Two-Sided Burp Cloth Tutorial

This is not your average burp cloth tutorial! You've seen these a million times, but have you seen a two-sided burp cloth? I hadn't either, so I designed one for you!

Here's what you'll need:

• One cloth diaper washed and pre-shrunk (don't skip the washing step, that's important)
• One piece of ribbon about 22 inches long (measure the width of your diaper, multiply by 2 and add about 2 inches) I found that 1/2 inch patterned grosgrain ribbon is best
• One 10"x14" piece of your favorite decorative cotton fabric, washed and pre-shrunk. I used Amy Butler fabric for these two.

First, fold the decorative fabric in half lengthwise and sew the right and left edges.
Next, fold the fabric up 1/4 inch all the way around the opening and pin in place, leaving the pocket open like I've done below:
Here's the magic secret! Lay your pinned pocket on top of the diaper with the folded end of the pocket on top of one of the long ends of the diaper. Make sure that the pocket lines up on the right and left sides as well as the top then open the pocket. Starting about one inch from the edge, stitch the pocket side that is closest to the diaper. (Be careful not to stitch both sides of the pocket down!)
Here's what it looks like when that first stitch is done. You're only tacking this end down. It will be firmly secured later when you stitch the other side of the pocket.

Next, turn the pocket inside out (enveloping the cloth diaper) and check again to make sure that it is 4 1/2 inches wide on both sides. It is important that both sides of the decorative edge are the same width. Now that the decorative end is in place you can stitch along the base of the decorative edge, sealing the pocket around the diaper.

Grab your ribbon and turn the edge over about 1/4 inch. Place the ribbon about one inch from the side of the diaper covering the edge of your decorative pocket. (Get ready for another time-saving tip:) Go ahead and wrap the ribbon all the way around the front and back of your diaper. If it is lined up correctly you'll only have to stitch once to tack both sides down. I like to stitch on the top and bottom of the ribbon so that it's secure.
Finish off your ribbon this way: fold the edge and stitch in a box. For you beginning seamstresses, stitch one side of the box, then keep your needle down in the fabric, lift your presser foot and turn the piece you're sewing, lower the presser foot and stitch the other edge of the box. This keeps the corners neat and keeps you from having to pull the thread, cut and line it up again. (That one was for free!)
Final step, since this burp cloth is going to be washed a million times, I'd recommend starting at the top corner of your decorative fabric and stitch one straight stitch all the way to the bottom of your ribbon to keep it all in place.
You're done and it's beautiful on both sides!

Don't stop there! While you've got your sewing machine out, why not make a hanging crib toy bag or put away your sewing machine and whip up a couple of easy paci clips for a great gift!