Making your own duvet cover is one of the easiest ways to refresh a bedroom without spending a lot of money on expensive bedding.
The best part is that you do not need special fabric.
You can make a beautiful DIY duvet cover with sheets using two flat sheets, basic sewing supplies, and a simple closure such as buttons, snaps, ties, or a zipper.
This project is especially useful if you already have sheets in a color or pattern you love.
It is also a good beginner sewing project because most of the work involves straight seams.
In this tutorial, I will show you exactly how to make a duvet cover from sheets, how to choose the correct sheet size, which supplies you need, how to measure your duvet insert, and how to finish the cover so it looks neat and professional.
What You Need to Make a DIY Duvet Cover
Before you start, gather all your materials and tools so the project goes smoothly.
Materials Needed
- 2 flat sheets of the same size
- Matching thread
- Buttons, snap tape, sew-in snaps, ribbon ties, or a zipper
- Ribbon or cotton twill tape for inside corner ties
Tools Needed
- Sewing machine
- Fabric scissors or rotary cutter
- Measuring tape
- Sewing pins or fabric clips
- Iron and ironing board
- Seam ripper (optional, but helpful)
Quick Comparison: Recommended DIY Duvet Cover Supplies
| Supply / Tool | Best For | Why You Need It | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Flat Sheet Sets (2 Sheets) | Top & Backing Fabric | Pre-hemmed edges & breathable cotton weave | Check Price → |
| 2. Beginner Sewing Machine | Straight & Zigzag Seams | Stitches durable washable perimeter seams | Check Price → |
| 3. Fabric Scissors & Sewing Clips | Pinning & Trimming | Holds both sheets aligned without slipping | Check Price → |
| 4. Snap Fastener Kit | Bottom Opening Closure | Fastest beginner closure without buttonholes | Check Price → |
| 5. All-Season Duvet Insert | Corner Loop Comforter | Includes corner loops to tie into your DIY cover | Check Price → |
Best Sheets to Use for a DIY Duvet Cover
Flat sheets are much easier to use than fitted sheets because they do not have elastic corners. They also already have finished edges, which can save time when making the opening of the duvet cover.
Best Fabric Options
- 100% Cotton Percale: Crisp, breathable, and easy to sew
- Cotton Sateen: Softer and slightly smoother, though it can slip more while pinning
- Linen Blend Sheets: Great texture and relaxed bedroom look
- Washed Microfiber Sheets: Budget-friendly and soft, though slightly slicker under the sewing machine needle
Important Tip: Pre-Wash First
Always wash and dry your sheets before cutting or sewing. Cotton and linen sheets can shrink during the first wash. Pre-washing helps make sure your finished duvet cover still fits your insert after laundry day.
Sheet Size vs Duvet Insert Size
One of the most important parts of making a DIY duvet cover from sheets is choosing sheets that are slightly larger than your duvet insert. You need extra fabric for seam allowance and possibly for the closure.
| Duvet Insert Size | Typical Duvet Insert Measurement | Recommended Flat Sheet Size |
|---|---|---|
| Twin | 66 x 86 in to 68 x 88 in | Twin XL or Full Flat Sheets |
| Full / Double | 80 x 86 in to 82 x 88 in | Queen Flat Sheets |
| Queen | 88 x 90 in to 90 x 92 in | King Flat Sheets (Best if trimming) or Large Queen Sheets |
| King | 104 x 90 in to 106 x 92 in | King or California King Flat Sheets |
Why Size Matters
Not all sheets and duvet inserts follow the exact same measurements. Some Queen flat sheets are wide enough for a Queen duvet insert, while others may feel slightly narrow after sewing seams. Because of this, always measure your actual duvet insert before cutting your sheets.
How to Measure Before Cutting
Lay your duvet insert flat on the bed or clean floor and measure:
- Width from left to right
- Length from top to bottom
Now decide how you want your duvet cover to fit:
- Option 1 (Exact Fit + Seam Allowance): Add 1 inch to the width and 1 to 2 inches to the length for seam allowances and the bottom closure.
- Option 2 (Slightly Fuller Look): Make the finished duvet cover about the exact size of the insert or up to 1 inch smaller so the duvet fills out the corners nicely and looks fluffy.
How to Make a Duvet Cover With Sheets Step by Step
Step 1: Measure Your Duvet Insert
Start by measuring the length and width of your duvet insert. Write the numbers down before touching your scissors.
- Duvet insert size: 90 inches wide x 90 inches long
- Cut sheet size with 1/2-inch seam allowance: 91 inches wide x 91 inches long
If you plan to fold a deeper hem at the bottom opening for buttons or snaps, add an extra 1 to 2 inches to the length.
