Burp Cloths

Let me say right off that I have had a lot of experience sewing, with not particularly much success.  But one of the fantastic things about blogging is that not only do people show off so many beautiful things, but they also make it look easy enough that I am determined to keep trying!

I made these baby burp cloths for a cousin this afternoon, having spent a happy two hours by myself at the craft store yesterday, choosing fabrics for this free pattern from the same store.  I like the less-traditional colors for babies, with brighter colors -- which not only are more cheerful, but show less dirt, let's be practical.  I also try to steer away from the more obvious boy/girl stereotypes, but I did want to stay with lots of blues, with a nod to Project Spectrum as well as the boy-ness of the new little one.

The original instructions call for a 1/2 yard each of cotton print and flannel, for three burp cloths, but I decided to use fat quarters from the quilting section of the craft store, as there were more fun things to choose from.  This makes bigger cloths, as fat quarters are around 18 x 22".  Be sure to wash the fabric first, because -- trust me on this -- the cottons and the flannels will shrink at different rates.

Cut 17 1/2" x 12 1/2" rectangles out of each fabric, if you are using the half-yards, or use the fat quarters as they are.  With 1 piece of flannel and 1 piece of cotton, pin the right sides together (trimming to match, if you like), and sew using a 1/4" to 5/8" seam allowance, leaving a 6 to 8" opening along one side for turning.  Snip the corners if you've used a generous seam allowance.  Turn right-side out, press, and top-stitch.

My sewing machine, which is some thirty or 35 years old, has really no other fancy top-stitch but this satin stitch, which might not be the best choice if you have other options, as it tends to make the fabric stretch a little bit at the edges.  Still, for a confidence-building project, and a fast baby gift, this is not bad!

Comments

[Wendy]

Thank you! Thank you! Do you know how many times I have googled to get these simple instructions on how to miter a napkin corner? I have been sewing for over 30 years, but have had no success in any of my collection of patterns with these simple instructions.

I will definitely put Mommy Cooks on my "Favorites" for future references.