There are two things you need to know in order to fold your freshly laundered bedsheets into happy little packages waiting to be opened next time you change the sheets.
1. You need adequate space. A big clean bed is great, the floor or kitchen table will work too if they are clean.
2. It doesn't have to be perfect. Flawless is for people who have all day to spend folding sheets. Pretty is good enough for the rest of us.
I'm going to show you 4 different methods, but the difference is in how you fold the pillow case. So either way, you'll need to start at step one.
Step One: Fold the fitted sheet in half, wrong sides together. Tuck the elastic corners inside each other.
Step two: Fold it in half again, tucking the elastic corners inside each other once more. Lay out on bed or table and smooth into a nice square or rectangle (depending on the size of your sheet).
Step 3: Fold fitted sheet into thirds lengthwise.
For large sheet sets you may want to fold it into fourths instead. If so, fold the top quarter down and the bottom quarter up and then in half so that there are no exposed edges.
Step 4: Now fold in thirds the other way.
Step 6: Fold your flat sheet to be the same size as your fitted sheet. Stack together.
Step 7: Fold your pillowcase.
Method 1: Place the sheets inside the pillowcase and fold the excess pillow case under.
Method 2: Fold the pillowcase in thirds lengthwise and then wrap across the stacked sheets.
Method 3: Simply fold the pillowcase and place on top of the sheets
Method 4: Fold the pillowcase lengthwise to make it the same width as your folded sheets. Wrap around both sheets creating a nice smooth front to display in your linen closet.
The second method is my favorite. My Daughter says it looks like a little present for her bed!
Which is your favorite way to fold a sheet set?
pssst... Swing by the Tutorials & Tips Tuesday Link Party
at Home Stories AtoZ for more fabulous tips and tutorials!
I am so impressed to see this post! AND, ironically, I just rolled up a fitted sheet into a messy heap just last night. I was cursing the heavens on HOW do I do this!? Genius! Thanks :)
ReplyDeletehttp://shelivesonless.blogspot.com
I fold the fitted sheet the same I fold the flat sheet in half and then fold it enough so it is the same width as the already folded fitted sheet you'll have the "half length" lay the fitted sheet on the flat sheet and fold the 2 together, fold the pillow cases in half length wise, fold in half then into forth lay/place the folded fitted sheet on the folded all together into a single package that stack nicely on the shelf etc and its all together when your ready to use it, saves space and you have a nice neat smooth sheets and pillow case.
DeleteWilma, this sounds like a trick they used with hospital linens. As a new nurse I was taught to save steps and energy in changing the bed by doing everything on one side, first. Time matters when the patient may not be up to getting out of bed, or having to turn them to change when still in the bed.
DeleteI never took the time to see exactly how the linens were folded, but they had folded and creased them in a way to be able to find the center both lengthwise and width. Made it go much quicker!
This is great! I typically just get so frustrated I crumple it up in a ball and toss it in the linen closet...then get mad when I take it out and it's all wrinkled. Ha. Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteSo needed this tip! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLove this post. Nothing worse than seeing bunched up sheets in the linen closet. I have to agree with your daughter. I like the second one too. It just looks so nice and tidy.
ReplyDeleteSo, did you just wrap it around the stacked sheets and that's it? How does it stay that way?
Oh my did I ever need this tutorial - this has been a frustration of mine for years!
ReplyDeleteI just (attempted) to fold a fitted sheet last night! Thanks for the tip... Now I can't wait to re-fold my fitted sheet. :)
ReplyDeleteI fold the pillowcases together and put them between the folded top and bottom sheets. It's quicker than the method above, and I always know where the pillowcases are!
ReplyDeleteIn the distant corners of my memory, I remember someone teaching me to tuck the elastic corners of the fitted sheet into each other. But I never learned the rest of it. That looks great! My top sheet is never the same size; and usually I just fold the pillow cases and stack on top. Next time, I will probably use the first method. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLOVE IT! I have troubles with folding bedsheets too. Thanks!
