How to Make Waterbed Sheets
Determine the size of your mattress., Purchase a "regular" set of sheets in the correct size for your water bed.,Launder the sheets prior to any cutting or sewing to remove sizing and the "factory smell"., Refer to this sketch., , Lay the top sheet...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Determine the size of your mattress.
Here are the common sizes found in the USA, but you can use this article to make waterbed sheets in any size.
Twin Mattress
--39" wide x 75" long Twin XL Mattress
--39" wide x 80" long Full Mattress
--54" wide x 75" long Full XL Mattress
--54" wide x 80" long Queen Mattress
--60" wide x 84" long Cal-King Mattress
--72" wide x 84" long King Mattress
--76" wide x 80" long -
Step 2: Purchase a "regular" set of sheets in the correct size for your water bed.
Regular fitted sheets are the same size as "water bed" fitted sheets.
The only difference is the "tuck under" flap at each corner.,, Waterbed sheets differ from regular bed sheets in two ways. 1- They have corner tabs (red corners) to help you "tuck in" the sheet and 2- The top sheet and bottom sheet are sewn together (green line) at the foot.,,,,, You can use tailor's chalk, pins, marker, whatever works for you.,,, It will form your "tuck in" flaps later.,, Smaller than that, and they will not be as effective at "tucking in" as they need to be.
Larger than that is up to your discretion, but try not to make them any larger than you can realistically lift the mattress corner for "tuck in".,, Don't worry about tucking it in.
This is just for placement marking.,,,, Pull any elastic taut while sewing to allow for stretch when sewn.,,, Again, pull any elastic straight and taut and sew with a zig zag stitch to allow for stretch later., -
Step 3: Launder the sheets prior to any cutting or sewing to remove sizing and the "factory smell".
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Step 4: Refer to this sketch.
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Step 5: Lay the top sheet (also known as the "flat" sheet) across your water bed with the top edge aligned with the top edge of the bed.
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Step 6: Pull the sheet to one side so that only 4–6 inches (10.2–15.2 cm) are overlapping on that edge of the bed (right side in this picture).
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Step 7: Note that when you have two sides lined up nicely
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Step 8: the remaining sides (left side and bottom edge) will hang over by quite a bit
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Step 9: usually 18 inches (45.7 cm) or more.
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Step 10: Mark the amount of "hang over" you want on the left side and bottom.
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Step 11: Measure carefully and double check your markings before removing the sheet from the bed and cutting along the lines.
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Step 12: Cut the new sheet (cut off the extra along the bottom and side).
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Step 13: Set the "extra" strip aside for now.
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Step 14: Hem the cut edges of your sheet.
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Step 15: Cut the widest edge strip into sections 14 to 18 inches (35.6 to 45.7 cm) square.
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Step 16: Hem the edges of your "corner tuck in" squares.
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Step 17: Place the fitted sheet on the bed.
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Step 18: Mark each of the four corners of the sheet/mattress with tailor's chalk
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Step 19: markers or pins (careful not to poke the mattress).
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Step 20: Measure the bottom edge and mark the center point.
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Step 21: Fold the bottom edge of the flat sheet and mark the center point.
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Step 22: Sew the corner tuck in flaps to the marked corners of the fitted sheet.
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Step 23: Pin the center mark of the bottom edge of the bottom sheet to the center mark on the bottom edge of the flat sheet.
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Step 24: Pin the edges of the two sheets together for 2–3 feet (0.6–0.9 m) each direction from the center point.
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Step 25: Sew the bottom edges of the two sheets together.
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Step 26: Enjoy using your nice
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Step 27: high quality sheets at a fraction of the retail cost!
Detailed Guide
Here are the common sizes found in the USA, but you can use this article to make waterbed sheets in any size.
Twin Mattress
--39" wide x 75" long Twin XL Mattress
--39" wide x 80" long Full Mattress
--54" wide x 75" long Full XL Mattress
--54" wide x 80" long Queen Mattress
--60" wide x 84" long Cal-King Mattress
--72" wide x 84" long King Mattress
--76" wide x 80" long
Regular fitted sheets are the same size as "water bed" fitted sheets.
The only difference is the "tuck under" flap at each corner.,, Waterbed sheets differ from regular bed sheets in two ways. 1- They have corner tabs (red corners) to help you "tuck in" the sheet and 2- The top sheet and bottom sheet are sewn together (green line) at the foot.,,,,, You can use tailor's chalk, pins, marker, whatever works for you.,,, It will form your "tuck in" flaps later.,, Smaller than that, and they will not be as effective at "tucking in" as they need to be.
Larger than that is up to your discretion, but try not to make them any larger than you can realistically lift the mattress corner for "tuck in".,, Don't worry about tucking it in.
This is just for placement marking.,,,, Pull any elastic taut while sewing to allow for stretch when sewn.,,, Again, pull any elastic straight and taut and sew with a zig zag stitch to allow for stretch later.,
About the Author
William Fisher
Dedicated to helping readers learn new skills in DIY projects and beyond.
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