If you’re a first-time mom or dad looking for creative ways to save money while still providing the best care and comfort for your baby, then look no further than making burp cloths out of cloth diapers! Making these stylish, functional, and eco-friendly burp cloths is extremely easy and inexpensive – all it takes are some spare pieces of fabric (or even an old t-shirt) and a few basic sewing supplies.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions on how to make burp cloths out of cloth diapers diaper material that not only saves time but also puts less strain on your wallet. So read on for tips as well as important safety information about choosing quality fabrics for your homemade creations.
Can You Make Burp Cloths Out of Cloth Diapers?
Yes, you can! Cloth diapers are an excellent choice for creating burp cloths. Not only are they affordable, but their soft and absorbent material makes them ideal for catching drool and keeping your baby’s clothing dry during feeding time. Plus, cloth diapers make a great canvas for adding cute designs if you choose to. You can also customize the size and shape of your burp cloth to better fit the needs of your baby.
Needed Tools
To get started, you’ll need to gather the following supplies:
- Cloth diaper material
- Scissors
- Sewing machine (or needle and thread if hand sewing)
- Matching thread
- Optional decorative fabric or ribbons for embellishments
Once your materials are gathered, you’re ready to get started!
10 Steps for How to Make Burp Cloths Out of Cloth Diapers
Step 1: Cut the Cloth
Cut your cloth diaper material into rectangles, squares, or whatever shape you desire. Cutting the fabric into 6”x9” rectangles is a great size for burp cloths. The measurement can vary depending on your preference, but just keep in mind that you’ll want it to be large enough to cover your shoulder while burping the baby.
Step 2: Hem the Edges
Fold and press a 1/4-inch hem along all four sides of the fabric. Trim off any frayed edges or irregularities and finish your edges with either a serger, zigzag stitch, or pinking shears to prevent further unraveling.
Step 3: Sew Along Hemmed Edge
Sew along the hemmed edges with a straight stitch, making sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam. The hem should now be securely attached to the cloth diaper material.
Step 4: Attach Embellishments (Optional)
If you’d like, you can add decorative elements to your burp cloths, such as ribbons, fabric trims, or appliqués. Simply position them on the front side of the cloth and baste them in place before sewing.
Step 5: Sew Around the Entire Cloth
Turn the cloth over so that the patterned side is facing up, and sew around the entire perimeter with a straight stitch. Again, be sure to backstitch at both ends of your seam. Sewing around the entire edge will help to keep your edges from fraying.
Step 6: Trim Off Excess Thread
Trim off any excess thread with scissors and turn the burp cloth right side out. The thread should now be neatly tucked inside the cloth. Thread the needle with your matching thread and give it a final stitch to secure the edges.
Step 7: Press
Press your burp cloths with an iron to flatten out any wrinkled areas. This will make them look more professional and help ensure that they last longer.
Step 8: Admire Your Handiwork!
Now you’re ready to use your burp cloths! Enjoy admiring the handiwork of your homemade creations, and don’t forget to share them with friends and family.
Step 9: Wash Before Use
Before using, make sure to wash your burp cloths in cold water with a mild detergent. This will help to remove any residual dirt or oils that may be present in the material and minimize the risk of irritation on the baby’s delicate skin.
Step 10: Enjoy!
Now your burp cloths are ready for use! Enjoy seeing your little ones smile as you keep their clothing dry and mess-free during feeding time.
And that’s it! Now you know how to make burp cloths out of cloth diapers – and you can feel proud of your DIY accomplishment!
8 Benefits of Making Burp Cloths Out of Cloth Diapers
1. Reusable
Cloth diapers can be washed and reused multiple times, saving you money in the long run. You can use the same burp cloths over and over again until they wear out or need to be replaced.
2. Eco-Friendly
Using cloth diapers for your burp cloth helps reduce waste by eliminating disposable products that can’t be recycled. It is one way to reduce your environmental footprint.
3. Versatility
Unlike disposable burp cloths, which only last a single use, cloth diapers are very versatile and can be used for multiple purposes. They can be folded and tucked into pockets that catch drool or used as a light blanket when the baby gets cold.
4. Absorbency
Cloth diapers are very absorbent, which makes them perfect to catch baby’s messes. The material will soak up the drool or spit-up and keep your baby nice and dry during feeding time.
5. Comfort
The soft fabric of cloth diapers is much more comfortable against your baby’s skin than stiff paper or plastic burp cloths. Additionally, the texture of cloth diapers is gentle and soothing to a baby’s delicate complexion.
6. Quick Drying
Cloth diapers are quicker to dry than their disposable counterparts, so you won’t have to wait for hours before using them again. You can simply throw them in the washing machine, and they’ll be ready to use by the time you’re done with your laundry.
7. Style
Cloth diapers come in a variety of colors and patterns, so you can find one that best suits your style or decor. If you’re feeling creative, you can even make your own unique burp cloths with fabric paint or embroidery.
8. Cost-Effective
Making your own burp cloths out of cloth diapers is cheaper than buying them from a store. You don’t need to buy more than two or three cloth diapers to make several burp cloths, so it’s an affordable and budget-friendly option.
This article has provided information on the benefits of making burp cloths out of cloth diapers. When you choose to go this route, you get all the advantages listed above while also saving money in the long run. If you are looking for a cost-effective and eco-friendly way to care for your baby’s messes, making burp cloths out of cloth diapers is the perfect option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Often Do You Need to Wash the Burp Cloth?
You should wash the burp cloths with each use to keep them clean and sanitary. However, if you don’t have time to wash them right away, they can be stored in an air-tight container until you are ready to launder them. The cloth diapers should be washed according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Can You Use Disposable Diapers for Burp Cloths?
It is not recommended to use disposable diapers as burp cloths because they are not as absorbent and can easily tear. Additionally, they cannot be washed or reused, which makes them an unsustainable option. Cloth diapers are the best choice when it comes to making burp cloths. Use it to make burp cloths for your baby, and enjoy all the benefits that come with it!
What Type of Cloth Diapers Should I Use?
When choosing cloth diapers for your burp cloths, look for ones that are made from soft and absorbent materials such as cotton or bamboo. Avoid using synthetic materials like polyester, as they are not as absorbent and may irritate your baby’s skin. Additionally, make sure to pick a size that fits your baby comfortably.
Overall, it is a great way to save money and reduce your environmental footprint while providing comfort for your baby during feeding time. The process is easy and doesn’t require any special tools or materials, so you can make dozens of burp cloths in no time.
Conclusion
Crafting burp cloths out of cloth diapers is simple and budget-friendly. All you need to do is trim the diaper, round the corners, finish the edges, and pick your favorite fabric for the top layer. You can make as many fabrics for your burp cloths as you’d like without needing to worry about wasting excess material or overspending on craft supplies.
Even better, you can design these burp cloths with different colors and patterns to best match your nursery aesthetic. Whether it’s stripes, polka dots, or floral prints, these handmade burp cloths are sure to bring a sense of coziness and joy into every naptime. Not only do they last longer than their disposable counterparts, but they also guarantee great absorbency to protect your little one from harm. So, follow this guide on how to make burp cloths out of cloth diapers, grab some fabric and get creative today!