Instructions for sewing children's sheets with elastic for cribs

A fitted sheet is a wonderful type of product that is multifunctional in terms of use. This model has several positive aspects - there is no need to straighten and iron the fabric after washing. In addition, such a sheet is suitable for any type of bed due to its unique design. You can sew a fitted sheet yourself. The stages of preparing the pattern and the sewing itself are not difficult.

Tools and preparation

An important step is to prepare the necessary tools. Additionally, it is worth taking care of preparing the workplace - a wide table or a flat surface on which the light falls correctly. You need to collect all the necessary devices. To sew a children's sheet with an elastic band, you need to prepare the following tools:

• a set of safety pins for fixing the pattern pieces;
• measuring tape and sharp scissors;
• sewing machine for creating neat stitches;
• iron for ironing parts and seams;

• chalk and a long ruler for marking the fabric;
• notebook and pen for notes;
• in some situations it is necessary to use an awl to pierce dense areas;
• pin for threading elastic;
• Sometimes an adhesive strip is used to replace safety pins.

If you have all the listed tools at hand, you can sew a baby sheet with an elastic band for a baby crib in a few hours. The product will be neat and high-quality.

Choice of fabric

Children's skin is very sensitive to irritants. As a result, a rash may appear on the surface of the arms, legs and back, which will bother the baby. Therefore, it is especially important to choose the right and safe textiles for sewing.

The following textile options are ideal for sewing this element of bed linen for a crib:

• Chintz is the best option for a growing baby. Bed linen needs to be constantly updated - sew new items. Although chintz is considered an economical option, the quality of the fabric is quite good.
• Calico has many positive properties - it practically does not wrinkle, retains an attractive appearance for a long time, and is highly wear-resistant.
• Flannel is a relevant textile option for the winter season. The fabric is soft and pleasant to the touch due to the presence of a small pile. Thanks to this texture, it warms well.

Additionally, the sheet can be decorated with decorative elements that will not interfere with the baby during sleep. It is necessary to pay attention to the belonging of the decoration to the gender of the child, if it is a girl, then you can sew on small ruffles or tassels.

Sizes and measurements

The main indicator that influences the determination of the parameters of the future product is the size and shape of the mattress. To sew bed linen with elastic, you need to take the following parameters:

• mattress width;
• length of the mattress;
• the height of the base of the base.

You can take measurements using a measuring tape. All parameters should be immediately written down in a notebook so as not to mix up or forget the data. A pattern-sketch will be created in accordance with the received parameters.

In order not to make a mistake with the correct dimensions, you need to think about the shrinkage of the material. Before cutting, the material needs to be washed, dried and ironed. A small piece of fabric, approximately 30 cm × 30 cm, is enough. Measure this piece again and determine how many cm are gone after the standard fabric care procedure. This indicator should definitely be taken into account in the process of transferring the parameters to the fabric.

Pattern

The pattern of a bed sheet with an elastic band is not difficult. You do not need to use paper to prepare the pattern, since the parameters of the product are quite large, and the shape is elementary. The main task is to correctly transfer the measurements and think through all the subsequent stages of sewing:

1. First, make markings on the fabric that will determine the length of the product. To do this, add the height of the mattress to the length + 10 cm for the allowance and the groove for the elastic;
2. then measure the width from the resulting line, consisting of the parameters: mattress width + height + 10 cm allowance;
3. it is necessary to form conditional lines that determine the actual length and width of the future product according to the mattress;
4. Draw the same symmetrical lines and markings on both mirror sides. To do this, you can fold the cut piece in half;
5. you need to cut the corners. To do this, prepare a square of cardboard, where the side of the figure = the width of the mattress. Additionally, you need to subtract about 1.5 - 2 cm for processing the seam;
6. Apply the prepared template and mark the sides with chalk. Cut out the resulting elements.

To make the pattern more neat and suitable for sewing, you need to remove excess threads from the edges. The edges can be additionally coated with glue to prevent the fabric from unraveling.

Step by step instructions

Even an inexperienced seamstress can easily understand the instructions on how to sew a fitted sheet for a baby crib. The work algorithm consists of several step-by-step stages:

1. First, overlock all the edges so that the fabric does not unravel when washed or used. This type of processing will give the work an additional finesse.
2. Step back from the edge 2.5-3 cm and turn the fabric. Iron the strip to fix this position.
3. Use a zig-zag stitch on a sewing machine to fix the position of this fold along the entire perimeter.
4. Using English needles, connect the sides of the cut squares together from the wrong side. You don’t need to grab a lot – 1–1.5 cm is enough.
5. Machine stitch the squares together using a linen stitch or a zig-zag stitch. Remove the safety pins.
6. Pin the pin to the elastic band and use it to pull the flexible material through the formed “tunnel” along the edge of the product.
7. When the elastic comes out on the opposite side from the beginning of the drawstring, the pin must be removed and the ends of the element must be tied or sewn together.

This type of sewing is not difficult, but it is worth paying attention to some nuances. When sewing the sides of the squares, do not sew up the already formed channels for the elastic. It is better to sew this part manually with a blind stitch when the elastic is already completely fixed.

Key Features

Little things form a complete image, so it is especially important to take into account every detail. In order not to spoil the product with some minor flaws from the very beginning, it is worth paying attention to the little things at each stage of selection and work:

• Particular attention should be paid to the fabric. The composition of the textile should be as natural as possible. The texture and structure should be soft and pleasant to the touch. The paint should not fade during washing. Usually, the quality of the fabric can be determined by the price - the more expensive the item, the better the product.
• The main point is that the fabric should be easy to clean from dirt by washing. The fabric should be perfectly smoothed, since this procedure will be carried out constantly, and folds can leave marks on the baby's delicate skin.
• It is necessary to select threads in the tone of the fabric. It is desirable that this material differs in color from the textile by ± 3 tones. If this is not taken into account, the treatment will not look very harmonious against the background of the fabric base.
• It is necessary to take into account the design features of the bed. You can choose the right shape of the mattress, for example, round, but not take into account any fasteners on the bases of the furniture.
• Color also matters. It is advisable not to choose fabrics that are too bright or have a complex print. Such bright colors can affect the baby's morale and mood.

During the work process, other nuances may arise that will have to be resolved as you go. It is almost impossible to think through all the moves and points.

There are no difficulties when making a fitted sheet. You just need to choose the right material, fittings, make the right pattern of the material and sew it. You don't need to have any special skills to do this. The main thing is that the child feels comfortable and cozy while sleeping on the sheet.