TUTORIAL: How to Make a Simple Baby Wash Cloth (Handmade Holiday Gift Idea #1)

Here's an easy to sew baby wash cloth that will surely be appreciated. A mother with a baby can never have too much of these! One wash cloth takes only a few minutes to complete...you can definitely make a bunch in just one sitting.

How to Make a Simple Baby Wash Cloth


Requirements (for one 11" x 11" baby wash cloth):
11 1/2" by 11 1/2" cotton flannel in baby colours and prints
11 1/2" by 11 1/2" light coloured cotton towelling
6" coordinating ribbon (1/2" wide)
matching thread
materials for applique (optional): small piece of flannel print, iron-on adhesive
basic sewing skills

How to:

1. Prepare your materials. Round off corners of both flannel and backing fabric.

Tip: You can also use store-bought face washers for your backing. Those are inexpensive, come in a variety of colours and are usually thicker than ordinary cotton towelling.

2. Lay your cotton towelling square right side up. Fold ribbon in half and position diagonally on the upper right hand corner of your fabric, as shown below.

3. Place flannel square on top, wrong side up. Pin all layers in place, making sure your ribbon stays in its proper placement. Stitch all around using a 1/4" seam allowance, leaving about a 2" gap in the bottom center edge for turning.


4. Turn wash cloth to its right side, push out the corners and press well. Slipstitch the opening closed. Topstitch all around, about 1/4" from the edges.

5. Optional applique: Cut out your desired flannel print design in whatever shape or size you want (Mine is a 2 1/2" diameter circle). Follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to use the iron-on adhesive (I used Heat 'n' Seal - Lite so fabric remains soft). Position your applique near the bottom right corner of your wash cloth. Sew in place using a medium width and small length zigzag stitch.


That's it, you're all done! Too easy, wasn't it? And how cute is that? Now go and make some more!

By the way, if you noticed, the title of this post says 'Handmade Holiday Gift Idea #1'. This should mean there would be a #2, #3 and so on. Hopefully, I will be able to follow through in the coming days and weeks before Christmas!

Have fun!