How to Fold a Fitted Sheet (2024)

Updated: December 2, 2024

No matter what type of bedding you have, you likely sleep with a fitted sheet. Fitted sheets are necessary for protecting your mattress and making washing your sheets easier. But unlike a flat sheet, they can be a hassle to fold.

We’ve outlined two easy ways to fold a fitted sheet to help you keep your linen closet organized, and prevent wrinkling or damage to your bedding while it’s in storage. Both methods include an instructional video for fast, simple folding.

READ MORE: What is a flat sheet vs a fitted sheet?

 

Method 1: Flat Method

This method is best if your bed sheet material is more lightweight or difficult to handle, like linen or bamboo.

READ MORE: Which is better: linen vs cotton sheets?

1. Lay your fitted sheet on a clean, flat surface with the elastic edge facing up.
2. Reach into the sheet and smooth the sides and corners to help make folding easier.
3. Next, grab the two bottom corners of the sheet. Fold them into the centre.
4. Repeat step 3 with the top two corners, bringing them to meet the bottom two.
5. Smooth out the sides and corners as needed to keep a neat, clean shape.
6. Fold the sheet in half. You should be left with a long, rectangular shape.
7. Taking care to keep smoothing the sides, fold your sheet 2–3 times to reach your desired final size.

 

Method 2: Tuck Method

This method is easiest if you have bed sheets made with a thicker material like cotton, flannel, or microfiber.

READ MORE: Which is better: cotton vs microfiber sheets?

1.  Turn your fitted sheet inside out.
2. Lay the sheet flat on a clean surface with the elastic edge facing you.
3. Smooth the corners and edges of the sheet. This will make the following steps easier.
4. Find one of the long sides of your sheet, and reach a hand into each corner.
5. Lift the sheet up. You should be able to see the corner seams on each hand.
6. Touch your hands together, lining up the corner seams of each side.
7. Flip/tuck one corner of the sheet over the other. You should now have both corners on one hand, and the other hand should be free.
8. Use your free hand to shake and smooth out the rest of the sheet. You can switch hands if this makes the process easier.
9. Next, find the new bottom corner you’ve created with your free hand, and reach into it.
10. Lift both corners, ensure your hands are aligned on the seams, and touch your hands together again. Perform another tuck/flip of one corner over the other.
11. Shake and smooth out the sheet, and then lay it flat on your surface. The elastic should form a “J” shape.
12. Fold the square shape you’ve created in thirds, and then in half, or to your own desired size.

Editor’s Tip: If you’re looking for a quicker way to fold, you can lay your sheet on a flat surface after step 8. The elastic edge should form a “U” shape (see image below). You can fold the sheet into thirds vertically and then into thirds horizontally, or to your desired final size.

 

Even though folding a fitted sheet can seem frustrating, it doesn’t have to be. With the methods outlined above and a little practice, you’ll be able to fold your bedding easily and use it to sleep soundly for many years to come.