How to Fold a Fitted Sheet in 6 Steps
- Fitted sheets go on top of the mattress, providing protection and contributing to bedroom aesthetics. Regular washing, at least once a week, is crucial, and having spare sheets for seasonal changes is advisable.
- Proper folding involves six steps, including flipping the sheet inside out, folding corners, and creating a neat rectangular shape. Lengthwise and widthwise folds result in a compact square for easy storage.
- Various sheet materials offer different benefits, such as cotton for softness and breathability, linen for cooling, and silk for luxury and moisture-wicking properties.
A fitted sheet goes on top of your mattress. If you have them, the fitted sheet also goes over your mattress topper, protector, and pad.
The purpose of a fitted sheet is to both protect your mattress and add some color to your bedroom aesthetic. Like the rest of your bedsheets, fitted sheets will need to be washed at least once per week.
Therefore, you’ll want to have one or two spare fitted sheets on hand to keep your bed covered. You may even want to have fitted sheets made from different materials to switch out as the seasons and weather change.
When putting your fitted sheets away, you’ll want to fold them properly to prevent any wrinkling or unnecessary wear and tear. In this article, we’ll break down how to fold a fitted sheet in 6 easy steps. We’ll also give you tips for keeping your fitted sheet in place and discuss different types of sheet fabric.
1. Flip it Inside Out
The first trick to properly folding a fitted sheet is to flip it inside out. By flipping it inside out, you can make sure that the side you are laying on is safely protected and won’t get dirty during storage. In addition, folding it inside out allows for easier folding.
2. Grip Bottom Corners and Fold One Over the Other
Next, you’ll want to grab the bottom corners of your sheets with your right hand and left hand. If your arms are not long enough to reach these corners while holding your fitted sheet, you can drape the sheet over your mattress or a piece of furniture. Then, fold the sheet horizontally so that one corner is folded over the other.
3. Grab Remaining Corners and Fold One Over the Other
Repeat the above-mentioned process with the remaining corner of the sheet that is closest to you. Folding the last corner over corner allows the folded sheet to hold its shape. This shape-holding is important if you’re storing the sheet in a tight space like a drawer.
4. Tuck Remaining Fabric In to Create a Rectangular Shape
Once you’ve got all of your corners secured, you need to perfect the rectangle-like shape of your folded fitted sheet. The more care you take in this step of the folding process, the more smoothly the rest of the process should go for you. Tuck any excess or sticking out fabric in to make for a cleaner, sharper appearance.
5. Fold Rectangle Lengthwise into Thirds
To make for easier storage, we recommend that you then fold your fitted sheet lengthwise. For most standard fitted sheets, folding into thirds works best. This allows you to easily store your fitted sheet away in your linen closet and keep it wrinkle-free until you need to use it next.
6. Fold Rest of Sheet into a Small Square
You can then fold the sheet again widthwise to form a small square. This small square of fabric can then be kept in your bedside table, bed frame drawers, or your bedroom closet. Folding a fitted sheet doesn’t have to be complicated, especially when you take things one step at a time.
How to Keep a Fitted Sheet in Place
Fitted sheets and bed sheets generally are notorious for not wanting to stay in place. This is a big problem for some sleepers, particularly when it comes to sheets on adjustable bed frames. If you’re having issues keeping your fitted sheets in place, we’re here to help.
There are options other than buying a completely new set of sheets.
Sheet Straps and Suspenders
Sheet straps form an X pattern and attach to all four corners of your bed. Because they attach to the underside of your bed, you won’t even notice that they’re there. Sheet suspenders are interlocking clips that stretch horizontally across your mattress.
Like sheet straps, they come in pairs and aren’t visible. You can purchase these items from your local hardware store, department store, or online.
Elastic Bands
Elastic bands are an easy way to keep the four corners of your fitted bed sheet secured to the corners of your mattress. Because they are on the inside corners of your sheets, they aren’t visible once secured in place. You won’t have to worry about sheet bunching or slipping when you have sheets with elastic bands sewn into them.
Deep/Extra Deep Pockets
In some instances, purchasing sheets with deep or extra-deep pockets is the best approach to keeping your bed sheets in place. You can order sheets with deeper pockets from a wide variety of retailers and bedding stores.
Sheet Material Types
There are numerous types of bed sheets to consider as you shop. The material that your bed sheets are made of matters quite a great deal for sheet durability, price, comfort, and temperature regulation. Here are just a few different fabrics to consider when shopping for new bed sheets.
