A tailored bed skirt is a simple yet elegant way to elevate your bedroom’s aesthetic while concealing the area beneath your bed.

Unlike store-bought options, a custom-made bed skirt allows you to choose the perfect fabric, color, and fit to complement your décor. Crafting your own tailored bed skirt may seem daunting at first, but with the right instructions and tools, it’s a rewarding project that can be completed with ease, even for those new to sewing.
This guide on how to make a tailored bed skirt will walk you through the process step by step.
Why Choose a Tailored Bed Skirt?
A tailored bed skirt offers several advantages over traditional gathered bed skirts. First and foremost, it gives a more polished and sophisticated look to your bedroom. The clean lines and straight edges of a tailored bed skirt create a neat and tidy appearance that can complement any bedding ensemble.
Additionally, a tailor-made bed skirt allows you to customize the length and width according to your specific needs. This is especially useful for beds with non-standard or adjustable heights.
What You Will Need
Fabric of Your Choice:
The first step in making a tailored bed skirt is choosing the fabric. You can opt for a solid color, patterned, or textured fabric, depending on your personal preference and bedroom décor. It’s recommended to use a medium-weight fabric like cotton or linen for better durability and draping.
Measuring Tape:
Accurately measuring your bed is crucial to ensure the perfect fit of your bed skirt. You will need to measure the length, width, and height of your bed as well as the drop length you want for your skirt.
Sewing Machine:
A sewing machine will make this project much easier and faster. If you don’t have one, you can still hand sew, but it may take longer.
Sewing Supplies:
You will need basic sewing supplies such as scissors, pins, thread, and a seam ripper. You may also need a fabric marker or chalk to mark measurements on the fabric.
8 Step-by-Step Instructions on How to Make a Tailored Bed Skirt
Step 1: Measure Your Bed
The first step in creating a tailored bed skirt is to measure your bed accurately. Using a measuring tape, measure the length and width of your mattress to determine the size of the top panel of the bed skirt.
Next, measure the distance from the top edge of your box spring to the floor—this is the drop length of your bed skirt. If your bed has any unique features such as corner posts or an adjustable frame, be sure to account for these in your measurements. Write down all dimensions to ensure precise fabric cutting in the next step.

Step 2: Cut Your Fabric
With your measurements in hand, it’s time to cut the fabric for your tailored bed skirt. Start by cutting the top panel, which will sit directly on top of the box spring. Measure and cut the fabric according to the length and width dimensions of your mattress, leaving an additional 1 inch around all sides for seam allowances.
Next, cut the side and end panels for the skirt. Use the drop length measurement for the height of each panel, again adding 1 inch for seam allowances. The width of the side panels should match the length of your bed, while the width of the end panel should match the width of the bed. Ensure all cuts are straight and precise, as clean edges are essential for achieving a polished, tailored look. If your fabric has a pattern, make sure to align it consistently across all panels for a cohesive appearance.
Step 3: Hem the Side and End Panels
Once your fabric pieces are cut, the next step is to hem the side and end panels. Start by folding the edges of each panel (excluding the top edge that will be attached to the top panel) inward by ½ inch and pressing them flat with an iron. Then, fold the edges inward again by another ½ inch to encase the raw edges, creating a clean and durable hem. Use pins to secure the folded edges in place.
With your sewing machine, stitch close to the inner folded edge of the hem, removing the pins as you sew. Be sure to use thread that matches or complements your fabric color for a seamless finish. Repeat this process for all the side and end panel edges, ensuring the hems are even and neatly stitched. Proper hemming is crucial to achieving the polished look of a tailored bed skirt.
Step 4: Sew the Panels Together
Once all panels are hemmed, it’s time to join them together. Take one of the side panels and align its top edge with the top edge of the end panel, with the right sides facing each other. Pin in place and sew along the length using an ½ inch seam allowance. Repeat this process to attach the second side panel to the other end panel, creating an L-shaped piece.
Finally, attach this piece to the top panel by aligning its bottom edge with the unfinished edge of your top panel. Use pins to secure it in place before sewing both pieces together along their length using an ½ inch seam allowance. Trim any excess fabric and threads.