ReplyDelete:-)
Thanks for sharing your how to fold sheets ideas. Sweet! I also saw a neat You Tube video one time on how to fold a t-shirt to make a stack of nicely arranged shirts with the front on top. Google something like how to fold a t-shirt and it's great, too.
ReplyDeleteI just found your blog off pinterest! I love it! I just went through all of your 31 organizing days :)
ReplyDeleteXo
Samantha
Betterblondesam.blogspot.com
I just found your blog off pinterest! I love it! I just went through all of your 31 organizing days :)
ReplyDeleteXo
Samantha
Betterblondesam.blogspot.com
The 2nd one is also my favorite :) I have a 10 months old and I'm trying to organize my space better before I go back to work, I'm reading all 31 days now! Motivation is hi, just hope it will show around me soon...
ReplyDeleteI roll all my sheets (fitted and flat)and pillow cases as tightly as possible (saw this done with towels on a cruise) but always had problems with them unrolling in the cabinet. UNTIL I discovered that rubber bands around the roll did the trick. For the pillow cases, you can roll them in pairs or individually. I roll all my towels like this too. Fold the towel (or sheet) in half lengthwise and half again. Then start rolling the non folded ends. Once you complete your roll, you will have no ends showing. Secure with a rubber band. I also fold my unmentionables that way too. Yes, there are lots of rubber bands, but I put them on the door handles until I fold laundry again.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea!
DeleteI learn a long time ago from my mom how to do this. She worked at a laundry place and they had a great way to fold sheets. They come out smooth and even. I them put the different sizes on their own shelf.
DeleteMy Nana showed me the art of rolling, she always rolled all the contents of her suitcase when travelling,less creases & more will fit in.
DeleteHow do you keep the sheets organized. I go to the closet for a set and I can't remember which ones fir which bed?
ReplyDeleteWe stack ours on separate shelves: full on the top shelf, queen next, then king. The king get used the most, so I have those where I can reach them. (The full and queen are guest beds.)
DeleteIf your closet is small, you could stack them across a shelf in order of size. You could also make little labels for the shelves. I bet you could find some cute printables. :)
my extra set is stored in the bedroom closet they are for,and then you don't have to look for them, but I slip the folded sheets and one pillow case inside the second pillow case, fold the extra over and place on the shelf then all is contained.
DeleteJust another idea: We don't have a linen closet so I just got some underbed storage boxes and put the sheets/pillowcases in each one and store under the appropriate bed. Makes changing the sheets completely brainless.
DeleteI use method 3, but really like method 2! But honestly...there's only one bed in the house here, so usually I just wash and put them back on the bed even though I have a ton of sheets! Guess I'm a little lazy!?
ReplyDeleteI would have to say, the wrapped one. Looks like a present!
ReplyDeleteI used to fold my emsembles with the top sheet doing your fourth option there, with pillow cases and fitted inside.
I always fold the fitted sheets right sides together so that when you go to put it on the bed you can just slip one end over the bed then pull the other one down and it's on-instead of unfolding the entire sheet and figuring out which corner goes where I do this with the foot of the bed to the top of the bed. Otherwise I use this method and then stuff in some unused corner of our closet until I can come up with a better solution. :) Thanks for the tips and reminders!
ReplyDeleteI will be using "the little present for the bed" It will make me feel more like changing the sheets. That is the worst feeling to climb into bed and then remember you need to change the sheet.
ReplyDeleteI know I'm a bit late but I found your site doing a google search for information on Clutter. I love this blog! I've subscribed to receive your content.
ReplyDeleteI've never considered folding sheets any other way and so far I think I want to try methods 1 and 2. Thanks for sharing such great information. I'm going to read a ton of your other posts now :-)
Please stop by my blog if you get a moment. It's all about Special Needs Moms - which you may not be one of but it would nice if you could come by if just to say hello and let me know you saw this comment on an old post!
I grew up before Permanent press. When you had to iron sheets every time you washed them. I am 57. It is amazing to me after looking over this website what you dear ladies have NOT been taught.
ReplyDeleteAll the sheet and towel folding I learned at age ten.
There is also special folding for dining room linens. Seems like people don't like to set a pretty table these days, even though it's easier.
Or is it that you have not been taught??
