The Complete Beginners Guide to Sewing a Duvet Cover (Video Included)
Sewing a duvet cover can be overwhelming if you're not sure how to start.
But...let’s be honest:
Duvet covers are wonderful! Because as much as most of us love new bedding, the price of brand new ones can be discouraging.
Investing in new duvets every time is not a very wise monetary decision, which is why sewing a duvet cover is an important skill to have.
Whether you are looking to change up your decor and spice things up in your room or are in the mood for exploring different colors, duvet covers will help you do that.
This is why we created this beginner’s guide to sewing a duvet cover.
In this post we've rounded the required materials for sewing a duvet cover, the best sewing machines to use, and tutorials that will guide you as you create a lovely duvet cover for your space.
Let’s get into it!
What is a Duvet Cover?
A duvet cover is to a duvet what a pillow cover is to a pillow. It's simply a pocket into which a duvet or comforter is slid and zipped away.
A duvet, which serves as a comforter, is slipped into the duvet cover for a couple of reasons.
The duvet cover can protect from dirt and dust or slow down wear and tear of the duvet. A duvet cover can also be made for decor purposes.
The best thing is that duvet covers are one of the simplest projects even for beginners. All the raw edges are hidden inside the pouch, and the seams are mostly straight.
Let's look at how to choose fabric for duvet covers and the different patterns you can choose.
We will save the best for the last; duvet covers sewing tutorials!
Choosing Sewing Materials for your Duvet Cover
Choosing the right materials for your duvet cover is the first step to sewing the perfect duvet cover.
Although you may want to go all out with your duvet cover, some materials are not ideal. Go for breathable, washable material, and definitely comfortable as the duvet cover will act as the top sheet.
Here are some materials to consider;
- Cotton- Cotton is the go-to material for most bedding sewing projects. It's a low-maintenance, no-fuss material that guarantees comfort. It's also super-easy to clean, soft and comfortable to the skin.
- Silk- What is there not to live about silk? Silk is a luxury fabric that's not only elegant but comfortable as well. The fabric keeps you warm but not too warm for summer. Silk can, however, be a bit too pricey to buy and even maintain.
- Blends- A blend of cotton and polyester is the cheapest option when looking for viable material for duvet covers. Blends tend to take the most desirable properties of all the fabrics, for instance, durability and wrinkle resistance.
- Flannel- Flannel is a mix of wool and cotton. A flannel duvet cover is perfect for cold winter nights. The fabric is warm, soft, and durable. It's also wrinkle-resistant, so no need for ironing.
You can find sewing material for your duvet at Joann.com, Walmart.com, Etsy, Fabric.com, and Keepsakequilting.
Duvet covers need extra wide fabric, which may not be easy to come about in most fabric and sewing supplies shops.
Its recommended to use fabric with a thread count of up to 300.
Choosing a Duvet Cover Pattern
There is no restriction when it comes to choosing patterns for the duvet cover. In this section, go all out and express yourself without holding back.
It's your chance to sew the duvet cover you have been eying on Wal-Mart! If you’re seeking inspiration for some duvet cover patterns, Etsy and Walmart have a bunch you could borrow.
The spruce crafts website is also a hub for everything sewing projects ideas, especially for duvet covers. Wonderfuldiy.com also has an impressive list of DIY duvet covers ranging from fun to purely chic ideas.
The Best Sewing Machine for Sewing Duvet Covers
Finding the best sewing machine to make your duvet cover is critical. The right sewing machine ensures you get every stitch perfectly for a breathtaking duvet cover. Here are the top three sewing machines for sewing a duvet cover.
- Brother HC1850 sewing machine
- Singer Heavy Duty 4411 sewing machine
- Singer 7258 sewing machine
What is the Right Size of Fabric for a Duvet Cover?
Duvet cover sizes can vary. As shown below the recommended sizes for Duvet covers are:
Duvet Size | Recommended Dimensions (in Inches) |
|---|---|
Twin Duvet | 72 X 92 |
Queen Duvet | 92 X 92 |
King Duvet | 110 X 92 |
California King | 72 X 84 X 72 |
Before you start sewing, measurements are essential. You need two pieces of fabric that are large enough to cover your duvet.
Allow an extra inch on both the length and width of the fabric pieces for a 1/2-inch seam. If you are making a cover for a very thick duvet, you can allow slightly extra material.
