Few things are more satisfying than sinking into a bed made with crisp, fitted sheets at the end of a hard day. But, few things are more frustrating than waking up in a tangle of suddenly un-fitted sheets in the middle of a restless night. Don't fret. Just because the elastic's worn out doesn't mean you have to be. Repairing stretched-out fitted sheets is easy as counting sheep.
Things You'll Need
Straight Pins
Scissors
Fabric Marker
Sewing Machine
Measuring Tape
3 Yards Of 1/4-Inch Elastic
Thread
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Step 1
Cut your elastic into four lengths, each 2 feet long.
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Step 2
Turn your fitted sheet inside out.
Step 3
Fold one piece of elastic in half and use a straight pin to attach it to the hem of your fitted sheet, on the center seam of the corner.
Step 4
Measure 12 inches out from the center seam, along the hem of the sheet, and mark it. Secure one end of the elastic to that mark with a straight pin. Stretch out the elastic and secure its length to the sheet's hem with three or four more pins. Repeat with the other three corners.
Step 5
Sew the center of the elastic to the sheet. Backstitch a few times to secure it.
Step 6
Hold the sheet and elastic firmly and stretch the elastic flat as you use a zigzag stitch to secure the elastic along the hem of the sheet. Secure the end with backstitching.
Step 7
Take the sheet out of the sewing machine, turn it around and sew out from the center seam in the other direction, holding the sheet and elastic taut and flat as you go. Secure the end with backstitching.
Step 8
Repeat on the other three corners.
Tip
Just sew over the old elastic. There's no need to remove it. Repair bedding with leftover decorative elastic to save money.
Warning
Measure twice before you cut. Remove the pins as you go, before the needle hits them. Keep pins and scissors away from children.