Burp Cloths

Make a soft crochet burp cloth in two shapes: a long rectangle, and a contoured cloth that narrows in the middle to rest on your shoulder. Each has a charted band at one end, filled with three gentle wavy lines that you can keep or replace with your own design, and a second blank band at the other end. Both come as an editable chart and a printable PDF with a written row for every row.

You'll need:

• Worsted-weight cotton or a smooth cotton blend in three colors: sage, cream and butter (butter is only a small amount)
• A crochet hook, about 4.5 mm (change it to match your gauge), a yarn needle and scissors

Important Safety Notes#

Not for the sleep area: Keep this out of the crib, bassinet and play yard with a baby under 12 months, and do not use it for sleep. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises a "firm, flat sleep surface" and a "fitted sheet only", with nothing else in the crib.

Burp cloth: Use it over your shoulder or on your lap while you feed and burp. Take it away when you are done, and never leave it over a baby's face or head.

Yarn and care: Use soft, smooth, washable yarn that does not shed or fuzz, and wash a swatch first. Weave in every end and check inside the finished item for loose strands, which can wrap around a baby's fingers or toes. Wash inside out.

Nothing dangling: Do not add pompoms, tassels, fringe, ribbons or bows.

If you sell what you make: Children's products sold in the US must meet CPSC rules, including testing, a Children's Product Certificate and a tracking label. Start at cpsc.gov.