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Mabey She Made It
Sewing, home, and designs to help you beautify your life
Lisee Ree Designs
I’m sure you’re here looking for the best, most absorbent burp cloths and what fabric to use in your burp cloths, and I am super excited that I can share that with you.
If you’ve ever been holding a baby and experienced:
- projectile vomit that comes from nowhere
- regularspittingin large volumes that a regular burp cloth just can’t handle
- the dreaded shoulder spit because your burp cloth doesn’t cover you or won’t stay where its supposed to
- the slime effect--you know,when a burp cloth just smears the mess instead of cleaning it up
Then these burp cloths are for you. I’ve even made a free downloadable pattern for you below.
I’ve used a lot of burp cloths in my day…with four babies with reflux, I’ve gone through a ton of differenttypes and designs. So I feel pretty qualified to tell you these are the best since my kids all needed serious help until they were 6-9 months old.
Most Absorbent Fabric For Burp Cloths
Projectile spit was a big part of my life for years, and I tested the limits ofALL the burp cloths I could get my hands on. These won hands down. They didn’t smear spit up on me or the baby, they absorb a LOT, they stay on your shoulder, and they look cute to boot.
And what is the secret to this amazing burp cloth? The kidney bean shape and the best fabric backing available.
So what is the best fabric for burp cloths?
Cotton chenille is the best fabric for absorbent burp cloths I’ve found, and combined with a terry cloth layer for absorbency is far superior to any other combination. The cotton chenille takes care of the moisture without leaving the “solids” on the surface so you get absorbency AND you aren’t left with slime that will get all over you and baby.
Here are my complaints about other burp cloths (i.e. the results of my extensive research).
Inferior Burp Cloth Fabric Choices:
- Flannel: Flannel does a pretty good job of absorbing, but is not so great at keeping the mess from smearing all over the place. Gross.
- Terry Cloth: Great for absorbing liquids and pretty good at keeping smearing to a minimum. Overall, this is my second-choice material if I don’t have cotton chenille. But it’s kinda scratchy, which isn’t great for soft baby skin.
- Cuddle Fabrics/Minky: Slime factor is pretty bad with these. They’re soft on baby’s face, but I don’t use it because I’ve been slimed too many times.
- Cloth Diapers: The middle section is pretty good at keeping everything contained, but the outer sections can’t keep up.
The Other Shapes:
- Hourglass: While the cutouts aregreat for putting on your shoulder, there’s one REALLY big problem–the cutout on the opposite side is exposing your shoulder to a spit shower.
- Rectangle: This gets rid of the spit shower problem, but slides off your shoulder.
So let’s get down to it and make the best (and cutest) most absorbent burp cloths ever.
Updated May 2019 to include more sources and free absorbent burp cloths pattern.
Most Absorbent Burp Cloth Supplies
- Download the Burp Cloth Pattern (print and tape at the center lines)
- Quilting Cotton (I can typically get 3 burp cloths from one fat quarter unless they’re cut small)
- Cotton chenille backing(there are several colors to choose from–I used the blue for these, but white is my favorite overall with Natural a close second)
- Sewing machine and thread
Instructions
- Place your quilting cotton and cotton chenille right sides together (RST) and place your template on top. We’re going to cut them out together so they’re ready for sewing, which saves you cutting time and matching time later on. Note: If you want even more absorbency, add a layer of terry clothto the cut list too.
- With RST, sew around the edge of the burp cloth leaving a 2″ gap. I usually use a 1/4″ seam allowance.
- Clip curves, and turn your burp cloth right side out.
- Press your edges, and pin the opening closed.
- Topstitch around the entire burp cloth enclosing the gap you pinned.
These are my favorite baby gift, and I tend to make them in batches so I’m ready for baby showers or packages. I tie up a bundle of 3 or 4 and slide a tag or note in and they’re ready to give!
They’re soft on baby’s face, easy to use, and hands down the best.
So if you haven’t already, click here toDownload the Burp Cloth Pattern.
