A few friends lately have asked me about the burp rags I make as gifts. I have absolutely NO problem sharing this entirely simple (I promise) pattern with the world! It’s the best. My mom has been making them for years. In fact, I have some from my childhood that I still use as a hanky when my nose is extra runny and tissue just makes my nose raw. Seriously guys, they are great for that too. Anyhow, here are the instructions!

First, I like to be comfortable when I sew. I highly recommend pajama pants for the task. Next, get your supplies together! I usually use flannel for the burp rags I make, however, recently I used terry cloth on one side and flannel on the other and really liked the way that turned out. The one I made in the pictures is also flannel and terry cloth.

You can use scissors to cut out your fabric, but I prefer to use a self-healing cutting mat and a rotary cutter.

As far as size goes, I like to try and cut the pieces to be between 16 and 18 inches long, and 8 and 9 inches wide. You will lose about an inch each direction due to seaming. The reason that the measurements vary is that I am usually making these out of scraps left over from bigger projects like receiving blankets.

After you cut out your pieces, prepare to sew them together. The first important thing to remember is to sew them with the RIGHT sides of the fabric facing each other.

The second important thing to remember is that you will need to leave a space to turn your fabric back to the right side after you get finished sewing. I like to start sewing about two thirds of the way over on one of the short sides. Then I finish about a third of the way over on that same side. That leaves a nice space to turn the fabric through.

Because it is vital to your project turning out, I am going to remind you once again to make sure the right sides of your fabric are facing each other.

Once you get done sewing, you will have a tiny little hole at the top. Start pushing the fabric through it.

In the end, you will have nicely hidden seams. However, there is still some finishing to be done. I highly recommend ironing at this point. It will make sure that your seams are all pushed out and flat. It will also make the top stitching that you are about to do much easier.

The last step is top stitching. First, make sure that the edges that are left from the hole you pushed the fabric through are tucked in and that they are long enough that they will catch in the stitching you are about to do. If they are not, I recommend pushing the whole top in a bit and then re-ironing to make a pressed seam. That way when you finish the project, there are no frayed edges that pop out.

Here is what mine looked like with the rough edges tucked in and ready to be top stitched.

That’s it! My stitches are rarely completely straight, and I’m sure there is much room for improvement when it comes to all of my sewing skills, however, I’ve never had anyone mention the flaws when I’ve given them one. These little buggars are really quite useful, and I’m sure no matter if you are a practiced expert, or just beginning, these will be a welcome gift. (Or you know, just a soft hanky for you during allergy season…)

(Michelle, I hope this helps you out!)