How to Make a V-Berth Sheet for a Boat
Sailboats are long and narrow, leaving little space below deck. Storage and cabins are not spacious for boats under 45 feet. Sleeping quarters are sometimes cramped. Boats with v-berths, bunks positioned in the bow of the boat, are v-shaped and typically surrounded on three sides by the hull. Placing sheets and bedding on a v-berth is difficult; regular sheets do not fit.
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Things You'll Need
- Flat sheet
- Butcher paper
- Tape
- Straight pins
- Scissors
- Sewing machine
- Elastic
Instructions
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1
Measure the mattress. Most v-berths have a removable top cushion. Take it off and measure all dimensions, including the thickness, from the widest to the narrowest point.
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2
Tape enough butcher paper to make a pattern. Transfer measurements to the paper but allow for a least 1 inch of extra overhang on each side to make sure the sheet will fit under the cushion or mattress.
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3
Trace the pattern on the flat sheet that is at least one size larger than the v-berth. For example, if the v-berth is close to the size of a full bed, use a queen sheet.
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4
Make a square cut on each corner and cut it out. The corners will be turned under when the elastic is sewn in so you need room to make those corners.
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5
Match the two cut ends at each corner and sew them together, forming a pocket.
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6
Fold the edge of the sheet over the elastic and use the straight pins to hold it into place. Sew the elastic hem into the edge of the sheet.
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Tips & Warnings
If you don't want to make a pattern, you can trace the outline of the cushion or mattress onto the sheet and then measure enough extra on all sides to account for the thickness of the mattress.
Using a sewing machine ensures all the stitches are the same distance apart and makes a tighter and more durable seam.
Do not make the corners too small or the sheet will not fit over the edges of the mattress.
Sew the edge so the seam faces downward and not up when the sheet is on the mattress.
References
Resources
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