How to Make a Baby Crib Sheet

Spice up a plain-looking nursery with custom-made crib sheets.

Crib sheets make excellent baby shower gifts, and sewing beginners can make several in an afternoon.Making crib sheets yourself gives you greater options than what's usually available in infant bedding. You can make sheets that complement the room's decor, pay tribute to a parent's hobby or favorite sports team or simply use up extra fabric. Toddler beds also use crib mattresses, so you can still use the crib sheet when your child is ready to transition to a toddler bed.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring Tape
• Two yards woven fabric, at least 44 inches wide
• Iron
• Scissors
• Matching thread
• Sewing machine
• Sewing gauge (recommended)
• Three yards elastic, 1/4 inch wide
• Safety pin

Instructions

Preparing to Sew

1. Measure the length, width, and depth of the crib mattress. Double the depth of the mattress, add one inch for seam allowances, and add this number to the length and width of the mattress to get the size of the fabric you need. If you don't have the crib mattress on hand, use the standard crib sheet measurements (52 inches long, 28 inches wide, 6 inches deep) to determine how much fabric you need. To cover a standard crib mattress, get a piece of fabric that is at least 65 inches long and 41 inches wide.

2. Launder, dry and press the fabric according to the manufacturer's directions. These are listed on the bolts of fabric in fabric stores.

3. Trim the fabric to the needed dimensions. Cut an eight-inch square from each corner of the fabric.

4. Pin the just cut sides of each corner together, right sides facing each other. When the fabric is facing right side up, the four corners should stand upright, with the main part of the fabric flat.

5. Thread your sewing machine and sew the sides of each corner together using a straight stitch. Press the sides of the seam open.

Fitting the Crib Sheet

1. Fold the edges of the sheet down 1/8th inch, all the way around, pinning to secure. Press this fold. Fold the edges of the sheet down another 3/8 inch, all the way around, pinning to secure. Sew this fold in place with a straight stitch, close to the bottom of the fold. Stop sewing when you are one inch away from your starting point. This is the casing for the elastic.

2. Attach the end of the elastic to the safety pin. Thread the elastic through the casing, using the blunt head of the safety pin or tip of the bodkin to push the elastic through the tunnel of fabric. When the elastic is all the way through, pin the ends of the elastic together.

3. Slip the sheet over the mattress, and pull on the elastic until you are pleased with the fit. Pin the elastic to the right length with the safety pin, and trim away the excess. Sew the ends of the elastic together, and sew the last inch of the casing shut.

Tips & Warnings

• Flannel and calico are good fabric choices for crib sheets.

References

• Make Baby Stuff: Crib Sheet Pattern
• Michael Miller Fabrics; Fitted Crib Sheet; Joanna Armour