Folding a Fitted Sheet in Under a Minute Is Actually Really Easy
If you struggle with folding a fitted sheet, you’re not alone: It’s one of the most common “how to” chores we get asked about in the Good Housekeeping Institute Textiles Lab. While it may seem quickest to roll it up, neatly folding your sheet only takes seconds and will help keep you organized and your bed looking wrinkle-free.
Our fiber scientists have tested hundreds of bed sheets over the past few years, which means we have to fold fitted sheets over and over (and over) again to keep our Lab tidy. The all-around elastic edges certainly make it trickier than folding a flat sheet, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll never go back to rolling it in a ball.
Here we share our five simple steps to neatly fold a fitted sheet with elastic all around in under 60 seconds. All you’ll need is your fitted sheet and a flat surface (like a table, a counter or your bed).
Pro tip: We recommend folding your sheet right after it comes out of the dryer to avoid creases that form when it sits crumpled up.
Step 1: Hold the sheet
Place your hands in the corners with the long side of the sheet going across your body and the top side of the fabric facing you.
Step 2: Tuck the corners
Take one corner in your hand and tuck it into the other. Repeat the tuck on the opposite side. Now your sheet is folded in half.
Step 3: Repeat the tuck
With your hands in the corners again, repeat the tuck one more time so that all four corners are now folded into each other.
Step 4: Lay the sheet down
Place the sheet on a flat surface like a table, countertop, or bed. You should see a C-shape in the fabric.
Step 5: Fold in thirds
Fold the edges from the outside in, smoothing the fabric as you go. Fold in thirds again from the other direction. Flip it over, and you’re done!
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