How To Make A Duvet Cover
How to make a simple duvet cover, even if your fabric isn't wide enough, cause being able to use this amazing fabric really made this room pop!
I know I've been promising the end result to the room for the grandkids that I've been working on over at my mom's, and I'm happy to say that… it's done! You can see the finished grandkids room here.
I've got some great projects that went into the room that saved us some moo-la, including this duvet cover DIY that was super easy to add a fun pop of color to the grandkids room.
Doesn't my little lady look cozy in this DIY duvet cover? She's fake sleeping pretty well don't you think?
Ok. So the hardest part will be finding a place to lay out a giant piece of fabric. I promise.
Let's get to it!
For my easy duvet cover, I used fabric for the top layer and a white flat sheet for the bottom layer. I did this to save money.
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How to DIY a Duvet Cover
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Supplies for sewing a duvet cover
This is for a twin sized duvet cover. You’ll need to adjust the amount of fabric you need according to the size duvet cover you’ll be making.
- 5 yards of 42 inch fabric (I bought this basic cotton blend fabric online at Spoonflower. It is called "New Teal Twostep" by Cest la viv)
- One queen flat sheet
- Hook and loop (Velcro)
- This is my go to sewing machine for home decor projects. It is inexpensive, uncomplicated, and can sew through thick fabrics or multiple layers.
Getting measurements
Your supply list may differ if you’re using a different width of fabric or if you’re making a different size duvet cover.
Here's the rundown of how I figured out how much fabric I needed:
First I took measurements of my duvet cover insert and added 4 inches to both the width and the length to allow for 1 inch seams all the way around and be able to fold over the edge that the Velcro is on.
Because my fabric was only 42 inches wide I had to get extra to put panels on either edge to make it wide enough - you'll see what I mean in the next step.
For the back side (where I used a flat sheet) I added another 6 inches to the length to allow for the pocket along the Velcro edge - that'll make more sense to you in a minute too.
Example: My insert measures 63 x 86 inches. So for my top layer I created a 67 x 90 inch piece, and for my bottom layer I cut a 67 x 96 inch piece.
Buying fabric online has become one of my favorite things because it saves time and the selection is amazing! Click here to see my favorite places to buy fabric online!
Prepare the duvet top layer
Because my fabric was 42 inches wide I added panels on each side to make it 67 inches. I cut out two 13 ½ inch wide panels - trying my best to keep the pattern aligned.
Then I laid each panel onto my 42 inch wide piece, print side to print side, and sewed down the edge with a 1 inch seam. Now I have one big 67 inch wide top layer.
Now decide which end you want to go at the bottom of the bed and fold that edge over 1 inch, then again 1 inch, pin in place and sew. (This will be the part that opens to put your insert in, so you want it to be a clean edge.)
Prepare the duvet bottom layer
Now you need to prepare your bottom layer.
Cut a piece from your flat sheet that's the same width as your top layer but 6 inches longer than the original top layer before you folded in for the seam. (Mine is 96 inches long.)
Now fold the extra 6 inches over to make a pocket and make sure it's smooth.
Lay your top layer (print side down) onto the bottom layer and pin all the way around on the 3 sides, not pinning on the side with the hem and pocket.
Then sew it together with a 1 inch seam.
Serge the edges so that it won't come apart in the wash.
If you don’t have a serger, simply run it through the machine again with the zig-zag stitch making sure that it catches the fabric on one side and the needle lands just outside the fabric on the outer edge.
Add Velcro hooks and loops
To keep the bottom portion of the duvet cover closed I added small pieces of hook and loop about every 10 inches.
With my duvet cover still inside out, I simply cut about a 1 inch piece and then pinned one side (the hook) to one layer and the other side (the loop) to the other layer directly under it. Then I ran it through my sewing machine to keep it in place.
Now it's time to turn that sucker right side out and add your insert, making sure that you tuck it into the pocket you created (by folding those extra 6 inches over) on your bottom layer and press the Velcro together.
And that's it! Now your possibilities for bedding are endless!
Frequently Asked Questions - DIY Duvet Cover
What is the purpose of the pocket?
The pocket goes inside so that the duvet insert goes in it and then the two edges come together with the velcro squares. This keeps the insert from popping out and gives a really nice finished look.
Do you need to serge the edge of the pocket that is folded inside?
I used a flat sheet so the edge was already taken care of (it’s the top part of the sheet.) But if you don’t have that you’ll want to make sure it has a clean seam, so yes you’ll want to serge it so it lasts through washes.
I'm making this for a king size bed. Won't a king size flat sheet on the bottom be too small?
You can always take one and lay it out (without tucking it) to see if it’s the look/ size you like before getting started. If it’s too small you can use multiple and create panels like you do on the top (printed fabric.)
What is a duvet? And where do you get an insert?
A duvet is just the cover that goes over the insert like a giant pillowcase. Typically inserts are down or imitation down filled. The alternative is a comforter which does not have a removable insert but is still thick or a coverlet, which is more like a heavy blanket. The duvet cover is just the fabric on the outside. It works like a giant envelope for your insert. You can find inserts in all price ranges.; I like to find mine at Target or Macy’s when they are on sale.
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