If you’re reading this, let me start by saying congratulations because today is the day you learn to fold a fitted sheet.
Yes, it’s true that folding a fitted sheet is deceptively tricky (and many of us get too frustrated to even bother with it) but I’m about to make it nice and easy for you. In fact, I’ll show you two different methods, and you pick the one that works best for you.
So say goodbye to bunched up balls of fabric, and get ready to make your linen closet look a whole lot neater!
How Do I Fold A Fitted Sheet?
Okay sleepers, let’s start by taking a look at Method One. Personally, I prefer this method as I find the folds to look a bit more clean and pristine. There is one key advantage to method two, but we’ll get to that next.
Method One
Put each hand into the pockets of the long side of the fitted sheet, with the elastic band facing you.
Grab a handful of fabric and turn the pockets inside out.
Now swap hands so you’re holding the opposite corner (not the corner you started out with).
Put your hands back in the pockets.
With each hand tucked inside a pocket, and the elastic facing you, clap your hands together one time.
Flip the right-hand corner over your left hand, so that your right hand is free.
Then swap hands under the sheet so that your right hand is supporting the pocket, and your left hand is free to travel down the elastic and find the other pocket.
Now that you’ve got your hands in both pockets again, hold your fitted sheet up in front of you, then lay it on the bed.
The elastic part of your fitted sheet should now look like an upside down U. Feel free to define that U shape more, and make the edges of the sheet a little more crisp.
Fold the sheet three times, vertically.
Flip it over and smooth out the fabric.
Fold the sheet three times, horizontally.
Smooth the fabric with your hands for a clean look.
Pat yourself on the back because YOU DID IT!
Well done! This is what your fitted sheet should look like if you’re using method one:
This is what your sheet should look like after using Method One.
Keep in mind that the overall look of your folded sheet will likely be neater if it’s fresh from the dryer and wrinkle-free. It’s also worth noting that silk and bamboo-based bedding can be a little tougher to fold, as these fabrics are a bit slippery.
Now that you’ve mastered one way to fold a fitted sheet, let’s move on to method two. This way of folding might be particularly beneficial to those looking to save on space, as the finished product is smaller and more compact as compared to method one. Let’s check it out.
Method Two
Put each hand inside a pocket of the long side of the sheet.
Turn the pockets inside out so that you can see the seams (only the top part of the sheet should be inside out).
Put your hands together.
Fold one corner over the other corner so that your left hand is supporting all the fabric, and your right hand is free.
Swap hands beneath the fabric so that your right hand is now supporting the sheet, and your left hand is free to travel down the elastic and find the other pocket.
With both hands back in the corners, you’ll notice that the sheet looks like it’s been folded in half. This means you’re halfway there!
Put your hands together again, and throw one corner over the other (just like steps 3 & 4).
Lay the sheet on the bed, and you’ll notice the elastic resembles a J shape.
Smooth the fabric, and fold the sheet horizontally three times.
Now your sheet should look like a rectangle!
Fold it twice, vertically.
Celebrate your accomplishment with a power nap, because that sheet is FOLDED!
This is what your fitted sheet should look like after using method two:
This is what your finished product should look like after using Method Two!
As I said, some may find that the folds are a bit less straight and neat, but you’ll notice that it’s considerably smaller than the product of method one. Sleepers looking to save on space might find that this way of folding is their best bet.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know how to fold a fitted sheet two different ways, you should be feeling pretty proud of yourself. And if you didn’t get it right the first few times, don’t be discouraged (it took me a week to get good at it!). Just keep practicing and you’ll be a pro in no time. Meanwhile, be sure to like and subscribe to our YouTube channel, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
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Sarah is the Senior Writer and bedding expert at Sleepopolis. Every week, she personally tests and reviews new pillows, sheet sets, and other sleep accessories. She accompanies every video review with a meticulously detailed article to ensure her audience has all the pertinent info they need for the best shopping experience possible. Perhaps that’s why her fans have dubbed her “the most thorough pillow reviewer on the Internet.” Having tested everything from sleep trackers to mattress toppers, Sarah's expertise runs deep and is always expanding. She received her degree in Creative Writing from Brooklyn College and spends her free time doing stand-up, making pasta, and hanging with her cats.
