How to Fold Fitted Sheets: A Step-By-Step Guide

Did you know that fitted sheets have been around since 1959? Their inventor, Bertha Berman, wanted to find an easy and convenient way to protect her mattress and flat sheets didn’t quite cut it because they would slip and get messy during the night.

Her solution was to equip the sheet with specifically sewn corners that would fit it right on the mattress. After that, people started experimenting with elastic gadgets to keep their sheets in place until 1993 when Gisele Jubinville patented her deep pocket design.

Now, it seems, we have figured out the ideal recipe for a fitted sheet and you can purchase one in almost any textiles or home decor store. But one question still remains — how the heck do you fold this thing?!

Fitted sheet folding is the culprit of debate and frustration in many households around the world. To be fair, we’ve had some bad experiences with it as well and sometimes we still let it rest rolled up in a giant ball rather than taking the time to fold it neatly.

But we can assure you one thing — folding a fitted sheet really isn’t that hard once you know the steps. And it barely takes seconds once you master it.

Below you'll find a step-by-step guide with instructions on how to fold a fitted sheet and not go crazy in the process:

The main thing you need to remember before starting to fold a fitted sheet is to focus on the corners and ignore the outside edges. You’ll also need a flat surface of some kind so be ready for that too.

1. Place your hands inside two adjacent corners, invert them, and pull them arm’s length apart.
2. Bring your right hand to meet your left hand and fold the right corner over the one in your left hand.
3. Switch hands for easier handling. Place your right hand inside the two corners folded onto each other. Then move your left hand down the edge until you locate a third corner.
4. Place your left hand inside the third corner and repeat steps 1 and 2 folding the right hand corner onto the left.
5. Lay the folded sheet on a flat surface elastic band facing up. You should have a nice curve formed. Fold the sheet into a rectangle.

Voila! You should have a neat little rectangle that'll save space in your linens drawer and will keep your sheet from excessive wrinkling.