How to fold a fitted sheet

There’s no challenge quite like trying to fold a fitted sheet. Between wrangling the elastic lining and matching the curved corners to the right ends of the larger sizes, sometimes it’s easier to throw it in the linen cupboard and close the door. Don’t give up yet. Get on top of that messy linen cupboard and fold a fitted sheet like a professional with our easy to follow guide.

What is a fitted sheet?

A fitted sheet is a type of bed sheet with elastic around the edges, designed to fit snugly around and under the mattress. This sheet protects your mattress and provides an added layer of comfort as you sleep. You can buy fitted sheets separately or paired with a flat sheet of the same fabric, count and colour (also known as a top sheet), separating your quilt or coverlet from your body. Ideally, you should be enfolded in a sheet sandwich every night.

How to fold a fitted bed sheet: easy steps

There’s no ‘right’ way to fold a fitted sheet. Instead, it’s all about what works for you. Here are some of the easiest methods to getting a nice, neat folded sheet.

The Tuck

This method is rumoured to be the easiest, especially when learning how to fold a fitted sheet for the first time. The Tuck makes a neat and tight edges, creating a nicely folded sheet that will sit flat on your shelf: 

1. Lay the sheet down on a flat surface—like the floor or your bed—with the elastic facing up. 
2. Turn the two bottom corners inside-out and tuck them into the two top corners. Make sure you align the seams and neaten the corners to make a rectangular shape.
3. Fold your sheet in half, making sure to hide the elastic. 
4. Smooth the sheet between each fold to avoid wrinkles or bulky shapes, allowing the sheet folds to rest flat against each other. 
5. Fold your sheet again, this time into thirds to create a long rectangle. 
6. Finish off with another fold. Go into thirds again, from the left and right until you’re left with a nice, neat square.
7. Grab a pillowcase and slide the sheet inside for easy storage.

The L-Shape Method

The L-Shape Method refers to the shape you want the fitted sheet’s elastic to follow. Once you have the L shape, you know you’re on track! 

1. Hold the sheets lengthwise from the corners. 
2. Flip the sheet inside-out
3. Turn the sheet so the elastic is facing you
4. Place the right-hand corner of the sheet over the left-hand corner. Flip. 
5. Swap hands so you can reach down to hold up the equal corner. 
6. Again, fold the right corner over the left corner. Your fitted sheet elastic should now be in an L shape, and all the corner seams should now be in one hand.
7. On a flat surface, fold the messy edge inwards.
8. Fold into thirds.
9. You’re done!

The Quick Fold

This method is nice and simple, similar to the Tuck Method, and has only 5 simple steps:

1. Lay the sheet down on a flat surface—like the floor or your bed—with the elastic facing up.
2. Turn the two bottom corners inside-out and tuck them into the two top corners. Make sure you align the seams and neaten the corners to make a rectangular shape.
3. Fold into a strip by folding one side halfway in, and the other side to rest over the top.
4. Fold into a rectangle by grabbing the bottom of the strip and folding up 2-3 times.
5. You're done!

How to fold a single fitted sheet?

You can fold your single fitted sheet the same way as a double, queen or king. If anything, it will be a little easier with fewer steps! The only difference is the number of folds you have to do to get it into the square shape. You may find you only need to fold twice, instead of three times for some methods.

How do you store fitted bed sheets?

Now that you’ve wrangled them into the perfect shape, it’s time to store your fitted sheets. Storing them properly not only keeps your linen closet neat and tidy, but it also helps to keep your sheets in good condition and wrinkle-free.

• Store them in a dark, dry space with good airflow to keep moisture away from your sheets. That will reduce the risk of mould and mildew that can leave your sheets with that musty smell. 
• You can also use baskets or pillowcases to store the sets together, making them easier to find. 
• Try using scented sachets to give your sheets a subtle, yet fresh smell even after storing them for a while.

It might be a learning curve, but with a little practice, you'll be folding fitted sheets like a professional in no time! Taking a few extra minutes to fold and store your sheets correctly is an important step in making sure they last. Remember that your bed linen is an essential factor in how well you sleep, so make sure you invest in high-quality bedding that suits your individual sleep needs. Snooze has a range of sheets to suit every kind of sleeper.