Simply have not been taught.
DeleteI totally agree! Most women these days have not been taught! Im a bit ashamed at most of these replies...shows that my generation has no clue how to keep a clean organized home! Im 34 and i know how to cook,sew,clean,bake,craft,etc....AND IRON! And i still have time to do my hair and makeup! BUT could be that im a latina too ;-) it comes natural for us!
DeleteOh and i work full time too!
DeleteI remember the good old days, using a wringer washer, hanging clothes outside, ironing FLAT sheets, pillow cases and much more! We didn't have fitted sheets and can't recall having assorted colors.
Delete...grew up, decided to buy the "Fitted sheets" I repeatedly tried to fold the fitted sheets. Finally I succeeded with no directions.
Fitted sheets vs Flat sheets - still prefer flat - can pull them tight & bounce a quarter.
Haven't any of you heard of Martha Stewart? She made homemaking an art for those of you who were not taught at home, and all before pinterest! She can cook, clean and entertain. (Although, she does have helpers!)
DeleteMost were probably (like myself) raised by a working mother. Sometimes the minor things like folding linens of any kind become less important than spend precious little quality time with children.
DeleteI like the first method because all the pieces of the sheet set stay together and I don't have to hunt for the pillowcases that match the sheets, I can just grab the entire package and go. My mom taught me to fold fitted sheets this way, I'd never seen anyone else do it before today!
ReplyDeleteYour's are interesting and cute but I like my method -
ReplyDeleteI fold the fitted sheet like you but stop at the first folding in thirds (or sometimes I'll take the top down half and then over again, depending on the size of the sheet - I do my king size and some queen size like this because if you do it in thirds, it is too wide). I leave it laying like that while I fold the flat sheet to fit the width of the fitted sheet - if the flat sheet is a little wider, you can adjust the fitted sheet a little to accommodate it. I lay the top sheet in the middle of the laid out fitted sheet and fold my pillow cases and put them on top of the flat sheet. Then, I take the fitted sheet and fold it up and over the flat and pillow cases and fold over again to make a nice, straight "sheet glove" as my kids call it. All of the set is together and it takes up way less space. Everyone I've taught to do this LOVES this way!
I am also trying to understand the package #2 and think it looks sooooo nice and awesome. Can you tell me how the pillowcase is wrapped over the sheet set? Is it just somehow draped over or do you tuck it in to the sheets somehow. I love your blog. I am new to the blog world and can't wait to begin my own. Thanks so much and freshly laundered sheets that are folded so neatly are my favorite :)
ReplyDeletei like your methods, but for some odd reason i have an aversion to putting the sets in/ wrapped with a pillowcase, i don't want them possibly being exposed to dust. i fold my fitted sheet and flat sheet so they're the same size, but don't fold the flat sheet lengthwise (aka last last two folds). i leave it with the decorative trim facing the bed/ folding surface, then lay the pillowcases side by side in the middle of the flat. then, you place the fitted on top the pillowcases, fold over the two side of the flat sheet, flip over, and tada! if you have a million sets of white sheets (guilty as charged), leaving the trim out helps to easily identify which set is which.
ReplyDeleteI like your idea.. as an asthma and allergy sufferer, I try to avoid dust and such on my pillowcases since they are what my head rests on.. :) I think I'll start doing mine your way.. nice and neat! Thanks.
DeleteLove this blog! Glad I stumbled upon it today. Method 2 is my favorite too! Counting down the hours till I can get home and put all these great tips into use :) Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteIt hard to describe my different way, but I'll try a brief description. You fold the fitted sheet as you did up to the point where the elastic is all laying in a big "L". Then--you pick the longest leg of the "L" and envision two lines cutting through that long "L" side so that you'll have 3 sections. One section consists of the other side with the elastic and the second side will be the side with the fold. Turn these outer sections TOWARD THE BACK. You'll be left with a long strip with a section at the top that has elastic across. Now flip the whole thing over. (Yes awkward. Feel free to flip first and fold up.) Fold the other sheet and pillowcases so that they are the size of the bottom third of this strip. Then fold the whole stack toward the top. You should end up with a nice rectangular pile. Now comes the magic. Stick you hand under the elastic on the "back side", (the side facing down)and pull that section up and over the top and down onto the other side. You will be left with a very compact self "sealing" package that won't come apart until you take it apart. I hope that is understandable. I feel so satisfied and all buttoned up when I get done.
