This is a foolproof technique for folding a fitted sheet. These instructions are for a right-handed person; just reverse them if you’re left-handed.
1. Stand holding the sheet by the two adjacent corners of one of the shorter edges. With the sheet inside out, place one hand in each of these two corners.
Step 1
2. Bring your right hand to your left, and fold the corner in your right hand over the one in your left, enveloping it. Next, reach down and pick up the corner that is hanging in front; bring it up, and fold it over the two corners in your left hand; the corner that’s showing will be inside out.
Step 2
3. Bring the last corner up, and fold it over the others; with its right side showing, it should envelop the other three corners.
Step 3
4. Lay the folded sheet on a flat surface and straighten it into the shape shown.
Step 4
5. Fold the two edges in so all the elastic is hidden.
Step 5
6. Fold the sheet into a rectangle.
Step 6
7. Continue folding until the rectangle is the size you want it to be.
Step 7
So, how did you do? Leave a comment below, or post a photo to our facebook page to show us your successful fold.
72 Comments
These instructions must be for someone who never made up bed as a child!
This is not new! My mother taught me how to do this in the early 1950s, as well as how to tuck the top sheet and blanket at the bottom of the mattress “hotel style.”
As a caregiver, my client wanted me to fold these sheets flat and smooth. Did not know how. He is dead and gone, but watching from heaven. I will tackle this job.
Thanks
I did okay. I have to practice more.
I fold my regular fitted sheets without a problem. However, with extra deep pockets it just doesn’t work as well.
Granted I am single, but I have never wasted my time folding sheets. I just roll them up and stuff them on a shelf, the wrinkles don’t effect my sleep quality.
Okay…I got lost on step one…please explain!
My mom taught me this, and told me I MUST know how before I got married. I learned, then got married and had four kids – all boys.
I’m teaching them to just shove top and bottom sheets into their pillowcase, and store them in a bin.
Five beds per week, 52 weeks a year, 25 years…think of the hours I’ve saved.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I don’t get people’s negative comments. All your doing is trying to share good free info and I thank you for it.
Tbanks~! Not everyone was taught how to do this. It is new to me.
You lost me on step 1. I have no idea what you talking about
That is a ‘skill’ that would be the equivalent of learning the best way to rearrange the deck chairs on the Titanic. I’m in no mood for trivialities I guess. Sorry. Must be the radionuclides in my coffee.
This is a very easy way of teaching a young lady
how to do this.
Thanks for sharing.
On step 5, which two corners do you fold to hide the elastic? Wouldn’t it show on the other side? I guess I’m confused. Otherwise, this is how I do it already but mine always some out kind of lumpy and not in a rectangle shape. Step 5 has always been my problem and this didn’t help.
I was in a laundry mat doing laundry in the late 1950 and watched a gentleman folding his sheets the same as you do. I started doing my the same way.
Elly
I’m with Tony & Kayla. I don’t mean to sound negative but when you put them on the mattress, they’re going to smooth out anyway(and FIT…that’s why they’re called “fitted”)…so what’s the big deal about folding them in a special way?
You lost me at step 1. I HATE FOLDING THESE SHEETS!!!!
Like Sandra Rowley, I’m outraged at these instructions, and am going around to similar sites to express my superior sense of priorities. Let’s see, perhaps I’ll move on to some DIY page and express disbelief that anyone could want to know how to install a shelf in this crazy world.
People are supposed to fold sheets?
I can’t tell you how many times my fitted sheets ended up in a knot…depending on my frustration that day, determined how tight the knot became. I personally enjoyed this non-essential lesson today. In regards to the comment section, which I also enjoyed, I can’t help but respond with a couple light-hearted comments of my own. To the guys: I admire that you tried, but it isn’t important enough to be concerned with. To the ‘know-it-alls’: maybe you would feel better if YOU were sharing your knowledge. To Kayla: I respect the decisions one has to make raising 4 boys TODAY…Good luck with your energy levels. To Sandra: “no mood for trivialities” doesn’t excuse you for not knowing you should be thankful you weren’t on the Titanic…that was no trivial thing. Watch out for those radionuclides–I understand they can influence us to be cynical. Thanks again for a bit more ‘useless knowledge’ I can share with others. Enjoy!
