A simple seven-step method for a neat linen closet
From elastic-edged sheet to a compact square: the last folds at a glance.
Hi, I’m Kathrine. I am a housewife for 7 years and had a great deal of pain in the laundry routine. Every time I did a load of sheets with elastic corner ones would tie themselves in a knot and out would come a messy ball. After trying out many different techniques I finally came upon what works for me. Today I will share my story and show you how to fold a fitted sheet in a neat fashion without you also ending up frustrated.
How do we fold fitted sheets?
A flat sheet has four straight edges. A fitted sheet has rounded pocket layers and elastic that pulls the fabric in. If you fold the fabric before working the corners, each layer goes in a different direction. This is the reason the sheet twists, slips, and ends up as a lumpy bundle.
The useful rule is simple: First the corners, then the pockets that give the design its structure by stacking them and then making the final folds.
What You Need
• One clean, dry fitted sheet
· A surface for a bed, dining table, or better yet a clean one.
· First time around it is about five minutes and with practice it takes less.
Do not put up wet sheets. Moist may develop an old smell during storage, also at this stage deep creases form more fully. If your sheets come out of the dryer wrinkled, before iron folding will help with those creases.
Know the Two Sides
Before beginning, turn your attention to the inside and outside of what you are working with. The outside which is smooth is the side you sleep on. The inside which tends to show the corner layer in greater detail is the opposite. Start with it inside out which will put the corner pockets over your hands like little hoods.
How to Fold a Fitted Sheet in 7 Steps
First perform the initial four steps which is the corner work. Do them in a standing position. Then once that is done bring the sheet over to your bed or table for the final touch in terms of shaping and folding.
Corner sequence: hold, tuck, add the third corner, then stack all four pockets.
Turn the sheet inside out: Hold it out flat with the elastic edge at your face. The corner layer should stand out. Place one hand in each corner pocket along the same short side. At the bottom of the pocket at their deepest point, hold it, also do not just use the elastic.
Bring your right hand to your left. I am flipping the right corner over the left corner which is also the two layers to be put together. Also keep both pockets in one hand.
Add the third corner: Trace the elastic edge to the next loose corner. Pull it out and fold it over the pair you already have.
Add the fourth corner: Find the last open space for a pocket and put it on that. At this point all four corner seams should be the same.
Lay the sheet flat: Place the item on the bed or table. Stretch out the long sides and fold in the curved elastic edges until the sheet takes on a rectangular shape.
Fold the rectangle: Fold out one long side, then the other, to create a narrow strip. Then fold that strip in half or into thirds based on your shelf size.
The Easy Bed Method
If the standing method is out of the question, go with the bed method from the start. Put the sheet in reverse with the elastic edge up. Align two close corners, put one into the other, do the same with the other pair. Then bring the two pairs together. This method may take up more space but it does give you a full view of each pocket.
The Issue of Corner which Causes a Lumpy Fold
Do not put the four corners together. They should sit inside each other. Imagine four cups stacked into one cup. If the corner seams are a single unit, the elastic edge can be put inside the rectangle and your final fold will lie flat.
If Your Fold Still Looks Messy
| What went wrong | Simple fix |
| You grabbed only the elastic | Place your hands into the deepest part of each corner pocket so the seams can line up. |
| The sheet was not inside out | Turn it inside out before nesting the first two corners. |
| The corners sit side by side | Place each new pocket over the same hand so all four are nested. |
| Elastic shows on the outside | Fold the curved edges inward before making the final rectangle. |
| The work surface is too small | Use a bed or dining table, especially for queen, king, or deep-pocket sheets. |
Large and Deep-Pocket Sheets
King-Size Sheets
A king size fitted sheet is easy to work with. Upon putting in the corners what you do is to place the folded up set at one end of the bed and as you go around the frame put out and smooth each edge. Also fold it in half lengthwise before fully putting it on so that it doesn’t drag on the floor.
Deep-Pocket Sheets
Deep pockets will hold more fabric thus the first rectangle may appear thick. Tuck in the full pocket depth and press down gently to release trapped air. Do not pull the elastic tight; stretching it out will reduce its life.
Will Folding Reduce Wrinkles?
A proper fold will do away with deep storage lines, but won’t eliminate wrinkles that formed in the dryer. Take the sheet out as soon as the cycle ends, smooth it by hand, and fold it when it is still a little warm. Do not put heavy towels on top of the folded sheet for long.
Store Each Sheet Set Together
For a neater linen closet, fold the fitted sheet, flat sheet, and one pillowcase to the same size. Put the folded items in the second pillowcase. The pillowcase acts as a soft storage bag which keeps all the pieces together. If you have more than one bed size in your home label shelves by bed size.
A Three-Step Memory Trick
• Corners together
• Elastic inside
• Rectangle into thirds
If you keep in mind those three ideas you can put the method back together again should you forget a step. The fold doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to lie flat and fit your shelf.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you quickly fold a fitted sheet in 5 minutes?
Yes. At first go slow as you are still learning that out of the corner sequence. Once you get the hang of it though mostly what you do is identify the four spots and put them in. Also note that larger surface areas will speed up the process.
Is the elastic visible after folding?
Only a little may show. For the best results insert the majority of the curved elastic edge in before the final folds. If some elastic does remain visible which is the case for a properly folded sheet, that is still ok.
Can you put the sheets away immediately after they come out of the dryer?
Yes, also light fabric is easy to smooth out. See to it that the corner pockets and elastic edges are totally dry before you put the sheet in a closed cupboard.
Is it better to roll or fold a fitted sheet?
Roll out works great for baskets and deep drawers. For open shelves try folding which allows for a better looking stack. Use what works best in your space.
A Clean Linen Closet Starts in the Corners
The best way to fold a fitted sheet is to first control its shape which in turn will make folding the fabric an easier task. Put the corners together, tuck in the elastic and what you have is a neat rectangle. Give it a try once on your bed and for the next laundry day you will thank us.