ReplyDeleteOh my did I ever need this tutorial - this has been a frustration of mine for years!
ReplyDeleteI fold the fitted sheet & then fold the flat sheet. Then place the fitted inside the flat sheet. I place the matching pillowcases inside the sheet set.
ReplyDeleteI do this too. My grandmother howed it to me.
DeleteI learned to fold fitted sheets when I was young, too (I'm 59) but now that the sheets have elastic ALL THE WAY around, I am stumped! They don't fold up neatly anymore. Anyone have any suggestions??
ReplyDeleteI do this all the time! I love that when I need to remake a bed, I just grab a packet. No searching for all the separates!
ReplyDeleteI like your idea of folding sheets but here is another idea about sheets. I triple sheet my beds. Fitted sheet first then another sheet of a contrasting color then a thin or thick blanket and then your matching top sheet for the fitted sheet.
ReplyDeleteWhy?
DeleteProbably layered for warmth. Here in West Texas, I'm lucky if the top sheet ever touches my body...lol!
DeleteFound this on pinterest and what a find! My mom taught me how to fold fitted sheets when i was young, but folding the pillow case around the sheets makes them look so clean! I wanted to add that we always folded the sheets lengthwise and then across so that you complete all folds in one direction before you fold in the next direction. I've found this keeps them from getting tangled when i pull out a fresh set, especially our flannels. Happy sheet folding!
ReplyDeleteNot going to lie, I've gotten in the habit of keeping those little drawstring bags some sheet sets come in-- after they're clean, just fold them, stick them back in the bag, and tie the bag shut! =)
ReplyDeleteI will have to try this next time I launder sheets. My usual method is trying to fold the fitted sheet into a neat package, getting frustrated and wadding it up, then start drinking. I hate folding those things.
ReplyDelete
Deletelol and after that - who cares if the bed even has any sheets! I like the way you think. =)
omg that's the funniest thing I've ever heard! My comment to this pin on Pinterest was "Are you telling me that getting frustrated, rolling it into a ball, then smashing it down flat on the linen closet shelf to make it look like it's been folded nicely isn't the proper way?? All these years . . . . . . . !" I should have just summed it up like you did by adding liquor to the whole mess!
Deleteamazing tips thank you
ReplyDeleteI am 67 years young, and learned to fold my sheets this way as a young housewife. I am constantly amazed at how many people don't know this simple trick! Showed my married granddaughter and her hubby and they were impressed.....never hurts to look good to the ones we love :). You are a special young woman, bright and funny. Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteG'day from Australia. I have just discovered your blog and love it. I was going to write more but now I have to go and fold my new, freshly washed sheets!
ReplyDeletejust the fitted is always the hardest to fold thanks
ReplyDeleteOh my, I must confess that my fitted sheets have never looked like that (blushing). Love that yours look like gifts. Maybe there is hope for me yet.
ReplyDeletethanks
Kimmie
mama to 8
one homemade and 7 adopted
I know three different ways to fold a fitted sheet, but the "next fold the flat sheet to be the same size" is the part I can never get right. But it's the part all the tutorials assume is obvious.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read all the posts but the easiest way to get a supper unwrinkled folded sheet is to smooth it with your hands as your folding. It takes a bit more time but the extra effort is worth it I do it to all my clothes when I dry everything. And I now have a new way of folding. Thanks
ReplyDeleteI fold the bed sheet or duvet cover into quarters. I then fold the matching pillow cases into quarters and place it at one end of the folded sheet. I use the quartered pillow case as the template, and fold the sheet around it vertically then horizontally to make all the finished items the same size.
