How to Make a Twin Duvet Cover
Making a twin duvet cover is a perfect simple sewing project, even for a beginner! Easy step-by-step instructions!
If you've ever found yourself putting off revamping a room because you can't seem to find exactly what you're looking for, you're definitely not alone.
My (very tall) 4 year old has been in his toddler bed for a bit longer than we would have liked because I couldn't seem to find bedding he liked and that would grow with him as he goes from "little big boy" to "bigger big boy."
So I set out to make my own twin duvet cover for his new twin platform bed and got to browsing my favorite fabric site, Fabric.com. So today we're teaming up to show you how to make a twin duvet cover.
This post contains affiliate links for your convenience. Read the full disclosure.
I know it seems like a big project, but beyond the actual size of the project itself, this project is really very easy and a perfect simple sewing project, even for a beginner.
If you can sew a straight line, you can make your own duvet cover.
How to sew a twin duvet cover
Since most fabrics come in widths of 44-52 inches we are going to create panels to get the width we need.
Your width will depend on the size of your duvet insert. I'll be using my twin sized insert (that is 66 x 88) as an example.
I bought a lightweight, cotton fabric for the top layer of my duvet cover and used a white flat sheet for the bottom layer. You could certainly use the same or a contrasting fabric for the bottom layer if you want to. It would just be a matter of repeating the steps for the top layer (and making sure you add some extra length for the inside pocket.)
What you'll need to sew a DIY duvet cover:
- 5 Yards of fabric (more if you are modifying these instructions to make a full, queen, or king duvet cover.)
- A lightweight cotton fabric is great for making a duvet cover. You'll also want a fabric that is around 44 inches wide (which is pretty standard.)
- This is the black and white scallop stripe fabric I used for this project.
- Coordinating thread
- A queen flat sheet
- Hook and loop
- Pins and scissors
- A Sewing machine: This is my go to sewing machine for home decor projects. It is inexpensive, uncomplicated, and can sew through thick fabrics or multiple layers with no problem.
- A duvet insert
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Step 1: Figure out your measurements and cut your fabric
Your middle panel will be the width of your fabric. The two side panels will be the remaining width needed divided equally.
- Take the dimensions of your duvet insert and add 4 inches to both numbers.
- So if my insert is 66 x 88 adding 4 inches would give me 70 x 92.
- Take the width of your fabric and subtract it from the width you need. Once I cut my fabric to create super clean edges it was 42 inches wide.
- Example: 70 - 42 = 28.
- Then divide that number by 2 to give you the width of each side panel.
- Example: 28 ÷ 2 = 14.
- So my middle panel will be 42 inches wide and each of my side panels will be 14 inches wide.
Step 2: Attach your panels
- With your 3 panels laid out flat (good side up) fold one side panel over onto your middle panel so that the good sides are touching and pin down the edge.
- Sew along the edge with a 1 inch seam using a straight stitch.
- Run the same edge through your machine again, this time surging the edges to keep your fabric from fraying when you wash it.
- You can serge your edges without a serger by using a zig-zag stitch right at the edge of your fabric. I give detailed steps for using a zig-zag stitch to serge edges in this post.
- Repeat this step for the other panel.
Step 3: Finish the bottom edge of your top panel
- With your the top layer of your duvet cover face down and laid out flat, decide which end will be the bottom of your duvet cover.
- Fold the edge of that side in one inch, and then again one inch and iron flat.
- Pin along the edge to hold it in place.
- Sew along the seam to create a finished edge.
Step 4: Prepare your bottom layer
- Cut your flat sheet to the same width as your top layer, then with it laying out flat, lay your top layer on top of it, good side down, and line up all of your edges.
- Your flat sheet will be longer than your top layer. Leave the excess length laying flat on the same side as your finished edge of your top layer.
- Then fold the excess length under (toward the floor) to make it the exact same length as your top layer. This will create a pocket inside your duvet cover for your duvet insert so that it stays in place nicely.
Step 5: Attach your two layers together
- Be sure the fold of your flat sheet is straight and even all the way across and pin around 3 sides of your duvet cover leaving the finished/ folded edge open.
- Using a 1 inch seam, sew along all 3 sides with a straight stitch. (The side with your finished top layer edge WILL NOT be sewn.)
Step 6: Make ties to keep your insert in place
- Take about a 48 inch strip of extra fabric (or ribbon if you don't have extra fabric) and fold it in half length wise.
- Run it through your machine along the edge.
- Then cut it into about 6 inch pieces.
- With your duvet cover still inside out, fold each strip in half and open slightly (you'll have a V shape) and place the point of the V in each corner on the flat sheet side.
- Run it through your machine to hold it in place.
- On the side with the pocket, you will have to open up your pocket a bit and sew your strip into the corner where the corner of your insert will go.
- Turn your duvet right side out before going to the next step.
Step 7: Attach Velcro to the open edge
- Lay your duvet cover out flat (and right side out.)
- Cut five 1 inch pieces of hook and loop (Velcro) and place them along the open edge to plan the spacing.
- Lift your opening open slightly and pin the hook side of your hook and loop piece along the inside of the finished seam. Pin the loop side of your hook and loop piece along the inside of flat sheet side in the same spot so that when they lay flat, they attach.
- Sew each rectangle of your hook and loop in place.
Tip: This part can be a bit awkward because you have to change directions often. Be sure to leave your needle down each time you turn and bunch up the excess fabric just enough to get to the next edge.
Step 8: Attach your duvet insert to your finished duvet cover
- Turn your duvet cover inside out one last time and lay it out flat with the flat sheet side/ side with your ties on it facing up.
- Lay your insert on top of it with the attachment tabs facing down. (If you don't have attachment tabs, you can sew some onto your duvet insert easily using a strip of scrap fabric and sewing it on at a diagonal at each corner.)
- Tie your duvet cover to the tabs on the insert. On the pocket ends, put the edge of your insert into the pocket and then tie.
Now your insert won't shift around inside your new duvet cover!
I have to say I'm so excited to finally have my little boy's big boy room started and he is so excited too! His new bed creates so much storage in his small room and has become the place in the house to snuggle up and read.
Making his twin duvet cover allowed me to get the exact look we were going for and choosing a print that is simple will ensure that he doesn't outgrow the theme of his bedding. It will just be a matter of switching out the sheets as his tastes and interests change.
He's already loving it!
Last night when I was tucking him in for the first time he asked me if it was okay if his feet didn't reach the end of the bed. - Clearly he was getting far too big for his toddler bed!
A big THANK YOU to Fabric.com for sponsoring this post. As a long time loyal customer I'm honored to work with them.
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