My most favorite thing to make for upcoming new babies are burp cloths. Really. It’s because they’re so fast to make, way cuter than the store bought versions, and I pull them out every time I burp my baby so they get maximum exposure. Literally, I go through a couple a day. Having tried a million different burp cloths made from every material under the sun and in every shape you can think of in the last 11 years these are what work best for me and my little spitters- a 9” x 17” knit 3 layered burp cloth made cute with a fabric panel or patch on the bottom front.
-Here’s how to make your own-
For a burp cloth with fabric along the bottom front you’ll need-
1 rectangle flannel 1o” x 18”
1 rectangle soft knit (cotton interlock or jersey- not ribbed) 10” x 18”
1 rectangle soft knit 10” x 13.5”
1 rectangle 10” x 5.5” of your favorite fabric print.
To make a solid white burp cloth with a patch at the bottom cut 1 layer flannel and 2 knit rectangles 10”x 18” and skip the fabric print.
First lay your fabric print right sides together on top of your 13.5” long piece of knit along the bottom edge and sew along the bottom using 1/2” seam. Press flat so it’s now your front piece that measures 10” x 18” like the other pieces.
If you want it embellished now’s the time to make it pretty before you move on. Add ribbon, ric rac, patches… whatever makes your heart pitter patter. If you’re making a solid burp cloth and want a patch on the front here’s where you add your patch to the right side of one of your knit pieces.
Continue… (said in a French accent).
Lay your pieces out so your flannel layer is on the very bottom, your solid knit piece is right side up on top the flannel, and your knit and fabric front piece is facing down on the very top like so.
Sew around the outside edge using 1/2” seam leaving a hole at the top about 3” wide for turning. Turn your fabrics right side out between the 2 knit layers so the flannel layer is on the inside.
Tuck the edge of your 3” gap towards the inside and pin. I didn’t pin mine so pretend I’m a pro and pin my stuff like I should. Do what I say, not what I do ;).
Sew around the outside edge of your burp cloth. I used my presser foot edge as a guide. When you get to your gap just sew along the edge and it will close it up for you as long as your seam along the outside is less than 1/2”.
That’s it!
Here’s a close up of the patch and reverse appliqué I did. Of course I had to use my new Silhouette heat transfer material, it’s too fun not to apply it everything I own. I used the yellow for the star and the white to make my own diamond patterned fabric for the number 1, to add stripes to the blue ribbon, and to write “little” on the green ribbon.
Here’s how you add the transfer to ribbon. I used grosgrain, satin, and twill with perfect results. You just cut out the design you want and the clear backing is a little tacky so it sticks to your ribbon making it really easy not to shift your design and screw it up.
Throw a pressing cloth over your ribbon and transfer and heat with your iron on the cotton setting (no steam) for 60 seconds or so. Great way to put whatever you want on ribbon without shelling out the big bucks for customized stuff.
If you want to get some heat transfer and other great stuff to try for yourself don’t forget to enter the giveaway here!
Have a fantastic Monday. I’m off to make more baby stuff. Not much time left!
