Cutie Pie Burp Cloths Tutorial (and packaging idea)

I have so many friends having babies lately, it's crazy! The good news? I get to make baby items that my son doesn't need anymore, but that I still want to try my hand at. This go-round I've made burp cloths for a friend (I'm making something else for her too, but that's another tutorial/shout-out). Please note that if you don't want the curved burp cloth here, just cut rectangles and follow the other steps. I just like the look of the curvy ones better.
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Cutie Pie Burp Cloths

Supplies: 

• 3/8 yard of 4 snuggly flannels (or any material you choose, I just like the flannels for this)
• 12-pack of cloth diapers (I got these from Babies 'R' Us for about $12)*
• Rotary Cutter and Mat 
• Fabric Scissors
• Pattern. Click on the link below for the PDF pattern.

                   Cutie Pie Burp Cloth PDF

* Get the 3-ply diapers, not 6 ply. You DO NOT want the extra thick section in the middle of the diaper, it makes it way too hard, trust me. I originally bought the 6-ply and once cut realized they wouldn't work.

Construction:

Step 1: Cut your materials. Each section of fabric into 13" X 11" pieces (you should have to cut each 3/8 yard into approximately 3 equal pieces). Cut out your pattern.

Step 2: Fold each diaper in half. Pin 1 section of fabric, right side down, to the each folded diaper. (so that print faces burp cloth. Fold entire pinned bundle in half once, so that it measures 6.5" X 11". Repeat with each section of fabric and cloth diaper.(or you can cut each separately, so each diaper will be folded in half twice {you want 2 layers of diaper on the finished burp cloth so that it is super absorbent} and the flannel/fleece folded in half once). If this step is confusing let me know, and I will try to help you out.*
      *I originally had this as a bigger pattern, but quickly realized that it wouldn't achieve what I wanted it to. That's why my flannel is already cut in the picture, but I ended up cutting it down a little more to get the double layer of diaper that I wanted.

Step 3: Cut out your pieces. Line up the edge of the pattern along the fold of your bundle. Cut along the line using rotary cutter or fabric scissors. Repeat with each bundle. You will end up with 12 fabric sections and 12 cut cloth diapers. When unfolded they should each look like a fat figure 8 (relatively).

Step 4: Make sure your fabric and diapers are still pinned together and unfold so that you see the entire figure 8. Sew along edges using 1/2" seam allowance. Make sure to leave an open section for turning (2-3inches wide should do it). Repeat with remaining fabric and cloth diapers. You will end up with 12 pieces.

Step 5: Clip into seam allowance around curves (so all the way around) being careful not to clip your stitching. Turn. Repeat with remaining 11 pieces.

Step 6: Turn the edges of your opening under 1/2" and pin in place. Top stitch around entire burp cloth, as close to the edge as possible (I like to try to make it between 1/8" and 1/4" from edge.

There, burp cloths done! You have the absorbancy of a cloth diaper, but the cute pattern and snuggly feel of the flannel. If you are using these for yourself, you're done! If these are a gift, see below for a cute packaging idea. I will say some of mine are a little wonky, just because I was in a rush. Had I taken 5 more minutes to really slow down and concentrate they would look much better!

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This is an idea I took from the blog Small Fry & Co. I loved the idea so much, I am using it to give the above burp cloths to a friend. Please note, if you are using the above burp cloths, you WILL have to fold them more than she did. These make for BIG cupcakes!

Here is the original Burp Cloth Cupcakes Tutorial. I have re-written it below for use with the burp cloths we just made.

Supplies:

• Printer
• Paper
• Ribbon (optional)
• Tape
• Scissors
• Toppers of choice (optional)

Construction:

Step 1: Download the Cupcake Wrapper Template from skiptomylou.org.

Step 2: If you don't like any of her patterns (I love them, but needed something slightly different) use a program like Photoshop to alter the pattern/color. I made mine solid navy.

Step 3: Cut the liners out. STOP! You need to prepare your burp cloths now.

Step 4: Place your burp cloth right side down. Fold the 2 long edges (the super curvy ones) into the center.

 Step 5: Fold in half, so that you no longer see the curvy edges.

Step 6: Roll your burp cloth.

Step 7: Place your rolled burp cloth on one end of one of your cut out cupcake liners.

Step 8: Roll your burp cloth along the length of the liner, making sure you are rolling the liner with it so that it fits the burp cloth.

Step 9: Tape the edge of the liner to hold it in place.

Step 10 (OPTIONAL): Embellish your finished cupcake with ribbon, ric rac, or a topper, if you so choose.

I finished packaging mine by placing them in a plain box that looked like a bakery box and using scrapbooking stickers to write a cute message on it. Again, can you tell I was pressed for time? I didn't really think out the spacing of my letters before I stuck them on, which I did about 5 minutes before running out the door to the baby shower!