If you are looking for an uber-simple sewing project, this may be the one. I tend to be a passionate project starter, but I lose momentum before completion. There seems to be no end to the half done's in my crafty world. I can't really call them "Works in Progress" at this point, as some have sat for years without being touched.
There was no chance of atrophy on this project – it was finished in less than an hour.
I have a stash of vintage bedsheets that I thrifted for a quilt I was planning for Lupine. The project has evolved and some of the prettiest sheets aren't going to make the cut. Considering my quilt track record (my current project has taken me four years and counting), I decided to sew a duvet cover to get us by.
It couldn't have been easier. Instructions follow:
Duvet Cover Sewing Tutorial
1. Choose two flat bedsheets at least one size larger than the bed size you are making the cover for. I chose double sheets for my twin duvet. (If you are making a king duvet, choose four sheets and begin by seaming them together into two larger panels.)
2. Measure your comforter and add six inches for wiggle room and a seam allowance.
3. Mark and cut your fabric to size, utilizing two edges if possible to minimize your cutting.
4. Line up the existing sheet tops (finished edges) for the opening end of the duvet and pin fabric together all around.
5. (Optional on smaller comforters) Pin a 12" piece of twill tape at each corner folded in the middle. This will give you a pair of tapes to tie the comforter into place with.
6. Leave a 30" – 36" opening centered on these finished edges (depending on the size of your finished duvet) and straight stitched 1/2 inch from the edge on all sides. Double back over the ties at each corner if you used them.
7. Zig-zag the raw edges to prevent unraveling.
9. (Optional for beginners… or lazy sewers like me) Add buttons and button holes across the opening to close the flap. (The one pictured here is staying closed perfectly without them.)
She loves it, I love it, and its done! It adds a surprising amount of warmth (prefect timing as it dipped below zero for most of the weekend), and is so much sweeter than the ancient and ugly comforter tucked inside.
A more disciplined crafter would add the optional corner ties and buttons and button holes but I did not. It functions perfectly without them and I actually finished it. A fine trade off for me.
It is oh-so-sweet… like the little person it was made for.