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Maureen the Budget Queen
7 years ago
Hi Lisa I love these little burp cloths, very practical and so stylish with the cotton, great idea! I am stumped about the cotton chenille you use and am not aware of such fabric, does it go by another name? I am only aware of making it which is very time consuming. If you know of another name for this please advise me, thanks, Maureen
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Author
Lisa
7 years ago
Reply to Maureen the Budget Queen
Hi Maureen, great question! I’ve added a link to some cotton chenille above so you can see what it is and where you can find it. I’m not aware of any other name it goes by though. Hope that helps!
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Maureen the Budget Queen
7 years ago
Reply to Lisa
thank you for the link Lisa. Looking forward to making these1
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Linda Runnels
7 years ago
Reply to Maureen the Budget Queen
I’d like to know where to get the cotton chenille. The link didn’t show on your printed reply. Thanks.
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Alice
4 years ago
Reply to Maureen the Budget Queen
where can I buy the cotton chenille
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Kay
4 years ago
Reply to Alice
klnon38@gmail.com
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Krisite
7 years ago
I have saved all mine, even though I am not having more kids, for my kids to use as nose wipers. They will all get tissues and waste them. But the burp cloths are mostly soft, and they can wipe their nose much more. This kind might be even better! Thanks for sharing!
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Author
Lisa
7 years ago
Reply to Krisite
You’re welcome! These would be great for wiping noses too.
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Author
Lisa
7 years ago
Reply to LeeAnn
Thanks, LeeAnn–hope you enjoy it!
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7 years ago
I love the pattern/tutorial. But I really love that you included a list of fabrics and how well they work for this purpose! Thanks.
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Author
Lisa
7 years ago
Reply to Ren
Thanks Ren! Yes, the pattern and tutorial are only half the recipe. 🙂
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Kenya
7 years ago
Hello, these are super adorable. I tried to click the download link to download the pattern, the when I do…it just scrolls up to the top of the page…not sure what I’m doing wrong! Can you possibly email the link to me? Thank you!
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Author
Lisa
7 years ago
Reply to Kenya
Hi Kenya, thank you! If you’re trying on mobile or tablet, they aren’t working. But if you try on a desktop they’re working just fine. I’m working on getting the mobile/table problem solved.
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Jane
7 years ago
Silly question: does the Chenile side go toward baby’s face and the cotton print side down on top of shoulder?
Author
Lisa
7 years ago
Reply to Jane
Great question! That’s how I use them if the baby is a spitter and you need the absorbency. However, if the baby in question just drools a little I put the cotton side up.
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Loisjean
7 years ago
I have been using terry cloth for the 2nd side of burp cloths, also absorbent. You could also cut out good sections of old towels also.
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Author
Lisa
7 years ago
Reply to Loisjean
Terry cloth is my second choice for the backing definitely. And reusing old towels is a great way to upcycle and keep the cost down!
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Shannon
7 years ago
Could you tell me the measurements ? I only have a working tablet right now and would love to make but I cannot down load from a mobile device.
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Author
Lisa
7 years ago
Reply to Shannon
Hi Shannon, I don’t have the measurements at the moment but if you switch to the desktop view on mobile by clicking on the menu at the top you’ll be able to download it on that view. Let me know if that still doesn’t work.
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Jenny
7 years ago
Thank you, a simple pattern and fabric suggestion & selection the key to a successful little project.
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Author
Lisa
7 years ago
Reply to Jenny
You’re so welcome, Jenny! Yes, these just aren’t the same without the right fabric. 🙂
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Gram E
6 years ago
Have you ever tried it with making your own chenille fabric with 100% cotton fabrics from your stash? Was wondering how that would work for absorbency? Have granddaughter due the end of June and DIL is convinced by her friends that the ones made of swaddle cloth are the best.
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Author
Lisa
6 years ago
Reply to Gram E
I haven’t made my own chenille–my guess is that it would be okay but not as great as the cotton chenille you buy because of absorbency. If the baby doesn’t spit a lot, I can see why swaddle cloths would be popular, but I reach for these every time–this mama wants coverage! 🙂
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Helene
6 years ago
Great tutorial. Thanks for sharing. I’ve made lots of burps and bibs for gifts and wondered how well they worked using cottons, Warm and Natural as lining and either flannel or terry as backing. Looking forward to trying these. Is the dot Minky equivalent to the 100% Chenille fabric? I have some of the Minky on hand that matches my fabric and wondering if you’ve ever used that.
