Hey everyone. Today you will learn how to turn one extra-wide floral fabric into a reversible duvet cover.
Here we go.
The fabric is the 108" Quilt Back Full Bloom Emerald Cotton Wideback Fabric per yard, from Windham Fabrics.
Let us break that name down slow.
First, it is cotton. Second, it is a wideback. The width of fabric is 108 inches.
That is really, really wide, y'all.
Third, look at the print name. Full Bloom. Emerald.
The product tags call out floral, flowers, geometric, abstract, green, blue, and multicolor. So this is a print with a lot of life in it.
It was made by Windham Fabrics by Marcia Derse.
We are making a duvet cover. And if I can do this, y'all can do it.
Why a reversible duvet cover suits this fabric
A duvet cover is a big fabric envelope. Your insert slips inside. Buttons, snaps, ties, or a zipper close the open end.
It protects the insert. And it changes the whole look of a bed in one afternoon.
That 108-inch width is the real helper here. A queen insert is often about 88 by 88 inches. One width of this fabric covers that, with room for seams.
No piecing panels together. No seam running right down the middle of your bed.
We are not reinventing the wheel here.
For the reversible part, you have options. Use Full Bloom Emerald on both sides for a rich, all-over floral bed.
Or pair it on the front with a calm coordinating cotton on the back. Flip it over when you want a quieter look.
Completely up to you. I like Full Bloom on both sides. That emerald green earns the spotlight.
Materials list
- For both sides in this fabric: 5.5 yards of this 108-inch cotton wideback — that gives you two panels, each cut about 92 by 92 inches
- Your duvet insert, measured before you cut — inserts vary, so trust your tape measure, not the package
- Closure: 6 to 8 buttons, snaps, or a zipper sized for your opening — I reach for buttons, they are forgiving
- Four short fabric ties or pieces of twill tape, about 8 inches each, for the inside corners
- Thread to match, a fresh needle in the size your machine and thread call for, pins, and a good press from your iron
Brief steps
Step 1: Measure your insert. Write the numbers down. Add 2 inches to the width and 2 inches to the length for seams and a little ease. My example panels at 92 by 92 inches suit an 88 by 88 inch insert.
Step 2: Cut two panels. Press the fabric well. Square one edge first. Then cut both panels to the same size.
Step 3: Add the corner ties. Pin one 8-inch tie inside each corner of the back panel, pointing inward. These will tie to the insert corners and keep it from bunching up inside.
Step 4: Sew the cover. Place the panels right sides together. Sew around three sides with a half-inch seam allowance. Backstitch at the start and stop to tie off your seams.
Step 5: Finish the open end. Turn the bottom edges in and press. Add your buttons and buttonholes, snaps, or zipper along that opening. Space buttons about 10 to 12 inches apart.
Step 6: Turn and load it. Turn the cover right side out. Poke the corners out gently. Slip the insert in, tie the corners, close it up, and give it a good shake.
Just like that. A whole new bed.
Practical tips from my table
Test your buttonhole on a scrap first. Always. Check your stitch length and tension on that scrap, not on the real panel.
Here is my honest mistake to save you one. I once sewed all four sides shut. Oh my goodness. A beautiful envelope, with no way to get the insert inside.
Now I pin a bright sticky note on the open end. It says, leave this open. Super duper simple. It works.
If your seams pucker a little, please hear me. It does not have to be perfect.
You are your own worst critic. Folks will see a fresh, blooming bed in deep emerald green. They will not measure your button spacing.
Take your time. It is not a race.
Completely up to you.
Thank you so much for sewing along with me today. We will see you next time. Bye.
Shop the 108" Quilt Back Full Bloom Emerald Cotton Wideback Fabric per yard at Linda's Electric Quilters.
