I had the time last night to sew up these quick burp cloths (or swipers, as my mother calls them). They were really easy and fun. Also a great way for me to practice sewing in a straight line (yes, some of us need to practice that. It’s sad.)
How to:
supplies
– 1/2 yard of flannel, plus flannel scraps. If you don’t have flannel scraps then get 3/4 or a whole yard to give you the extra.
-1/2 yard of complementary cotton, 42″ wide
-complementary thread
The finished dimensions should be 8″ wide and 20″ long. Small variations longer, shorter, or wider are fine, but don’t make it more narrow. Cut out your main pieces (9″ wide and 21″ long to include a 1/2″ seam allowance) and the contrast. You should be able to get four out of each 1/2 yard. Cut strips of flannel 5″ wide and the same length. You can sew together scraps, use the selvage, whatever. It won’t show and is simply for extra absorbency.
Put right sides together, and add your reinforcing strip right down the middle, face down, on top of the other flannel piece. Sew together with a zig-zag stitch around all of the edges, leaving a 4″ gap for turning on one long side. Turn the project inside out, being sure to get the corners nice and sharp, and then topstitch around the whole thing, closing the turning hole in the process. Press, press, press at every step, and use pins to keep the fabric layers in place.
I like to fold my cloths with a triangle to show off the contrast. I include a tag as well, identifying the fabric content and giving care instructions. If there are moms out there who have different sizes in mind for their favorite/most useful burp cloths, I’d love to hear it!
those are darling! i love the idea of using scraps for the extra absorbent layer. you could also use a cloth diaper in the center!
love them! and especially love the way you package them!
Thanks Nancy! Definitely, cloth diapers would be great to use for this.
Thanks Nicole – you know what they say, presentation is everything!
I know so many people who could use some of these. Thanks for the tutorial.
What a great tutorial! I will have to try these with #2. My favorite burb cloths with #1 were plain white Gerber pre-fold cloth diapers. Easy-peasy, but I should have gussied them up/made them pretty somehow.
Cute, I love the way you stacked them up and tied them, such great presentation!
great idea!
I am so excited to try my hand at these! I’m expecting a girl late Jan. This may be a dumb question, as I am very very new to sewing, but is it the flannel or the cotton that has the print on it? Thanks!
Hi Aileen – thanks for your question. The flannel has the print because that is the side that will be facing outward. The cotton is for the back. The flannel is softer and more absorbent, which is why it is the front. Congratulations on your soon-to-be-here daughter!
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perfect, I just did up a bunch of flannelette remnants at the fabric store I work at yesterday and I was thinking that I wished I knew what I could do with such cute remnants, because they were cute but a bit boyish. I have a friend who is expecting a boy the end of next month and this would be a perfect gift!
Love it!! I can’t stop making them. I used a decorative stitch for my topstitch. I embroidered a design on one. I dont really recomend it. Looks adorable but makes that area too stiff or scratchy for a babies skin. To package I turned one corner up and pinned with a diaper pin. You can find really cute ones at baby boutiques to coordinate with your fabric.
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do you sew the center strip down?