Wrestling with sheets — specifically the stubborn fitted kind — is one of the worst parts of laundry day. Whether you struggle to get that last corner over the mattress or can never seem to figure out which side is the short one, it’s frustrating enough to make you wonder who invented fitted sheets and…
As it turns out, Bertha Berman patented the fitted sheet in 1959 as an improvement to flat sheets, ensuring the corners would fit snugly around the mattress every time. And while fitted sheets can be frustrating to deal with, you only need one trick to get them on the bed correctly on your first try.
Locate the Care Label
When it comes to distinguishing the short side of a fitted sheet from the long one, there’s a secret indicator most of us have completely overlooked. While some manufacturers make it easy for you by including tags labeled “top” or “bottom,” many do not. In those cases, look for the interior care label — it’s almost always intended for the bottom right corner of the mattress, making it easy to align the sheet every time. For a total cheat, opt for a patterned sheet (such as a vertical stripe) so you never have to second-guess the direction again.
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More Tips for Taming a Fitted Sheet
If getting that last corner onto your mattress is the bane of your existence, YouTube creator Clean That Up recommends the U-shape method. Start by putting the fitted sheet over the bottom-right corner, then move to the top-right, followed by the top-left, and finally the bottom-left. This prevents it from popping off and undoing your hard work. To secure that tricky final corner, use the bear claw technique: Pin the sheet against the mattress with one hand while using your other hand to pull the elastic edge over the corner.
