Step-by-Step Guide to Sewing a Mattress Cover
Sewing a mattress cover involves measuring your mattress, choosing the right fabric, cutting the material to size, and then stitching it together. Generally, you will need to sew a large rectangular top, an equally sized bottom piece, and a strip that goes around the sides which will connect the two, incorporating a zipper for easier removal and cleaning.
Materials and Tools Needed:
- Fabric of choice (e.g., cotton, polyester, jersey knit)
- Measuring tape
- Scissors or rotary cutter
- Sewing machine
- Thread to match the fabric
- Zipper (the length depends on the size of the mattress)
- Straight pins or fabric clips
- Iron and ironing board
1. Measuring Your Mattress
Before purchasing fabric, measure the width, length, and depth of your mattress. To ensure a snug fit, add 1-2 inches to each dimension for seam allowances and the thickness of the mattress. For example, if your mattress is 10 inches deep, you should measure 12 inches for the side strip width.
2. Choosing the Right Fabric
The fabric you choose for your mattress cover should be durable, comfortable, and washable. Cotton is a popular choice as it is breathable and soft. If you want a stretchier cover, consider jersey knit. Make sure to buy enough fabric to cover the top, bottom, and sides of your mattress. For the sides, remember to consider the zipper seam and extra fabric to tuck under the mattress.
3. Cutting Your Fabric
Lay out your fabric on a flat surface and mark your measurements carefully with a fabric pen. Use scissors or a rotary cutter to achieve clean, straight lines. You should have three pieces: one for the top, one for the bottom, and a long strip for the sides.
Our Top 5 Mattress Picks
Updated September 2026EGOHOME 8-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress, Full, Medium Firm
Best for most bedrooms. A medium-firm green tea memory foam mattress with a cooling gel layer, delivered rolled in a box.
- Full size, 8 in
- Medium firm
- Cooling green tea gel
- CertiPUR-US, fiberglass free
OhGeni Queen Air Mattress with Built-in Pump, 18-Inch Raised
Best for guests and camping. Inflates in about three minutes with the built-in pump and sits 18 inches off the floor, so it feels like a real bed.
- Queen, 18 in raised
- Built-in pump
- 800 lb capacity
- Waterproof PVC
Novilla 6-Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress, Twin
Best budget twin. A slim gel memory foam twin that suits kids' rooms, bunk beds and trundles where a thick mattress won't fit.
- Twin, 6 in
- Gel memory foam
- Cooling
- CertiPUR-US
Zinus 8-Inch Green Tea Memory Foam Mattress, Twin
Best-known brand. Zinus's long-running green tea foam design in twin size, with both CertiPUR-US and OEKO-TEX certified materials.
- Twin, 8 in
- Green tea memory foam
- CertiPUR-US & OEKO-TEX
GAESTE 8-Inch Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress, Full, Medium Feel
Best for hot sleepers. Cooling gel memory foam with a medium feel, plus a machine-washable, anti-slip cover you can actually clean.
- Full size, 8 in
- Medium feel
- Cooling gel foam
- Washable cover
- Fiberglass free
4. Sewing the Pieces Together
Begin by sewing the zipper onto one end of the side strip and a small portion of the adjacent sides to create an ‘L’ shape. This allows the cover to be removed easily. Then, pin the side strip (with the zipper section) around one of the large rectangular pieces (the top or bottom of the cover), right sides facing together, and sew. Repeat with the other large piece. It’s important to sew over the zipper ends multiple times to secure them.
5. Finishing the Corners
As you sew the side strip to the top and bottom pieces, pay close attention to the corners to ensure they are squared and match up properly. This might require pinning the fabric first and making slight adjustments as you sew.
6. Securing the Cover
Once the cover is sewn, you can consider adding additional features such as elastic straps or buttons to secure the cover to the mattress so it doesn’t slip off.
7. Final Touches and Maintenance
After sewing your mattress cover, turn the cover right side out, and iron the edges for a crisp look. Make sure to follow care instructions based on the fabric used when washing the cover to keep it fresh and in good shape.
Finishing Thoughts
A handmade mattress cover adds a personal touch to your bedroom and ensures you have a piece that precisely meets the size and comfort needs of your mattress. With patience and the right materials, sewing a mattress cover can be a rewarding project, offering both protection for your mattress and an opportunity for customization. If you’re new to sewing, take your time with each step and don’t be afraid to practice on some scrap fabric first. Your efforts will result in a functional and potentially stylish addition to your bedding ensemble.
