How do I make crib sheets so they coordinate with the rest of the nursery? Kathy L.,
e-mail
Crib sheets can be made from woven fabrics such as 100% cotton or cotton blends, or use interlock or jersey knit fabrics for a softer feel.
Measure and record the mattress width plus the depth of each side; the mattress length and depth of each end; then add 14" for the tuck-in allowance to each result. For example, for a mattress measuring 23"Wx46"Lx6"H, the resulting measurements would be 49"x 72".
From 56"- to 60"-wide fabric, cut a rectangle the above dimensions.
Cut a square from each corner equal to the mattress depth plus 6½". If the mattress depth is 6", cut a 12 1/2" square from each corner (5).
With right sides together, fold each
corner matching the edges and sew with
a 1/2" seam (6).
Turn under the sheet edges 3/8" and topstitch in place around the perimeter.
To keep the sheet tucked under the mattress, sew elastic to the ends. Cut two strips of 1/4"-wide elastic 3" less than the mattress width. Fold the elastic in half lengthwise to find the center. Working on the sheet wrong side, match and pin the elastic center to the center of each short end, overlapping the hem. Pin the elastic ends 6" past the corner seams (7).
Zigzag over the elastic, stretching it to it the fabric between the pins; back-sitch the ends to secure.
If using 45"-wide fabric, avoid having a seam in the sheet center by sewing sides to a center panel.
Cut a rectangle the dimensions of the mattress top plus 1" for seam allowances. Cut four side strips the mattress depth plus 7" wide. Cut two side strips the length of the mattress plus 1". Cut the remaining two strips the width of the mattress plus 1" (8).
With right sides together and using a 1/2" seam allowance, sew the corresponding strips to the sides, starting and stopping the stitching 1/2" from each corner.
With right sides together, match the raw edges of each inset corner and sew with a 1/2" seam. See figure 6.
Complete the sheet as directed for the whole-cloth version.
Sewing Q&A
