Directions and Measurements to Sew a Duvet Cover

By
Debbie Colgrove
Debbie Colgrove
Debbie Colgrove is an award-winning seamstress and tailor who shares her knowledge with beginner sewers on how to work with patterns and fabrics. She has over 40 years experience and has been writing and authoring books for two decades.
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Updated on 06/12/20
Bedroom linens
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Project Overview
  • Skill Level: Beginner

Duvet covers are a great way to completely change the look of your room without investing in a new comforter or quilt as well as protecting your current comforter. This project is a fun way to redesign a place you spend a lot of time: your bed!

These fabric requirements do not take into consideration matching prints. To match a repeating design, you'll need to determine how much extra fabric is needed based on the size of the repeated design. You will also need the same amount of fabric calculated for the top or you can use a flat sheet (for the same size bed as your comforter) for the bottom of the duvet cover. Note: Double-check your comforter measurements against those listed below as manufacturers' sizes can vary.

Small prints and even some stripes should not require matching. If you like, buy extra fabric to add complementing trim to curtains and pillows.

Measurements and Fabric Requirements
Bed Size Twin Full Queen King
Finished Duvet Measurements 72 by 90 84 by 96 90 by 102 102 by 108
Size of Top Before Hems and Seams 73 by 93 85 by 99 91 by 105 103 by 111
45"-wide Fabric Requirements 5 1/4 yds 5 1/2 yds 8 3/4 yds 9 1/4 yds
60"-wide Fabric Requirements 5 1/4 yds 5 1/2 yds 5 7/8 yds 6 1/4 yds
108"-wide Fabric Requirements        

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

  • Measuring tape or ruler, marking tool, and scissors or rotary cutter, ruler, and mat
  • Pins
  • Sewing machine
  • Iron

Instructions

  1. Cut and Assemble Top and Bottom

    If you have extra-wide fabric, such as 108" wide quilt backing fabric for your duvet cover, cut 1 piece the length listed below for the size bed you have, then trim parallel to the selvages to match the cut width listed.

    If using 45" or 60" wide fabric, all covers will require even side sections added to each side of your fabric. Refer to the chart for cutting your sections. Join side sections to the center section using 1/2-inch seams. ​Zigzag or serge your seams to prevent fraying. Press the seams.

    Lay out the back and top section, right sides together. Pin enough to secure the two sections together. Stitch the side and bottom seams using 1/2-inch seams. Zigzag or serge the seam allowance.

    Note: All directions are using 1/2-inch seams.

    Bed Size Twin Size Full Size Queen Size King Size
    45"-wide fabric center section (1) 45" by 93" long (1) 45" by 99" long (1) 45" by 105" long (1) 45" by 111" long
    45"-wide fabric side sections (2) 15" by 93" long (2) 21" by 99" long (2) 24" by 105" long (2) 30" by 111" long
    60""-wide fabric center section (1) 60" by 93" long (1) 60" by 99" long (1) 60" by 105" long (1) 60" by 111" long
    60""-wide fabric side sections (2) 7 1/2" by 93" long (2) 14" by 99" long (2) 16 1/2" by 105" long (2) 22 1/2" by 111" long
    108"-wide fabric section        

  2. Measure, Mark, and Sew the Top Opening

    Divide the finished width of the duvet cover by 3. Measure that distance in from both side seams along the top (open) edge of the duvet cover and mark to divide the top into thirds.

    Measure 2 1/2" down from the top edge along each side. From the side seams, mark a stitching line at the 2 1/2" mark parallel to the top, stopping at each 1/3rd mark (the center will be left open to insert the comforter). Stitch a 2 1/2" seam from the top edge to each 1/3rd mark, backstitching at each beginning and end.

  3. Press and Sew

    Turn under 1/2" on both raw edges of the 2 1/2" seam allowance to the wrong side and turn under again. Press along the entire top edge on both sides of the seam allowance. Pin each 1/2" hem and topstitch each one all the way across from side seam to side seam.

  4. Finish Your Duvet Cover

    In the center opening on the 2" flange, place buttons and buttonholes evenly spaced approximately 5" apart.

    To keep the comforter in place inside the duvet cover, sew a small loop of fabric to each corner of the comforter. Sew a strip of fabric or ribbon to the side seams at the corners of the duvet cover. Apply snaps to the strip so they can be threaded through the loop on the comforter and held in place inside the duvet cover.