What better way to lighten up the house than with new Spring bedding made of soft, cotton fabric. With a wonderful selection of comfortable and breathable cotton knits, your only dilemma will be in choosing the cotton fabric design.
Have fun with a large polka dot cotton knit and make a simple but striking duvet cover. How about cotton knit PJs to match?
Making a duvet cover is so simple you can stitch up a new look in a few short hours. For those wondering what exactly a duvet is, it’s simply what Americans call a “comforter.” The word “duvet” is an alteration of Middle French of dumet, meaning down or plumage. The plumage of geese and ducks were used for filling in quilts primarily for warmth.
Everyone north of Atlanta probably has a down jacket or coat stuffed away in some closet. You won’t necessarily be making a fashion statement with those puffy, Michelin Man type outer wear, but you can vouch for how warm they are.
It’s much easier to make a duvet cover than a duvet (or a winter coat for that matter!), since it’s difficult to find enough geese or ducks to pluck. Kidding!.
How to Make a Duvet Cover With Flap
1. To make a duvet with a flap, determine the yardage needed by measuring the length of the cover, doubling the measurement, and then adding 16 inches for the flap and seam allowances. Measure for the width, which should include a 10″ to 12″ drop on the sides plus seam allowances of 5/8″ for each side.
Some people may prefer the clean look of a zipper closing but, for our purposes, we want to be as simple as possible. This is a great first sewing project for a teen, and we don’t want to scare anyone away with sewing in zippers just yet.
2. Cut the top and bottom panels for the duvet with the lower panel having the additional 16″ for the flap. For most duvets covers, standard-size fabric is not wide enough to accommodate the width of a bed. You will need to add side panels. Do not piece the duvet down the center; add a panel to each side instead.
3. To hem the opening on the buttoned side of the duvet, turn under 1/4″ hem and press. Then turn up 1″; press, pin, and stitch.
4. To hem the duvet flap, turn under 1/2″, press; then turn under 1-1/2″, press, pin, and stitch.
5. Right sides facing, pin and stitch the duvet cover together on three sides. The flap should extend about 14″ beyond the duvet opening. Turn right side out and press.
6. Create small hems on both sides of the flap by turning under 1/4″, pressing, then turning 1/4″ and stitching. Fold the flap up over the top of the duvet and press. Pin the flap in place.
The final step to making your duvet cover may seem daunting if you’ve never sewn button holes. Here’s a helpful video that illustrates the technique in 4 easy steps.
7. Determine and mark the button and buttonhole placements. Make the buttonholes and attach the buttons.
Because duvet covers are much cheaper than the duvet itself, you can afford to have several color-coordinating covers and a wardrobe of room accessories to match the changing seasons.
Note: Take care with patterns and prints. You may need to make your panels longer so that patterns or prints match up. This won’t be necessary with small overall prints like calicos.
