How to Make a Crib Sheet: 11 Steps

2023 Author: Sybil Carroll | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 06:08

Crib sheets are a necessity for new parents and their babies. You can make your own sheets to fit a standard-size crib mattress and get the exact color and fabric you want for your baby's bedding. Also, this is a great way to save money, as sheets can be very expensive. Choose your fabric, buy an elastic and take out the sewing machine to easily make a useful sheet for your baby or to give as a gift to someone else.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: cutting the fabric and hemming

Step 1. Buy 1.8 m (2 yards) of cotton or flannel fabric

Choose a patterned or solid cotton or flannel fabric of any color for your sheet. Cotton works well for all seasons, while flannel is great for colder climates.

Aim for the sheet to be a color that complements the crib or nursery, such as aquamarine and white, if the room features those colors.
If you are giving the sheet as a gift, you should opt for a solid-colored fabric or a pastel pattern (for example, pale yellow, mint green, lavender, light pink, and baby blue).

Please note that crib sheets require wash frequentlyas they get dirty easily. Use a strong yet soft woven fabric that washes well (for example, 100% cotton or a blend of flannel and cotton).

Step 2. Pre-wash the fabric to make sure it doesn't shrink

Pre-washing will help ensure that the fabric does not shrink after things are done, which could make the sheet unusable. Wash the fabric on its own in a normal wash cycle or with other colored fabrics and similar materials. Then, put the fabric in the dryer.

If you want, you can also iron the fabric to remove wrinkles before sewing. However, this is not necessary.
Use a laundry detergent formulated specifically for baby clothes. Avoid detergents that contain harsh chemicals, dyes, and perfumes.

Step 3. Cut a 1.1 x 1.7 m (44 x 68 inch) piece of fabric

Use a tape measure to measure these dimensions. Mark the back of the fabric with a piece of chalk and cut it along the lines.

Take some very sharp scissors and cut the fabric evenly. Avoid creating ragged edges, as this can interfere with the hem of the fabric

Step 4. Fold ½ cm (¼ inch) from the edge of the fabric and iron the fold

With the pattern or the right (front) side of the fabric facing down, fold ½ cm (¼ inch) from one edge of the raw fabric. Then iron the folded edge to form the crease.

Repeat this procedure on the other 3 edges of the fabric.
If you don't want to iron the edges, you can use pins to secure the pleats until you're ready to sew.

Step 5. Sew a straight stitch along the folded edges to secure them

Sets the sewing machine to the straight stitch setting. Place the folded fabric under the presser foot, lower it, and gently press the foot pedal to begin sewing. You should sew to the end of the first folded edge. Then turn the fabric 90 degrees and sew along the next edge. Continue until you have sewn all 4 edges.

The straight stitch setting is usually the first setting on most sewing machines, but you'd better check your instruction manual to be sure.
If you have used pins, you should remove them as you sew. Avoid sewing over the pins. Remove a pin before sewing on top of each area of the fabric.

Part 2 of 3: Create the Sheet Pockets

Step 1. Cut a 20 x 20 cm (8 x 8 inch) square in each corner

Lay the fabric out so that it is fully unfolded. Then, use the tape measure and a piece of chalk to draw an 8-inch by 8-inch square on each corner of the fabric.

To make sure each corner is even, you should make a square pattern out of a piece of construction paper. Then use it as a guide to trace and cut out each corner

Step 2. Pin the raw corner edges with the right sides facing each other

Line up the edges so they are even. Then insert a pin every 2 inches (5.1 cm) to secure the edges together. Insert the pins so they are perpendicular to the raw edge to make it easier for you to remove them as you sew.

Repeat this procedure for the other 3 corners

Step 3. Sew a straight stitch 1/2 inch (1 cm) from the raw edges

Place one end of the first pinned corner under the foot. Lower the presser foot to keep the fabric in place. Next, gently press the foot pedal to make a straight stitch about 1/2 inch from the raw edges of the fabric. Backstitch about 1 inch (2.5 cm) at the end of the pinned edge and cut off any excess thread.

Repeat this procedure for the other 3 corners.
Make sure to remove the pins as you sew. Avoid sewing over the pins, as you could damage the machine.

Iron the sheet after sewing to make it fit extradefined.

Part 3 of 3: Attach the elastic

Step 1. Attach the end of a piece of elastic that is 2.5 yards (2.3 m) and ¼ inch wide

Hold or pin the end of the elastic against the inside of the sheet about ½ cm (¼ inch) from the edge. You want to position the elastic so that it is just along the inside edge of the sheet, but still a little hidden.

Make sure the sheet is inside out before sewing. The seams in the corners should be visible as you sew.
Avoid pinning the elastic around the inside of the sheet, as this will interfere with the elastic stretching as you sew. You should only put a pin at the beginning of the elastic.

Step 2. Sew a zigzag stitch to secure the elastic to the inside of the sheet

Set the sewing machine to zigzag stitch. Then, put the elastic and the edge of the sheet under the foot. Hold the end of the elastic just in front of the foot. Press the foot pedal to start sewing and gently pull on the elastic to stretch it out as you sew. Sew around the inside of the sheet to secure the elastic.

Avoid tightening the elastic while sewing. You should stretch it out enough to gather the fabric of the sheet.
Continue sewing until the end of the elastic first overlaps by about 1 inch (2.5 cm).

Step 3. Backstitch to secure the ends of the elastic

As soon as the beginning and end of the elastic overlap, you should reverse the direction of the sewing machine. Press down on the reverse lever on the right side of the sewing machine while applying gentle pressure on the pedal. Topstitch approximately 2 cm (1 inch) and then release the lever to sew forward again. Sew back to the starting position and then take your foot off the pedal to stop the machine.