If you have a fitted sheet that is too big for your mattress. You want to make it smaller. Then you are at the right place. Just read the following text below and follow the steps.
Many people find that their sheets are too large after washing and drying them. A fitted sheet should fit snugly on a mattress. If your sheet is too large, it’s possible to make the sheet smaller.
Additionally, to make your fitted sheets fit a smaller mattress, get out the bed band. There are two types of bands: dual-band and triangle-style snap on the corners for tight-fitting seams—both work by providing a little extra fabric to make the bed cover fit better.
You can also use elastic to tighten up your fitted sheet by sewing it into a good fit around the perimeter of the bottom. This will help take out any slack and stop them from falling off corners on the mattress!
In this article, you will learn how to make a fitted sheet smaller through easy-to-follow steps. We have covered all about the fitted sheets; follow these steps below!
Methods To Make a Fitted Sheet Smaller
Here are a few methods:
1- Cut the slits of fitted sheets
This method works with too big sheets, so make them small. Take a pair of scissors and start cutting slits around the edge of your fitted sheets. This is an excellent way to make fitted sheets smaller.
2- Sewing
You can sew the sheet together to make it smaller. Sew along the top and bottom of your fitted sheet, about three inches in on each side.
3- Iron
Take a hot iron and press it down on the sheet, which will shrink it. You want to use a low setting so that you don’t burn the sheet.
4- Pin the sheets
To make a fitted sheet smaller, you can also pin down your fitted sheet to the mattress. This will help you to fold the sheet in a size that will fit on the mattress.
5- Dryer
If you have large fitted sheets, you can dry them in the drier to make them smaller. Take the sheet and fold it in half, then put it in the drier on low heat. The heat from the drier will shrink your sheet so that it fits on the mattress.
6- Wash the sheet
This will shrink the sheets. Boil some water, add a bunch of salt and a little bit of bleach. Once they are mixed, put your fitted sheet in for about 5 or 10 minutes.
Ways to Make Sheets Fit Tight
Following are some ways to make bed sheets fit tight.
- Fold your flat sheet in half and put it back on the mattress. This will make your fitted sheets stay on the bed with your flat sheet.
- Fold the flat sheet in half once more, and then place it at the bottom of your bed. This is along with folding the top, flat sheet down, so it covers one-third of your mattress.
- If sliding a flat sheet down under the mattress isn’t an option, add another pillowcase to avoid seeing any wrinkles at all.
- If you’re using flannel sheets, try layering the flannel sheet between two cotton pillowcases to keep it from shifting around on top of your bed.
- If you have a mattress pad, put the flat sheet on top of the pad to make sure it doesn’t shift over time.
Steps To Make a Fitted Sheet Smaller With Household
- First, you will need to get your sheets wet and add some laundry soap or fabric softener to the water. You can add 1 cup of vinegar to the mixture too.
- Soak the sheets in the water and soap mixture for about 45 minutes.
- Take out the sheets and dry them outside in the sun if you can. However, you can use a dryer if needed or have someone help hold each sheet so it will not get wrinkled while drying.
- Once fully dried, iron your fitted sheets to remove any wrinkles and make them look as good as new.
- Now you can make your bed and enjoy your newly made fitted sheets!
How Important To Have Fitted Sheets That Fit Your Bed Properly?
Fitted sheets that fit properly and stay in place can be hard to find. We all like to sleep cool and cozy, but we don’t want our bedding moving around all night.
Also, fitted sheets are supposed to be a comfortable choice. They’re designed to stay on your bed, cover your mattress and hold your comforter in place.
Furthermore, fitted sheets help to trap your body heat to keep you warmer through the night. And it makes you more comfortable as well.
Fitted sheets are a must-have for all sleepers because they have so many benefits for sleeping comfort and hygiene. They will reduce wrinkles from your face and keep your entire bed looking neat.