Cotton
Cotton sheets are popular and widely available. If you’re looking for soft, breathable, and affordable sheets, cotton is the way to go! This fabric is low maintenance and known for its durability. In fact, cotton material actually gets softer each time you wash it.
Pay special attention to staple length, as long-staple cotton is more durable than short-staple cotton.
Polyester
Polyester is typically blended with some other fabric to provide added comfort and softness. Sheets made of polyester are known for being cheap, durable, and wrinkle-resistant.
Linen
Linen is an ideal sheet option if you need to stay cool during the hot summer months. Sheets containing linen will also naturally ward off dust, bacteria, and allergens. Bear in mind that you’ll want to line dry your linen sheets to minimize wear and tear.
Wool
Wool sheets provide good temperature regulation to keep you comfortable all year round. Bed sheets containing wool provide long-lasting softness without causing skin irritation, making them the perfect sheets for those with sensitive skin.
Silk
Silk sheets have an attractive sheen and superior draping ability. However, they may come with a higher price tag. Sheets made of silk are good at moisture wicking and can soothe dry skin.
Flannel
Flannel sheets are best suited for sleepers who are prone to getting chilly at night or those who live in areas with harsh winters. This fabric is fuzzy, cozy, and does an excellent job of retaining body heat.
Bamboo
Bamboo is another top-tier sheet option to consider. Sheets that contain bamboo have a silky feeling while also being breathable and hypoallergenic.
Tencel
Tencel sheets are most often found in hotel rooms because they provide sleepers with a crisp feeling. These sheets are naturally cool and have an environmentally friendly manufacturing process. Tencel fabric is also beneficial for allergy sufferers.
Washing Your Fitted Sheets
We recommend changing and washing your sheets and similar bedding items once a week. Frequently changing your bed sheets keep dirt, dust, mites, and other allergens and body cast-offs from accumulating on the mattress surface.
Your sheets and pillowcase can usually all be washed in one cycle. Heavier bedding items, such as quilts, comforters and duvets, may need to go through a separate cycle.
Even a throw blanket may be too heavy to wash with sheets, depending on its size and material. If you need to wash your heavier bedding separately, see our specialty laundry guides:
- How to Wash Blankets
- How to Wash a Comforter
- How to Wash Pillows
- How to Wash a Body Pillow
- How to Clean a Feather Pillow
- How to Clean a Memory Foam Pillow
- How to Spot Clean a Pillow
FAQs
Which way does a top sheet go on a bed?
You should be putting your top sheet onto your bed upside down or inside out. This method allows you to sleep and be covered by the softer side of your top sheet. In addition, when your bed is made this way, the decorated portion of your top sheet will be visible.
How do you fold a fitted sheet with elastic all around it?
You should practice the same approach for folding a fitted sheet with elastic as you would any other fitted sheet. Just keep in mind that if the elastic is old or worn out, you may have difficulty tucking the corners into one another.
Do you tuck in the top sheet?
Whether you tuck in the top sheet is a matter of personal preference. If you have a low-profile bed and don’t want the sheet to touch the floor, tucking it in may be the best option. Tucking in flat sheets may also give your bed a cleaner, more professional look.
Why do fitted sheets never fit?
There are many reasons you may have issues with your fitted sheet fitting correctly or slipping out of place. Sometimes, you may be putting the sheet on incorrectly. Ensure the fitted sheet’s tag is on the inside of the lower-left corner of your bed.
If you’re still having issues with your fitted sheet staying in place, make sure the sheet is the same size as your mattress. You may need to invest in sheet straps, sheet suspenders, or sheets with extra deep pockets.
How do you fold a king size sheet?
The process for folding a king size sheet is the same as the 6-step process outlined above. However, for those with shorter arms, it can be cumbersome to fold the sheet while holding it in the air. In this case, you will need to drape the sheet on a flat surface to fold it.
Conclusion
Folding a fitted sheet may seem like a difficult or stressful process. However, once you break things down into easy-to-follow steps, the process is quite simple. Fitted sheets keep your mattress protected and can provide temperature regulation while you sleep.
If you’re having issues keeping your fitted sheets from slipping off your adjustable bed, you may need to purchase sheet suspenders or buy sheets with deeper pockets. Popular options for bedsheet fabrics include cotton, bamboo, silk, and linen.
