Fitted sheets are neater than flat sheets and stop all those "puckers" when you move around during the night. They are usually made from sheeting which is available in cotton, cotton-polyester mixtures, brushed cotton or for that really warm feeling flannelette. Most sheeting fabrics come in a range of colours and being very wide eliminates the need for joining seams.
These free illustrated instructions will enable you to make your own fitted bedroom sheets which can match, co-ordinate or contrast with your colour scheme.

Requirements:

Fabric of your choice.

Matching thread.

1½ metres of narrow elastic.

Measuring Up:

Cutting Out:

Measure the length of the mattress (L)

Length of fabric = L + (2 x D) + (2 x T)

Measure the width of the mattress (W)

Width of fabric = W + (2 x D) + (2 x T)

Measure the depth of the mattress (D)

Cut fabric to required size.

Amount of fabric for tuck in + hems = 8" (20 cms) (T)

Making the Fitted Sheet:

From each corner measure D + T and mark.

Measure the same distance at right angles to these marks to form a square and mark.

Cut out squares leaving ½" (13 mm) seam allowance (See figure 1 above).

With right sides together, pin and stitch these cut edges.

Neaten edges of these seams by overlocking or zig zag stitch (See figure 2 above).

With wrong side facing turn up a double ½" (13 mm) hem all round sheet and pin.

Measure 8" (20 cms) along each side from each corner and mark.

Stitch hem leaving a 1" (2.5 cms) gap at each of these marks.

Thread elastic in through on gap, round the corner and out through next gap (See figure 3 above).

Pull elastic taut to gather the corner.

Stitch gaps in hem securing the ends of the elastic in the stitches.

Trim off excess elastic.