Not that it matters, I am a male. I do house work, laundry,cooking, and cleaning but I confess, this was not easy, perhaps you could provide a video.
Wow, some folks can be so “douchey”….I wanted to say thanks for this post, and add that folding the sheets this way, makes for more space in the linen closet than simply wadding them up and stuffing them in. I also started putting the fitted sheet, flat sheet and pillow case into the remaining pillow case when I put the set away in the closet so that I don’t have to dig around to find what I’m looking for. Another “useless” tip I found in another blog.
I worked in a hospital laundry, where I learned how to do this and folded hundreds a day.I tried to teach my kids and grandkids, guess they probably didn’t really care how to do such a task. I wash mine now and put them right back on so no need to fold any way.
I still prefer the ball method.
I have always struggled to keep sheets looking crisp. Having grown up required to iron sheets before and after folding, having tricks is always a good thing. However, today’s sheets are usually elastic’d all the way around on the bottom sheet and even this method is difficult w/ those fully elastic’d types. but thank you for the good tips.
Who needs to fold sheets? Take sheets off of the bed and launder then put the sheets back on the bed
I also learned to do this as a child, and while some people feel that it is useless to fold sheets, others do like to have their homes (including their closets) neat and organized. I am not a neat freak, but it is nice to have a linen closet that holds everything and has everything accessible.
@jeanette: thanks for that extra tip about putting sheets & p-case inside second p-case!
Step 1: Crumple fitted sheet into a ball and shove into linen closet
Done.
Thanks for this as we talk about this folding
fitted sheets all the time and I keep asking
how they do it as it isnt easy but i will try
this and am sure it will work better then what
I have been doing for such a long time.
thrilled to see this post–have struggled for a year with california king fitted sheets. not sure that one person can do a cal king sheet. both of us tackle it together, but the sheet still looks messy. please post a method for 2 people with a monster sheet. thank you!
This is funny. Someone offers a perfectly helpful way to improve on doing a simple task that may save time and frustration, and people rant against it! If you don’t want to fold sheets, or learn how, you won’t be forced to fold sheets. So, why read an article about folding sheets?
I fold sheets just so they will have a neat appearance on the shelves in my linen closet. THANK YOU, this is an appreciated article!
You tube video showing you how to fold the sheet.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHTyH2nuFAw
Thanks Lisa, for the instructions!
I am too, outraged … at the negative comments! For those who think these instructions are trivial, outrageous, useless, no big deal and a waste of time, please say “Thanks, but no thanks!” nicely and move on to another site!
Thank you! I personally think the best reason to learn how to do this is so they can be stored in your linen closet without taking up extra room and getting all wrinkled up. Glad to find this article, been searching for this info for years.
I like this and I didn’t see anything “that” bad posted here that people need to call out the negatives. /veggie face/
think they figured forenign labor so cheap that they make more $ by using less fabric an cheap labor sews in the elastic etc hate fitted with purple passion!! line dry sheets an fold as you take em down, all beautiful. make beds with hospital corners closets lovely !! think of wasted time trying to make fitted beautiful !!! ^^%$%^&**(
Just make a video, it would be easier to follow. These instructions suck.
my mom taught me how to fold them this way 40 years ago. i taught both my daughters how to do it. no one says you HAVE to fold sheets this way or any way. however the benefit of this technique is that they all fit in the closet taking up less space. there are no closet monitors out there, but really, no need to harp on folks who like to be able to put their sheets away neatly in a closet!
I think this is fabulous- can’t wait to try it. While some people do not appreciate the tip or find the importance for it in their life, I sure do. My OCD and I thank you!
