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A sheet protector may be difficult to fold but is very easy to make. In this article, I will share easy steps on how to make your own sheet protector that provides you with lots of bedding options. You can recycle mattress toppers or pillow covers in a larger size or buy fabric to personalize bedding to match your décor when you make your own sheet protector. Making your own sheet protector also provides you control over the fit because mattresses come in various depths. This process is as simple as sewing a few boxed corners (similar to hooks used in garments manufacturing) and then attaching elastic to hold the sheet in place.
Things you need to make your own sheet protector
Tools
Measuring tape
Rotary cutter
Ruler
Mat
Pins
Sewing machine
Ballpoint
Needle for attaching elastic
Material
7 to 10 yards wide fabric, such as quilting cotton
8 to 10 yards wide flat elastic
Thread
Others
Flat sheets (must be larger than the size of the sheet you’re making)
Fitted sheets that are too large for the mattress
Pillow covers
After arranging all these things, Now let’s discuss how to make your own sheet protector.
Measuring the mattress:
Before you begin, measure your mattress for the best fit. Although there are some general rules for mattress sizes, they do vary, particularly in terms of depth. Extra-deep fitted sheets are frequently available to accommodate various mattress depths. If you like, you can do the same thing with your sheets, which is useful if you plan on using them on multiple beds. Measure the mattress’s width, length, and depth.
Multiply the depth by two, then add the width and 6″, leaving 3″ on each side to tuck beneath the mattress. To tuck under the head and foot of the mattress, double the depth by two, add the length, and then add 6″.
Cutting the corners:
Cut the fabric to the size of the sheet you want to make. For precise cutting, use a rotary cutter, ruler, and mat. If you’re using a normal 45″-wide cloth, cut the pieces to the required length and sew them together along the length. To eliminate a center seam, you can choose to add pieces to each side of one middle piece. Make sure the seams are finished, so they don’t fray and open up after a few washes.
Add the mattress’s depth to the 3″ you’ve set aside for tucking under each side. Each corner of the fabric should be cut into a square of this size.
Sewing sheet corners:
Pin and stitch the two edges together at the corners with the right sides together. This is referred to as a boxed corner. Use a zig-zag stitch or a ripper to finish the seam. You can also sew a French seam for a more stylish look.
Pressing the edges:
Turn the sheet to the wrong side and press 1/4″ to the wrong side, then 1/4″ again to hem the edges. If you’re simply going to put elastic in the corners, stitch the hem all the way around the sheet. Pre-sewing the hem isn’t necessary if you’re going to put elastic all the way around the sheet.
Sewing the elastic:
If your sewing machine has one, use a stretch needle or a ballpoint. When stitching through elastic, it will keep the stitches from skipping. Attach the elastic to the edge of the sheet using a zig-zag stitch, overhanging the inside fold of the hem. Remember to backstitch at the start and stretch the elastic as you sew. Make a complete round of the sheet. Overlap the elastic and backstitch when you reach the beginning point. Remove any excess elastic.
Cut four pieces of elastic 10″ long if you only want elastic at the corners of the sheet. On the wrong side of the sheet, place each piece of elastic at the bottom of each boxed corner. Stretch each elastic end as far as it will go down the sheet’s edge. Attach the elastic to the corners of the sheet using a zig-zag stitch, keeping the elastic stretched so that it pulls in the sides. Rep on the other four corners.
Tip: Pulling on the elastic can cause the needle and thread to break. If the thread breaks, make sure you’re using a large enough needle with no spurs and good quality thread.
Finish the process:
The last step of how to make your own sheet protector is to take a final look at your sheet.
When the elastic is attached to the sheet’s edge, and it is no longer stretched, having this all the way around the sheet helps to keep everything in place. Place your own made sheet on your bed and take a nap.
Why sheet protector is important:
Sheet protectors are important because your mattress has so many bacteria on its surface, which can make you sick. Most people don’t use sheet protectors on their mattresses which is very harmful to their health.
The bacterial attack begins with our own cells, but as more microorganisms settle in, the attack grows. “When you desquamate, or slough off tissue, it gathers between your sheet and the sheet over the mattress.” Dust mites love it because it provides them with feed. Human tissue is what they eat.
They subsequently defecate and emit substances before dying. And this is one of the allergies that builds. You also have a variety of body secretions.
You should not sleep without a water-resistant, breathable mattress protector if you want to make yourself and your family safe from bacteria. You can also extend the life of your mattress if you use a sheet protector on it. You’re protecting yourself from the billions of bacteria – sweat, lint, dust mites, animal dander, saliva, soil, sand, cosmetics, food, and insect parts.
Now you know how to make your own sheet protector and why it is important for you. What if you don’t want to make your own sheet at home and want to buy from the market? Here are some factors to consider while buying a sheet protector.
How to choose a sheet protector:
A sheet protector will keep your mattress clean and safe from allergens and bacteria. To buy the best sheet protector, there are some things to consider.
One of the main factors is that you must have to know who will use it. If you want to buy a sheet protector for your child who is prone to bedwetting, look for a waterproof sheet protector. Look for a cool sheet protector if you suffer from night sweats that are sweat absorbing and stain-resistant. A sheet protector can meet any lifestyle or sleep demand.
Conclusion:
In this article, I shared how to make your own sheet protector easy step to make it by using simple tools. You can make a sheet protector easily at home by choosing the perfect fabric for you, and also, keep in mind the size of your mattress. You also got to know why a sheet protector is important for you and your family. It protects you from bacteria and diseases. If you want to buy a sheet protector from the market, please consider the above factors to choose the best one for you.