all react a little differently to being washed and dried. You want to make sure they all react as they will before you sew it together. Otherwise, the woven diaper cloth on the inside will shrink up in the dryer, making the edges pull all wonky. Prewash and iron your fabric before cutting your pattern and I promise you will have beautiful flat seams that look amazing straight from the dryer. (or the laundry basket!)

Step 2: Cut your pattern then your fabrics

Using the burp cloth pattern, cut one of each fabric. Please confirm that the 1″ box is in fact one inch. Otherwise, the sizing will be off. I love using Swedish tracing paper to make my sewing patterns. It’s hard to rip, easy to fold, can be ironed easily, and can be reused over and over again! You can also just cut out the paper pattern, that’s the way my grandma always did it, easy peasy.

Make sure to have the flat edge on the fold so that the burp cloth opens up with the curve.

Step 3: Next, it’s all about how you layer it!

The order of this fabric sandwich matters! First, place the diaper cloth fabric on your surface. Next, layer the Minky with the soft side facing up, directly on top. Complete your sandwich by placing the stretch/jersey knit fabric face down on top. Clip all the way around.

I’ve nearly ditched pins altogether for most projects. I mean, they are still useful but in general, I reach for my Wonderclips first. There are some great generic brand alternatives on Amazon but I got mine at Joann’s (with coupons!!)

Do you see where the two mini purple clips are? I always make sure to note where I need to leave a gap so I don’t forget to stop. It’s important to leave a three-finger-wide gap in order to turn it right side out.

Step 4: Finally time to Sew

OK, here is the secret sauce to making these soo awesome. You have to use a walking foot.

A what? A walking foot! Your sewing machine should have come with a walking foot and a bunch of other weird-looking attachments. A walking foot is likely the biggest sewing machine attachment you have. It is essentially a second set of feed dogs that help to sandwich the fabric together as you sew. This clever tool ensures that one layer doesn’t get lost on the way or get stretched out. Both of which I have had the frustration to experience.

As a beginner, I found myself intimidated by what all these things were for but now that I’ve been sewing near daily for the last 5 years, I’ve learned a thing or two. Find a youtube video and learn to put the walking foot on your machine. You’ll be so glad to have the extra control that a walking foot provides and you’ll level up your sewing game.

Using coordinating thread, sew all the way around the burp cloth, leaving a 3-finger wide gap. I like to sew with the 01 settings since I prefer to minimize the width of the seam without compromising stability.

Step 5: Press your seams and clip your corners

Back to our favorite thing, Ironing! Just kidding, who likes ironing? Why does the ironing board have to be so cumbersome? And so noisy? Does this iron come cordless? Why does ironing take a sewing project from looking homely to bespoke? The tidy and wrinkle-free fabric just sews better and will give you a better end result. Thems the rules.

Here is a helpful tip: Iron your stitching from the diaper cloth side. You don’t want to touch the iron directly to the knit fabric because you may burn it and it will lose its softness.

Remember to always use a press cloth or a piece of parchment paper when you iron stretch or jersey knit directly!

Carefully, cut tiny triangles in the curve of your burp cloth. This will help the seam lay nice and flat, instead of bunching up when you turn it right side out. Or use your rotary blade to cut the seams nice and close.

JUST BE CAREFUL NOT TO CUT INTO THE STITCHING! How annoying would that be? Be careful K?

Speaking of the right side, it’s time to stick your fingers in the gap and turn your burp cloth right side out! I like to use a chopstick to press out the curves completely. You’re not done until you press again! I know, I know. I don’t make the rules, I just follow them.

Step 6: Top Stitch

I like to use needle position/number in straight stitch/01 on my Brother with the standard stitch length of 2.5. First of all, I think that narrow seams look more polished, so I sew close to the edge with my needle in position 01. I want the stitching to be tight and close together since we’re going to be washing them a lot, this needs to hold up.

When it comes to thread, I often find myself reaching for the 100% polyester Gutermann thread. It is a strong, versatile, and good quality thread. I have never had any problems with it shedding or getting all fuzzy while sewing. Some projects require a 100% cotton thread but this project is better with synthetic. If you use 100% cotton and then wash the burp cloth in hot water (like to maybe try to remove a stain) the cotton thread will shrink up and your seams will pull. Then it will forever look wrinkly and never lay flat and it will look dumb.

When you finish sewing a top stitch all the way around then you’re done! Yay! Just FEEL how soft they are! You will be proud to wipe that sweet baby’s drooly, spit-up face with this simply soft burp cloth.

Home sewing for the win!!

While these burp cloths aren’t any more difficult to make than any other burp cloth. I mean, there are a lot of other tutorials out there, these are definitely the most luxurious combination of softness and absorbency when it comes to burp cloths. You will love them, your friends will love them, strangers will love them! And don’t be surprised when people start trying to throw money at you. These burp cloths are THAT nice! Read through the instructions again and you may find that these burp cloths really are simple enough to whip it up in an afternoon. If you have any questions about the process or what to chit chat with me about fabric, leave a comment below! If you make some, send me a picture of the fabrics you chose!

Happy sewing!

So now it’s your turn! If you try this, tag me at @goldengluegun