DIY crib sheet tutorial for beginners

Making your own crib sheets is a fun, easy project, even for beginners! With so many cute fabric prints and patterns out there, you can create a unique crib sheet that adds the perfect touch to your nursery.

Homemade crib sheets not only help you save money, but they also make a thoughtful, practical gift for a baby shower. Why settle for store-bought sheets when you can make something unique and personal?

This simple tutorial will guide you through everything you need to make your own crib sheet – including the right fabric size, fabric types, and easy step-by-step instructions. Let’s dive in!

Choosing the right fabric for crib sheets

When it comes to crib sheets, cotton and cotton blends are top choices – they’re breathable, hypoallergenic, and durable. For extra warmth in winter, flannel is a cozy option.

How much fabric do you need for a crib sheet?

The standard crib mattress is 51 5/8 inches long, 27 1/4 inches wide, and usually under 6 inches thick. For this size, you’ll need 2 yards of 44-inch-wide fabric to make a fitted crib sheet that perfectly fits.

How much elastic do you need for a fitted crib sheet?

To make sure your crib sheet fits snugly but is still easy to put on and take off, you’ll need just the right amount of elastic.

For most crib sheets, 1/4-inch-wide elastic works great. You’ll typically need 60 to 70 inches of elastic for a standard crib mattress, but the exact amount can depend on the elasticity of your material and how snug you want the fit.

Look for elastic that bounces back to its original length after stretching. Since some elastics have more give than others, you may need to adjust the length slightly. It’s always smart to keep a little extra elastic on hand in case you need to make any changes!

DIY crib sheet instructions

Ready to make your own fitted crib sheet? Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide that’s perfect for beginners.

These instructions will help you create a crib sheet that fits standard U.S. crib mattresses, which are about 27–28 inches wide, 51–52 inches long, and 3–6 inches deep.

Quick tip: Pre-wash and dry your fabric to prevent shrinking later on!

Let’s get started!

Sewing supplies

• 2 yards of fabric – cotton / flannel
• approx. 60-70” of 1/4” elastic
• sewing machine
• sewing machine needle
• matching thread
• sewing pins
• safety pins
• fabric scissors
• measuring tape
• 8″ square paper pattern for cutting out corners

How to make a crib sheet tutorial

Start by cutting your fabric to 68 inches long by 44 inches wide.

Why these measurements?

A standard crib mattress is 28 inches wide by 52 inches long, so you’ll need enough fabric to cover the mattress surface plus extra for the depth and tucking under. If your crib mattress is a different size, you can adjust the measurements accordingly.

Calculate the depth for the fitted corners

To get a snug fit that stays in place, you’ll need to account for:

• Hem/elastic casing – about 1 inch
• Mattress depth – standard crib mattresses are usually around 6 inches deep or less
• Tuck-under allowance – an additional 2 to 4 inches to keep the sheet from slipping off

For a standard crib mattress, cut an 8-inch square from each corner of the fabric piece. This gives you enough depth to wrap around the mattress and tuck under securely.

Need a different size?

If you’re making a fitted sheet for a custom mattress size, here’s a simple formula for your fitted sheet depth:

• FD (fitted sheet depth) = 1 inch (hem/casing) + mattress depth (in inches) + 2 to 4 inches (tuck-under)

Using this FD measurement, cut a square from each corner of your fabric piece to match. For instance, an 8-inch square cut-out will make a crib sheet with an 8-inch depth.

Tip: If your fabric width is only 42 inches, you can still make a crib sheet! Just keep the selvages on, and if the mattress is around 3-4 inches deep, cut a 7.5-inch square from each corner. In this case, cut your fabric to 67 inches by 42 inches.

How to make a fitted sheet in any size

Want to make a fitted sheet for any mattress? Here’s how:

• Calculate your FD (fitted sheet depth) as described above.
• Create a paper template of FD x FD to use for cutting corners.
• Add 2 x FD to the length and width of your mattress size, then cut your fabric to match. Cut out a square at each corner using your FD template, and you’re ready to sew!

Step 1 – cut the fabric

For a standard crib mattress, cut your fabric to 68 inches by 44 inches.

Step 2 – cut out the corners

Next, cut a square measuring 8 inches by 8 inches from each corner of the fabric.

Your fabric should now have cut-out corners, forming a plus sign shape.

Step 3 – sew the corners using a French seam

Let’s start sewing! Pin the edges of each cut corner together with the wrong sides facing each other. You don’t need a serger here – we’ll use a French seam technique that keeps everything looking neat and professional. (Here’s how to make your crib sheet using a serger.)

• Sew each corner with a 1/4-inch or 3/8-inch seam allowance. Remember to use a backstitch at the beginning and end for extra strength.
• Trim down the seam to 1/4 inch if needed.
• Flip the fabric so the right sides are touching and the raw edges are now enclosed. Pin again if you like.
• Sew another seam along each corner, this time with a 3/8-inch seam allowance to fully enclose the raw edges.

After finishing all four corners, your crib sheet will look clean and tidy, with no visible raw edges – that’s the beauty of a French seam! It gives a polished look and keeps everything secure.

Repeat for all corners, and admire your work!

Step 4 – hem the edge of the crib sheet

To prevent fraying, hem the edge of your sheet. You can use a serger or a zig-zag stitch, but here’s an easy option: fold the edge under 3/8 inch and press it with an iron. This gives you a smooth finish that’s simple and effective.

Step 5 – make the elastic casing

Now it’s time to create a casing for the elastic, which will keep your fitted sheet snug around the mattress.

• Fold the edge under by 1/2 inch and pin it every 4-5 inches. Don’t worry, this spacing is enough!
• When you reach the corner seams, snip into the seam allowance (but not through the seamline). This lets you press each side of the seam allowance in opposite directions to reduce bulk.
• Keep all the corner seams facing the same direction – this makes threading the elastic through the casing much easier.

Next, sew the casing with a straight stitch, leaving a 1-inch opening to insert the elastic later. (Here are my top tips and tricks for sewing a straight stitch)

Step 6 – insert the elastic

Cut a piece of 1/4-inch-wide elastic that’s between 60 and 70 inches long, depending on how snug you want the fit. Attach a safety pin to each end of the elastic – this makes it easier to guide through the casing.

• Thread the elastic all the way through the casing, using the safety pins to help it slide along.
• Once you’ve threaded the elastic, overlap the ends and sew them together securely.
• Finally, close the small opening in the casing with a few stitches to keep the elastic in place.

And there you have it – a cozy, custom crib sheet made by you! Now, you can add a personal touch to your nursery or whip up a thoughtful baby shower gift that’s sure to impress. Making crib sheets is not only practical, but it’s also a fun way to experiment with different fabrics and colors. Once you see how easy it is, you won’t be able to stop at just one!

Did you enjoy this easy crib sheet tutorial? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! And if you try this project, please share a picture @icansewthis – I’d LOVE to see your beautiful creation.

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