BEST WAY TO SEW A DUVET COVER

[@SBVancouver]

You’re such a good teacher. You make everything look so easy that it inspires me to take on the challenge. You’ve really improved my sewing confidence with your do it yourself ideas. I’m now doing my own alterations after watching your t-shirt alternations. Now I’m excited to try making my own duvet cover. I’m so glad I found your channel.

[@CatherineSews]

I'm so glad you found me too! Great to have you along!

[@suzyhall2608]

I have made SO many duvet covers! If I had seen this video, with your way of installing the zipper, they would have looked as if I knew how to sew! You are amazing!!!!! Thank you!!!!

[@CatherineSews]

Haha, Suzy, that's so cute. I'm sure they look great 🤣

[@JoytoWorld]

I have most of the materials but haven't felt confident how to proceed. This did the trick. Thank you!

[@lucilledaub5991]

Very nice duvet.

[@patstrawhouse4005]

LOVE your zipper install! Long before 108” backings were available, I used to often use flat sheets as backing for quilts, since they are hard-wearing and cheaper than quilting cotton. After pressing the edges of the duvet cover, I’d topstitch around the edge-so I wouldn’t have to fuss with the edge the next time it’s laundered and ironed. Thanks for the tips!

[@craftymystic4868]

Have never even considered making my own duvet cover, but will give it a try, would love that whole zipper insertion much better than replacing those buttons. Thank you.

[@gravedigger447]

Lovely! I feel a story coming on 😉. I'm German and have never known anything else but duvets and duvet covers until I visited English-speaking countries. There, I struggled with blankets that weighed a ton and tucked-in "top and bottom" sheets that made me feel like I was sleeping in a straight jacket with bricks on top of me. Needless to say I started making my own duvet covers right away and never looked back. Here in NZ, most of the duvet covers are for queen or king size duvets. But I only have single duvets (I'm selfish like that and don't like to share), but the covers for singles are mostly for kids (think Winnie the Pooh and Superman fabrics). So I buy king size, cut a strip off, which happens to be big enough for two pillow cases. Job done. Now, thanks to you, I'll be able to insert a zipper, which is much more practical! Thank you. I do appreciate your style of teaching a lot.

[@CatherineSews]

Great tip about using a king sized sheet!! 👌

[@carolines2088]

What a great idea! Agree it can be tricky to find nice single bed doona covers

[@amyberg1413]

Great video, I have often thought of making my own. Using a sheet for the back is a great idea, makes it so much less expensive.

[@1wolfpup]

Your cover is pretty. It’s a nice soft pattern. Thanks for sharing how to make it. Your instructional videos are fantastic.

[@belieftransformation]

Beautiful duvet cover & great techniques! Thanks for sharing! I’m going to add those corner ties to my duvet!

[@phoebelim5040]

Catherine, I love watching your videos. I recently made a duvet cover and wished I had watched your video first. I did a couple of things differently, which worked for me. I bought quilt backing for top and bottom because I wanted the quilt to be reversible. I was not able to find any other fabric I really liked and surprisingly, I found the backing suited my color scheme. It saved me time and money, too. I also love ripping, it's always straight and so much fun. For the corners I could never understand the string idea because I never realized people attach strings to the duvet as well, duh. I have a queen size bed so the side and top/bottom are similar in size. That meant I always had to fold a corner of the duvet and figure out which way it went. No, I never thought to label it, duh again. But I did sew small tabs with a buttonhole into each inside corner of my cover, then I sewed buttons on all corners of the duvet. They are not uncomfortable, being right in the corner. But to make my life easier, I put different color buttons at the top and bottom. It doesn't matter which color button goes near the zipper, but if both buttons are the same color I know I have it set up right. You could do the same with the strings, using different colors on the top and bottom, then match the same color on the cover and duvet and Bob's your uncle! Your hemmed sheet idea is brilliant. Thanks for your programming!

[@CatherineSews]

Oh my goodness, I love the idea of the different colour strings! That's so smart!! Thanks for your comment 😀

[@barbaracarlisle8930]

I love your emphasis on quality and accuracy, just as a part of the process! Always so clearly explained. I’m glad I haven’t gotten around to making a duvet cover because this technique creates a far superior product. I’ll be using closed captions and the pause button for sure! I’ve been sewing for 70 years and am always happy to add another skill, so I watch your videos even if I have no intention of making that particular item!)

[@anitabrock6858]

I loved your video! I need to make a duvet cover and have two flat sheets to work with and I love your method of putting in the zipper.

[@carolines2088]

Oh your video could not have come in my feed at a better time! I have a huge amount of fabric that I hand printed a lifetime ago in art school and was going to make a duvet cover with it but been too shared to get started. Now I'm inspired to do it! And it will reduce my stash a whole lot! Thank you! And that zipper technique is really gorgeous.