These instructions brought a good memory back. This was the only domestic chore my mother ever taught me. She always had her sheets folded neatly and stacked on a shelf. Unfolded sheets take up more room (to those posters who asked why.)
For those who got lost on step 1; you need to fold the sheet in half – and half again – so that all four elastic corners are on the same corner, hopefully tucked into each other.
When you lay the sheet flat, it might help you to see the elastic corners in the upper right hand corner. Fold over the top and right-hand side edge down slightly, so that the edge is straight. The elastic will be closer to the center. At that point, you should easily be able to fold your sheet neatly.
If you think this is tough, try folding waterbed sheets!
I’ve been doing this for years. Not everyone knows how to do it, though, and it was good of you to show how. Thanks for your efforts.
What are sheets??
Thanks anyhow, but I will just continue stomping on the fitted sheet until it is flat then hide it under the other sheet!
Thank you for the instructions. I knew there was a way but never quite figured it out. My mother never taught me. Now my daughter and I can learn together. I also like that tip about putting the sheets and a pillow case inside of the last pillow case. Nice. I will give it a go tonight.
After having 3boys,1 girl husaband and myself, working 12 hour shifts as a nurse, sometimes more this is how I handled inside out socks, underwear, tee shirts,pants, shirts..washed them, and put away in each ones bins…just like you left them turned inside out,,,,saved hours of time..
Thanks for the lesson! I’ve never had a good technique for doing this, and usually end up with a lumpy mess. While it’s true that you will still be able to make your bed and go to sleep on wrinkled sheets, the same can be said for old sheets that are tattered or stained. Yet, we replace them. There’s a reason people spend good money on luxury bedding and appreciate the fresh “crisp linen” that is found in better hotels. It is one of those intangibles associated with peace and relaxation. Folding sheets flat like this also saves space in the closet, and once you get the hang of it, hardly takes any more time than stuffing them into a pillow case. So chill out folks – this is just another option. Sounds like some people here need to try sleeping on smoother sheets for a change.
Every time I have to fold a fitted sheet, I would always think to myself, one of these days, I’m going to see on one of these How To webpages: how to fold one of these dang things! And voila – it’s here; thank you!
WIZARDRY!
I only have one set of sheets. Pull them off, wash them, put them back on. Of course I’m a single male so that allows me to do this I guess.
First of all, when you buy the sheets- they are already folded this way before packaging. I am a little bit shocked that many people don’t know this already.
Back in the Fifties and Sixties, there were such things as fitted TOP sheets, and they were wonderful. Of course, sheet manufacturere stopped making them. How about a comeback?
This is excellent for those who care to have a nice looking linen closet. Otherwise I suppose it doesnt matter at all how you fold your sheets.
My mother taught me this when I was a child…my parents owned a resort, so I have folded many, many sheets. I have also taught many friends, and my in-laws how to do this. GREAT TIP!
Most guys could not care less about folding sheets because because we either live in an actual cave or a mental cave. We need clean clothes which do not look too bad on us, we need a shave and shower every day, our toilet can be a bucket and when it comes to food we will usually eat anything before it eats us. If you observe us very carefully you will notice that we still have Neanderthal traits, though we do handle our women and kids with extreme care and that thing called love.
Most guys could not care less about folding sheets because we either live in an actual cave or a mental cave. We need clean clothes which do not look too bad on us, we need a shave and shower every day, our toilet can be a bucket and when it comes to food we will usually eat anything before it eats us. If you observe us very carefully you will notice that we still have Neanderthal traits, though we do handle our women and kids with extreme care and that thing called love.
I have also tried folding my fitted sheets this way but it never comes out smooth. One trick a friend taught me that I love – I put matching pillow cases together before folding them. You only have to fold once instead of twice and the set is always together.