However, you don't want to allow too much extra fabric to ensure the duvet does not rotate in the duvet cover.
Heres a helpful resource and cheatsheet from John Robshaw that provides a complete breakdown of duvet cover sizes as well as sheets, bedskirts and more.
Source: John Robshaw Textiles
Also, the most fabric is usually bought with selvedge edges. Selvedge edges are the finished edges on the sides of the fabric, which are mostly in a different color.
You need to calculate your fabric measurements without including the selvedge as they should be cut before sewing.
Recommended Duvet Tutorials to Follow
We saved the best for last! So, you have gathered the fabric, decided on the pattern for your duvet cover, and have the ideal sewing machine in place.
How do you get down to the business of sewing a duvet cover? Sewing a duvet cover is as easy as it can get.
At the end of this tutorial, you will be wondering why you ever spent your money on a pricey affordable duvet cover when it's so easy to make your own. Without taking up more time, let's take a look!
Materials you Need for Sewing a Duvet Cover
- Fabric to cover your duvet
- Tape measure
- Thread matching the fabric
- Straight pins
- Pair of scissors
- Sewing machine
- Iron and ironing board
For a visual guide, check out this video tutorial courtesy of Online Fabric store that shows you step by step how to create a Duvet Cover.
Tutorials for Sewing Duvet Covers
Tutorial 1
#1: Layout the fabric and cut according to the measurements needed. Use the tape measure to ensure you get exact sizes depending on the size of our duvet. You need two pieces for the top and the bottom section.
#2: Sew the side panel of each side panel to create the front and back of the duvet cover. You can use a French seam for a clean, professional look, so avoid raw edges poking out.
#3: Place the two fabric pieces on the wrong side together and pin to avoid moving.
#4: Start sewing with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. After sewing, trim away half of the seam allowance but be careful not to get too close to the seam to avoid unraveling.
#5: Iron the seam you have made to one side. Proceed to fold the piece at the seam so that the right sides are not together. Iron the seam closed, then pin in place to avoid shifting.
#6: Sew the seam again with 1/4-inch seam allowance and iron the seam to one again.
#7: You can then topstitch on the right side of the cover along the French seam out made to give the duvet cover a clean look. After that, you can follow with a stitch over the flap on the back. Iron the seam to smooth it out.
#8: Repeat the above steps on all the panels to create a front and back section.
#9. When done, place the front and back sections you have created together, the wrong sides facing each other, and proceed to pin each side seam into place to avoid shifting.
#10. Sew each side with French seams, as explained above. Do not top-stitch the side pieces.
#11. Sew the top closed with another French seam. The inside should be finished without any raw edges.
#12: After the sides are done, fold an inch of fabric to the inside of the duvet cover and press down the hem. Fold up another inch and press again. Pin the folds in place, stitch the hem close to the exterior fold line and then close to the interior fold line.
#13: You can use then following to close the bottom of the duvet;
Tutorial 2
If you are looking for something simpler or you simply don't enjoy doing French seams, here is an alternative procedure for you.
1. Lay the cut pieces of fabric on a table or the floor.
2. Pin the pieces with the wrong sides facing out. Lay the zipper in the place you want it to go and mark the area with pins.
3. Sew the three sides without a zipper using a 1/2-inch seam.
4. Press the seam open to ensure it lays flat.
5. Turn the duvet cover right side out using the zipper opening and start working on the opening.
6. Stitch from the corner where you put zipper markers. Ensure you backstitch to secure the stitches.
7. Skip the zipper hole and sew the other side in the same manner. You should be left with an opening at the length of the fabric.
8. Set your sewing machine on machine baste and sew the opening closed in preparation to attach the zipper.
9. Press the seam open.
10. Place the zipper teeth over the seam and hold down the zipper using transparent tape or hand basting.
11. Return the machine on a regular stitch setting. Sew on the right side of the duvet cover close to the zipper. Square off when you get to the ends and stitch across to the other side of the seam.
12. Repeat the same process on the other side of the zipper. Remove the machine basting and transparent tape or hand basting and open the zipper to test. Your duvet cover is ready, and you can insert your duvet!For a more visualized process (especially on how to do the French seams) , check out this tutorial by instructables.com
We also loved these easy-to-follow picture tutorials by Designsponge.com
Wrapping Things Up
Now that you have everything you need for sewing a duvet cover, what are you waiting for?
Get out there and have fun sewing your first duvet cover.
Happy Sewing!
