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In this post I’ll walk you through an easy way to sew a baby burp cloth that fits over your shoulder, uses a kitchen terry towel for extra absorbency, and looks adorable as a gift. This baby burp cloth pattern is great for baby shower presents, for sewing and selling, or for donating to a charity.
SHORTCUTS TO SPECIFIC TOPICS:
00:34 Burp Cloth Supplies
01:43 Make the free template
02:44 Cut the fabric
03:50 Pin fabric to terry towel
04:58 Sew and trim
07:00 Turn right side out
07:13 Press and topstitch
08:15 Baby gift set ideas
Supplies
- Fabric: (1) 10″ x 21″ (directional prints should run the way the motifs sit)
- (1) kitchen terry towel (not too thick — just more absorbent than two cotton layers)
- Scissors, pins, tape, ruler
- Rotary cutter and mat (optional) or fabric scissors
- Pinking shears or wavy rotary cutter blades (for trimming)
- Sewing machine and thread (top thread and a matching bobbin)
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(If you are already on my email list, fill out the form to get the template and don’t worry – you won’t be signed up multiple times unless you use different email addresses)
Make and prepare the template
Print the template and verify the little square is exactly 1″ x 1″ (print at actual size). If you forget to print at actual size and the finished cloth comes out a little smaller than 19″ x 9″, it’s not a disaster. Slight variations still work perfectly for burp cloths.
Tape the dashed lines together. You will place the template on the fold of the fabric. The finished baby burp cloth will be about 19″ x 9″.
Cutting the fabric
Fold the 10″ x 21″ fabric in half with the right sides together.
Place the template on the fold and cut the fabric. I like using a rotary mat and cutter because it speeds things up, but scissors work fine. Move the mat to keep the pattern aligned instead of moving the fabric and paper.
Pin fabric to the terry towel
Lay the terry towel right side up (the front) and place the fabric right side down on top. Position it away from the towel edges so you can use those leftover edges for other projects. Pin the fabric to the towel.
I leave the towel full size and sew the layered pieces together, then trim the towel after sewing. It saves time and keeps the towel stable while you sew.
Sewing: leave a turning gap
Sew around the shape with a 1/4″ seam allowance, leaving a center opening for turning (I like to leave the opening in the middle of the straight edge). Put two pins to remind you where to stop and start so you don’t accidentally sew the whole thing closed.
Trim and finish the seam allowance
After sewing, trim the excess towel seam allowance with pinking shears or a wavy rotary cutter. Be careful not to cut through your stitch line — get close, but don’t cut the stitching. If you use a wavy cutter, make sure the blade is sharp enough to cut through the terry.
When you get to the opening you left for turning, do not trim it with the wavy cutter or pinking shears; leave a bit more fabric there so you can fold the raw edges under when you close the opening.
Turn, press, and topstitch
Turn the burp cloth right side out through the opening and push out the curves with your fingers. Press well, shaping the curves as you press. I press the sewn seam area first before folding the opening under for a clean finish.
Topstitch all the way around the edge to close the opening and add a finished look. I use a cream top thread and a tan bobbin so the back blends in and you don’t get a bold contrast line on the terry side.
Final thoughts and gift ideas
That’s it — a simple, shaped baby burp cloth that’s absorbent (thanks to the terry towel) and pretty. This project is fast once you get the cutting nailed down, and it makes a lovely gift. Here are some ways to build on it:
- Make a set of two or three coordinating burp cloths and roll them in a bow for a baby shower gift.
- Add a matching bib or a pacifier holder to create a gift bundle.
- Keep extra strips from the towel scraps to craft teething rings or small accessories.
- Sew for local charities or baby blessing groups — these are practical and much appreciated.
Quick troubleshooting & tips
- If your rotary blade drags, switch to a new blade — a fresh blade makes cleaner cuts through terry.
- Pin the pattern to the fabric or use pattern weights to avoid slipping while cutting.
- If you accidentally sew the turning gap closed, a seam ripper opens it back up so you can turn it right side out.
- Check thread colors for top and bobbin so seams look tidy on both sides.
Wrap-up
Making a shaped baby burp cloth is a satisfying quick sew that results in a practical and beautiful item. Whether you’re sewing as a hobby, making gifts, or adding baby burp cloths to a small shop inventory, this pattern delivers on look and function. Happy sewing and welcome, baby!
