Crib Sheet Instructions

Crib sheets can be sewn without a pattern.

Sewing crib sheets for a baby bed is not a difficult process and can be done in less than an hour with a sewing machine. Patterns can be used but are not necessary. You can make crib sheets from any fabric you choose, although cotton or other fabrics with a slight stretch to them are easier to work with.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric cut to 70 inches by 45 inches
• 5 feet of elastic (cut into four 15-inch strips)
• Scissors
• Sewing machine or needle
• Thread

Instructions

1. Wash and dry to fabric to ensure no shrinkage in later washings, then cut the fabric to size at 70 inches by 45 inches.

2. Cut a 9-inch square from each corner of the rectangle and bring the corners together with the underside of the sheet facing you. Sew the corners with the right sides together using a zigzag stitch for strength. Reinforce the stitching as these will be the corners that fit over the edge of the mattress and will receive strong stretching.

3. Fold the edges of the sheet under between 1/4 to 1/2 inch and sew a seam all the way around. It does not need to be perfect because these edges won't be seen underneath the mattress.

4. Locate the center of a 15-inch piece of elastic and sew it to the center of a corner seam on the underside of the fabric. Stretch the elastic out as you are sewing, and make sure to use a zigzag stitch so there is a give in the stitches for stretching in the sheet. The elastic may overlap a bit as you get to the centers of the sheet between the corners.

5. Remove the mattress from the bed and then place the sheet on, starting with one corner at a time. The sheet should pull snugly and not give room for the baby to pull it off at the corners. Put the mattress back into the crib frame.

Tips & Warnings

• These steps can be used to make toddler bed sheets as well, but measure the mattress from underside to underside to get the fabric measurements instead.

References

• Sheet pattern