This article will help you sew your elastic into your fitted sheet using two methods. The first being the one illustrated in our free pattern (which you can download here) and the second, a simpler version without these elastic slit facings.
In this article we have used our IL019 DOVE FS Signature Finish - 100% Linen - Middle (5.3 oz/yd2) since it is buttery soft and easy to sew with.
We start this tutorial after sewing the side panels to the center fitted sheet panel.
Option 1 - With Elastic Slit Facings
This method is covered in the free download on page 18, and this tutorial will compliment those illustrated instructions.
Step 1
Start by cutting 8, 1.5" x 1.5" bias squares of your fabric. These are cut on the bias to reduce fraying. Apply some fusible interfacing to one size of each square for added stability.
Step 2
On the wrong side (WS) of your fabric squares, which is the side with the fusible on it, draw a rectangle 1" long and 1/4" wide on the bottom center of one edge.
Measure 14" from the edge of each square cut out, and pin one of the 1.5" squares to the fabric at this point, with right sides together.
Step 3
Sew through both layers of fabric, following the line you just drew on your bias squares.
Then cut through the center of your drawn rectangle of the until you are 1/4" from the top edge. Then cut a diagonal line to each corner, in a 'Y' shape. Be sure not to cut through your stitching.
Step 4
fold the edges of your bias square to the wrong side of your fabric, through the slit you have just cut. Press neatly.
Here is what this looks like on the right side (RS)
Step 5
Sew around the edges of your facing as close as you can get to the folded edge, then again 3/8" from the opening.
Step 6
Sew your fitted sheet corners using a french seam per the instructions in your booklet. Press the seams to one side.
Then fold up your fitted sheet hem 1/4" and again 3/4". If you have a serger, you may find it easier to serge around your edges, and use the serged edges as a guide for pressing 1/4" neatly.
You can also make your own pressing guide using some scrap card. Simply draw a line 1/4" and 3/4" from one of the long edges of the card. Then fold your fabric around the card, and press.
Top stitch down close to the inner folded edge.
Step 7
Thread the elastic through one of the openings, securing the end with a safety pin. Using a safety pin can also help thread your elastic through the casing easier.
Try your fitted sheet corner on your bed. Adjust the amount of elastic you'd like in your casing, and pin in place. Remove from your bed.
Step 8
Remove your elastic from the casing and cut to size, leaving about a 1/2" extra for sewing.
Then cut your other 3 elastic pieces for the other corners.
Step 9
Thread each piece of elastic through the casing between the openings. Use safety pins to help you thread it through and to hold one end in place again.
Stitch each end to the fitted sheet on either side of the opening. When you eventually need to replace your elastic, you have the casing opening there to help you pull it out without unpicking your seams and fishing around for the elastic.
Option 2 - Without Elastic Slit Facings
Step 1
Sew your fitted sheet corners using a french seam per the instructions in your booklet. Press the seams to one side.
Then fold up your fitted sheet hem 1/4" and again 3/4". If you have a serger, you may find it easier to serge around your edges, and use the serged edges as a guide for pressing 1/4" neatly.
You can also make your own pressing guide using some scrap card. Simply draw a line 1/4" and 3/4" from one of the long edges of the card. Then fold your fabric around the card, and press.
Step 2
On the wrong side of your fabric mark 14" from your french seams on each side.
Step 3
Top stitch your folded hem down close to the folded edge, when you approach one of your marks near your french seam, stop 1.5" from it, backtack and cut the thread. Resuming sewing your hem 1.5" after the marking. Repeat each time you come up to one of these marks, remembering to backtack at the start and end of your sewing.
These gaps will be where we thread our elastic through later.
Tip: If you have an overcast, edgestitch or quilters 'stitch in the ditch' foot, these can make topstitching clean and neat.
Step 4
Thread the elastic through one of the openings, securing the end with a safety pin. Using a safety pin can also help thread your elastic through the casing easier.
Try your fitted sheet corner on your bed. Adjust the amount of elastic you'd like in your casing, and pin in place. Remove from your bed.
Step 5
Remove your elastic from the casing and cut to size, leaving about a 1/2" extra for sewing.
Then cut your other 3 elastic pieces for the other corners.
Step 10
Thread each piece of elastic through the the openings. Use safety pins to help you thread it through and to hold one end in place again.
Stitch each end to the fitted sheet through both layers of the casing using a few back and forth stitches.
Then simply sew your openings closed with a topstitch and you're done!
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