More than 40,000 people type “how to fold a fitted sheet” into Google each month — and for good reason! It’s one of the most difficult bed linens to fold neatly.
“Folding fitted sheets seem to trouble many people, mainly because of the elastic all around the edges,” Marie Kondo says. “But don’t worry, there is a simple technique for folding them quickly and neatly.”
Actually, Marie has three techniques for folding fitted sheets depending on where you plan to store them:
- In a linen closet or on a shelf
- In a deep drawer or under the bed
- And, for small spaces, a guide to folding a fitted sheet to fit in a bin or basket
Watch this video, courtesy of Marie’s Netflix series Tidying Up, or try our step-by-step guides below to pick the best option for your home. We’ve even created detailed diagrams to help keep you on track.
How to Fold a Fitted Sheet for Storing on a Shelf
Marie recommends a half-fold technique if your house has a dedicated linen closet.
Step 1: Place the sheet on the floor or bed with the elastic sides facing up.
Step 2: With the longest side facing you, fold the sheet into thirds (take the side closest to you and fold it toward the middle of the sheet, then take the side farthest from you and fold it toward the middle of the sheet.)
Step 3: Now, in the opposite direction, fold the sheet in half.
Step 4: Fold in half again.
Step 5: Smooth down and place on the linen closet shelf with the visible folds facing inward.
“When in doubt, store your fitted sheets upright. This technique allows you to easily recognize the set of sheets you need while also keeping your drawers looking neat.”
How to Fold a Fitted Sheet to Fit into a Drawer
If you plan on storing your fitted sheet under the bed or in a deep drawer, you can follow a similar method as the one Marie uses for linen closets but fold the sheet into thirds to save space.
Step 1: Place the sheet on the floor or bed with the elastic sides facing up.
Step 2: With the longest side facing you, fold the sheet into thirds (take the side closest to you and fold it toward the middle of the sheet, then take the side farthest from you and fold it toward the middle of the sheet.)
Step 3: Now, in the opposite direction, fold the sheet in half.
Step 4: Fold in thirds, creating a rectangle.
Step 5: Store upright with the folded sides at bottom (you will create a kind of triangle).
Folding a Fitted Sheet for Small Spaces
Do you have a small space with very little storage, such as a dorm room or a studio apartment? Not to worry, this method (which is actually more of a roll than a fold) will help ensure your fitted sheet takes up as little space as possible.
Step 1: Place the sheet on the floor or bed with the elastic sides facing up.
Step 2: With the longest side facing you, fold the sheet into thirds (take the side closet to you and fold it toward the middle of the sheet, then take the side farthest from you and fold it toward the middle of the sheet.)
Step 3: Now, in the opposite direction, fold the sheet in half.
Step 4: Rather than folding, roll the fitted sheet tightly from one end to the other — almost like rolling up a yoga mat.
Step 5: Store upright in a basket or drawer, and your fitted sheet will look as neat as your flat sheets!
“When in doubt, store your fitted sheets upright,” says Marie. “Much like folding other articles of clothing, this technique allows you to easily recognize the set of sheets you need while also keeping your drawers looking neat.”
