How to Make a Baby Washcloth Beanie

You can make a simple beanie hat for newborns or infants using soft, stretchy baby washcloths. With standard baby washcloths measuring 9 by 9 inches, you should be able to cut two beanie pieces from each washcloth; so you'll need two washcloths to make all four pieces. You can use two baby washcloths of the same color or use two different colors and alternate them. Make sure to wash and dry the baby washcloths before cutting the beanie pieces in case the washcloths shrink.

Things You'll Need

• Free beanie pattern
• Printer
• Scissors
• Tape
• Two baby washcloths
• Pins
• Thread
• Sewing machine

Instructions

1. Download and print a free beanie pattern from Burdastyle.com (see "Additional Resources," below). Cut out the pattern pieces following the newborn or infant size line. Line up the two parts of the pattern piece and tape them together.

2. Pin the pattern to a baby washcloth so that the lower edge of the pattern lines up with a hemmed edge of the washcloth. Cut around the pattern, then remove the pattern and pin it to the washcloth again, rotating it if needed to make it fit. Make sure the lower edge of the pattern lines up with a hemmed edge.

3. Cut two more beanie pieces the same way from a second baby washcloth.

4. Place two beanie pieces right sides together. (If you want alternating colors, put one piece of each color together.) Line up the edges and pin them together, then stitch them together along one side using ¼-inch seam allowance. You may want to use a zigzag stitch to make finished edges.

5. Place the other two beanie pieces right sides together, and sew them together the same way.

6. Unfold the pieces and lay them on top of each other, right sides together. Stitch the two halves of the beanie together along the top and sides, leaving the bottom (straight) edge open.

7. Turn the lower edge of the beanie up about 1 inch. Stitch the top of the folded edge in place.

8. Clip any loose threads and turn the beanie right-side out. Turn the lower folded area up to make a cuff.

Tips & Warnings

• If you wish, you can add appliques or other simple decorations to the baby washcloth beanie, or even add a name using fabric paint.

• Use caution when working with scissors, pins and sewing machines.

Resources

• Burda Style offers a free beanie pattern in multiple sizes.