[@janw7157]

This is fantastic, I love your technique with the zipper and also the ties. I've been wanting to make one and your video makes me more confident to do it.

[@duanewiley631]

Cathrine I really enjoy your videos! I would like to ask is you would be willing to give us one for how to enlarge the sleeve width on a readymade shirt/t shirt, both with a knit and a woven fabric, for us gals that need a larger circumference around the upper arms. Thanks !

[@marshasetering3143]

This was such a great video! Thank you. I haven't attempted to sew a duvet cover, but your video made it feel doable. My fitted sheet elastic is all stretched out...any hints on replacing that would be very helpful. Again, thank you for this video.

[@karenlittle2905]

This is amazing! I made a "flimsy" (top of a quilt) for my son and daughter-in-law for their wedding quilt. My dear daughter-in-law asked if I could make it into a duvet cover as they like the weight of a duvet and have a lovely eiderdown duvet that they spent mega bucks on! Of course, me being me, said "sure" and have been wondering ever since (about 2 years) how I was going to accomplish this -- I found your video at just the right time! I am all excited about getting this finished now and seeing how I can apply this to other quilted tops in the future. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your excellent instructions. You are an excellent teacher and answered all the questions I had about how the duvet was going to stay (centred in the duvet cover -- my vision was of it all ending up on one side of the cover or scrunched down at the bottom of the cover -- duh. That doesn't have to happen with your method! As I said at the beginning of this post -- AMAZING!!!! I have saved this to my KZbin saves. I wish it could be saved to Pinterest! I don't "do" IG or Tiktok, but I look for ideas on Pinterest and that is enough of a rabbit hole to go down :D

[@karenlittle2905]

Oh, one other thing. I am going to send the flimsy to a long arm quilter and have a low loft batting quite to the flimsy. Why? I still want the quilt top to stand out -- I put a lot of money and work into that piece of art! It is a queen sized "quilt" that looks like it was made with 2-1/2 in. squares. In fact it was an elaborate method of strip piecing that gave the impression of being all 2-1/2 in. squares :) I want this to be in rotation with their summer bedding choices for years to come so feel the hard work on the quilt top will be protected if it is quilted to a batting (and backing of course) before it is converted into a duvet cover by adding another backing. I am so excited about this project -- I guess there is a "reason" it has taken me 13 years to get it finished -- the kids were married in September 2009! I keep looking at the flimsy and loving it -- they received it "wrapped as a wedding gift" and then I took it back after the wedding ....... long time in my ufo area of my sewing room! The funny thing is that my darling d-i-l's mother also made a quilt for them for their wedding -- she only got the flimsy done and as we chatted one day this Christmas she said she really wanted to get it finished into a quilt! I laughed and laughed -- oh, dear, we are so much alike in some respects! I will pass along this idea to her as well. Won't the kids be surprised (and happy) to have 2 duvet covers to change out during the winter season!

[@roxannesears7878]

Great idea of making a duvet out of a quilt flimsy! I have a king sized quilt flimsy that has been sitting, waiting to finish up. Yay! By the way, store bought duvets have strings in only the corners. My king down comforter always sags down away from the duvet making a sloppy mess that has to be readjusted every few days. This may not be a problem with smaller sized beds, but it's a royal pain for my king sized one. I will add more strings across my duvet, at least at the top, to keep the comforter in place.

[@sylvienayman8441]

great method!!! you always impress me with your genius ideas to make things nicer and smarter

[@praisingirl]

Loved this idea! Never thought of adding strings to my duvet myself. Love the hem edge zipper technique!

[@bonniebonnie7149]

Perfect timing for me! I bought some replica fabric of Jane Austen’s bed and with inspiration from a hotel in the Cotswolds, I’m planning to make a ruffled duvet cover. I have 3 fabrics, one foe each side and one for the ruffles. I’d love info on how to make ruffles. Thank you so much, Catherine! Great video!

[@chrisp.76]

I’ve been sewing since I was in 3rd grade and I’m almost 63. Yet I still learn something new in every video I watch. Thanks so much!

