cloth | The Life of Lulubelle

Last night I got the sewing bug and decided to make some more burp cloths for our little guy that should be here in just a few weeks. There are lots of different ways to make burp cloths, but it mostly boils down to two different variations:

Enhanced cloth diaper (to be used as burp cloth), where fabric is sewn onto the middle of the diaper, like HERE and HERE.

and for lack of a better description, a more “from scratch” or layered burp cloth. These burp cloths are usually shaped to fit around your shoulder, or in a rectangle, and utilizes different fabrics on one side and more absorbent fabric on the other side (or double sided flannel).

I made some of the second variety.

I love using Homemade by Jill’s basic template to get started. I like the curve because it allows the cloth to be up against your neck and over your should comfortably. I too, like to use flannel as my go-to pretty burp cloth fabric; I like how soft it is.

Decorative fabric to use for burp cloths:

Flannel (my favorite)
Fleece
Quilting or non-stretch cotton

Absorbent layer/side:

Another layer of flannel
Cloth diapers (prefolds or the 1-ply, thin layer kind, using 2 layers)
Terry cloth/recycled towel

Different variations:

Flannel on both sides
Flannel on both sides with a thin layer of cloth diaper or batting in the center
Flannel on one side, cloth diaper on the other
Flannel on one side, terry/towel on the other
Fleece on one side, terry/towel, or cloth diaper on the other side
Cotton fabric on one side, terry/towel, or cloth diaper on the other side

Directions:

Prewash all fabric and print out template

Cut out a layer of decorative fabric using template

Cut out the absorbent layer or side, or cheat like I do, and lay the decorative fabric wrong side up against it, and sew around the edges, leaving a spot open to turn right-side out.