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Helene
6 years ago
Reply to Helene
Sorry : ( I just re-read that Minky isn’t a good choice.
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Author
Lisa
6 years ago
Reply to Helene
Glad you found your answer!
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Author
Lisa
6 years ago
Reply to Helene
Warm and natural would make a great lining. Anything super absorbent would be great in the middle!
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Jayne
6 years ago
I don’t know if it is just me, but when I click to get the pattern on any of the links, I don’t go anywhere. I’ve tried multiple browsers and am just stuck. Will you check it?
Thank you so much for sharing this, I really am looking forward to making some great gifts!
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Joy
6 months ago
Reply to Jayne
Me too
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Beth
6 years ago
Hi. Thanks for the tutorial; wish I’d found it 20 years ago for my spitter.!
I am just wondering what size needle and tension you used. If I’m not mistaken chenille goes best with a spring size 11?
Thanks again for your time and help.
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Author
Lisa
6 years ago
Reply to Beth
Hi Beth, I just use a regular needle and tension. I do sew slower with the chenille though. Hope that helps!
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great grandma
6 years ago
great cant wait to try making these with chenille.
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Author
Lisa
6 years ago
Reply to great grandma
Chenille is amazing. 🙂
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Dorita Wessels
6 years ago
Thanks for the pattern- want to make it. Unfortunately the link does not open the download of the pattern. Looking forward to more patterns.
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Sandy
6 years ago
The link to download the pattern seems broken. Any other way to get a pattern?
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Beth
6 years ago
Every time I click on the link it only reloads the page. Can you email the link to me?
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Claire
6 years ago
What width and length should the template be when you have stuck it together? I’ve had too many instances in the past of making things accidentally in miniature!! Thanks
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Gina
5 years ago
Cannot open for pattern have tried several times, would love to make thanks
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Author
Lisa
5 years ago
Reply to Gina
Hi Gina, I was having some issues with the site but everything should be fixed now. Could you try again on a desktop and let me know if that doesn’t work? Thanks!
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Heidi
5 years ago
I am trying to download your burp cloth pattern & your site keeps telling me my email is invalid? It is valid & correct, I tried it multiple times. Any suggestions?
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Author
Lisa
5 years ago
Reply to Heidi
Hi Heidi, Thanks for letting me know! I fixed the problem so go ahead and try again on a desktop and let me know if you’re still having trouble. 🙂
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Lindsey
5 years ago
How much cotton chenille do I need per 1 fat quarter of fabric? I’d like to make about 12 of these.
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Mary
5 years ago
Hi, I am on my desktop and The link doesn’t download – if I click and have it open, it only opens the same page 🙁
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Tiffany
5 years ago
The link doesn’t seem to be working to download the pattern. Is there a trick to getting the pattern?
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Author
Lisa
5 years ago
Reply to Tiffany
It’s working now Tiffany–sorry for the frustration~
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Marieliza
5 years ago
Great post!! any way I can have the pattern emailed to me! the hyperlink to download the doesn’t appear to be working.
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Author
Lisa
5 years ago
Reply to Marieliza
Marieliza, thanks for letting me know, the link is working now!
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Christine
5 years ago
I’m so glad to have found you. I make burp towels all the time and I always want to know what really works for the spit up because I had a projectile vomiter many j]=years ago. Thanks for all the fabric suggestions. I cannot get the pattern to download! Major bummer, now that I’m already to go. Please help – I moved to a desktop computer, bur to no avail.
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Author
Lisa
5 years ago
Reply to Christine
Hi Christine, the link is working now! Thanks for your patience.
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Karra Marg
4 years ago
I love the information given, but when I print the pdf it comes out on two pages. Is this the correct sizing? I don’t see how I would get 3 of these on a fat quarter. Do you have the length and width available to compare?
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Susan Frazier-Kouassi
3 years ago
Do you prewash the chenille before using? And once washed, how do you keep it from “shedding”?
