How to Sew a Comforter Cover

Avoid heavy wash loads by making a cover for your comforter.

Comforters or duvets make for a cozy bedroom, with their plush weight and fluffy look topping your bed. While making your bed with a comforter is as easy as tossing the comforter on top of the sheets, it's another story when your comforter gets dirty. The large size of most comforters make it impossible for them to be washed in home washing machines, making a trip to the laundromat a necessity. Skip this problem by sewing up some colorful comforter covers instead. These simple fabric sleeves will cover your comforter in any decorative design you wish. When it's time for laundry, simply unsnap the cover and wash it, leaving the comforter on the bed.

Things You'll Need

• Two sheets
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Snaps
• Needle
• Thread

Instructions

1. Measure the length and width of the comforter you wish to cover. Add 2 inches to the width measurement and 3 inches to the length measurement. Cut out two pieces of fabric, one from each sheet, in the new measurements that you calculated. Avoid the edges of the sheets, with the hems and selvages, and use the center instead.

2. Lay one piece of fabric on the table with the right side, or more colorful side, facing down. Have one of the width edges directly in front of you. This will be the top edge of your cover.

3. Fold this edge up 1/2 inch. Finger press this edge by tightly pinching the fold so that you create a crease.

4. Fold this same edge over another 1/2 inch. Pin this fold in place. Stitch along the first fold line to create a hem at the top of the cover. Fold and stitch a hem at the top of the other piece of fabric in exactly the same manner.

5. Lay one piece of fabric flat with the right side facing up. Lay the other piece on top of the first, with the right side facing down. Match up the two hemmed top edges. Pin together the other three unsewn edges, all along the perimeter of the cover.

6. Stitch along all three sides using a 1/2 inch seam allowance. Back stitch at both ends to make sure the seam is secure.

7. Turn the cover right side out. Push into the bottom corners with your fingers to make sure that the corners are sharp.

8. Sew matching sets of snaps along the top hemmed edge so that you can snap the cover shut. Place snaps every 8 inches along the edge.

9. Place the comforter inside the finished comforter cover and snap the opening shut.

Tips & Warnings

• Use two different patterned or colored sheets to make a reversible cover.

• Choose the correct size of sheets to purchase by measuring your comforter, then adding 4 inches to the width and 6 inches to the height. Purchase the sheets that are closest to this size.

References

• Design Sponge: Sewing 101--Making a Duvet Cover
• Dummies.com: Sewing a Quick Duvet Cover