How to Make Baby Burp Cloths and Rags - Easy Tutorial for Beginners

Instructions on how to make baby burp cloths with really easy instructions that any beginner sewer can follow and do themselves!

After frequenting baby stores during my pregnancy, I soon realized how much a money grab some items that were branded "baby" were. This included burp cloths. $5 each for a burp cloth that was 1/8th the size of a regular towel? No thank you!

I'm sharing with you an easy tutorial on how to make burp cloths and rags from a pack of cloth diapers. Yes, cloth diapers or any rag and make it look cute while saving a ton of money.

Supplies for Making Customized Burp Cloths and Rags

All you'll need is:

• a pack of cloth diapers. Make sure you get the small ones -  I made the mistake of getting the big ones and the burp clothes do not fit as well on my shoulder
• cute fabric. The site says flannel to keep it from moving off your shoulder. I just found some cute fabric that was non-flannel and it works fine.
• straight pins.
• point turner (to make the corners square)
• scissors.
• sewing machine (this is the exact one I have that I absolutely love)

Really Easy Instructions for Burp Cloths with Custom Fabric

Step 1 // Cut the Fabric Design

Measure your burp cloth. Next, you'll want to cut the designer fabric the same size.

Step 2 // Pre-Pin the Burp Cloths Together

You'll want to have the "good sides" facing each other. Pin all the way around so that you keep the fabric in place while you are sewing.

Step 3 // Stitch the Sides Together

On your sewing machine, put it on the most uncomplicated setting for sewing a straight line (most machines have an image that has the single stitch).  Stitch all the way around and leave a 2 inch gap.

Step 4 // Iron the Burp Cloth Flat

After stitching all the way around, you'll want to pull the good side through so that it now looks like the burp cloth. Iron the burp cloth flat.

Step 5 // Fold Down and Sew 1/4 Inch Around

Next, fold down the section where you did not stitch. This time, you are going to sew those ends together and sew a 1/4 inch away from the edge and sew a straight line all the way around.

Step 6 // Try Out Some Fancy Stitches

This is a great time to try out some fancy stitches. You'll want to follow the diaper lines all the way down and sew two additional lines down the middle to keep the burp cloths flat.

Step 7 // Use or Gift

You'll have an amazing set of burp cloths after you are done! 

Inspiration for Homemade Baby Burp Cloths

If you don't feel like making one, I don't blame you either. Check out the collection of burp cloths below that I found that you might enjoy!

If you loved this tutorial, check out my other easy tutorial on how to make a tutu skirt here. Pin the image below and save it to your sewing board for a later project!