How to make a Fitted Crib/Toddler Bed Sheet

In these tough economic times, saving money is at the forefront of all our minds. Parents always want the best for their children, but as we all know, necessities can be very expensive! With these simple sewing instructions, you'll be able to make your own fitted crib/toddler bed sheets for a fraction of the retail price charged in stores!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 square cut out of paper 8 ¾" x 8 ¾"
• 3/8" wide elastic - cut into 4 lengths of 15" each
• Flannel, Cotton Blend or Cotton woven fabric 44-45" wide (most fabric store cotton fabrics come in this width already) x 70" long
• Thread
• Scissors
• Sewing machine

1. Take your 8 ¾" square template and place it in each corner of your 45"x70" fabric and cut out the corner. After you finish, each corner will have an 8 ¾" square cut from it. You can save these squares to make a pillow or to make a matching quilt.

2. Match up the two sides of each cut out square so that the right sides (the outside of the fabric) face each other. Stitch the sides together. This forms the pocket for each fitted corner.

3. You can finish the edges with a serger if you have one. Otherwise, turn the edges under ¼" and then another ¼", so that all of the raw edges are folded under. Stitch all the way around the edge after folding.

4. Lastly, you will need to add the elastic. Take one of the 15" lengths of elastic and find the center of it. Stitch that center to the inside seam where the two sides of the pocket were stitched together. Just make a few stitches to hold it in place so that you can stretch the elastic in each direction. Next, with a zigzag stitch, stretch the elastic approximately 12" across the top edge inside seam as you stitch. After the top edge is finished, go back and do the same thing down the side edge inside seam stretching the elastic to approximately 12" as you stitch.

5. Now, do the same with the other 3 pockets. The elastic will most likely overlap a little bit on the top of the sheet and the bottom of the sheet, but that's okay. It will make the entire top and the entire bottom of the sheet one continuous stretch of elastic.

6. You're done!!

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure your fitted crib sheet fits the crib/toddler bed snuggly before using it with your baby, as an ill-fitting sheet could pose a suffocation hazzard. Following these instructions exactly and stretching your elastic tightly enough will create a snug fitting sheet just like you'd purchase in the store! Enjoy!!

[FrogDoc]

on 4/13/2009 Great instructions! I have a nice queen sized flat sheet I can use to make this!

[seradis]

on 4/10/2009 Great easy to understand article on making a crib/toddler bed sheet! 5*