How to Fold a Fitted (Elastic) Bedsheet in 5 Easy Steps

Quick answer: To fold a fitted bedsheet, turn it inside out, tuck the four elastic corners into each other so they stack, lay the sheet flat, fold the curved edges in to make a rectangle, then fold it into a neat square. It takes about two minutes once you have done it a couple of times.

The corners are what make an elastic sheet look impossible to fold. Once you stack them, the rest is just like folding a towel. Below are the five steps in detail, a quicker method for when you are in a hurry, and a few common mistakes.

Before you start

• Make sure the sheet is fully dry. Folding a slightly damp sheet, easy to do in monsoon humidity, can lead to a musty smell and mildew spots.
• Fold it straight off the line or out of the dryer while it is still warm and relaxed. Creases set less and you may skip ironing.
• Use a clear surface such as a bed or a clean table for steps 4 and 5.

How to fold a fitted bedsheet in 5 steps

Step 1: Find two corners on the short side

Hold the sheet inside out, with the seams facing you. Push one hand into each of the two corner pockets on one of the short ends, so the pockets sit over your hands like gloves.

Step 2: Tuck one corner into the other

Bring your hands together. Flip the corner on your right hand over the corner on your left, so the right pocket fits snugly over the left one. Now both corners sit on your left hand, and the outside of the sheet faces you.

Step 3: Repeat with the other end, then join them

Let the sheet hang, find the two corners on the opposite short end and tuck them together in the same way. You now have two stacked corners. Tuck one stack into the other, so all four corners sit neatly inside each other in one hand.

Step 4: Lay it flat and make a rectangle

Place the sheet on the bed or table with the stacked corners at the top. The elastic edges will form a curved shape. Fold the curved sides in towards the centre until you have a straight-sided rectangle, smoothing the fabric with your hands as you go.

Step 5: Fold into a square

Fold the rectangle lengthwise into thirds, then fold it from one end to the other in thirds or halves until it is the size you want. The elastic is now hidden inside and the sheet stacks as flat as a folded flat sheet.

A quicker method for busy days

If you find standing and tucking corners tricky, this flat method works well, though the result is slightly less crisp.

1. Spread the sheet on the bed, inside up.
2. Push each corner pocket inwards so it lies flat inside the sheet.
3. Fold the sheet in half lengthwise, then fold the elastic edges in to make straight sides.
4. Fold into thirds, then in half, and you are done.

This is also the easiest way to teach children or anyone helping with the laundry.

How to fold a bedsheet with elastic only at the corners

Some elastic sheets, often called garter sheets locally, have elastic only across the corners instead of all the way round. The same five steps work, and they are actually easier, because the long sides stay straight. Just stack the corners and fold the straight edges together like a flat sheet.

Not sure which type you have, or whether an elastic sheet is right for your bed? Our guide explains what a fitted (elastic) bedsheet is and how it differs from a flat one.

Common folding mistakes

• Folding while damp, which traps moisture in cupboards, especially in Karachi and Lahore during the monsoon.
• Rolling the sheet into a ball. It saves ten seconds but creates deep creases and takes up more cupboard space.
• Pulling hard on the elastic to straighten the edges. Over time this stretches it out, so smooth the fabric instead.
• Ironing the elastic on high heat, which can weaken it. If you iron, keep the iron on the flat fabric only.

Washing affects how long the elastic lasts, too. See our guide to washing bedsheets for water temperature and drying tips, or the store's care guide.

Store the whole set together

Once folded, slip the fitted sheet and one pillow cover inside the other pillow cover. The whole set stays together, so you never hunt for a matching pillow cover on laundry day. It also keeps dust off during long dusty summers.

For more on cupboard storage and how to make sheets last, read how long bedsheets last and how to store them.

Frequently asked questions

How do I fold an elastic bedsheet without help?

The five steps above are designed for one person. If you find the standing part awkward, use the quicker flat method on the bed instead.

How do I fold a bedsheet with garter that is very large, like a king?

Work on the bed rather than in the air. Tuck the corners one pair at a time while the sheet rests on the mattress, then continue with steps 4 and 5.

Does folding damage the elastic?

Normal folding does not. Stretching the elastic hard, high heat and harsh drying damage it much more.

Looking for a new set to practise on? Our king size cotton fitted bedsheet sets have elastic all round, 10-inch sides and two matching pillow covers, so the folding and storage tips above apply directly. Delivery is free across Pakistan with Cash on Delivery and a 7-day exchange on unused items, and our team is on WhatsApp at +92 327 1336144 if you have any questions.