Duvet Cover

Courtesy of Jo-Ann Stores, Inc.

A custom cover for your old comforter made with Liz Claiborne fabrics will give your bedroom an exciting new look.

Make a Duvet

Duvets are made similar to large pillowcases, with a down comforter or filling tucked inside. Unlike closed comforters and bedspreads, duvets are not permanently sewn closed, so the filling can be removed and the cover laundered.

Getting Started

To make a duvet with a flap, determine the yardage needed by measuring the length of the cover, doubling the measurement, 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.

Cut top and bottom panels for the duvet, with the lower panel having the additional 16" for the flap. For most duvets, 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.

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.

To hem the duvet flap, turn under 1/2", press; then turn under 1-1/2", press, pin, and stitch.

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.

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.

Determine and mark the button and buttonhole placements. Make the buttonholes and attach the buttons.

Option: To finish the duvet with ties cut a 3" wide facing, long enough to go around the top of the duvet, plus the seam allowance. Hem one side of the facing and join the ends of the facing. Make pillow ties. Pin the ties to the right side of the duvet fabric, evenly spacing them across the duvet and aligning the raw edges with the duvet. Pin and sew the facing to the duvet, ties inserted between the duvet and the facing.

After I found this project on Joann.com, I couldn't wait to share it with you all. I have made duvet covers before and basically "winged" it, making it much more difficult than need be. I hope this project will be able to help you create the duvet cover that will complete your bedroom decor.

For directions and projects for pillows and other bedroom decor ideas, check out Joann.com yourself. You can find projects as well as all the supplies you'll need to complete those home decorating projects.