Fitted Sheets Information

Fitted sheets are a must-have item for all beds in your home. They come in so many beautiful fabrics and are usually quite affordable so that you will be able to have lots on hand for a change of bedding. Below are some of our thoughts on some common questions surrounding fitted sheets. Keep reading for all you need to know about fitted sheets.

What are Fitted Sheets?

Fitted sheets protect your mattress from wear and tear plus they also provide a nice soft and comfortable surface for sleeping on. Fitted sheets are made from cotton sheeting fabric. They have elasticized corners so that you can fit the corners over the edges of your mattress and secure it nicely. If you have the right fit, then your fitted sheet will stay in place as you sleep.

What are Fitted Sheets Made from?

The most common fabric that fitted sheets are made from is cotton. Now cotton comes in many different thread counts. The higher the thread count, the softer the fabric and the more expensive it is. It is also stronger and withstands wear longer than a lesser thread count. Cotton does wrinkle very easily though, so be aware of this when purchasing them. A more inexpensive option is fitted sheets made out of a poly cotton or polyester blend. These are not as comfortable than 100% cotton, but again they are cheaper and also less likely to wrinkle. Remember though, that the lesser quality means it is more likely to 'pill' and wear quickly. Fitted sheets are also available in luxurious satins. These ones are usually cooler to the skin so a great idea for summer sleeping. You can also get flannel cotton sheets which are really soft and comfortable for the cold winter season. There is nothing like crawling into bed with flannel sheets on a cold night!

Problems with Fitted Sheets?

It is a good idea to have lots of extra fitted sheets on hand. They wear much more quickly than the standard sheets that go on top. You will need extra for your own bedding, children's and guest rooms as well. If you find that your fitted sheet does not stay on over the corners of your mattress, you can try a couple of things. First, be sure you have the right size of sheet for the mattress. They come in king, queen, double and single sizes. You also must consider if you have a regular mattress or not. Some mattresses have a pillow top on them. An extra 'pillow' layer of mattress attached to the top. If you have this type of mattress, you will need to get an extra deep fitted sheet. Beware of shrinkage. Cotton fitted sheets do shrink in the washer and dryer. You will notice this has happened if you go to put your fitted sheet back on the bed and it suddenly doesn't fit very well or is a little tight. If it's too tight, it's liable to become a problem. It's very frustrating to be sleeping and the fitted sheet keep popping off of one corner. There is another solution though, other than purchasing new sheets. There are elastic clips that you can buy that will attach to the corners of the fitted sheet, at an angle, underneath the mattress. This will help it stay more securely.

Styles of Fitted Sheets

Fitted sheets are available in all colours from plain white to vivid pink! Also on the market are patterns galore. Take your pick and match it to your decor if you like. The fitted sheet is most often not visible when the other blanket and quilt layers are added on top, so it isn't absolutely necessary to purchase them to match your room's decor.

Purchasing Fitted Sheets

As discussed above, you can find fitted sheets in many different thread counts. The higher the count, the more expensive the sheet. Besides purchasing fitted sheets individually, you can also choose to purchase them as part of a matching set. Often you will get a top sheet and 2 pillow case covers as well. This is very handy to have, but really just a matter of personal preference. Since fitted sheets wear faster than the top sheets, you may need to purchase some individual ones to keep on hand. Our advice is to shop around. Purchase some plain coloured fabric sheets as well as some patterned for fun!