Have you ever tried to put on a fitted sheet alone? Wrestling a fitted sheet is as frustrating as wrestling an octopus made of elastic. When you think you’ve finally figured out one corner, you realize the other three pop off like they’re personally upset with you. I used to hate changing my bedding because of this struggle until I discovered a super easy method to help put on a fitted bed sheet. This technique takes less than 60 seconds, reduces my frustration, and makes my bed appear as clean and tidy as a hotel bed. If you’re sick of sweating through the process of sheet struggles, I’m happy to assist you.
How Fitted Sheets Are Deceptive Evil (and How This Technique Can Help)
Fitted sheets may appear to be relatively simple; however, once you begin attempting to determine how to properly fit the fitted sheet, a complete and utter nightmare ensues. Regardless of whether the sheet appears to be the correct size, the corners always appear to be the incorrect size. The sheet will feel too small until it magically feels larger. Figuring out which side is “up” and which side is the “long” side of the sheet can become a guess each time you attempt to put on a fitted sheet.
What causes it to be such a difficult task? The solution lies in tension and direction. Not only does the method I’ll describe below create ease of use for the fitted sheet, but it also addresses the two most common problems with using a fitted sheet: determining which corners to attach the sheet to first and maintaining the placement of the sheet. At long last, a fitted sheet trick that truly works!
The Easy Method: Begin by Attaching the Top Corners First
When I began attaching the top corners of the fitted bed sheet prior to attaching the remaining portions of the fitted bed sheet, I no longer wrestled with the sheet.
Step 1 – Determine Which Side Is the Top Side and Position the Sheet
Begin by identifying which side of the sheet is the top side. Most fitted sheets have a label or seam located in one of the corners of the sheet – typically the lower right-hand corner. If there’s no label or seam present, lay the sheet flat and observe the dimensions. The shortest side of the sheet will run horizontally across the bed from the headboard to the footboard (width of the bed), and the longest side will run vertically from the footboard to the headboard (length of the bed). This provides a reference point for orienting the sheet.
Step 2 – Attach the Top Two Corners
Now, position yourself at the headboard of the bed and attach the first corner of the fitted bed sheet to the upper left corner of the mattress. Next, stretch the second corner of the sheet to the upper right corner of the mattress. Stretch the elastic of the sheet around the edge of the mattress. At this stage you’re setting the orientation and securing the sheet in place.
Step 3 – Pull Diagonally and Attach the Bottom Corners
Next, proceed to one of the bottom corners (I prefer to start with the lower left corner). Take hold of that loose sheet corner and pull it diagonally across the mattress. This creates tension and stretches the material of the sheet evenly, making it much simpler to attach the remainder of the sheet to the mattress. Repeat the same procedure with the final bottom corner. Upon completion of the four corners, the sheet should resemble as if it was vacuum sealed onto the mattress.
Step 4 – Perform a Quick Tension Check
Run your fingers along the elastic edges of the sheet to verify that the entire sheet is properly positioned and centered. If the sheet appears unevenly positioned, simply raise the sheet and reposition it. The sheet should be sufficiently tight, but not overly tight. Also, it should not be too loose.
Additional Tips to Prevent Fitted Sheet from Sliding
Use your knee to slightly elevate the mattress as you insert the sheet corners. This allows you to maintain better control over the sheet as you insert the corners.
Complete the process in a clockwise manner to prevent undoing what you’ve already accomplished.
If the sheet continues to slide, check the depth of the pocket of the fitted bed sheet. A fitted bed sheet will not function well with a shallow pocket on a deep mattress.
Tuck the corners of the fitted bed sheet deeper into the mattress pocket if you have a memory foam mattress. Memory foam compresses and alters the tension of the sheet.
Consider using sheet straps or suspenders to keep the sheet in place if the sheet seems to be excessively slippery or the mattress is particularly high.
Using these minor adjustments will greatly enhance your experience when using your fitted bed sheet.
So, the trick for fitting a fitted bed sheet is: attach the two top corners, then pull diagonally to attach the bottom corners. The key to success lies in positioning the sheet so that the elastic of the sheet is stretched in the proper direction. Follow these steps several times and they will eventually become second nature.
Believe me, the simple method of attaching a fitted bed sheet is not only going to save you time, but it will save you your sanity.
