Homemade Baby Burp Cloths

Homemade gifts for baby showers are always well received and the expense involved can be much less than store-bought purchases. Making baby burp cloths is a thoughtful gift for a new mother. Make a set of three or four burp cloths using flannel fabric that matches the baby's nursery or in a novelty baby print. The set can quickly be made the evening before the shower, or make several sets to have on hand or to sell at local craft sales.

Supplies Needed:

Wrapping paper
Measuring tape
Pencil
Scissors
1/2-yard flannel fabric
Straight pins
Sewing machine
Iron

Step 1
Draw a 10-inch wide by 18-inch long rectangle on the back of wrapping paper and cut it out. Fold the rectangle in half, matching the short edges. The short edges are the top and bottom of the burp cloth. Fold it in half again, matching the side edges. Your folded piece will be 5 inches wide by 9 inches long.

Step 2
Lay the folded rectangle with the long folded edge on the left and the short folded edge on the bottom. Measure in an inch from the cut side edge along the short folded edge and mark. Using a pencil, round the top right-hand corner, continuing to curve the line on the side edge and down to the 1-inch mark on the bottom folded edge. Cut along the traced lines through all layers. Unfold the pattern. The shape will resemble a bone.

Step 3
Fold a 1/2 yard of flannel fabric together with the right sides facing. Pin the pattern to the fabric and cut out.

Step 4
Pin the edges of the baby burp cloth together. Sew around the pinned edges using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Leave a 3-inch opening on one short edge.

Step 5
Clip slits in the curves on the edges. This will help your seam lay flat when turned right side out. Do not cut through the stitching.

Step 6
Turn the burp cloth right side out through the 3-inch opening. Press the edges flat. Top stitch around the burp cloth as close to the edge as possible. This will finish the edges and close the opening at the same time.