DIY Pintuck Duvet Cover

Ever had one of those weeks where it feels like Friday and it's only Tuesday? or worse, Monday? haha. This is one of those weeks for me. Oh well, now it's like I've been gifted three extra days. See, you always have to look at the positive :)

Today I'm going to share how I got all my bedding in my office for 12 bucks. There aren't a lot of 'how to' pictures so if you are a picture browser like I am sometimes, sorry, you'll actually have to read the 'how to' today instead for some of this to make sense :)

 So lets start with the comforter, well, actually, duvet cover. I absolutely can't stand paying over $20 for a duvet cover. I know. That's bad, cuz there aren't really any duvets under twenty dollars out there unless you get a crazy good deal on one. So, this next tutorial is how to score a duvet of your own for under twenty dollars!

 What you need:
Old Comforter
Two flat sheets in same size as comforter
Sewing Machine/Needle and thread (if you dare)

The size of my current comforter was a full. I like using full size sheets/comforters on twin beds, it just looks better, and fits a whole lot better (besides the fitted sheet obviously). Since the comforter was a full, I purchased two flat sheets in full. These sheets were a little under $6 each, on sale at Target. You can get sheets for this price anywhere really, like Home Goods, Ross, etc. 

 Lay the two sheets flat on the ground, right sides facing each other. Pin up and down the bottom, and the two sides. Send these pinned sides through the sewing machine. I gave about an inch allowance on the outside edge. Then, if you like, on the top opening, sew about a 6 inch line inside from each edge. So the comforter underneath has a place to 'hug'. This is good opportunity to sew on some buttons or ties if you wish. I didn't on mine, and its been completely fine.

To get that puckered look, lay the sheets down again, inside out. and mark where you want the 'puckers'. I used a tape measure to make sure they were even. On every other line, have the marks be the same. On the lines in between, do the same thing, just mark a spot in the middle of the other line's marks. Did this make any sense? haha. Just make it look somewhat symmetrical...or not. Its yours to do what you want.

 Now at every mark, kind of roll it in between your fingers, having the mark be the tip, and send it back and forth through the sewing machine -sans fingers.

 Turn inside out, put your comforter in, and there you have it! Although the dimensions of the comforter and the sheets weren't exactly the same, you couldn't tell once the comforter went in the duvet. Oh, and probably you should iron the sheets before you begin this whole process. You can tell I didn't on mine, and once the puckers are in, its going to be a little harder to iron.

 I used this same puckering technique on these pillows to bring a little unison in the room. I also have a tutorial here about a little different way to add puckers without a sewing machine.

The pillows on the bed were made from complete scrap fabric I had laying around. I'll have a tutorial on those coming soon. As for the bed skirt, I used the same Ikea mesh curtains that are hanging by the window seat. Just placed them underneath the top mattress and voila. Easy peasy. It adds just a smidgen of whimsy.

And there you have it, this whole bed was about covering up the old and making it look new. You should have seen those pillows before! haha. I'll have to take a picture for you of what all of this looks like without a little 'cover' therapy.