Make Bedspreads

Bedspreads are blanket-like, quilted bed coverings that are not only used for warmth, but are also an integral part of a bedroom's décor. Bedspreads set the aesthetic tone of a bedroom because they dress the bed, which is generally the most prominent feature of a bedroom. Sometimes referred to as comforters or coverlets, bedspreads come in a variety of thicknesses, sizes, colors and designs. If you want a one-of-a-kind bed covering that is perfectly suited to your tastes and home décor, then you can make a bedspread. It is not necessary to have a lot of experience in pattern-making or sewing. Even a novice can design and sew a bedspread by following these steps.

Steps

  1. Decide which type of bedspread you want to make. Do you want to make a bedspread, comforter or coverlet? The difference between these choices lies in the thickness and size.
    • A traditional bedspread is large enough to cover the entire bed, generally extending to the floor, and has a medium thickness.
    • Comforters are the thickest bedspreads and cover only the mattress, allowing you to integrate a bed skirt into the bed dressing.
    • Coverlets are thin bedspreads that cover only the mattress and are often used as a layer between the sheets and a thicker bedspread, or as the primary bed covering during the warmer months.
  2. Take measurements. Using a tape measure, deduce the length and width of your intended bedspread. Keep in mind how far to the floor you want your bedspread or comforter to reach, and add space for seam allowances.
  3. Determine the thickness of your bedspread. This will determine the type of batting (padding) that you will use. Keep in mind that if you want to make a comforter, you will need twice the batting while, to make a coverlet, you will need no batting at all.
  4. Choose your fabrics. You will need a face fabric, which will be displayed, and a backer fabric.
  5. Make sure you have all your supplies, and in the correct amounts, before beginning to sew a bedspread.
  6. Cut the front (face) and back of your bedspread out of your chosen fabrics. This may require piecing 2 or more lengths of fabric together
  7. Sew your bedspread face and backer together. Place the face and backer pieces together, outside in, and stitch around 3 sides, leaving 1 width-wise end open.
  8. Prepare the batting. For large bedspreads or thick comforters, you will likely have to piece several pieces of batting together to create the size and thickness you desire, and then trim it to the appropriate size. If you are making a coverlet, skip the steps pertaining to batting.
  9. Attach the batting to the bedspread shell. By hand, loosely stitch the corners of the batting square you created onto the corners of the backer fabric. Be careful not to sew the batting to both the face and the backer fabric, or you will not be able to turn the bedspread out.
  10. Turn the bedspread inside out through the un-stitched end. You will need to adjust the batting, face and backing in order to line them up for finishing.
  11. Fold the face and backer fabric at the open end inward, hiding the raw edges.
  12. Pin the open end together in preparation for finishing.
  13. Stitch the open end shut. Keep your stitching as close to the edge as possible.
  14. Secure the batting. Do this by stitching around the entire outside perimeter of your bedspread, being sure to include the batting. You may want to stitch inside the bedspread to hold the batting in place using a purchasable, pre-designed pattern.

Tips

  • If you want to make a bedspread that is reversible, forego the backer fabric and choose 2 face fabrics instead.
  • Use chalk pencils or disappearing ink fabric markers to mark your fabrics as needed.
  • Brush up on basic sewing techniques to ensure a smooth construction process.

Warnings

  • Do not forget about seam allowances. Any time you sew 2 pieces of fabric together, you lose around 1 inch (2.54 cm) of fabric, depending on how far from the edge you choose to sew.

Things You'll Need

  • Fabric for front and back
  • Batting
  • Sewing needle
  • Thread
  • Sewing machine
  • Tape measure
  • Sewing pins
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Scissors

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Sources and Citations

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