ReplyDeleteI saw this on Martha Stewart a long time ago....isn't it funny how these little make us soooo happy?LOL
ReplyDeleteThank you!!! I was so happy after trying your method, will not be going back to that mess I used to cal a fold :)
ReplyDeleteI'm happy to hear someone else is a little OCD with their sheet folding like I am! ;-) I learned the fitted sheet fold method and making my bed with "hospital corners" when I was 6 or so from my Mother and still enjoy how lovely a bedroom looks with a well-made bed. Your blog let me relive that memory. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteYou need to iron sheets , no matter how much you fold neatly it still looks wrinkly. I have tried everything and nothing works like ironing them.
ReplyDeleteThank you!!
ReplyDeleteSuch a simple post - yet so helpful! Thanks!
ReplyDeletesomething i needed...thanks for posting!
ReplyDeleteI do some of what you show but change it when you put everything into a pillow case. Do the 1/3 with fitted sheet then fold the top sheet into fourths, fold the pc's into 3rds, length-wise and then in half & in half again. Put the folded pcs on top of the folded fitted, put the whole stack inside the folded top. I only have one package to pull out of the linen closet. I fold these as meticulously as I can so the folds are straight; it makes it easier to make the bed. Also making it easier is buying only striped sheets. I am slowly changing over to all stripes. THAT is why there are so many on the market!
ReplyDeletei love the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd ways, they keep the sheets so organized!
ReplyDeleteI have been attempting to imitate my mother's perfect fitted sheet folding for YEARS, but have never mastered it...until NOW! I used your tutorial when folding sheets this weekend and was SO proud of the outcome. Thank you for this perfect tutorial!
ReplyDeleteMine definitely did not look as good as your but definitely an improvement of what I was doing before :) Thanks for the tip!
ReplyDeleteI have the fitted sheets that have elastic alllll the way around the edges. A laundry woman even attempted to show me how to fold them and just couldn't do it! :( I just roll them in a ball and throw them in a cabinet! ha
ReplyDeleteMy aunt showed me how to do this when I was 14 so glad she did
ReplyDeleteWhat if you put the sheets in the pillow case and folded the remaining pillow case neatly around??
ReplyDeleteI beat mine into submission. I fold and tuck here and there until it resembles a folded sheet!
ReplyDeleteI've been folding my sheets like this for years and it does make for a tidy linen closet. I lay my pillow cases on top of the fitted sheet after they are folded and then "wrap" that with the top sheet so they are all together.
ReplyDeleteLove this! Only prob, I have some microfleece sheets (SUPER comfy!!) that get so thick and lumpy no matter what I do....
ReplyDeleteJust tried this with my king sheets. They look so neat in the closet. Thank You,
ReplyDeleteJust tried this with my king sheets. They look so neat in the closet. Thank You,
ReplyDeleteI have to say this is awesome!! I pinned this a while back knowing I so needed this. Two nights ago my daughter was trying to find sheets that fit her bed. After an hour we finally found matching sheets. I took every sheet out of my linen closet. Today I knew I had to find this and get started!!
ReplyDeleteI also learned to fold sheet this way at an early age. My kids say I am the only person that can fold a set of sheets and fit them into the same package they came from. After I fold them I put the set into one pillow case but not all the way to the bottom, then fold in half side to side, then bring top to bottom and hang from a pants hanger. The pants hangers are the kind that have a bar at the bottom. Then hang sheets in closet of room the set goes in.
ReplyDeleteI hate folding sheets (especially the dreaded fitted sheet), but am excited to try this! I like the way fold #2 looks... like you would see in a hotel! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI hate folding sheets (especially the dreaded fitted sheet), but am excited to try this! I like the way fold #2 looks... like you would see in a hotel! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI must be stupid. I can't figure this out. How the heck do you keep it square? I have no issues with folding fitted sheets, honestly, I just wanted things to be more organized, but this is super frustrating. Is there something I'm missing?
ReplyDeletethis is amazing!!! i jsut read all your 31-ways until this one and still few more to go =D
ReplyDeletei only wish there was a "pin it" button for me to pin onto my board!!
Thank you so much for sharing!
Isn't there a "pin it" button on the top of your task bar? Or you may be able to find this blog already pinned if you search the blog name or the authors name.
