Bedskirts...Oh How You Drive Me Crazy
This is an incredibly easy project and doesn't it look great? And then the below happened. I am not a fan of bedskirts for this very reason. They slip and slide each time the bed is made, resulting in a messy appearance. Hum...if you haven't guessed it by now, I am not so much into messy.
As a result, I considered making a new bedskirt, using a thicker fabric which might have a more tailored and clean look. However, the design of this current bedskirt really works in the room...if only I could make it stay in place! Then I got this idea:
What if I cut off the sheet of fabric running across the box springs, which would allow a better placement of the skirt panels around the bed, attaching the skirt lengths directly in place on the box springs with fabric glue? Bedskirts never fit a bed perfectly, and as a result the pleats and corners often don't fall where they should. So I got out the scissors and cut off the fabric the skirt sections were sewn to, giving me three skirt panels that could now be arranged in the right position.
After cutting the pleats came apart, so they were simply glued back into place. And while I wondered about the wisdom of making this alteration to the bedskirt, it was purchased at Ikea so a large investment was not being risked and really, does a line of fabric glue ruin box springs? What if I ever wanted to sell the box springs, and if so, what does a line of glue do to their value? After this conversation ran through my head I realized everything was just fine, and moved on!
The skirt panels were then positioned along the box springs with the bottom skirt edge stopping just above the carpet. The pleats were centered on each side with the panel ends overlapping at the corners, creating neatly tailored corners. Then it was all glued into place...(I'm sooooo curious! Do you all think I'm nuts?!)
Even if you do, nice huh?! So much better in my book. Now I'm just wondering how it will hold up over time. I figure if any area starts to come loose I can just add a bit more glue.
And look who kept me company while I was working on this little fix. The settee is certainly getting put to some great use...
80 comments:
I don't think you are crazy but I would have used Velcro before I glued something to my box springs! If it doesn't stay try the Velcro method- it's what I do for all my clients.
Hi Laura,
Interesting, I had a whole roll of Velcro to use, but then figured that was an extra step I didn't need to bother with, and would have to attach the Velcro to the box springs in the end as well anyway. In your method how do you attach the Velcro?
Janell
fabulous! i've been thinking about adding a line of ribbon to my bedskirt, too, and this is exactly what i was thinking! glad to know there's a tutorial out there.
mine's from ikea as well - i think it might be the same one..but your's looks so much prettier. i also hate how mine doesn't stay put...sommmmething to consider.....
i think you are brilliant, mine never stays put and its my nightmare!
Now I'm curious...does Laura use one sided Velcro that simply "hooks" to the box springs? That would work too, though still may shift...don't want any shifting. Thoughts?
Janell
This post came just in time! I was thinking of doing this for my son's crib. Crib skirts NEVER fit right! So glad to see it works!
jennifer
I'm with you...hate the under the mattress bedskirts. The always shift. We've started attaching them with velcro as often as we can. The workroom sews on the one side and we use the stick-on on the rails. If it were mine, I'd use glue or stapes, but for clients, we go the extra step and use the velcro. The ribbon trim makes such a great design statement. Looks great!
I think it is terrific!!! What a brilliant move... and if you hadn't posted it, we would have never known :) - Becky
They actually make these corkscrew-looking pins called bedskirt pins. I use them to keep mine in place - they just screw right into the boxspring! I think you can get them at Bed Bath and Beyond.
Thanks for the insight Sally J! Yes, for a client I would go the extra MILE, but for myself? I don't care...it is nothing that is seen!
Janell
Alexa, More interesting tips! I have tried pinning bedskirts before, but still shifted. Great to know there is a product more specifically designed for this use...another great option to use if I client doesn't want me pulling out the fabric glue!
Janell
Great solution. Turned out very tailored looking.
Kelly
p.s. Where is the painting from?
I use the twist pins for my bedskirt also. It makes taking it off for cleaning easy.
Now that you have glued yours, how will you clean it?
I use the upholstery pins all the time. They work great and you can get them at BB&B. I am with you though, can't stand a wrinkled bedskirt.
My favorite part of this post is Max covering his face in the last pic. He knows if you have the camera out, he's probably going on the blog :)
I love this post... you came out with a beautiful bedskirt- and I can completely relate to the "make it work" moment you pulled with the fabric glue. (that is how most of my projects work!) Brilliant! Thanks for sharing :)
abodelove.blogspot.com
Brilliant! I'm not into messy either and dust ruffle slippage is a pet peeve of mine. It seems to me like the glue should hold, but if adding more is all it takes, then great.
-Rene
Room is looking great! Can't wait to see it finished!! Just curious-does your box spring and mattress sit on the floor or do you have a frame? Looks low?
Debbie,
Oh, sharp eye!! The bed seemed too high (with a pillow top mattress), so pulled off the wheels on the bedframe, and the height is now perfect!
Janell
The end result turned out great. Regarding your helper - So you didn't have an extra set of hands but it must have been nice to have the company...
