DIY Toddler Duvet Cover

Have you ever shopped for toddler duvet covers?

If not, I pray you never have to endure that particular level of frustration.  If yes, you understand the struggle.

Almost every single duvet cover or comforter that’s sized for a toddler bed is super themey. (Is that a word?)  Like, I don’t want a blanket with Paw Patrol or a giant alligator on it.  And I’m sorry; I’m not paying a bunch of money for something that’s going to get peed on. #pottytraining

Pottery Barn had a few cute, classic styles but the selection was super limited and almost only available in-stores.  (Our nearest store is an outlet an hour away.)  Whomp whomp.

So yeah, the search for the perfect duvet cover was ridiculously frustrating.  I finally just gave up and decided to DIY it.  I’ve shared the tutorial below so you can too!  And I promise, sewing a duvet cover is so easy even a caveman can do it?  (Who remembers those commercials??)

Fair warning:  Hands down the hardest part is picking out fabric. It took me two different trips to JoAnn’s to find the fabric I wanted to use.  This pattern was actually tucked away in the clearance section.

Since it’s a home decor fabric, it’s not exactly super snuggle-y. I decided to use a soft flannel on the backside to make it a little cozier.  I chose a deep navy flannel that would contrast the top stripes and compliment the navy on his walls (and because I couldn’t match either the gray or green lol). 

How to Sew a Duvet Cover

Materials:

• duvet insert
• top fabric
• bottom fabric
• matching thread
• velcro

Tutorial

Always, always, always wash your fabric before you get started.  If your fabric is going to shrink, you want to get that out of the way in the beginning.

The duvet insert I got measured 40″ by 60″.  My bottom fabric was only 42″ wide, so  I cut both fabrics to be 42″ by 62″, planning to do a 1/4″ seam and a 1″ seam at the top.

Start by sewing the 1″ cuffs for the top and bottom layers, where the velcro will go. 

Then, stack the two layers together, pretty sides facing each other.  Place pins along one of the long sides of the cover, then stitch them together.  Repeat for the bottom and other long side, smoothing out the fabric each time and pinning the edges together.  You should now have what resembles a giant pillowcase.  Flip the cover right-side out.

Cut your velcro into approximately 2-inch strips.  Pin the strips along the cuffs of the cover.  Run a simple stitch along the top and bottom of each piece of velcro.  

All done!  Just stuff your duvet insert into the cover.

A’s Reaction

You know what A said when I put the new blanket on his bed?  The blanket that his momma made with love and spent two nights making?

“Noooooo Mamma!!! I no like this bwank-et!”  And he cried.  Seriously.

He banished it from his room to the couch.  Dexter gladly slept on it all day.  

In a classic move, A got upset that evening when Dexter was laying on ‘his’ blanket.  We moved it to his bed that night, and he’s been sleeping with it ever since.

Just this morning he drug it from his bed to my bed to the couch to snuggle up in.  It makes my momma-heart smile that he loves it so much now.

And don’t worry, Dexter still sneaks in A’s room to snuggle in the blanket when he gets a chance. 🙂

Coming Soon – a Euro Pillow Sham Tutorial

Have you tried purchasing a toddler duvet?  Any other times you’ve been frustrated by not being able to find what you wanted and decided to DIY instead?  Share in the comments!