How to Fold a Fitted Sheet (the Easy Way)

This may come up as a surprise, but not everyone knows how to fold a fitted sheet. Many people simply roll their sheets or stuff them along with other linens in a closet. The sheet’s elastic corners make it difficult to fold it neatly, leading to wrinkles and creases. 

With some practice, it’s possible to fold a fitted sheet in minutes. This task may seem tricky at first, but once you do it a couple of times, it becomes second nature. 

The methods described below will free up your time while leaving you with perfectly folded sheets and a more organized closet.

Do the Prep Work

As the name suggests, fitted sheets are designed to fit tightly over your mattress. That’s why they have round corners and elastic. While this makes it easier to make your bed, it may cause trouble when it comes to folding the sheet. 

This task seems complicated at first, but there are several tips and tricks to help you out. 

For example, you can start by ironing the sheets after washing them. Freshly ironed sheets are easier to fold and look neater. 

Note that some fabrics, such as microfiber, are wrinkle-resistant, so you can skip ironing. Check the manufacturer’s instructions on the label.

If you have fitted sheets that require ironing, simply take these steps: 

1. Grab two corners of the sheet. Place them on the ironing board, with the elastic facing up. 
2. Slide your hands inside the opposite corners and fold the sheet in half (lengthwise). 
3. Insert the bottom corners into the top corners, recommends Ask Charlie. 
4. Place the folded sheet on your ironing board, with the elastic facing down. Flatten out the sheet with your hands and then gently iron each section. 

Some irons indicate the correct temperature for cotton, linen, and other fabrics, but not all models have this feature. Plus, your sheets may be made from several fabrics, such as cotton and polyester.

For these reasons, you should always check the care label to determine the appropriate iron setting. 

Also, note that it’s perfectly fine to iron your sheets after washing while they are still slightly damp. This may help prevent stubborn creases and make your job easier. 

What is the best way to fold a fitted sheet?

There are a couple of ways to fold a fitted sheet and they all are pretty quick. Check out the methods below.

How to fold a fitted sheet fast: Marie Kondo Method

This first method was made famous by consultant, Marie Condo, for instance, who uses a four-step method to fold fitted sheets in under a minute:

1. Lay the sheet on a flat surface, such as a bed or table, with the elastic side up. 
2. Flatten it out and then fold it into thirds lengthwise. 
3. Next, fold the sheet in half widthwise. Remember to flatten it out as you fold it. 
4. Roll the folded sheet so that it forms a small cylinder. Store it in a linen closet. 

Ask Charlie, on the other hand, advises turning the sheet upside down on an ironing board and folding in the sides. Flatten it out and then fold it in half three times. 

As you can see, folding a fitted sheet is easier than most people think. Below we’ll share other methods that work just as well as the ones above. 

How to fold a fitted sheet so it lays flat: Marta Stewart Method

TV personality Martha Stewart uses a simple technique for folding fitted sheets in seconds.

Here’s how to do it properly:

1. Place your hands inside the two adjacent corners of one of the shorter edges. 
2. Bring your hands together and flip the corner on your right hand over the one on your left. 
3. Flip the corner next to the one that was in your right hand over the corner on your left hand. The corner should be inside out. 
4. Fold the last corner over the others. 
5. Lay the sheet on a table. 
6. Fold the curved edge at the bottom toward the center. 
7. Bring the corners over the folded section so that it forms a rectangle. 
8. Fold the rectangle into thirds lengthwise. Flatten it out and store it neatly. 

If possible, fold your bed sheets right out of the dryer to keep them wrinkle-free.

How to fold a fitted sheet easy: Hula Method

This technique may cause some wrinkling, but it’s quick and easy. Use it when you’re in a rush. 

1. Grab both ends of the sheet. Lay it on your bed so that its elastic edges match together. 
2. Fold the sheet into thirds widthwise. 
3. Fold it into thirds again lengthwise.
4. Fold it into thirds one more time (widthwise). 
5. When you’re done, the sheet should resemble a rectangle.

How to fold a fitted sheet for dummies

Believe it or not, but apart from the three methods lifted above, there’s actually an even easier way to fold a fitted sheet.

Simply follow these instructions:

1. Lay your sheet flat on a table, bed, or ironing board. 
2. Fold it in half lengthwise, making sure that all corners match together. Tuck them into each other. 
3. Fold the sheet in half again so that it forms a small rectangle. 
4. You may also roll the folded sheet before placing it in a closet.

Regardless of the technique used, pat everything down before storing the sheet. If you have little space in your drawers, store the folded sheet inside a matching pillowcase. 

Stop. Drop. and Fold.

Now that you know how to fold a fitted sheet, use any of these methods to save space and prevent wrinkling. 

Don’t give up if you didn’t get it right the first time. With a little practice, you’ll soon master this life skill. 

In the meantime, see our guide on how to choose the best thread count for bed sheets. You might be surprised to find out that quality sheets have a thread count between 200 and 400, not 1,000 and up.

FAQ

Citations

1. Ask Charlie – my very favourite household hack. (n.d.). Retrieved December 14, 2021, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAf49FnQotY
2. How to fold a fitted sheet with Marie Kondo | GH – YouTube. (n.d.). Retrieved December 14, 2021, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCOtOdLjptc
3. How to fold a fitted sheet — the hula method. (n.d.). Retrieved December 14, 2021, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7jYg9CZXi4
4. How to fold a fitted sheet-and keep an organized linen closet. Martha Stewart. (n.d.). Retrieved December 14, 2021, from https://www.marthastewart.com/269141/how-to-fold-a-fitted-sheet