Step 2: Wash, Dry, and Iron Both Flat Sheets
Wash and dry both flat sheets first. Then press out big wrinkles with an iron. Flat, smooth fabric is much easier to measure, line up, pin, and sew accurately.
Step 3: Use the Finished Top Hem as the Bottom Opening
Flat sheets already have a wide, neatly stitched top hem. Position that finished hem at the bottom opening of your duvet cover so the edge is already hemmed and reinforced for buttons, snaps, or ties.
Step 4: Lay the Two Sheets Right Sides Together
Spread the first sheet flat on a large clean floor or bed with the right side facing up. Place the second sheet on top with the right side facing down, lining up the two finished top hems at the bottom edge.
Step 5: Smooth and Pin the Layers Together
Smooth out any wrinkles or air bubbles from the center outward. Pin or clip the sheets together along the edges so they do not shift while cutting or sewing.
Step 6: Cut the Sheets to Match Your Duvet Measurements
Keep the lined-up bottom hem edge intact. Measure from the bottom edge upward for your desired length, and measure across for your desired width. Trim away any excess fabric from the sides and top edge so both sheets match the exact cut measurement.
Step 7: Add Corner Ties Before or During Sewing (Recommended)
Cut 4 pieces of ribbon or cotton twill tape, each about 12 to 14 inches long. Fold each piece in half and place the folded center into each corner between the two sheets, pointing the loose ends inward so the loop gets caught in the corner seam.
Step 8: Sew Three Sides Closed
Using a 1/2-inch seam allowance, sew around the left side, top edge, and right side. Leave the bottom center open (sewing in 8 to 12 inches from both bottom corners) so you can insert the duvet neatly.
Step 9: Finish the Raw Interior Seams
Finish the raw inside edges using a zigzag stitch, serger stitch, or pinking shears so they do not fray in the wash.
Step 10: Turn the Duvet Cover Right Side Out
Turn the duvet cover right side out through the bottom opening, push out all four corners gently, and press the outer edges with an iron.
Step 11: Add Your Closure
Choose from four easy bottom closure styles:
- Option A — Snap Tape or Snap Fasteners: Space snaps 6 to 8 inches apart across the inside bottom hem.
- Option B — Buttons and Buttonholes: Sew buttonholes and matching buttons every 6 to 8 inches.
- Option C — Ribbon or Fabric Ties: Sew matching 10-inch ribbon pairs every 8 to 10 inches.
- Option D — Long Zipper Closure: Stitch a hidden zipper along the bottom opening.
Step 12: Insert Your Duvet and Use the Burrito Roll Trick
Turn the DIY duvet cover inside out on the bed, lay the insert on top, tie all four corner ties, roll both together tightly from the head to the foot of the bed like a burrito, flip the cover ends over the roll, and unroll backward.
Duvet Cover Closure Comparison
| Closure Type | Difficulty | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snap Tape / Snaps | Easy | Fast | Beginners who want a clean hidden closure |
| Ribbon Ties | Very Easy | Fast | Cottage, farmhouse, or relaxed boho style |
| Buttons & Buttonholes | Medium | Moderate | Traditional store-bought bedding look |
| Zipper | Medium | Moderate | Full closure with no gaps |
Reversible Duvet Cover Idea (Two Looks in One)
One of the best reasons to make your own duvet cover with sheets is that you can pair a floral or striped sheet on top with a solid coordinating sheet on the back for a reversible duvet cover.
Common Mistakes to Avoid & Care Tips
- Never use a fitted sheet: Always use two flat sheets for straight seams.
- Always pre-wash first: Prevents post-sewing shrinkage on laundry day.
- Always measure your insert: Queen and King inserts vary by brand.
- Include corner ties: Keeps the duvet insert from bunching in the center.
- Fasten closures before washing: Wash on gentle cold/warm cycle and tumble dry low.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a duvet cover from two flat sheets without cutting?
Yes, if your two flat sheets are already very close to the size of your duvet insert, you can sew them together without trimming.
How many sheets do you need to make a duvet cover?
You need two flat sheets of the same size: one for the top of the duvet cover and one for the backing.
What size sheets do I need for a Queen duvet cover?
Measure your Queen duvet insert first. Using two King flat sheets and trimming them down gives you plenty of width and seam allowance.
Can you make a no-sew duvet cover with sheets?
You can use heavy-duty iron-on hem tape and adhesive snaps for a temporary cover, but a stitched seam holds up far better in the washing machine.
Final Thoughts
Making a DIY duvet cover with sheets is one of the simplest and most practical sewing projects for the bedroom. With two flat sheets, straight seams, inside corner ties, and a basic snap or button closure, you can create custom bedding in the exact color, print, and fabric you want.