How to Make Your Own Bedsheets
Learn how to create an updated look in your bedroom by making your own bedsheets. Your bedding will look expensive but is actually an economical solution.
Things You'll Need
- 116-inch width cotton fabric (for king size bed)
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Straight pins
- Iron
- 1/2-inch elastic
- Coordinating heavy-duty cotton thread
- Sewing machine
Instructions
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How to Make Your Own Bedsheets
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Determine how much fabric to purchase by the size of your bed. Standard sheet sizes in the bedding industry can be found at the Bed Bath & Beyond website under the bedroom department (see Resources). Account for both the fitted sheet and flat sheet when determining the amount of fabric you need to purchase. For fitted sheets, you will need to add 18 inches to both the width and length measurements to account for your mattress depth. If you have a deep mattress add 24 inches and add 36 inches for extra deep mattress depths. For flat sheets you will need to add 18 inches to both the width and length to cover you fully when you have the sheet over you while sleeping.
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2
Purchase cotton fabric specifically manufactured for sheeting. This type of fabric is available in various widths at larger fabric shops. If you are unable to find the width you need in your local market, use an online source such as Fabric.com or FabricUK.com (see Resources). Make sure you request "sheeting" fabric and choose a width that corresponds to the size of your bed. Purchase the highest thread count available because the higher the thread count, the softer the fabric will feel. You will also need to purchase coordinating heavy duty cotton thread.
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3
Measure the fabric for your flat sheet by consulting the Bed Bath & Beyond sheet size guide plus the added 18 inches. Mark your measurements with straight pins, then cut and set aside. Repeat for your fitted sheet. Next, lay flat sheet face down and create a 1/2-inch hem by folding each edge and ironing flat then sewing the edge on all four sides using heavy duty cotton thread. Repeat for your fitted sheet.
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4
Place your hemmed fitted sheet face down and measure 8 inches diagonally from the each corner and mark the spot with a straight pin. Using your scissors, cut a diagonal line in from the corner to the straight pin. Pin your two edges of the corner together along all 8 inches, then sew a hem. Repeat for all four corners.
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5
Cut your elastic into four 6-inch strips. Turn the corner of your fitted sheet wrong side out and pin one strip of elastic along your hemmed edge. Repeat for the other three corners using the remaining elastic strips then sew the elastic in place, gathering as you go so the sheet will fit tightly to your mattress corners.
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6
Remove all straight pins and turn right side out. Place fitted sheet on your bed and cover with flat sheet. Smooth any wrinkles and tuck the sides of your flat sheet under your mattress. You should have a snug fitted sheet and a flat sheet that can easily be tucked under the sides of your mattress.
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