Jaime Costiglio

build - paint - sew

How To Applique Burp Cloths

One of the best gifts for a new mom is a never ending supply of burp cloths.  I prefer the thicker cloth diapers as they are extremely absorbent and they have the perfect spot to add a personalized monogram!  I’ll show you how to add an applique onto cloth diapers to make the perfect burp cloths.

cloth diaper burp cloths

A DIY tutorial on how to sew an applique onto burp cloths. Make personalized burp cloths for any newborn using this simple sewing technique.

Grab a pack of cloth diapers and let’s get sewing.  This is great project to use up scrap cotton fabrics and allows you to mix and match as your heart desires.  If you’re like me then sometimes you purchase ribbon simply because you love it but don’t actually have a project in mind at the moment.  This is one of those sewing projects where you can use all those beautiful ribbons from your stash.  And feel great about giving a new mom a very useful gift.

appliquéd letter on cloth diaper

Personalized Burp Cloths

There are quite a few different options to personalize the burp cloths.  Above I sewed a larger single letter monogram but you could a three letter monogram or the full name as well.  Then add ribbon to embellish those plain white burp cloths and you have a great baby gift.

burp cloth monogram options
red, white and blue color scheme
I love all the combinations of red, white and blue for Teddy’s burp cloth set above.  And everything is completely machine washable.  In fact I think the burp cloths get better with age as you use them and wash them.
But not every burp cloth needs to be personalized.  You can add a few to the group with just grosgrain ribbon to keep it fun and fresh.
stack of burp cloths

Applique Basics:

  • select a font with simple lines
  • bigger letters are easier to applique
  • pay attention to fabric design / pattern direction
  • mix and match fabrics and colors

single monogram with ribbon trim

Below are the supplies and step by step tutorial to sew appliqués onto burp cloths.  Be sure to read through entirely before beginning.

Supplies:

fabric and ribbon supplies

Step 1: Start by gathering your cotton fabrics and grosgrain ribbons.  Mix and match as you like to create a fun grouping where no two burp cloths will be the same.

tracing letter shape on light box

Step 2: To make the single letter first print out the letter template from your computer.  Open a word document and select your desired font and size.  For this large single letter B I used Bookman Old School font at 300 point.

Step 3: Iron on the fusible interfacing to wrong side of the fabric.  Then using a light box place print out right side down on light box.  Next place the fabric right side down on top of print out and trace outline with a pencil.

cotton appliqués cut out

Step 4: Cut out the fabric letters along the traced lines.  For more on how to make fabric letters see my post here.

applique pinned in position

Step 5: Use straight pins to keep letter in place on the burp cloth while you sew a tight zig zag stitch around all the edges.

single monogram on cloth diaper

Now you have a beautiful, personalized burp cloth that any mom is sure to appreciate!

Thanks for joining me for this how to applique project.  Please leave any questions in the comments below and be sure to follow me on social media for sneak peeks, tools and project inspiration:

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applique burp clothshow to applique burp cloths

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  2. Bonny Yokeley says

    When my daughter was born, several friends gave me homemade burp cloths similar to these, and I loved them. Now that I've learned to sew and have a new nephew on the way, I am going to pin this to make some for him. Thanks!

    Reply

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