How to Fold a Fitted Sheet — The Method That Actually Works

Infographic titled 'How to Fold a Fitted Sheet' showing four numbered steps: tuck elastic corners together, nest all four corners, fold into a rectangle, and fold into a square against a dark blue background.

Tuck two adjacent elastic corners together so the sheet forms a pocket. Then nest the other two corners into the same pocket.
Lay the nested sheet flat on a table, smooth the elastic edges straight, then fold into a clean rectangle.
Fold the rectangle into a compact square that matches the size of a flat sheet.

The fitted sheet is everyone’s laundry nemesis. The elastic corners refuse to cooperate, and the result is usually a crumpled ball shoved into the back of the closet. But there is one method that actually works, and it only takes about 3 minutes.

Start with the corners. Hold the sheet lengthwise and tuck your hand into one elastic corner. Reach through and grab the opposite corner, pulling it inside so the two corners nest together. Repeat with the remaining two corners so all four elastic corners are stacked inside each other like a pocket.

Lay it flat. Set the nested sheet on a table or bed with the elastic edges facing up. Smooth out any wrinkles and straighten the sides. The sheet should now be a rough rectangle.

Fold into thirds. Take the longest edge and fold it inward about a third of the way. Fold the remaining third over the top. You now have a long, narrow strip with the elastic band hidden inside.

Fold into a square. Fold the strip in half, then in half again — or into thirds if the strip is especially long. The final shape should be a compact square that stacks neatly with flat sheets.

From there it goes into the linen closet without avalanching every time you open the door. The trick is all in the first step: nesting the corners properly. Everything after that is just folding a rectangle.