Easy Peasy Crib Sheet Tutorial

As I was getting ready to make yet another crib sheet for my sons bed I figured it was time I got this tutorial written down so I didn't have to dig out my handwritten paper notes and so others could see just how easy its made.  This tutorial will teach you how to make the perfect size sheet for your full size crib or mini crib mattress.  You could adapt this to a larger bed and find fabric large enough.  Sky's the limit.


| GATHER SUPPLIES |

Supplies
75in 1/4in braided elastic (or anything up to 1/2in if that's what you have on hand)
2yds of your favorite fabric 44in wide minimum
measuring tape, scissors, thread and a sewing machine...you can hand sew, it would take forever but whatever floats your boat.

1. Prewash fabric for shrinkage (or add an inch or 2 to measurements accommodate shrinkage)

• Today I'm using a Joann Fabric Construction truck soft and comfy fleece minky fabric. I typically like to use a prewashed cotton interlock (doodles at Joanns) Most 100% cotton fabric shrinks ALOT so prewash that stuff or you will regret it.  That's why you need to buy 2 yards.  

| MEASURING |

2. Take measurements.  You need to get the length, width and height of your mattress.  Then add them together.  When you get that number you add 5 more inches to give you enough fabric to tuck underneath the mattress and for the seam allowance for sewing in your elastic.

• length + height of mattress (x2 for each side) +5in
• width + height of mattress (x2 for each side) + 5in 

For my crib mattress the length is 52in, width is 28in and height is 5in so my calculation looks like this

• 52 + 10 (height x 2) = 62 + 5= 67in
• 28 + 10 (height x 2) = 38 + 5= 43in

| CUTTING |

3. Cutting your fabric.  Once you have your measurements its time to cut.  From my measurements I need to cut a large rectangle 67in x 43in.  If your having trouble getting it perfectly cut because the length is pretty long lay it out on the floor right side down and use a marker to draw on the backside of your fabric.  You can draw on the front too your just sketching out a drawing line and cutting right on it.  Your choice.  Don't stress too much about perfection.  It doesn't have to be exact.  Just do not cut it too short.

**Tip** When using a 100% quilting cotton or flannel it comes 44in wide so there is no need to cut length wise.  Just leave the selvedge on, it will get sewn into the casing and be underneath so there isn't any reason to worry about it.

Now that you have your large rectangle cut you need to prepare the corners.  To get that measurement you need to take the height of your mattress + 5in fabric allowance we used for tucking and elastic.  In my case that number is 10.  Minus 1in.  So I cut a 9inx9in square from each corner.

• *Tip* don't throw these away!  These squares are the perfect size for wipes to use for sticky hands, runny noses or bath time.  Just sew or serge 2 together and voila! A quick use for scrap fabric.   

| SEWING |

4.  Now its time to move over to your machine.  I'm going to use my sewing machine and serger as a combo here but you don't need to use a serger.  Its not a requirement.  I use Brother sewing machines.  Its my preference.  I use Brother 1034D serger, Brother 2340CV coverstitch and a Brother PQ1500 straight stitch industrial.

What we are going to do here is starting with each corner connect the lengths left from cutting out the square.  Sew with a 1/2in seam allowance here.  Repeat with all 4 corners.  I always use my sewing machine for getting the corners nice and neat.  You can use a serger here if its your preference.  I often run over the edges with my serger for a cleaner look.  Your corners should now look like this.

Our next step is to create the casing for our elastic.  The first thing I do is serge all the way around the edge of the fabric to prevent any fraying and its a faster way to create the casing, you could also use a zig zag stitch to create the same effect.  If your not using a serger or zig zag you will want to use a double fold technique  to create your casing (Fold once the fold over to hide the raw edge).   To keep your corner seams nice and neat serge them open.  It will help with the bulk of the fabric.

Now that the raw edge has been serged I'm going to fold it over once and sew a straight line.  I'm creating around a 1/2in to 5/8in casing.  Don't forget to leave around a 2 in opening to insert your elastic.  I'm a wild and crazy lazy seamstress so I don't take too much time on a perfect casing hemline.  I just fold and go slow.  If you want perfection you can iron first.  Your choice.

Once you have your casing created its on to the very last step!  I'm using a 3/8in today because this fabric is a little thicker and I want  a little stronger of an elastic.  You can use whatever your preferred elastic insert tools (safety pin or this handy elastic tool I have that I purchased from Joann Fabric) When your pulling it through be sure to keep the elastic from getting twisted.  Once the elastic is pulled all the way through your casing its time to sew it together.  I sew it over for around 1in.  Now you just need to close up the casing and voila!

Your perfectly imperfect crib sheet is now done!  Now just time to rip off that old, dirty store bought sheet and put that new fresh new custom one on your little one is going to love!

Drop me a line if you have any questions or to share your creation!

Sewn with love,
Regan