How to Build a Mattress

In generations past, mattresses were always made by hand. Often, straw, hay or feathers were used as filling. You can recreate that old-time feel and customize the firmness and materials used in your own mattress. Building your own mattress is often more economical than purchasing a standard mattress from a bedding store. The materials to stuff your new mattress can be found at most sewing specialty shops.

Things You'll Need

• Two flat sheets or similar sized fabric (use down-proof fabric if you intend to stuff with feathers) Sewing machine Thread Stuffing material (such as shredded foam, memory foam, egg carton foam, polyester fiberfill, fabric scraps, straw, packing peanuts or anything else you might like to try) Zipper (optional)

Instructions

1. Place the sheets on top of each other, insides facing out.

2. Use the sewing machine to sew a seam about one inch in from the edge of the two sheets. Sew completely along three sides, and about half way along the fourth side.

3. Sew another seam a half an inch inside the first one to add greater durability to your seams. Leave the same half of one side open as before.

4. Turn the sheets right side out.

5. Fill with your choice of stuffing.

6. Sew a zipper into the open seam, if desired. This might be especially helpful if you are using stuffing (such as straw) that needs to be replaced every once in a while. If you are using stuffing material that will be permanent, sew the final bit of seam shut.

Tips & Warnings

• If your mattress contains loose fill, you will probably need to fluff it by picking up the corners and shaking the mattress occasionally.