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How to Mend a Sheet

As a kid I always dreaded when company came because it meant I had to have the deer sheets on my bed.  It wasn’t the pattern, I mean I liked sleeping on top of the forest and cute little deer just fine.  No, it was because the deer sheets were in the bottom of the linen closet. The oldest, most worn out sheets in the house, and invariably I would stick my foot through the worn out spot and have nightmares that monsters were eating me through the bed.  I should have taken a minute to learn how to mend a sheet, and not worry about those holey deer!

Here's how to mend a sheet to extend it's lifespan. It doesn't take long and it's always better to mend and reuse!.

One weekend my mother in law came for a visit and I had a moment of panic because the kids put a hole in my extra sheets and it was like the deer sheets all over again.  However my mother in law’s train was late and I had a few extra minutes while the baby was napping and was able to patch the sheet adequately enough that I slept quite soundly all weekend.  If you get in a jam, don’t stress, here’s how to mend a sheet!

How To Mend A Sheet

How To Mend a Sheet By Farming My Backyard
  • Stitch together the hole so the it doesn’t expand while you work.  If it is a very large hole you may have better results darning, which is essentially creating a new fabric.  (I did a very poor job of darning the second smaller hole pictured).
  • Cut your patch out large enough that it covers the entire hole, plus enough to fold under.
  • Fold the edge under to prevent fraying and pin into place.
  • Do a running stitch around the edge of the patch
  • Repeat the process on the other side of the hole.

Ta da!  No scary bed monster can eat your feet now!  Knowing how to mend a sheet is a useful skill to have, even if you don’t use it very often.

Ways to Use Old Sheets

Chances are you will likely be replacing these sheets soon, so here are some ideas on what to do with old sheets.

  • A fort for your kids
  • Donate to animal shelter
  • Beach blanket
  • Car seat protector for said beach trip 😉
  • Make napkins
  • Sew doll clothes with the kids!
  • Make a draw string bag (Or a BIG one for a laundry bag).
  • Teach your kids to sew by having them make stuff!
  • Make a rag rug
  • Fold for the top of the dyer to make your own ironing board
  • Make a hammock
  • Cut them into halves or quarters, put a hole in the center of each one, and use them to clothes while painting, or just as drop cloths when painting.
  • Use for quilt backing.  I have a cute denim quilt made from old jeans, the batting is an old blanket, and it has a sheet as the backing.  It’s super warm; I love that thing!
  • Make bean bags.
  • Use in a Halloween costume.  Mummy or ghost for the win!
  • Camp bedding or sleeping bag liner
  • Cut up and use in your goat birthing kit

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Cindy

Monday 2nd of January 2023

My mother-in-law use to make curtains from almost most any sheet or blanket. In the winter heavier blankets helped keep the cold out from leaking windows, in the summer regular sheets would let the breezes pass through.

I've used old sheets to make blankets for my daughters' dolls. Or to build my son a fort.

Kathryn

Tuesday 3rd of January 2023

Those are some great ideas.

Mimi

Sunday 13th of June 2021

PS. I recommend a zigzag stitch around the outside of the patch so you don't feel that edge.

Kathryn

Monday 14th of June 2021

Thanks for the great suggestions!

Mimi

Sunday 13th of June 2021

Awesome idea! You got me thinking... If the sheet is just very thin and not quite a hole yet, you could try an iron-on patch on the back. Also, it you have a matching pillow case you're willing to sacrifice, you could make the patch out of that. An iron-on patch on the back along with a patch on the front would extend the life considerably. Lastly, when that sheet is finally ready for retirement, the sides are often still good. You could make pillow cases out of it.

Bethany@OurSoCalledLife

Friday 8th of February 2013

A simple solution, that avoids producing more garbage. I had never thought of patching sheets. Good idea!

admin

Friday 8th of February 2013

Eventually the patched sheets get retired and turned into dress ups, or a curtain. I just used an old sheet this week to make a "book nook" in my daughters' closet, but until then they serve very nicely as emergency back ups.

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