DeleteI don't get it. Why is it so difficult for people to fold a fitted sheet? I've been using a variation of this method for 40 years and no-one ever had to show me how...
ReplyDeleteI didn't know this method of sheet folding either. I LOVE it! My linen closet is now organized and so pretty!
ReplyDeleteMaybe I'm dumb, but I don't understand what you mean by tuck the elastic corners into each other. From the picture, I don't see any corners tucked anywhere. And when you say fold the sheet in half wrong sides together, does that means the elastic corners facing out and away from each other? Fitted sheets are the bane of my existence. :)
ReplyDeletemy fitted sheet never look that neat .I just dont know how to get them folded nice and at 78 years old dont think i can learn now.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this! I needed it and it was perfect!
ReplyDeleteAH I love it! thank you for sharing
ReplyDeleteha just did it and they actually fit in the little bin under my bed!!!!
ReplyDeleteNice! I like to fold the sheets and then stick them inside the pillow case. Keeps everything together. : )
ReplyDeleteThe fitted sheets you buy today have the elastic all the way around. There is no possible way to fold the sheet nicely. I would like to have a talk with who ever came up with that idea. The older sheets had elastic top and bottom, they were easy to fold neatly and no wrinkles and smooth folds.
ReplyDeleteI have always folded and tucked my sheets and extra pillow cases into a single pillow case. I call them my pillow packs...just makes sense to me :)
ReplyDeletegreat idea hope i can do it
ReplyDeleteMy roommate in college taught me this method. It was the most useful thing I learned in college. I've used it for 40 years. I put the folded fitted sheet inside the folder flat sheet. Then put the folded pillow cases in the center of the sheets.
ReplyDeleteI found this post on Pinterest, and I'm so glad I did! I don't say this about pins often, but this seriously changed my life. After years of trying to find the "least worst" way to fold my sheets, I have finally found a wonderful way to organize my linen closet! Thank you so very much for your wonderful, easy-to-follow directions!
ReplyDeleteDoesn't anyone just wash and dry the sheets and put them right back on the bed - no folding required.
ReplyDeleteYay! Thank you so much for this post. No one taught me to fold fitted sheets and wasn't ever able to figure it out so they usually ended up in a wadded up ball in the closet. Yay for neatly folded sheets! This made my day!
ReplyDeleteI started using method #2 a couple of months ago because I did not like the put them in the pillowcase method I had been using...It didn't feel as neat and organized to me. I love the look of the sheets in the closet and they stay neater, as well! Thanks for the great tip!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for posting this! I found it on Pinterest and blogged about it here: http://heatherishis.blogspot.com/2013/03/organizing-linens.html
ReplyDeleteFinally! Someone teaches me how to do it!!!
ReplyDeleteI love to fold it in the first demo! Just simple without the fuzz.
ReplyDeleteRose
Just a suggestion, don't know if anyone else has thought of it but if you fold the sheets with the right sides together instead of the wrong sides together you can start putting the sheet on as you unfold it instead of having to open and turn it first.
ReplyDelete... my sheets have the elastic all the way around, so it makes it a bit more tricky, but it can still be folded nicely. :) Thanks! :)
ReplyDeletei agree with your daughter! :o)
ReplyDeleteMethod 4 is my favorite. I will go with your daughter too~ its pretty!
ReplyDeleteThis is great stuff. I usually end up folding sheets by myself and always struggle with the fitted sheet.
ReplyDeleteLove this! I've been meaning to try this for months! I just folded all of our sheet sets into the present form :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for showing how to fold a fitted sheet I have always struggled with it
ReplyDeleteOption 2 is my favorite, however I have to use option 1 because I keep the sheets in my hope chest as we don't have a linen closet. By putting the sheets in the pillow case they all stay together better.
ReplyDeleteI do Method #3, but I put my pillowcases in between my folded sheets.
ReplyDeleteI did a combination of Methods 1 & 2 :)
ReplyDeleteLove this. I have been struggling for years
ReplyDeleteI combined method 2 & 4 and it looks GREAT! Thanks so much!
ReplyDeleteJust fold everything an put inside the last pillowcase
ReplyDelete