Make a Fitted Sheet Smaller by Tailoring
If your fitted sheet has shrunk in the wash but is still useable, you can make it smaller by tailoring.
Firstly, fold all seams on the sheet inside. Sew along the seam with a 1/4 inch allowance or less (less for more delicate fabric or if you are sewing through multiple layers of fabric). Make sure all seams are double stitched for durability.
Secondly, iron the sheet after sewing so that it is smooth and flat. You can also use an ironing board for this process. Once the sheet is flat, sew over the two short ends of the sheet.
Thirdly, fold under 1/2 inch on the long sides of the sheet. Pin and sew with a 1/4 inch allowance, double stitching along both seams for durability.
Lastly, press your sheet to make sure the seams are flat. Once you have finished, press, fold in half lengthwise, and cut off the excess fabric. You can also add a new hem or elastic to the sheet if desired.
How to Shrink a Fitted Sheet?
Fitted sheets can often become too big for their bed after repeated washing and use. In this case, you can quickly shrink it at home with a few supplies and about 1 hour of your time.
Shrinking fitted sheets is done in two ways: by machine or by hand. Follow the instructions below.
- Fill a large basin or bathtub with hot water and add your fitted sheet. Let it soak up to an hour until it begins to rise in size.
- Drain the basin or tub and return the sheet to its original size; then, run cold water in the basin or tub and submerge the sheet again briefly, keeping it immersed for no more than 30 seconds.
- Hang the sheet over a clothesline outdoors and stretch or twist it in various sections to encourage your fitted sheet to shrink further.
- Let the sheet dry completely outdoors before reusing, or dry on a clothesline indoors to prevent further shrinking.
- Then machine-wash and dry the sheet one more time before putting it back on your bed for ultimate shrinkage and softness!
Is Fitted Sheet Easy To Make Smaller?
Yes, but make sure to sew multiple tucks in the corners of the fitted sheet. Then you will stitch across the tucks every 4-5 inches. This will make it easier to stretch and fit around your mattress.
Make sure you always wash your sheets before you try to make them smaller. And carefully follow our instructions above.
Washing your sheet will help you for getting back to its original size. It also might shrink a little bit and make it easier to fit around the corners and sides of the mattress. If that doesn’t work, then steam ironing your sheet might help you.
Additionally, you can use your sewing machine to make fitted sheets smaller. If you use your sewing machine, it can be much easier than doing the alterations by hand.
Because when you use the sewing machine, there are many more stitches that will stay in place while you work to shrink the fitted sheet.
Frequently ask questions
Can you cut a fitted sheet?
Yes, cut the fabric to your desired dimensions for a sheet. Use a rotary cutter and ruler to get accurate cuts- 45″ wide fabrics require you measure from one end before sewing together along its length.
What is the reason fitted sheets don’t fit?
When the pockets of your fitted sheet don’t fit well, it usually means they’re either too shallow and keep slipping off easily, or else you can’t get them tight enough because their depth is too deep. In the latter case, there’s a way to solve this problem by re-sewing the sheet.
Can you steam sheets on the bed?
Yes, you can steam your sheets right on the bed. Your mattress is like an ironing board, and since it’s not pressed hard enough to cause any damage-you don’t need a firm surface for this process!
How to make a fitted sheet smaller?
You can make your fitted sheets fit a smaller mattress by taking out the bed band. There are two types of bands: dual-band and triangle-style snap on the corners for a tight fit. Both techniques provide a little extra fabric to allow the bed cover to stretch better.
When should you wash your sheets?
You should change your sheets every week or two if you don’t sleep on them every day. It’s best to wash them at least once a week.
Conclusion
Making a fitted sheet smaller is easy if you know how to wash it. Put the sheet in a washing machine, then dry it with low heat to avoid shrinking it even more.
You can also hand wash it, but keep in mind that the sheet may not be completely clean or dry if you do this.
Hopefully, this article was helpful and informative. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment.