How to Make Baby Accessories

Lace or ribbon adds a special touch to edges.

Baby accessories are needed and used when caring for a baby. Burp cloths and receiving blankets are used on a daily basis. Make your own burp cloths and receiving blankets at a fraction of the cost of buying them.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric
• Fabric-cutting scissors
• Common pins
• Needle and thread or sewing machine
• Lace edging or sating ribbon

Instructions

1. Choose a soft and absorbent fabric that will match your tastes and baby's decor. If you plan to make several burp cloths and receiving blankets, choose several colors and patterns of absorbent fabric. Cut the fabrics for burp cloths to be 14-by-18 inches. Cut the fabrics for receiving blankets at 32-by-32 inches. Sharp fabric scissors work best for cutting thicker fabrics.

2. Lay the fabric pattern side down on a flat working surface. Fold the bottom edge of the fabric up 1/2 inch. You will see a 1/2-inch strip of the pattern side. Insert common pins 1/4 inch down from the line where the pattern side of the fabric meets the backside. Repeat for the top edge. Move on to the sides, folding them 1/2 inch over the top and bottom corners. When pinning the corners of the sides, it is best to carefully remove the pins in place and insert new ones through the edge that folds over it.

3. Stitch using a needle and matching colored thread or by using a sewing machine. It is best to double-stitch for extra strength and durability. Avoid using a nylon thread because many will melt in the dryer. When you are done stiching all four sides, inspect them carefully.

4. Remove all common pins. These will be used for a baby, so it is very important to make sure that no pins are missed and left in the cloth or blanket. Double-check to make sure all pins are out and that none have been hidden in the overlapped corners.

5. Add lace edging for girls and satin ribbon for boys. To attach lace, find the seam edge of the lace and hand- or machine-stitch it 1/4 inch in from the edge of the cloth or blanket. You can use one solid piece or separately sew on four, one on each side. To attach satin ribbon as edging, use two-inch ribbon and fold it over the edge so that one inch is visible on each side of the fabric. Use common pins to secure. Stitch 1/4 inch from the edge. You will need four separate pieces for the ribbon; lap the top and bottom edges over the side.

Tips & Warnings

• You can make these for new baby or baby shower gifts.

• Use care and caution when using a sewing machine and cutting with sharp scissors.