With all the bad news in the world this topic is a nice break. As a nurse I was taught to keep wrinkles out from under patients because it’s bad for their skin. As far as folding fitted sheets I’ve been doing it this way for 38 years. Just seems natural to me to put all four corners together and smooth it out. I would have never thought about posting this seemingly simple task online. Although, I have tried to teach my husband for 38 years how to fold fitted sheets with this method and he just can’t seem to get it. He is smart enough, has a master’s degree! I think he just doesn’t WANT to get it! I do think he would like the ball and stomp method though! LOL. Personally I wouldn’t want to sleep on sheets that have been stomped on or slept on without being washed between guests. We visited a lady ONCE and there were fleas in the bed. She said her daughter had visited the day before with her dog! My husband said it was a “bed and breakfast” and we were the breakfast! Ah, to each his own. Variety is the spice of life! It’s called freedom and I love it!
I really enjoyed reading the comments about: who folds sheets ? what are sheets ? rolled in a ball..done ! LOL ! I love it ! Thanks for making me laugh ! (P.S. – Mom also taught me how to do this very thing and it does save space and its OK that some people don’t get it. Can’t ALWAYS please EVERYONE…so please YOURSELF !) To those who are frustrated: Keep trying !
Thanks for the great tip. I have always folded my fitted sheets this way, learned it from my extremely neat mother, bless her. Many people have asked me how I fold sheets and I have shared this method. For those of us who like a neat linen closet, this is a great system. You store the whole set together, no need to fumble around in the middle of the night if there has been an “accident” of some kind. There are those who don’t care, okay, live and let live. Love to all of you!
Thank you for sharing this. I think posting an instructional video instead would be more helpful as I’m having hard time visualizing the directions. I will try reading it again while folding the sheet and maybe it will be easier. Good for you people who already knew how to do it and brag about it now, but didn’t bother to post directions for others before. I had no idea how to fold those fitted sheets nicely and I do like them nice and smooth. It may be a time waste for some, and useless knowledge to others, but if you all are so concerned about your time why are you wasting it by entering useless negative comments??? Lisa, thank you again for your directions. I appreciate it
I don’t get the people that say this a waste of time, taking the time to post a comment. WTF?
A woman friend showed me how to do this, saying she wouldn’t move in with me unless I could do it perfectly. I wisely decided to continue living alone.
I appreciate the time you took to explain this to all of us. It’s good info and I will try this with my load that is in the dryer as I type.
Thankyou for this – for all of you who dont seem to get the point of this, i agree that it doesnt make much difference once you’re asleep on them but a folded sheet takes up much less room in your closet and it looks much better than a crumpled sheet.
These instructions must be for someone who never made up bed as a child!
I have been folding fitted sheets for 60 years and this method has never worked for a California King and still does not.
Thank you for the information on folding fitted sheets. Some people, including myself, appreciate any tips on folding. It does work!
I have used this method since fitted sheets came on the market but to make my search for the short side easier, I put 2 dots with a permanent marker at the center off both short sides. Now I know where to begin.
I was just commenting to my hubby that I could never figure out how to get crisp folds on these. Mine always end up in a lumpy bundle on the closet shelf. He couldn’t care less, but I care so that overnight guests get crisp, non-wrinkly sheets without me having to pull out an iron. I did not realize one had to start with the short edges…I will have to try this. Thanks for the tip.
Hi Lisa!
THANK YOU! for such a nice article. My mother taught me this when I was a little girl but after college and a busy life with all the kids and stuff I could never remember how to do it properly. I always messed it up no matter how hard I tried to remember
I am going to print it out for my husband as we always have a good laugh between us when we are trying to remember how to fold them together.
PS. (I too am sorry there is so much negativity on this posting..not sure why..but I appreciated the article and it made me smile today)
I haven’t tried this yet, but, i think the directions are very straight forward and im sure i’ll have no trouble remembering how to do this!
as for everyone complaining about how confusing it is… you clearly all need as many pointers as you can get in how to keep a home!
OMG just tied it and the kids destroyed the rectangles just as I had finished!!
Worked though thanks