Step 5: Attach the Skirt to the Box Spring
With all panels now sewn together, it’s time to attach your bed skirt to the box spring. To do this, place your top panel with its right side facing down on a flat surface. Align one of the long edges of your L-shaped piece with one of the long edges of the top panel with the right sides facing each other. Pin in place and sew along this edge using an ½ inch seam allowance.
Repeat this process for all sides, attaching the remaining edges of your L-shaped piece to each remaining long edge of the top panel. Once complete, you should have a rectangular shape that will fit snugly around your box spring.
Step 6: Add the Valance
For an extra touch of elegance, you can add a valance to your tailored bed skirt. To do this, cut a piece of fabric that is twice the length of your bed and at least twice the drop length plus 2 inches for hems. Hem all sides of this piece by folding them inward by ½ inch and then again by another ½ inch before sewing with a matching thread. Once hemmed, sew one end of this piece to the bottom edge of your bed skirt using an ½ inch seam allowance.
Once attached, use pins to gather the top edge of the valance evenly before sewing it to the top edge of your bed skirt with aan½ inch seam allowance. This will create a ruffled effect, adding volume and dimension to your tailored bed skirt.

Step 7: Add the Finishing Touches
With your tailored bed skirt now fully assembled, it’s time to add the finishing touches to perfect its appearance. Begin by ironing the bed skirt carefully to remove any wrinkles or creases that may have formed during the sewing process. Use the appropriate heat setting for your fabric type to avoid damage.
Next, ensure the hemline is even all around by placing the bed skirt on the box spring and making any necessary adjustments. You can further secure the bed skirt to the box spring using fabric glue, hook-and-loop tape, or upholstery pins, depending on your preference and the stability required.
Step 8: Iron Your Bed Skirt
Before placing your new tailored bed skirt onto your bed, make sure to iron out any wrinkles or creases for a smooth and polished finish. This final step will also help to set the hemline and ensure that your bed skirt looks crisp and tailored once placed on the box spring.
Congratulations, you have now successfully created a custom-tailored bed skirt for your bedroom! With this simple tutorial on how to make a tailored bed skirt, you can easily elevate the look of your bed and add a touch of elegance to your room decor. Get creative with different fabric patterns and colors to match your personal style and transform any ordinary bed into a stylish statement piece. Happy sewing!

Additional Tips and Ideas
- If you want to create an even more polished look, consider adding lining or interfacing to your fabric panels before sewing them together. This will add structure and weight to the bed skirt, making it drape more elegantly.
- Another way to customize your tailored bed skirt is by adding contrasting fabric panels or trim along the edges for a pop of color or texture.
- To save time and effort, you can also use iron-on hem tape instead of sewing the hems of your fabric panels. Just be sure to follow the instructions carefully and use a pressing cloth to avoid any damage to your fabric.
- If you don’t have access to a sewing machine, this project can also be completed by hand-sewing with a needle and thread. It may take longer, but it can still achieve the same beautiful results.
- Don’t limit yourself to just using a bed skirt for your bed. You can also use this tutorial to create a tailored dust ruffle for a table or dresser, adding an elegant touch to your furniture.
- Experiment with different fabrics such as linen, velvet, or even lace to create unique and luxurious bed skirts.
- Don’t be afraid to get creative and think outside the box when it comes to designing and decorating your tailored bed skirt. Have fun and make it your own! So go ahead, grab some fabric and start sewing your way to a beautifully tailored bed skirt that will make any bedroom feel like a stylish retreat. Happy crafting!
Conclusion
Creating a tailored bed skirt is a rewarding project that allows you to customize your bedroom decor while adding a touch of sophistication to your bed setup. By following the steps outlined in this guide on how to make a tailored bed skirt, you can design a bed skirt that perfectly fits your style and complements your room’s aesthetic. Whether you’re enhancing the look of your own space or crafting a gift for someone else, this DIY project is both practical and creative.
With endless possibilities for fabrics, patterns, and embellishments, the only limit is your imagination. Take pride in your craftsmanship and enjoy the elegance that your handmade tailored bed skirt brings to your bedroom!
you can also check it out Make Luxury Bed
Huston Douthit is a distinguished figure in the world of furniture design, with a decade of expertise creating innovative and sustainable furniture solutions. His professional focus lies in merging traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques, fostering designs that are both practical and environmentally conscious. As the author of Fruniturix, Huston delves into the art and science of furniture-making, inspiring artisans and industry professionals alike.
Education
- RMIT University (Melbourne, Australia)
Associate Degree in Design (Furniture)- Focus on sustainable design, industry-driven projects, and practical craftsmanship.
- Gained hands-on experience with traditional and digital manufacturing tools, such as CAD and CNC software.
- Nottingham Trent University (United Kingdom)
Bachelor’s in Furniture and Product Design (Honors)- Specialized in product design with a focus on blending creativity with production techniques.
- Participated in industry projects, working with companies like John Lewis and Vitsoe to gain real-world insights.
Publications and Impact
In Fruniturix, Huston shares his insights on furniture design processes, materials, and strategies for efficient production. His writing bridges the gap between artisan knowledge and modern industry needs, making it a must-read for both budding designers and seasoned professionals.