Cheap, Cute Duvet Covers You Can Make Yourself!

For those who are looking for a unique duvet cover but can't afford the high end prices, don't despair...there is an answer. And the answer to where you can find a good duvet cover is to simply....make one! This is one of the simplest things you can do for yourself...yet, it looks as if it were purchased in a designer boutique. I have done this dozens of times and it always turns out great.

First things first....you have to "size" the comforter/duvet to be covered. Lie it flat on the floor and take measurements of width and length. Add 4-5 inches to the width and 6 inches to the length. Then (taking the measurements with you) go to your favorite department store.

Head to the bed linens and "take a right" at the flat sheets! Checking measurements carefully, find a flat sheet you LOVE that has similar (if not bigger) dimensions to the measurements you took. Purchase two of these sheets....you can use two that match or get double duty out of a duvet cover by using one sheet for the top and another for the bottom....and then FLIPPING the duvet when you want a new look! taking the sheets home......iron out the wrinkles BEFORE pinning and sewing them......(if you don't, they will be extremely hard to get out later).

Place them on the floor with the sides facing each other that you want to be seen (there is a top to the sheet and a bottom....place the TOPS together)....now all you have to do is pin the sheets to the dimensions you have taken (do NOT cut the sheets yet, in case you have to take out the stitching and re-measure)....then after pinning carefully, sew the two side seams and the bottom seam on the sewing machine. After sewing turn it right side out and insert your duvet/comforter to make sure it fits. You should now have a nice amount of fabric left at the top.

You can finish the cover many ways......turn it over like an envelope flap and sew it shut.......sew large snaps on the inside of the top flap to keep it shut.......use decorative "frogs" in place of the snaps or if you are really brave, make button holes in one side of the top and add buttons to close it. That's it....pretty simple and if you are lucky enough you can find some really nice designer sheets on the clearance rack and have a top notch duvet without the top notch price!

Note: some people like the softness of a pre-washed sheet but I have always preferred the crispness instead....it is an individual thing, but if you do wash them...wash the sheets BEFORE marking and sewing them in case of shrinkage.

So get out there and hit those sales. Now is the time when you can find wonderful sheets at clearance prices at your local department store! Good luck and be sure to share your secret with someone else who wants a great duvet cover too!