Easy Step-by-Step Guide to Folding a Fitted Sheet (With Video)

Ever tried folding a fitted sheet by yourself? It can be super frustrating, right? Why can’t it just lay flat?

The secret is, the elastic edges make it tricky, but there’s actually a simple hack to get that fitted sheet folded perfectly. Trust me, you’ll want to know this!

Some tutorials make it seem even harder, but here’s our straightforward way to fold a fitted sheet neatly so you can stash it away in your linen closet.

I didn’t figure out how to do this until I hit my 30s. It just seemed too complicated! But once I learned this method, it clicked for me after a few tries—and now I fold like a pro!

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I’d suggest watching this short video a couple of times before you start. It’ll give you a good idea of where you’re heading, and then you can follow along with your own sheet more easily.

I’ll show you with a twin sheet (since it’s smaller and easier to see), but this method works for crib, twin, queen, or king-size fitted sheets.

Step One: Start with your fitted sheet turned inside out. Holding it lengthwise (the long way), put your hands all the way into the corners like you’re putting on mittens.

Step Two: Take your right hand and “clap” it onto your left hand so the two seams touch. Fold the right-hand side over the left so they fit snugly together.

Shake out the sheet a bit to untangle the extra fabric.

Step Three: Slip your right hand into where your left hand is and swap hands so your left is free. Follow the elastic edges with your left hand down one side of the sheet until you find the two corners dangling there.

Shake that side a bit so the corners are right-side out. Fit those corners into each other so they match and mirror what your right hand is holding.

Now you’ve got two corners on each hand.

Step Four: Repeat the “clap” motion again by taking your right hand and placing it on your left, then folding the corners over so all four are stacked together.

Shake out the sheet a little, and you should get a loose rectangle shape.

Step Five: Lay your sheet on a big flat surface like a table, bed, or floor to smooth it out. Fold the sheet lengthwise (the long way) into three sections to make it a long rectangle.

Then, fold it three more times widthwise (the short way) to get a neat rectangle. You did it!

PRO TIP: When you’re folding a sheet set, fold the fitted and flat sheet and tuck both into the corresponding pillowcase. It keeps the whole set neatly together!

And there you go! Once you realize how easy it is to tame a fitted sheet, you’ll never go back to just balling it up and tossing it in the closet. Happy folding!

P.S. Check out this post on how to Make An Easy Duvet Cover With Any Flat Sheet!