How to Make Burp Cloths | Sewing Basics, Step by Step

New parents go through burp cloths by the stack, making them one of the most practical baby-sewing projects. Sewing your own costs a fraction of store-bought versions and lets you choose how soft and absorbent the fabric is. The standard method is simple enough for a first project: cut two rectangles, sew them together with pretty sides facing in, leave a gap to turn right side out, then topstitch around the edge. Below is the full process, fabric pairings that work, and beginner mistakes to avoid.

What Fabric Works Best For Burp Cloths?

Burp cloths do two jobs—one side should feel soft against the baby’s skin, the other needs to absorb moisture quickly. That’s why most patterns pair a cotton or flannel front with an absorbent backing like terry cloth or toweling.

• Cotton and flannel — soft, breathable, easy to sew; flannel softens with each wash.
• Organic cotton and muslin — gentle for sensitive skin, lightweight for warmer months.
• Terry cloth or toweling — the classic absorbent backing; the material towels are made from.
• Minky — plush and luxurious, but bulkier and trickier to turn corners with.
• Batting — a thin middle layer adds absorbency but adds bulk to seams.

For a first project, cotton flannel on one side and terry cloth on the other is the most forgiving combination. To compare absorbency and softness of all options, see our roundup of the best fabrics for burp cloths. Whichever fabric you choose, pre-wash it before cutting so the finished cloth doesn’t shrink unevenly.

Step-By-Step: How To Sew A Burp Cloth

You need a sewing machine (or needle and thread), scissors or a rotary cutter, pins or clips, measuring tape, thread, and an iron.

1. Cut two rectangles to your chosen size. Pick a size comfortable in your hand; larger cloths double as a drool bib or padded shoulder rest.
2. Place rectangles right sides together. Decorative sides face inward, absorbent backing outward. Pin or clip around all four edges.
3. Sew around edges with a seam allowance of 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Leave an opening of roughly 3 inches along one edge for turning. Backstitch at start and end.
4. Trim corners diagonally, clipping just outside the seam line to remove bulk. Don’t clip into stitches.
5. Turn the cloth right side out through the opening. Use a pencil, chopstick, or knitting needle to push corners out fully.
6. Press flat with an iron. Fold raw edges of the opening inward to line up with the seam. Pressing before topstitching gives clean, even edges.
7. Topstitch all the way around, close to the edge. This closes the opening, strengthens seams, and gives a professional finish.

Once the final stitch is in, the cloth is ready to wash and use. If you have a serger, skip the turning step: serge around three sides, turn, and serge the final side shut.

Common Beginner Mistakes To Skip

The most frequent error is forgetting the opening for turning—without it, you’ve sewn a neat pouch with no way to flip it. Mark the opening with a pin before stitching. Cutting corners too close is the second issue; diagonal trims should stop just shy of the stitch line or the corner will fray. Skipping the pressing step produces wavy edges, and skipping backstitches lets stitches pull out under washing. If working with thick layers like minky and terry cloth, corners get harder to turn; trim seam allowances and press firmly with steam. Some tutorials sew fabric onto a cloth diaper base instead of two rectangles—that method changes both steps and shape, so follow one approach consistently.

Care.com’s sewing guide to making burp cloths at home walks through the same core method with helpful visuals. Once you’ve made one, the process becomes muscle memory—and the finished stack makes a genuinely appreciated baby-shower gift.