2 of 6

Write now Article Tools

I have decorated my house over the years by buying printed sheets of my choice and making the entire bedroom linens from them. They are in the right sizes so there is less waste of fabric and are much easier to work with. Two sheets in coordinating fabric make an excellent duvet cover and can be shortened to fit the existing duvet in length and in width. Sew the end and sides up with right sides inward with large hem still intact at top or use at bottom. Sew buttonholes by hand or on machine and attach buttons all along the hemline for opening.

Use pillowcases the same way for shams by using buttons and buttonholes. However they can be used as pillowcases to match your bed and make extra shams from the fitted sheet if one comes with the flat sheet. Use the extra fabric from the flat sheets or fitted sheet to make a ruffle around the pillow shams and leave an envelope type opening in the back of shams.

One King size sheet will make a pair of rod-pocket curtains to match and enough left over for a valance. I also make the dust ruffle from a sheet by using a solid color fabric to fit the mattress and then cutting the flat sheet in strips gathering it or pleating it to fit around the entire top. Always leave extra fullness or slits on corners of dust ruffle to fit nicely around the bed railings. I have used any extra fabric for dresser scarves, chair slipcovers, throw pillows etc. to make a completely coordinated bedroom. You can extend the coordination out by doing an adjacent bathroom the same way. Of course fabric by the yard is wonderful as well but will require a bit more sewing and possibly more expensive. The fabric by the yard will have to have seams on each side of the duvet cover to make the cover big enough and will look much better than sewing down the middle of the cover.

Learn more about this author, Mary E. Preece.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about How to make a duvet cover?
We want to hear your view. Write now!