A duvet cover is one of the simplest ways to refresh the look of your bedroom. If you've ever thought about customizing your duvet cover to match your décor or simply want a unique design, making your own duvet cover from fabric is a rewarding and creative project. The best part? It’s easier than you might think!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of making a duvet cover from fabric, whether you’re an experienced sewer or a complete beginner. By the end of this, you’ll have a beautiful, handmade duvet cover that perfectly suits your style and needs.
Why Make Your Own Duvet Cover?
Before diving into the tutorial, let’s explore some reasons why making your own duvet cover is such a great idea:
- Customization:You get to choose the exact fabric, color, and pattern, creating a design that reflects your personal style. Whether you want something modern, rustic, or bold, the choice is yours!
- Cost-Effective:Store-bought duvet covers can be expensive, especially if you're looking for high-quality fabric. Making your own allows you to control costs while using premium materials.
- Perfect Fit:You can tailor your duvet cover to fit any size duvet, whether it's standard or non-standard.
- Eco-Friendly:Making your own duvet cover means less packaging waste and, if you opt for sustainable fabrics, it's an environmentally conscious choice.
Materials You’ll Need
Before starting, gather these materials:
- Fabric:Choose a fabric that suits your preferences, typically cotton, linen, or a cotton blend. You’ll need two large fabric pieces, one for the top and one for the underside. Ensure that you buy enough fabric based on your duvet's dimensions.
- Measuring Tape:Accurate measurements are crucial for making sure your duvet cover fits perfectly.
- Pins:To hold your fabric in place while sewing.
- Sewing Machine:For stitching your fabric together. If you don’t have one, you can hand-sew, though it will take more time.
- Scissors:A sharp pair of fabric scissors.
- Buttons, Zipper, or Ties:To close the duvet cover at the open end.
- Thread:Make sure the thread matches your fabric in both color and strength.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Your Duvet Cover
Now that you have all your materials, let’s get started.
Step 1: Measure Your Duvet
The first step to creating a custom duvet cover is measuring your duvet. Lay it flat and measure both the width and length. When you cut your fabric, you’ll need to add an extra inch to each side for the seams.
For example, if your duvet is 90 inches by 90 inches (a standard queen size), cut your fabric to be 92 inches by 92 inches. This extra allowance will account for the seam and give you a snug fit.
Pro Tip: For an even snugger fit, you can subtract an inch from each measurement before adding seam allowances. This will make your duvet look more tailored and less likely to shift inside the cover.
Step 2: Choose and Cut Your Fabric
The fabric is the star of your DIY duvet cover project. Consider the following when choosing fabric:
- Breathability:Cotton and linen are great choices because they’re soft, breathable, and easy to care for. Linen, in particular, has a luxurious, laid-back look.
- Pattern and Color:Think about how the fabric will complement your room. You can mix and match different patterns for the top and underside, or keep it simple with solid colors.
- Durability:If this duvet cover will get heavy use (in a guest bedroom or a child’s room, for example), choose durable, machine-washable fabrics.
Once you’ve selected your fabric, cut two pieces according to the measurements you took earlier. You’ll need one piece for the top of the duvet cover and another for the bottom.
Step 3: Pin the Fabric Pieces Together
After cutting the fabric, lay both pieces on top of each other, with the "right sides" (the sides you want to show) facing in. The wrong sides (the sides you don’t want to show) should be facing outwards.
Use sewing pins to secure the edges, leaving the bottom end open. This will be where you insert the duvet once the cover is complete.
Step 4: Sew the Edges
With the fabric pinned together, it’s time to sew. Using your sewing machine (or hand-sewing if preferred), sew around three sides of the duvet cover. Use a straight stitch and ensure that the seam allowance is around half an inch.
Leave the bottom side open, as this is where you’ll insert the duvet.
Pro Tip: For added durability, use a double stitch or zigzag stitch on the edges. This will prevent fraying and make your duvet cover last longer.
Step 5: Hem the Open End
Once you’ve sewn the three sides, it’s time to work on the open end. Fold the raw edges of the open end inward about half an inch and pin them down. This will create a neat edge and prevent fraying.
You can choose to add buttons, a zipper, or ties to close the duvet cover. Buttons add a classic touch, while zippers are more modern and practical. Ties offer a more relaxed, rustic look.
- For Buttons:Measure and mark where you want your buttonholes to go, evenly spacing them along the open edge. Sew the buttonholes and attach the buttons on the opposite side.
- For Zippers:Sew a zipper into the open edge, ensuring it runs the entire width of the duvet cover.
- For Ties:Sew fabric ties or ribbons on both sides of the opening, allowing you to tie them together once the duvet is inside.
Step 6: Insert the Duvet and Finish
After finishing the open end, turn the duvet cover right side out. Now, insert your duvet into the cover. You can use the ties or buttons (or zip it up if you added a zipper) to secure the duvet inside the cover.
Pro Tip: To keep the duvet from shifting inside the cover, you can sew small ties on the inside corners of the duvet cover and attach them to the duvet itself.
Care and Maintenance
Since you’ve put time and effort into making your own duvet cover, it’s important to take care of it properly. Follow these care tips:
- Washing:Most cotton or linen duvet covers can be machine-washed on a gentle cycle. Use mild detergent to avoid fading or damaging the fabric.
- Drying:Air drying is always a safe option for handmade items, but if you’re using a dryer, use the low-heat setting to avoid shrinking.
- Ironing:For a crisp look, iron your duvet cover after washing. Linen, in particular, looks great when slightly pressed.
Final Thoughts
Making a duvet cover out of fabric is not only a fun and creative project, but it also allows you to customize your bedding to suit your personal style. Whether you're choosing luxurious fabrics or playful patterns, this DIY project offers endless possibilities.
By following the steps outlined in this guide, you'll have a beautiful, one-of-a-kind duvet cover that you can be proud of. Not only will it enhance your bedroom’s décor, but it’ll also add a personal touch to your space. Happy sewing!