I’m sure you’re here looking for the best, most absorbent burp cloths and what fabric to use in your burp cloths , and I am super excited that I can share that with you.
Then these burp cloths are for you. I’ve even made a free downloadable pattern for you below.
I’ve used a lot of burp cloths in my day…with four babies with reflux, I’ve gone through a ton of different types and designs. So I feel pretty qualified to tell you these are the best since my kids all needed serious help until they were 6-9 months old.
Projectile spit was a big part of my life for years, and I tested the limits of ALL the burp cloths I could get my hands on. These won hands down. They didn’t smear spit up on me or the baby, they absorb a LOT, they stay on your shoulder, and they look cute to boot.
And what is the secret to this amazing burp cloth? The kidney bean shape and the best fabric backing available.
Cotton chenille is the best fabric for absorbent burp cloths I’ve found, and combined with a terry cloth layer for absorbency is far superior to any other combination. The cotton chenille takes care of the moisture without leaving the “solids” on the surface so you get absorbency AND you aren’t left with slime that will get all over you and baby.
Here are my complaints about other burp cloths (i.e. the results of my extensive research).
So let’s get down to it and make the best (and cutest) most absorbent burp cloths ever.
Updated May 2019 to include more sources and free absorbent burp cloths pattern.
These are my favorite baby gift, and I tend to make them in batches so I’m ready for baby showers or packages. I tie up a bundle of 3 or 4 and slide a tag or note in and they’re ready to give!
They’re soft on baby’s face, easy to use, and hands down the best.
So if you haven’t already, click here to Download the Burp Cloth Pattern.
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Hi Lisa I love these little burp cloths, very practical and so stylish with the cotton, great idea! I am stumped about the cotton chenille you use and am not aware of such fabric, does it go by another name? I am only aware of making it which is very time consuming. If you know of another name for this please advise me, thanks, Maureen
Hi Maureen, great question! I've added a link to some cotton chenille above so you can see what it is and where you can find it. I'm not aware of any other name it goes by though. Hope that helps!
thank you for the link Lisa. Looking forward to making these1
I'd like to know where to get the cotton chenille. The link didn't show on your printed reply. Thanks.
where can I buy the cotton chenille
klnon38@gmail.com
I have saved all mine, even though I am not having more kids, for my kids to use as nose wipers. They will all get tissues and waste them. But the burp cloths are mostly soft, and they can wipe their nose much more. This kind might be even better! Thanks for sharing!
You're welcome! These would be great for wiping noses too.
I'll be keeping this pattern on hand! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks, LeeAnn--hope you enjoy it!
I love the pattern/tutorial. But I really love that you included a list of fabrics and how well they work for this purpose! Thanks.
Thanks Ren! Yes, the pattern and tutorial are only half the recipe. :)
Hello, these are super adorable. I tried to click the download link to download the pattern, the when I do...it just scrolls up to the top of the page...not sure what I'm doing wrong! Can you possibly email the link to me? Thank you!
Hi Kenya, thank you! If you're trying on mobile or tablet, they aren't working. But if you try on a desktop they're working just fine. I'm working on getting the mobile/table problem solved.
Silly question: does the Chenile side go toward baby's face and the cotton print side down on top of shoulder?
Great question! That's how I use them if the baby is a spitter and you need the absorbency. However, if the baby in question just drools a little I put the cotton side up.
I have been using terry cloth for the 2nd side of burp cloths, also absorbent. You could also cut out good sections of old towels also.
Terry cloth is my second choice for the backing definitely. And reusing old towels is a great way to upcycle and keep the cost down!
Could you tell me the measurements ? I only have a working tablet right now and would love to make but I cannot down load from a mobile device.
Hi Shannon, I don't have the measurements at the moment but if you switch to the desktop view on mobile by clicking on the menu at the top you'll be able to download it on that view. Let me know if that still doesn't work.
Thank you, a simple pattern and fabric suggestion & selection the key to a successful little project.
You're so welcome, Jenny! Yes, these just aren't the same without the right fabric. :)
Have you ever tried it with making your own chenille fabric with 100% cotton fabrics from your stash? Was wondering how that would work for absorbency? Have granddaughter due the end of June and DIL is convinced by her friends that the ones made of swaddle cloth are the best.
I haven't made my own chenille--my guess is that it would be okay but not as great as the cotton chenille you buy because of absorbency. If the baby doesn't spit a lot, I can see why swaddle cloths would be popular, but I reach for these every time--this mama wants coverage! :)