Saturday, June 11, 2016

Burp Cloth Tutorial



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I made a few burp cloths for the newest member of the family,
Emma Grace, born last week, to my deceased husband's (Ernie)grandson Shawn & his wife, Stephanie.
Emma is Ernie’s 4th Great Granddaughter!

Several people asked questions regarding how I made the fabric bands
on the top & bottom of these burp cloths, so I took photos as I went along.

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I trim off the serged edges of the diaper, both top & bottom,
to make sure I’m starting with a straight, square edge.

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The size of the fabric band is really personal preference. 
I like to cut mine between 5-7 inches long & 1 inch wider than the diaper.
This will give you a band that is between 2 1/2" to 3 1/2" in depth because you fold it in half.

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It needs to be 1 inch wider than the diaper, so that 1/2” of fashion fabric extends beyond the diaper edges to start.

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Placing RIGHT sides together, sew a 1/2 inch seam allowance along the bottom edge.

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Take it to your ironing board, & lay it right side up.

Press the fashion fabric away from the diaper to get a nice, crisp clean edge.

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While at the ironing board, turn it over to the back & fold up the other raw edge of the fashion fabric 1/2 inch & press well. 

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Then fold up fabric band, RIGHT sides together, matching pressed 1/2” hem to the prior sewn seam. 
Make sure to COVER that line of bobbin stitching or it will show on the front!



Sew up both of the short sides, using a 1/2” seam allowance,
which will put the seam right next to the diaper.
(sorry for the blurry photo showing that, below)

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I like to cut off a bit of the corner seam allowance,
to reduce bulk.  Do both corners the same way.


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Fold the snipped corner over & place your thumb on it,
to hold in place while you turn the fashion fabric band
right sides out.

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I use a chop stick’s blunt end to push out the fabric in the corners.
Don’t use scissors or anything sharp or you will poke a hole right through!
Ask me how I know this.  ~~blush~~

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Instead of pinning the fabric band in place,
I like to use small bits of fusible web to hold it down while I sew along the edge.


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Stitch Witchery or Wonder Under…even wash away tape will work.
You just want to get it secured into correct position so that edge stitching is easier.

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An edge joining foot works great to maintain a straight line.
I move my needle over to the right a few spaces.

Repeat same directions on the other end of the burp cloth.

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Can you see my boo-boo?
I wasn’t careful enough when I fused the band into position.
It doesn’t completely cover the bobbin thread! 
If you can unstitch & pull the fusible apart, this can be fixed.
If not, its just a burp cloth….don’t worry about it!!

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Fonts used on both projects are 
 3" Elegant Font from Applique Corner,
as is the "Wills" frame above.
The Rosebud circle embroidery design is from





for visiting The Gazebo House today!!



10 comments:

  1. Such a pretty burp cloth! Your tutorial is great - I have done many exactly the same way, though if I want to get fancy, I line them with white flannel to cover the back of the embroidery stitching. That doesn't always happen. LOL! I'm sure that Emma Grace's parents will love these!

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    1. Thanks Kathy! That's a good idea to use flannel to cover up the back of the embroidery designs. These didn't look bad on the back, since I used the same thread in the bobbin & the designs were beautifully digitized. I'll keep your idea in mind for the next ones I make, though. Great Granddaughter #5 is due any day now!!!

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  2. What a beautiful burp cloth and a great tutorial, Rett! The font and design are just so pretty, and I'm sure the parents will be thrilled with such a lovely, and useful gift. Whenever I give burp cloths, it seems that parents really appreciate them.

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  3. Absolutely beautiful! I love the embroidery:@)

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  4. I never thought about trimming the diapers edges to square them up...thank you!

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  5. When you are sewing sewing the 2nd seam are you sewing in the ditch are is your bobbin thread show on the front side of the burp cloth?

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  6. Hi Nanax3! On that last or 2nd seam to finish attaching the fashion fabric band, I am sewing on the BACK of the diaper & I have made sure to have folded the 1/2" hemmed edge all the way up to cover the bobbin thread from the first seam I sewed. I am not sewing in the ditch, but the blade of my edge foot is riding right along the top fold. I have moved the needle several clicks over to the right. I guess you'd call it "top stitching". I only do the top edge but I've seen some folks go all the way around the pretty fabric band.
    I hope this helps to clarify for you. It is SEW much easier to demonstrate stuff like this rather than try to type it out.

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  7. Rett, these are so pretty, I'd be tempted to make them into pillows rather than get them dirty. '-) The embroidery is exquisite, and the fabrics for the edges are both perfect for a sweet baby girl.
    Great directions!

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  8. Rett, Your burb cloth is too pretty to use! BEATUTIFUL embroidery and monogram...I agree with Sarah, it's pillow material :)

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  9. How beautiful Rett. This is a masterpiece. I am loving the details. You are so talented. You gave a wonderful tutorial, however sewing is not my cup of tea....lol
    Hope you have a happy weekend.

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Thank you so much for leaving a comment. I read them all & each one is so very special to me & I try really hard to return the visit!

fondly,
~Rett~