[@QueenAmethyst55]

That looks so good Catherine! I want to make a single one for my new granddaughter for when she moves to a bed so I have some time as she's only 3 months yet. Thanks for the clear instructions especially the zip. So much better than poppers. 👍🙂

[@msmonet]

Hi Catherine, now that I have three grandgirls, Im very interested in making a diy "beddy" to make making their beds easier. Can you recommend a good video for this, or create one for us? Love your channel! Betty in Texas

[@daxxydog5777]

I, too, have been sewing since the dinosaurs roamed, lol. That made me laugh! I made a bed cover set once and it was a JOB. Maybe I’ll tackle it again, but a quilt this time. I don’t think I need to worry about the pen markings coming back in the southern US, thank goodness. Canada though…

[@Seejaysew]

Very impressive! I’ve made duvet covers before but I love your zipper insertion. Bravo 👏

[@1wholovestrees]

For quite a while, I’ve been thinking of replacing my storebought flannel duvet cover and thought of making one. I felt too overwhelmed! And I’ve been sewing since dinosaurs roamed the earth. 😊But with these directions I’m ready to tackle the job. I’d like to say I love the heat removable pens too. I found out, the hard way, that if the fabric gets really cold, the marks will come back. Frixion says this on their website and I found it out after the fact. 😢

[@marathonfortruth4768]

I’ve made duvet covers before and also installed zippers in purchased duvet covers. This zipper insertion technique is brilliant! Can’t wait to do this.

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

Would this work for making covers for long bench cushions? I think it could.

[@haydeenunn4372]

I may just sew the ties at the queen size measure inside my old king sized duvet cover and leave the sides empty to hang. I'm sure a couple of stitches down the sides can help to keep the smaller duvet in place as long as I use your tying method. Thanks!

[@philiptipping6738]

Thanks Catherine, this is a great way to make the cover. When I need to replace my doona cover next, I will try this as I am sick of buttons and snaps. Cheers Mary.

[@olivemd]

I’ve made three so far. No problems. I even made one that was pieced like a quilt. It was served together and lined. They are nicer than store bought!

[@triplewinlin5576]

I just decided yesterday to make a duvet cover for an older comforter I have, then lo and behold, your duvet video shows up! Beautiful technique! (P.S. at 12:37 there was an extra layer of audio.)

[@CatherineSews]

So glad the timing was so perfect for you! And yes, I just noticed my editing boo-boo with that layered audio. Dang it! Once its posted, it's too late to edit!!

[@bleudragon9]

Small issue at 12:30 ... double sound. Or around 12:45? Perhaps it doesn't really matter.

[@CatherineSews]

Yup, my mistake! Too late to fix it now that it's posted 😢

[@mrscms831]

Beautiful! How many did you make before creating your "recipe"? You must have practiced that awesome zipper method?! OH, you said you pre-washed your fabric, did you also pre-wash the sheet? Do you recommend a certain type of sheet with the cotton fabric? I made a bedspread using an old comforter as the insides. It was queen size, BIG project, but it was lovely and I felt very accomplished afterwards. Thanks.

[@CatherineSews]

I've made lots of duvet covers before but this method is recent. Both my kids needed new covers so the first one was the guinea pig and the second was this video! Yes, I prewashed the sheet too.

[@wendydio7971]

Made a duvet yesterday using this technique and it worked like a charm ... Sew Happy with results of the concealed zipper since my long zipper didn't quite match. Only difference is I made my zipper full length of duvet its what I had. For the corners instead of ties I use a quilt basting gun ... Duvet stays in place perfectly ... Just put into the serged seam allowance

[@dianahampton8768]

I really like your technique easy and effective!

[@bleudragon9]

This is great! I definitely want to give this a try. Thanks!

[@osmoseelf1117]

In France you can buy duvet covers that are the shape of an upside down bottle. The bottleneck is simply tucked at the feet of the bed. It is very easy to make. Cut the width needed by twice the length of the duvet plus one meter. Fold that length in two and draw the bottleneck on the 50cm at the end of the folded fabric so that the width of the bottleneck equals the width of your mattress. Sew both sides of the "bottle" right sides together, zigzag the edges if needed, hem the bottleneck, you are done. No fastening needed and your duvet stays in place nicely. Of course soak your cotton material before cutting to allow shrinkage.

[@Musicstudio-y2t]

Best wishes always friends 🙏🇲🇨

[@ewilson8408]

I found a beautiful full size duvet with embroidery on top at Goodwill. Problem was I have a king size bed. I decided to rip all seams and use bottom fabric to enlarge the top. I have a flat sheet that's big enough for bottom but I can't find a zipper large enough. Can you please tell me where you purchased yours.

[@Maplecook]

Wooot!

[@denisebrennan5726]

I'm using a 1960's vintage Singer straight stitch only machine. What do you think about French Seams for this duvet - too bulky?

[@marymiller-crews1307]

Perfect timing! I just unboxed a new sewing machine and have wanted to sew a duvet cover. Thank you!

[@CatherineSews]

I'm so glad the timing was so perfect for you! Yay!

[@susanakaan810]

Thank you so so much, I have been sewing duvets for my customers, but this time, someone placed an order for the cover too, and I decided to check on youtube. This is so clear, thank you so much ❤️

[@johannechampagne7332]

That is so smart! Thanks for sharing.

