How to Make a Duvet Cover Using Bed Sheet Sets

Duvet covers can give you the option of quickly changing the look of your bedroom.

A duvet is a rectangle bed covering that can be filled with various types of filler, including down and fiberfill. Duvets are often used as a replacement to a regular bed comforter or bedspread. Because of the thickness of most duvets, they are not easily washable. Most people use duvet covers over the duvet itself for ease of removal and cleaning. Making a duvet cover out of sheets can be an inexpensive way to decorate your bedroom.

Things You'll Need

• Flat sheets (2)
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Buttons, snap tape, Velcro or zipper
• Measuring tape
• Pins
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Purchase two flat sheets, one to use for the top of the duvet cover and the other to use for the bottom. Measure the width and the length of the duvet you are covering. You will want to buy flat sheets just a little larger than the duvet. Typically, the size of the mattress you have determines the size of sheets you need to buy. For example, a king size bed normally uses a king size duvet, and thus two king size flat sheets for the duvet cover.

2. Iron the wrinkles out of the sheets. You may wish to wash the sheets in order to soften them before you sew the duvet cover. Spread one sheet out on the floor and cut it 2 inches wider and 2 inches longer than the measurement of your duvet. Do the same to sheet for the second sheet, so both sheets are cut the same size. For example, if your duvet is 70-by-85 inches, you would cut your sheet to measure 72-by-87 inches.

3. 

   Velcro is one of the easiest materials to use to close a duvet cover.

   Determine the type of closure you are going to have on one side of the duvet cover. You can use a zipper, buttons, snaps or Velcro. If you are not familiar with sewing on a zipper or making button holes, Velcro or snap tape is the easiest way to go. It is necessary to have some sort of closure so you can remove the duvet cover and launder it.

4. 

   Use your standard pressure foot to sew the duvet cover.

   Place the right sides of the sheets together, and pin the edges about every 8 inches to keep them from slipping while you sew. Thread your sewing machine with matching thread and use your standard pressure foot. Beginning 20 inches from one corner, sew around the edges on all sides, leaving a 1/2- to 3/4-inch seam allowance and removing the pins as you approach them. Do not sew completely around the cover; leave approximately 36 inches open. You will have three sides completely sewn, and the fourth side will be partially sewn.

5. Sew on the zipper, snap tape or Velcro in the middle of the open, partially sewn space. Turn the duvet cover right side out, and iron to create a crisp edge. Insert your duvet into the newly finished cover. It is now ready to be placed on your bed.

Tips & Warnings

• Buy a high-quality sheet for the duvet cover so it will last and maintain the shape and quality as you launder it.

• Match the color of your Velcro or zipper to the sheets you are using for the cover, so it is not obvious.

• Put the closure on a side or bottom, not at the top. This prevents the closure from irritating your face as you sleep.

References

• Decorative Duvet Cover Craft Project

Resources

• Sewing in a zipper