Hey everyone. Today you'll learn how to sew a reversible duvet cover from one wide, pretty wideback.
Here we go.
First, let's talk about this fabric.
This is the Blue Bouquet Cotton Wideback Fabric per yard from Marcus Fabrics.
It is cotton.
It is 108/110 inches wide.
That width changes everything for bedding, y'all.
It comes from the Franklin House collection.
The designer is Delores Smith.
The look is a floral bouquet.
Think blue flowers.
Think beige and cream in the background.
Think soft, natural tones.
It feels classic, not loud.
I love that for a duvet cover.
Why?
Because the cover is the whole bed.
You see it every single day.
The print needs to carry a big space.
This bouquet can do that.
Why This Fabric Suits a Reversible Duvet Cover
A duvet cover is a fabric envelope.
Your insert tucks inside it.
Buttons or a zipper close the end.
Reversible means both sides look finished.
Flip it over for a fresh look.
Use this same fabric for both sides.
Or use it for the top side only.
Pair it with a plain coordinating cotton underneath.
Completely up to you.
The width is the real win here.
A queen duvet is about 88 by 88 inches.
A king duvet is about 104 by 88 inches.
Standard 44-inch fabric needs pieced panels.
That means a seam right down the middle.
At 108/110 inches wide, you skip that.
One panel per side.
No center seam to line up.
We're not reinventing the wheel here.
Wide fabric just makes bedding easier.
Materials List
- Blue Bouquet Cotton Wideback — about 5 yards for a queen cover, two panels cut about 92 inches long each; about 5 yards for a king too, using the full width and the same 92-inch length
- Duvet insert — queen about 88 by 88 inches, or king about 104 by 88 inches; measure yours first, they do vary
- Closure — an invisible zipper about 36 to 48 inches long, or 6 to 8 buttons, 3/4 inch to 1 inch, plus buttonhole foot
- Thread — a good all-purpose cotton or polyester thread in a soft cream or blue to blend
- Inside ties — about 1 yard of twill tape or thin ribbon, cut for 4 to 6 ties
- Your usual tools — rotary cutter, large mat, long ruler, pins, and your sewing machine
A quick note on amounts.
Measure your insert before you cut.
Do not trust the package size alone.
I add about 1 inch for ease.
Then I add 1/2 inch seam allowances.
That little bit of planning saves fabric.
Just like that.
Brief Steps
- Press your fabric well. Smooth it flat on a big table or the floor.
- Cut two panels the same size. For a queen, try about 90 by 92 inches per panel to allow for seams and turning.
- Lay the panels right sides together. Pin around three sides, leaving the bottom end open for the closure.
- Sew the three sides with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. Go steady, about 10 to 12 stitches per inch works well for this weight.
- Clip the corners carefully. Turn the cover right side out and press the edges flat.
- Add inside ties at the corners. Small loops or tapes, stitched securely into the seams. They keep the insert from bunching.
- Finish the open end. Install the zipper, or sew buttonholes and attach your buttons evenly across.
- Put your insert inside. Tie the corners, close it up, and give it a good shake from the top edge.
Practical Tips From My Table
Wash and press before you start, if you plan to wash the cover later.
Cotton can shift a little.
Better to know before you cut.
Slow down at the corners.
Thick layers can push under the foot.
Slow down or the needle snaps.
I learned that one the hard way.
If a long seam wanders a bit, don't panic.
I have sewn a wavy side seam before.
We just pick out that section and go again.
It doesn't have to be perfect.
You're your own worst critic, folks.
Guests will see a pretty blue bouquet.
They won't measure your seam allowance.
Take your time. It's not a race.
Another tip: mark the top center.
And add ties. Really really helpful.
Without ties, inserts love to twist.
My preference is a zipper closure.
It is fast and stays neat.
Buttons are charming too, though.
Completely up to you.
If I can do this, y'all can do it.
Super duper easy once that wide panel is cut.
Alrighty. Thank you for spending a little time with me today.
We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the Blue Bouquet Cotton Wideback Fabric per yard at Linda's Electric Quilters.
