Four Easy Step By Step Guides On How To Fold Fitted Sheets

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Fold a Fitted Sheet

Wrinkled sheets can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to change your bedding with freshly laundered linen. A fitted sheet deserves proper folding so it lays flat in your linen cupboard and is ready to be spread smoothly on your bed. If this sounds like your dream, follow the steps below.

How to Fold a Fitted Sheet – Step 1

Stand up and hold the sheet by two adjacent corners on one of the shorter edges. With the sheet inside out, place one hand in each of the corners.

Step 2

Bring your right hand towards your left, folding the corner in your right hand over the one in your left, so it envelopes it. Reach down and grab the corner hanging at the front, bring it up, and fold it over the two corners now in your left hand. This new corner should also be inside out.

Step 3

Bring up the final corner and fold it over the others, with the right side of the sheet now showing. At this point, you should have enveloped all three previous corners.

Step 4

Fold the edges inwards to hide the elastic.

Step 5

Now fold the sheet into a neat rectangular shape and keep folding until it reaches your desired size. Store it in your cupboard for later use.

An Alternative Method: Folding a Fitted Sheet Set

If the first method doesn’t quite work for you, here’s another step-by-step technique to try. There are several approaches out there, so feel free to test which suits you best.

Step 1 – Lay the Sheet Out

This is a crucial first step. Lay your sheet flat on a surface so you can identify the crinkled edges. Remember: there are four seams in a fitted sheet – one at each corner. These seams will help guide your folds.

Step 2 – Match Bottom Corners with Top

Take the two bottom corners and bring them up to meet the top corners. Align the seams neatly. You can do this lengthwise if you prefer – it’s all about what works for you.

Step 3 – Create a Long Rectangle

Now bring up the last corner and fold it over the others, with the right side facing out. All three other corners should now be inside it.

Step 4 – Fold Inwards

To finish, fold the left third of the rectangle into the middle, then fold the right third over the top. Pat each fold flat to remove any wrinkles. Now you can tuck this smooth sheet away in your cupboard.

Simple Folding Hack for Fitted Sheets

You’ve now learned two techniques, but want another hack? Here’s a third method you can try.

Folding Hack – Step 1

Place your hands inside two adjacent corners (inside out), then pull them to an arm’s length apart.

Step 2

Bring your right hand to your left and fold the right corner over the one you're holding in your left hand.

Step 3

Switch hands to make folding easier. Slide your left hand to find the third corner while your right hand holds the nested corners.

Step 4

Once you locate the third corner, repeat step two – fold the right-hand corner over the left again.

Step 5

Lay the folded sheet on a flat surface with the elastic band facing upwards. You should see a neat curve forming from all your folds. Fold it into a rectangle – and that’s it!

As with the other techniques, smooth the sheet at each step. Avoid rolling it up afterwards – even if it feels like it saves space – as that leads to more wrinkles.

The Old-School Technique: How to Fold a Fitted Sheet

Surprised there are so many ways to fold a fitted sheet? It’s not just for domestic goddesses like Martha Stewart – anyone can master this. Yes, it’s tempting to shove your sheet in a cupboard and forget about it, but you’ll only make more work for yourself later. With a bit of practice and patience, your cupboard can look neat and tidy – and your sheets will be easy to grab and use. Here's an old-school technique to consider.

Old-School Step 1

Start with a flat surface – your bed or the floor will do. Lay the sheet out, then fold one edge over to the opposite edge or corner. It doesn’t matter if you go horizontally or vertically – just not diagonally! Align the seams neatly and tuck the edges in. Smooth it out.

Step 2

Now that the edges are tucked, you’ve tackled the hardest part. Keep smoothing the corners and edges as you go. If the sheet still doesn’t lay flat, don’t worry – those bumps will settle.

Step 3

You should now have a rectangular shape. Fold the sheet in half, hiding the elastic edges. Smooth the corners again, then keep folding until you end up with a neat bundle. You might not get it perfect first time – but that’s OK. You’ll get there.

Step 4 – Pro Tip

Still struggling? Here’s a cheat: fold the sheet however you can, then pop it inside a pillowcase. It’ll take up less space and your cupboard will still look organised. Just remember – you’ll still have to deal with wrinkles later!

Final Thoughts

Who knew folding fitted sheets could be so daunting? But since they play a key role in protecting your mattress, they deserve a little love and care – especially after a wash and spin in the dryer. The scent of fresh linen (that’s also wrinkle-free) can even help you drift off more easily at night.

Just imagine pulling out your sheet and finding it crumpled and creased. Nightmare!

Thankfully, that nightmare is over – you now have three techniques to try. They might take a few attempts, but you’ll soon master them. Smooth each fold as you go and focus on tucking those pesky elastic edges neatly away. You’ll be amazed how satisfying it is to see a perfectly folded sheet.

Now go forth and conquer your linen cupboard!