Step 1: Choose the fabric

Select a soft and breathable fabric for your crib sheet, such as cotton or flannel. Make sure to choose a fabric that is comfortable and gentle on your baby’s skin.

Step 2: Measure your crib mattress

Take accurate measurements of the crib mattress to ensure you are making the appropriate size of the crib sheet. You’ll need dimensions for its length, width, and depth.

Step 3: Cut the fabric

Based on your mattress measurements, cut out a rectangle of fabric. Add 4 inches to both the length and width to account for the seam allowances and elastic casing. Also, add twice the depth of the mattress for proper coverage.

Step 4: Cut out corners

To create fitted corners, cut out squares from each corner of the fabric rectangle. The square dimensions should match the depth of your crib mattress.

Step 5: Sew corner seams

Bring the two edges adjacent to each corner cut-out together and pin them in place. Sew a straight seam along each pinned edge using a 1/2-inch seam allowance.

Step 6: Press seams

Using an iron, press all four seams open to create neat corners. This will make inserting elastic easier in later steps.

Step 7: Prepare casing for elastic

Fold over 1/4 inch of fabric along each edge towards the wrong side of the sheet and press. Then, fold over another 1/2 inch and press again to encase the raw edges and create a casing for your elastic.

Step 8: Pin casings in place

Pin each folded casing in place around all four sides of your sheet, making sure not to block the openings at each corner seam.

Step 9: Sew casings

Sew along each casing close to its inner edge to secure it in place. Be careful not to sew over the openings at each corner seam, as you need these to thread your elastic through in the next step.

Step 10: Thread elastic

Cut a length of 1/4-inch wide elastic that is roughly the combined length of your crib sheet’s width plus eight inches. Attach a safety pin to one end and thread it through one corner seam opening, all the way around the casing, and out through the opposite corner seam opening.

Step 11: Secure elastic and finish

Overlap the two ends of your elastic by approximately two inches and sew them together using a zigzag stitch to secure them. Trim any excess elastic, and then close the opening in each corner seam with a hidden hand stitch. Your custom-made crib sheet is now ready for use!