Fabric Backed, Embroidered Burp Cloth
This is a beginner sewing project that looks impressive! I’ve made several of these burp cloths for friends and they are always met with awe and appreciation. While I build them to handle lots of action, some choose to save this gift for a special occasion or to line their infant car seat. Most new parents get a real kick out of seeing their babies name on something, particularly if its not run of the mill, but all sorts of decorations work beautifully! If you make one, please put a picture up in the flickr group. Your design may inspire the next!
NOTE 11/21: PHOTOS TO BE ADDED SOON!
Materials:
- One pre-fold cloth diaper. I have had the best luck with Gerber Diaper Service Cloth Diapers. Be sure to purchase pre-fold diapers. (not Birdseye or Weave).
- Fabric. Choose something that will not be harsh on a child’s face. Cottons, flannels, etc. 17″ long and 13″ wide when cut to size.
- Thread to match, white thread, contrast thread (optional), point turner, and size 12 machine sewing needle.
- Decorative supplies. I use an embroidery machine, but appliqué and hand embroidery make beautiful alternatives. (click here for appliqué tutorial and here for basic hand embroidery instruction–scroll past ads to list of stitches.)
Before you begin:
Wash, dry and press your burp cloth and fabric (not yet cut to size). Use hot water so the fabrics will shrink as much as possible. Make sure that your fabric is cut evenly by folding the fabric selvage to selvage and trimming the sides. You can use a rotary cutter and ruler or, if you are using cotton, you can cut about a 1/2 in. into the selvage and rip the fabric to the other selvage edge. It feels so wrong, but this method will always give you a straight edge as the fabric will rip along its grain. You may need to re-press the edges once you are done ripping.
PIC
Decorating your Burp Cloth
By whichever means, or combination of means, you choose, decorate one side of the diaper. I think the decoration looks best on the side where both center seams are the same (the other side has one raised seam), but it’s up to you! I position my decorations three to four inches from the bottom edge of the diaper and usually choose to put the babies name on it. I tend to limit the scope of decorating so that there is still plenty of absorbent burp cloth ready for action. Note that your last step involves sewing two straight lines (around 3 in from either side) down the middle of your burp cloth. Be aware of this as you place your design. DIAGRAM
Sewing the Burp Cloth
- Lay your burp cloth down on the piece of fabric you intend to use (right sides together), lining up the bottom right corners. Pin around the entire burp cloth, placing the pins pointy side out, two inches in from the edges. PIC
- Using a rotary cutter, or scissors, cut the fabric to the size of the burp cloth on the right and left sides. At the top and bottom, also trim the serged edge of the diaper as you cut the fabric to size. This will eliminate bulk at the edges. Now you are ready to head over to your sewing machine. PIC
- Using your coordinating thread or white thread, sew a 1/4″ seam around the entire edge, backstitching at each end and leaving a three inch opening at the top left corner. Be sure to leave a 1/4″ of space to fold the opening to the inside!
- Remove the pins and turn the burp cloth right side out. Trim the corners to eliminate bulk and use a point turner to shape.
- Press the newly joined pieces to shape and fold the excess fabric at the opening down into the burp cloth and pin. PIC.
- Sew the opening, backstitching at either end. The best way to do this is to blind hem the opening by hand. I, however, am impatient and will usually use white bobbin thread and top thread to match my fabric. I sew as close as a possible to the edge of the burp cloth (white side down). PIC
- This is the final step! If your machine has a decorative stitch option, choose one of those or a simple zig zag or straight stitch. You will use this stitch to secure the fabric to the burp cloth. Sew two straight lines 3 inches in from each side (or place symmetrically around your decoration). You may choose to use a matching or contrasting thread or use one of each in the bobbin and top.