[@ArlenePMCM]

It looks so crisp and fresh! I've been wanting to make a duvet cover for awhile now and love that zip closure. I'm now ready!

[@TOOTLEBEES]

Thank you so very much!!! I used your zipper technique on a cushion cover for a bay window seating area out of a high grade thread count flat sheet...turned out great!

[@oskarmolly]

Thanks for this video. I found it at just the right time as I've been planning on making a duvet cover. Since I moved to Europe the cotton, Linen and quilting cotton all comes in a 54 inch width, Most all of the duvet's are around 45 inches wide, so the bit extra width can be helpful with seam allowance plus a bit extra for the bottom for the zipper I think. Your video's are all so helpful! I'm from Washington State but am now in Norway so I'm having to get used to using cm instead of inches.

[@Dee-cg2fx]

Ty!

[@elaine58100]

I just love this. I love the idea of the ties. For a King Size duvet how many ties would you recommend? Thank you :) Also can any fabric be ripped to get a straight line or is it just cotton fabric? Thank you once again :)

[@valentineyoung-sg5vp]

I have made them reversible which is nice, to have a change. Good idea using a zipper. I've used snap strips or buttons. Love your channel and the way you present everything. Learned lots.👍

[@cybersecretary]

I've been thinking of making a cover for a year! The fabric i like is $$$. I'll look for a better orice and get a flat sgeet. Glad I waited. Now I will try it with the zipper!

[@amandajpuryer8286]

Oh my word!!! Thank you for that advice about the four corner cords. I've never seen that before. Now I look forward to trying it!!

[@deannesmith4979]

Great tips. I want to change ribbon ties on mine from many years now. So will try to add zippers. And ties. Thanks 🎉🎉

[@judih.8754]

Wow that was easy. Thanks for the full description. BTW, I love your jeans.

[@clothingalterations]

Good tutorial 👍🌺🌱🌷🌳🏵🌴🌹

[@joandavis9152]

Thanks. I want to make a weighted blanket cover. This is great.

[@ddeetaurus]

Excellent and so professional looking. Thanks.

[@krissielongknife1479]

Thank you, wonderful instruction

[@vernettewheeler5622]

So appreciate and enjoy your videos. They are so helpful and encouraging. You are a great teacher Catherine.

[@CatherineSews]

So sweet of you to say! Thank you.

[@Queenread82]

I recently saw a product that stitched the bottom sheet to top (or a minky blanket) and the cover, all in one. It’s great for bunks and RVs especially. I’m now either figuring it out myself or finding an instructional video. Just an idea for a future project!

[@Queenread82]

Also - great video! Thank you!

[@judithritner9696]

I’ve always wanted to make my own duvet cover, now I see how easy it can be. I’m inspired! Thank you so much for sharing your creative talents🤗❤️.

[@LisaHirvi]

Thank you for sharing your idea to use the finished edges of a flat sheet. Followed your instructions and mine turned out well. Love how the zipper integrates with the finished design. Ty again! 🙌😁

[@bc927]

I love watching how easy you make it look... I think I may even try one myself! 😄

[@CatherineSews]

Yes! You'll do great!

[@73thebutterfly]

Love your video. Thanks. 😊

[@JocelyneRichard-h6z]

Wonderful technique !!! ❤

[@elayned6147]

Thanks ❤ great tutorial 👍

[@blessedmom4513]

What if you done have a sheet 😞

[@haydeenunn4372]

What a great idea! I have an old king size that I want to make into a queen size.

[@kathiewinters9902]

more like a maths lesson

[@CatherineSews]

Yes, we do use math in sewing.

[@kathiewinters9902]

and calkeep it simpleculations for all different sizes. if youre just starting out you dont need to be bombarded with all that. this wide etc. just went on and on about the @@CatherineSews off course but you kept saying if your fabric is this wide

[@tracybarnes6608]

Lovely job xx

[@Divergentdesignz]

Sorry what's a double ?

[@CatherineSews]

A duvet? In some countries they call it an eiderdown or a comforter.

[@Divergentdesignz]

@CatherineSews no I thought your were saying it's a size ?? I wanted to know what double meant. Is it considered a twin size, full size, queen size ?

[@CatherineSews]

@@Divergentdesignz oh!! A double is also called a Full size. Sorry for the confusion!

[@Divergentdesignz]

@@CatherineSews Thank-you so much

[@Doloresgbryant]

♥️♥️♥️

[@kathrynletchford5114]

The best way, to make a duvet cover, is to buy one. Lol...

[@CatherineSews]

Kathryn, you could say that about all clothing and all food as well. I really enjoy being self-sufficient and making what I want, how I want. It's more fun and more sustainable.