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Learning to Fold a Fitted Sheet

— by Stearns & Foster on Aug 14, 2024

Tired of fighting with sheets that just won’t fold neatly? Many people share the same frustration. Folding sheets, especially fitted ones, can be one of the trickiest household tasks. But don't worry— this guide will break down the process step by step, making it easy to keep your linens tidy.

STEP 1: Hold the fitted sheet lengthwise with the elastic edges facing you. Your hands should be placed in the two corners within the long side of the sheet.

Pro Tip: Fold your sheets right after they come out of the dryer to avoid wrinkles. 

folding a sheet step 1

STEP 2: Bring your palms together, tucking the top right corner of the sheet (A) into your hand by bringing it to the opposite side (B) and aligning the seams.

Pro Tip: Think of this as folding one sock over another.

folding a sheet step 2

STEP 3: Switch hands, putting the right one into the corner. The sheet should look like it’s folded lengthwise in half.

fold a sheet step 3

folding a sheet step 4

STEP 4: Running your free hand down the seam to gather all four corners in both hands.

fold a sheet step 5

STEP 5: Bring palms together, then tucking the corner seams so they are nested inside each other. Straighten the edges with your free hand.

folding a sheet step 6

STEP 6: Lay the fitted sheet flat with the edges facing up. Smooth out the fabric to form a neat rectangle with squared-off edges.

Pro Tip: Ironing your sheets can also make them easier to fold.

folding a sheet step 8

STEP 7: Once you have a neat rectangle, fold sheet in thirds so the corners are tucked inward to the folded sheet.

Pro Tip: If you do this on a mattress, carpet, or couch, you may not get the same sharp creases as you would on a hard surface.

folding a sheet step 9

STEP 8: Smooth the fabric as you go, then fold the bottom third up so the sheet makes a long, thin rectangle.

folding a sheet step 10

STEP 9: Keep folding the sheet into thirds widthwise from the outer edges towards the center until you have a compact square.
Pro Tip: For king size sheets, you may need to fold the long rectangle into quarters instead of thirds. To do this, fold the sheet horizontally, then fold it in half again.

folding a sheet step 11

folding a sheet step 12

Mastering the art of folding linens not only ensures an inviting, wrinkle-free bed but also enhances the overall presentation of your space. By perfecting this technique, you’ll keep your linens looking and feeling their best.

Sachs, L. (2021, March 31). How to Fold a Fitted Sheet, According to Bedding Experts. https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/organizing/a26147205/how-to-fold-a-fitted-sheet/
Cornetta, M. (2023, December 8). How to Fold a Fitted Sheet. Better Homes & Gardens.
https://www.bhg.com/how-to-fold-a-fitted-sheet-7093653
Bobinger, A. (2024, June 12). The Easiest Way to Fold a Fitted Sheet. wikiHow.
https://www.wikihow.com/Fold-a-Fitted-Sheet

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