Seven, Eight Lay Them Straight

[Photo credit: Martha Stewart Living]

Friday is laundry day at our house. To make the task lighter, my husband oversees the washing while I handle folding. For years though, one domestic skill eluded me - how to properly fold fitted sheets.

I finally learned the secret from my Mom two years ago after the birth of my son. As she offered invaluable assistance during those first busy weeks, we bonded as only mothers and daughters do - over folded laundry. Anyway, my Mom's advice essentially follows the 4-step technique illustrated below by the kind folks at Better Homes and Gardens.

1. Folding fitted sheets works best on a flat surface, such as a table or bed. Lay the sheet right side down, elasticized corners facing up. Neatly turn in corners and edges so they're straight. Grab the right top corner, flip it inside out, pull it toward you, and tuck it inside the bottom right corner. Now tuck the top left corner into the bottom left corner. At this point, the sheet is folded crosswise, with the top half of the sheet folded into the bottom half.

2. At each layered corner, place a hand beneath the diagonal fold to flatten and smooth.

3. Fold the sheet in half lengthwise so the layered corners are on top of each other. Tuck so that three of the corners fit into one. Smooth edges.

4. Fold the sheet in half lengthwise again, then fold crosswise. (Instead of folding crosswise, you could fold into thirds.)

For more BHG linen tips click here.

Now you've completed your folding and are about to chuck the lot in the closet. Think again! Domestic doyenne, Martha Stewart, suggests you consider this instead: "Slip each set into one of its pillowcases, and store the sets by size -- twin, full, and so on -- with colors, trim, or other defining details clearly visible." (See top right photo.) Martha also advises adding a bundle of chalk to your linen closet to keep folded laundry fresh and dry. You can learn more here. Thanks Martha!

Do you have any great ideas for keeping your linen closet organized? I'm sure Pretty*Practical readers would love to hear them so bring them on!

And of course, have a fab weekend!

Celia


*Tutorial photos courtesy of Better Homes and Gardens.