How I Made These Burp Cloths and Bibs
How I Made Bibs & Burp Cloths
Learning to sew burp cloths and bibs is a beginner sewing project for me. Because I am learning to sew and a family member is expecting a baby, I thought I would make some easy DIY Burp Cloths and Bibs. It did turn out to be a good beginner sewing project and I was pleased with the results.
Pinterest first!
First things first, like all good DIYers, head on over to Pinterest and find some free printable patterns and videos tutorials, right! This post is where I found the burp cloth video. She shows you how to make your own pattern for the burp cloth which is rounded to fit on Mom’s shoulder. Here is where I found a free bib pattern to download.
More Easy Sewing Projects
How To Sew Envelope Pillow Covers was one of my first easy sewing project after starting my journey to learn to sew.
Little Girl’s Ruffled Bandana Halter Top. This one was fun using a bandana to make a summer top for my little granddaughter.
Making Felt Play Food Bacon and Eggs Sunny Side Up. Another beginner sewing project I made for my little niece and nephew.
Velvet Pumpkins. These are actually sewn by hand. You could have to make yourself stop making these because they are so easy you will just keep on making them.
Fall Vignette Craft Projects I made for my daughter’s home. The table runner was an easy beginner sewing project. I made it to fit a dining buffet in my daughters home.
Sew Your Own Fabric Christmas Bell Ornament. This one uses a pattern but I promise it isn’t hard, or I wouldn’t have done it.
I have to include a sewing project which is more complicated. This Super Mom Apron taught me a lesson about sewing.
Making The Burp Cloth Pattern
I used a box from the kitchen which I took apart to make the burp cloth pattern. The bib pattern I simply printed on regular copy paper. I placed both fabrics together and cut out both at one time so the cuts would be the same.
Notice the fold in the burp cloth pattern. I folded the cardboard in half before cutting so both ends would match.
Now it’s just a matter of sewing them together after cutting them out. Always sew right sides together. Leave an opening unsewn so you can turn the item right side out. Press it, then sew up the opening.
I’m still getting to know my sewing machine, a Singer Patchwork, which has lots of cute stitches. I decided to do some fun stiches around the edges as a bit of a finished look. You use a LOT of thread when doing these fun stitches, especially on the bobbin.
I selected a gray chevron cotton fabric for the backing to match the chevron pattern on the elephants. If you notice that some of the elephants have an ‘x’ pattern, that is why I used that ‘x’ stitch for the edging.
Fleece and Cotton Fabric
The elephant pattern fabric is a soft fleece, perfect for the soft skin on a precious little baby.
The backing is a soft cotton fabric.
Because I completely forgot to purchase some white Velcro for the closure, I used the black Velcro which I already had. I have since purchased some in white which would be much nicer to use for baby bibs. I made the second bib squared off just for the fun of it. Sewing in a square is much easier than turning those curves!
Trial run making a burp cloth
I recommend a practice bib or burp cloth before you use your pretty fabic.
My practice burp cloth was made using a fat quarter from my stash. The back is actually an old towel which I cut up for this purpose.
A word of caution, cutting up a towel will create a flood of ‘snow’ on your floors! So thankful for whoever invented the vacuum cleaner! I went ahead and gave these to my niece explaining they were my learning tree. She actually loves them because of the terry cloth back!
Super cute! I’m amazed that you have time with all the kids in the house to sew 🙂
This looks so cute! Pinned and tweeted. Thank you for taking the time to party with us. We hope to see you tonight at 7 pm. It wouldn’t be a party without you! Lou Lou Girls
LOVE!!! Elephants are super cute and the decorative edge is perfect. Nice job! I have my first grandbaby coming in June so I’m thinking I’ll do something JUST like this.
How exciting for you! I have 7 grandchildren so I know how exciting they are! Thanks for your kind words. These are really easy to make and shopping for the fabric is so much fun!
This is adorable! It looks easy enough to try myself even though I’m horrible at sewing! Nothing like a little inspiration! Thanks!
Cute! Thankful I’m past the baby stage though! Thanks for stopping by and linking up at the Home Matters LInky Party
The elephants are so cute! Nice job.
~Lorelai
Life With Lorelai
Shirley! I am really impressed with your project. You did a great job. And I love the decorative stitching. Keep up the good work.
That’s a nice compliment El. Thank you. I know you are a good seamstress. I’m just learning and having fun in the process! Thanks for stopping by.
You know I have a little baby boy right..lol..Send some my way. They are beautiful! For someone who is learning to sew – I’d say you did an awesome job!
I do know you have a cute little boy! Email me your address and I will send you a set.
These are great! Simple, useful and adorable! Great baby shower gifts too! I’ll be so glad to have room to use my sewing machine again.
Thanks Amanda. I hope you get to break out your sewing machine soon. I know you will be glad when your home remodeling is complete.
This is so timely. I’m going to be an aunty again and this will be perfect. Thanks for the post
I’m making them for a niece too. We’ll have a new great nephew any time now!
Aren’t those adorable! So much cuter an nicer than store bought. Am impressed with your skills in sewing. 🙂
Thank you for those kind words Bobbi. I’m just learning to sew therefore doing easy things right now.
Super cute and I love the fabric! I wish I knew how to sew so I could make fun and practical things like this for my family and friends. I’m sure your niece will love this!
Thank you Jennifer, she did love them. Trust me, if I can learn to sew ANYONE can!
You did an amazing job, Shirley! I’m very impressed and I love the fabric you used to create the burp cloths and bibs. I know your niece will enjoy them even more knowing they were lovingly stitched by you. Great job! (I’m now feeling a little blue because I have not used my sewing machine yet – the one I received for Christmas BEFORE last). Thanks for the inspiration.
It took me 3 or 4 days to learn how to thread the machine when I first got it last year. I haven’t made a whole lot with it yet but when I do, it is so much fun! Thanks for your kind words.
Alli, go ahead and break out your sewing machine and get started. It’s addictive , fun and self satisfying.