Baby burp cloths are some of the most-used items for new parents—and one of the easiest things to make yourself. Store-bought versions are often too small, too thin, or too pretty to actually absorb spit-up. But DIY burp cloths can be cute, extra absorbent, perfectly sized, and made from fabrics you already have at home.
Whether you’re sewing your first baby gift, stocking up for your own newborn, or creating sets to sell, this guide will show you exactly how to make baby burp cloths in multiple styles—along with fabric recommendations, troubleshooting tips, and no-sew options for non-sewers.
Let’s start stitching.
What Makes a Good Baby Burp Cloth? (Size, Shape & Absorbency)
Burp Cloth Size
Most good burp cloths fall between 17–20 inches long and 7–10 inches wide. This gives you enough coverage over your shoulder, down your back, and across your chest when burping or cuddling your baby.
Choosing the Shape
There are three popular shapes:
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Rectangle burp cloths – the easiest to cut and sew, perfect for beginners
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Contoured burp cloths – curve around your shoulder for a more custom fit
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Hybrid burp cloths – rectangles with softened curved ends
While rectangles maximize fabric use, contoured cloths stay in place better, especially with squirmy babies.
Best Fabric for Baby Burp Cloths (Absorbency Matters!)
Choosing the right fabric makes the biggest difference in how well your burp cloths actually work.
Top Fabrics
✔ Cotton Flannel
Soft, absorbent, durable, and available in countless cute prints. Ideal for both sides.
✔ Terry Cloth / Toweling
Very absorbent; excellent for babies with frequent spit-up. Slightly bulkier to sew but worth it.
✔ Cotton Gauze / Double Gauze
Lightweight and breathable with a natural “baby boutique” look. Works well when layered.
✔ Birdseye Diaper Cloth / Prefolds
Known for high absorbency and durability—great for backing or center layers.
Skip or Use Sparingly
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Minky, fleece, and other synthetics (cute but not absorbent—best used decoratively)
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Heavy quilting cotton (fine for a top layer, not great alone)
Always Prewash Your Fabric
Prewashing prevents shrinking and color bleeding after the burp cloth is sewn, especially when mixing flannel with terry or gauze.
Choose Your Method: Three Ways to Make Baby Burp Cloths
Below are three easy options depending on your skill level and tools.
Method 1: Easy Rectangle Burp Cloths (Perfect for Beginners)
This is the quickest and most forgiving method—great for batch sewing or baby shower gifts.
Supplies
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⅓ yard flannel (top layer)
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⅓ yard terry or flannel (back layer)
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Scissors or rotary cutter
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Sewing machine or needle & thread
Steps
1. Cut your fabric
Cut two rectangles 10″ × 18″ or modify the size based on your preference.
2. Place fabrics right-sides together
This hides your seams on the inside.
3. Sew around the edges
Use a ¼” seam allowance. Leave a 2–3″ gap for turning.
4. Clip corners & turn right-side out
This helps the corners lie flat.
5. Press & topstitch
Topstitch all the way around to close the gap and secure the edges.
Optional Absorbency Boost
Add a third middle layer of flannel for babies with heavy spit-up.
Method 2: Contoured Burp Cloths (Boutique-Style Finish)
Contoured burp cloths hug your shoulder and stay in place better.
Why Contoured?
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More comfortable
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Less sliding
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Looks polished—perfect for gifting
How to Make a Contoured Pattern Without Printing
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Fold a piece of paper in half.
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Trace half an hourglass shape using a bowl or plate for curves.
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Cut the shape and unfold — you now have a symmetrical contoured pattern.
How to Sew It
Follow the same sewing steps as the rectangle version:
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Sew right-sides together
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Clip the curves
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Turn and topstitch
A walking foot can help prevent shifting if using multiple soft layers or double gauze.
Method 3: No-Sew Baby Burp Cloths (Fast & Cute Options)
If you don’t sew—or if you need a gift in the next 10 minutes—try a no-sew method.
Option 1: Decorated Prefold Diapers
Prefold cloth diapers make excellent burp cloths.
Simply:
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Cut a decorative cotton strip
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Use Heat n Bond, Fabric Mod Podge, or fabric glue to attach it
Great for baby shower bundles.
Option 2: Fleece + Gauze Layers
Use adhesive hem tape to bond fabrics at the edges.
Best for light use or decorative sets.
Note
No-sew versions are less durable but excellent in a pinch.
Upcycled & Eco-Friendly Burp Cloth Ideas
DIY burp cloths are perfect for using what you already own:
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Old towels → backing
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Worn flannel pajamas or sheets → soft top layer
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Outgrown receiving blankets → entire burp cloth
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Quilting scraps → patchwork fronts
This not only saves money but creates meaningful, environmentally friendly baby essentials.
How to Personalize Your Burp Cloths
Make your burp cloths extra special with:
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Appliqué shapes – hearts, animals, initials
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Monograms – embroidery machine or hand-stitched
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Color-coordinated sets – matching prints + solids
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Gift bundles – pair with DIY bibs or swaddles
These details elevate a simple cloth into a memorable handmade gift.
Batch Sewing: How to Make Multiple Burp Cloths Quickly
If you’re preparing for a new baby or creating seller inventory, batch sewing saves time.
Workflow for Fast Production
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Cut all pieces at once
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Sew all layers back-to-back
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Turn all pieces
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Press everything
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Topstitch assembly-line style
Cost & Selling Tips
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One yard of fabric can make multiple burp cloths
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Buyers prefer sets of 3, 5, or 7
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Use consistent sizing
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Add fiber content + care instructions for a professional look
Troubleshooting Common Burp Cloth Problems
Wavy edges?
Your fabric stretched—try a walking foot, pins, or slower sewing.
Layers shifting?
Use more clips, or baste layers together first.
Fabric not absorbing?
Avoid polyester-heavy fabrics; choose cotton or bamboo layers.
Burp cloth looks lumpy?
Press between steps and trim bulky seam allowances.
How to Wash & Care for DIY Burp Cloths
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Wash in warm or hot water (depending on fabric)
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Avoid fabric softeners—they reduce absorbency
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Tumble or line dry
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Quick iron for gifting sets
These care steps help your handmade burp cloths last through hundreds of spills.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many burp cloths should I make?
Most new parents use 10–15 burp cloths regularly.
What is the easiest pattern for beginners?
Rectangle burp cloths—simple cutting and straight lines.
Can I use minky?
Yes, but only as a decorative top layer—it’s not absorbent enough for the backing.
Are no-sew burp cloths durable?
They’re best for light use or gifting; sewn versions last longer.
Can I make burp cloths without a sewing machine?
Absolutely—use prefold diapers + iron-on adhesive.
Final Thoughts
Making your own baby burp cloths is a simple, satisfying project for beginners and experienced sewists alike. With a few affordable materials, you can create soft, absorbent, adorable burp cloths that outperform store-bought options—and look beautiful as gifts.
Whether you’re sewing one special cloth or producing a whole set, your handmade care will show in every stitch.