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Author
Lisa
3 years ago
Reply to Susan Frazier-Kouassi
Hi Susan,
It depends. If I’ve already washed the cotton that’s going on the other side, I”ll wash the chenille as well (so that it doesn’t shrink unevenly). The chenille sheds until you sew up the edges, so you could try serging or zigzag stitching the edges before washing, but until it’s sewn up it does shed. That’s why I do them in a big batch–so I only have to deal with the shedding once! Ha..
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Tiffany L Britt
3 years ago
Hi! I know this is an older post but I love these and have ordered the materials to make them, however, I have NEVER worked with chenille fabric before. Everything I can find out Prewashing chenille says to be gentle and has all these special care instructions. How are you prewashing/prepping your chenille and how do you launder these beautiful burp cloths once they are ready to be washed regularly? I am a FTM but to save money, I’m making a lot of the baby items and I looked at a few different burp cloth tutorials before I found this…Read more »
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Author
Lisa
3 years ago
Reply to Tiffany L Britt
Hey Tiffany–great question! I think the instructions and care warnings you’re seeing are for a different type of chenille. Luckily cotton chenille is tough, awesome, and doesn’t require any special care. I just treat it like my cotton. And I wash/dry in my machine with everything else. Easy peasy!
And thank you for such a great compliment–I hope you love them!
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Wendy
3 years ago
Can you please tell me what a cotton chenille is I’ve looked everywhere
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Rosemary
3 years ago
Hi your right i’ve tried a few too. Can’t wait to try your one for my grandaughter. I find the fat quarters great too but haven’t tried the cotton chenille. Thanks for sharing
Rose
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Doreen
3 years ago
Thank so much I have 3 other burp cloth patterns, but never started any as yet, with yours now they are all shaped differently, how ever I am really glad you stated you choice of fabric which I would use. Is it necessary to wash the cotton and chenille fabric before cutting them?. and also can I use cotton and terry for one of my other patterns?.
Thanks Doreen
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Author
Lisa
2 years ago
Reply to Doreen
I guess shape is a preference, but after using them all, this one is my preference because the shoulder/arm is a little more protected. I’d prewash, but they’re both unwashed, you could get away with it. However, there’s no guarantee that they’ll shrink the same, so that’s always a risk. And yes, you can use the cotton/terry for any pattern.
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Yvonne
2 years ago
Just wanted to know if using 100% cotton on both sides is alright? Or is best to use cotton chenille; terry cloth or and old towel for one side?
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Nicole
2 years ago
Do you pre-wash your chenille and cotton fabric?
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susie rheault
2 years ago
Hello Lisa. I am intrigued with your burp cloths and trust your recommendation given your expertise with four children. I do not see and wondering if you sell your handmade cloths? Thanks, Susie
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2 years ago
Nice tutorial. I plan on using double gauze for the burp cloths I am making. I printed out your pattern and was wondering if each half was supposed to be the same shape and if not, why?
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Mary
2 years ago
When you add terry cloth for greater absorbency, are you adding it as a third layer? TIA
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KK
2 years ago
Should you prewash the cotton chenille
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Rita Therese Vermeulen
1 year ago
love this pattern. Question: can you send the length and width of the partern pieces? I am not sure if I am printing the correct scale. I printed both as is and ‘fill to printable area
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Cindy
1 year ago
Hi! I am not a seamstress but I am looking for burp cloths that actually absorb spit up!! Your web page came up 🙂 Do you ever sell your burp cloths, or do you know of a source where I can simply buy some that are made like yours are? I am a Grammie with 2 new little ones on the way this summer!
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Karri
1 year ago
Thank you so much for all this great info. I am a little confused about the e d section where you have the steps listed. You mention quilting cotton. Is that in place of the Terry cloth or is this a three layer burp cloth with terry cloth in the middle? Thanks again!
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Liana Hill
1 year ago
I can’t get the pattern to open? Can you help?
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Wendy Dunlap
1 year ago
I see you say the cotton chenille. So what should I use for the other side?
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Lisa Faith
1 year ago
I’m trying to download the pattern but nothing is happening, is this still available?
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Sylvia
3 months ago
I’ve used this pattern many times over the years and keep a supply of chenille on hand (purchased when on sale). These burp cloths are my go-to baby gift along with a matching tag blanket. I’ve yet to gift to a mom who wasn’t ecstatic over them after using a few months!
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