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qmarker

Help with bedskirt - alteration add elastic

qmarker
10 years ago

Hello,

I have used the elastic bedskirts for years and since I'm alone it is infinitely easier for me to get it on and off for laundering.

Now, I've got my eye on a new comforter and it comes with a platform bedskirt. I'm in a dilema about removing the center fabric and simply installing elastic for a slip-around style. I'd never be able to remove my mattress and get it back on by myself without making a total mess of the bedskirt. I doubt that I can even lift the mattress alone.

I really don't want to add a casing for the elastic either. I don't think it would matter if the top of it wasn't finished in some way because it won't show. Maybe I could just zig zag it (I don't have a surger) Can I just cut the center out and sew elastic to the cut off or hemmed top?

The comforter set I want to order is on the web and it appears to have quite a straight bedskirt and not a gathered or ruffled.

I know I could use velcro but that would be very expensive and I really don't want to stick it to my box spring either. If there is a way to do the elastic, that would be my choice.

I have a white elastic one now and it would be much prettier to use the one that will be sent to me with the comforter.

I sure would appreciate suggestions.

Thanks, Donna

Comments (5)

  • dancingirl_gw
    10 years ago

    I'd cut the platform all around, leaving 3 or 4 inches attached to the skirt. Then you could leave raw edges or bind with tape. Here's how I've been using for years now---slip the cut edge under the mattress and pin with lge safety pins around. You should be able to slide your mattress one side to the other enough to put the pins into the box springs. Makes it very easy to remove or change out. Believe me, it does not hurt your box springs at all. You can get the large safety pins that are curved for putting quilt layers together--almost anywhere. Makes for easier pinning. Just experiment with a bit of cloth before making the decision to order.

  • evaf555
    10 years ago

    If the elastic stayed up okay without being fastened all around, why not use velcro at one corner? Cut off the platform and turn the edges under twice and stitch them. Cut a piece of scrap fabric about four inches square, and cover it with one side of the velcro, and stitch it to one end of the bedskirt. This would be the underlap.

    Then put the other side of the velcro on the underside of edge that would meet up with it.

  • qmarker
    Original Author
    10 years ago

    Thanks, I'm going to follow dancinggirl's suggestion. I looked around and did manage to find an old post on this subject Everyone likes the pin method. I will cut & fold double & just run a hem. I had some of what I call 'upholstery' pins which are the corkscrew type and I ordered another pkg. It sounds very do-able that way and able to handle by myself.

    As for the other suggestion. I really did not want to add elastic. I didn't want to make a bulky casing which would add length to the bedskirt because it goes around the box spring on the outside, and I've never had good luck with sewing elastic directly to fabric without a casing. Especially because this will probably be a very skimpy fabric on the platform when it arrives.

    I thank you both for your replies.
    Donna

  • jomuir
    10 years ago

    Do what dancigirl said, except use twist pins rather than safety pins. They hold forever w/o harming the mattress, and are avail. at fabric stores.

  • birdtalker
    10 years ago

    I have tried all these ways and not been satisfied. The problem is that I have a mattress that curves up and the platform, which is a different color and fabric always shows. We have a queen down comforter on a king sized bed and so the sides show. (my husband isn't into the looks of the bed, he just wants smaller comforter) And we have no top sheet to cover. And I hate the way they are making sheet now. Lousy.Hope you have better luck than I have had.