I love that idea! And your little helper is seriously the cutest.
I love the look with the trim, so pretty! I've used velcro in the past and it worked pretty well. I'm sure the glue will hold it better though :)
XO
Kristin
I think it's a clever, inexpensive solution!
I have a rug pad the size of the box springs with velcro sewed onto the edges and then velcro on the bedskirt itself. The bedskirt velcros to the rug pad and the rug pad is rubbery so it keeps everything from sliding around. I'll have to do a post about it so you can see it.
Two words: Twist Pins. Read my tute here:
Bedskirt-on-a-band
Ellen
Not nuts...smart. And, I don't think box springs have any real value. I had some (before they were destroyed by a basement flood), and I couldn't even give them away.
I love it now and I love it when 3 Duncan boys did it. I must try this
This seems like a great idea, just wondering how you are going to wash the bedskirt? The room looks great, and Max is adorable.
Love your solution. Mine is attached w/safety pins but that is more because I ran out of timing making my bed skirt the day of a party...
I'm impressed, it's a very smart solution to a problem that drives peole crazy. Way to be resourceful :)
i was just thinking of doing something similar, but i wanted to use a blanket and convert it into a bedskirt. i've thought about stitching it to to the bed, maybe i will try glueing it, i never even thought of that!
Looks great! Those types of things drive my crazy! I used velcro for my daughetr's room. Stuck one piece to the box spring and the other to the bedskirt. Things still shift now and again . . .but now you can sleep better at night and when you walk in the room it won't drive you nuts! ;)
Very creative! I bought a similar bedskirt from ebay. The middle is cut out of the skirt and they gave you these little corkscrew things that screwed through the bedskirt and the box spring. I love it! It doesn't move at all when I make the bed!
I did something similar--cut the sheet part off the bedskirt. But, I duct taped the skirt to the top of the box springs. It hasn't moved in two years!
I actually share your strong dislike for bedskirts and I'm in the process of making my own platform bed to fix it. I did try stapling my bedskirt to the box spring and it worked for a little while but then they eventually came out. I think your idea is great!
Janell,
Love this topic.... it really is a problem area and I like your ideas. I'm planning on stapling fabric tight over my whole box (maybe add a little padding) and then I'm going to put wooden legs under each corner. But, since I like the idea of changing it up once in awhile ... the inspiration of adding a velcro strip for the skirt swap could be the ticket!.
Courtney,
Hilarious...duct tape, now that tops my fabric glue!
Janell
I've seen something similar on the Chez Larsson blog. Here's the link. She just uses about 10 saftey pins to hold everything in place.
http://chezlarsson.com/myblog/2009/01/super-simple-bed-skirt-howto.html
Personally I do the same- cut the inner fabric away and then staple mine to the boxsprings lol.. In NC its illegal to sell a mattress or boxspring so that means I'd be giving it away .. Your bedskirt looks great and it wont be slipping around...
Really?!? Illegal? Now that is a law that makes sense!! :) Staple, duct tape, pin and glue away with happiness!
Janell
Not crazy...genius! But we've come to expect that from you!
I had a skirt for my little girl's new bed, but she has side rails, and with the slats in place the skirt won't hang. I guess beds with side rails go skirt-less? (scandal!)
I love Max covering his face...if he's like my boy he probably said, "are you putting that picture on your blog?!?!?!?" The allure of being pictured on the internet has worn off in my house! :)
I hate messy bedskirts too but I use twist pins to hold them in place on all the beds in our house. Have you ever seen them? Little plastic heads and a spiral pin that you twist into place. They work great and you can remove them when you move...which happens quite a bit when you are in the military! I guess if you're married to a man in the military in my case.
Growing up I had a daybed with a second cot/trundle bed underneath. When guests came over or I had friends stay the night, the bedskirt would get all tangled and crazy and sometimes catch everytime the second bed/cot would roll out/roll in underneath. So my mom decided to cut up the bedskirt like you did but attach it using velcro. It worked great - I would just rip off the front portion everytime the second bed needed to be used, and just stick it back on. And my mom was able to throw it in the dryer when it got dirty, too. :)
I know some other people have already mentioned the velcro thing, but I figured I'd share as well. :) Velcro or glue - they're both great solutions as far as I'm concerned!
~Chelsea
Twist Pins!
No glue or Velcro attached to the box spring, and they can be reused if you want to change your skirt.
Also - so quick!!
Seriously genius! I have been frustrated with my RH bedskirt for months now!
Ah ha! I haven't been able to find a bedskirt that's long enough. Now I'm taking the wheels off of my frame as well.
bedskirts drive me crazy too! I have mine pinned in place, but glueing it is such a great idea.
I don't have a bedskirt but I do have a boxspring cover and the same thing always happens -- I need some fabric glue, too!
Ooh that looks great! Lopsided bedskirts drive me crazy! That is why we don't have one in the master bedroom. Let us know how it holds up.
Yeah aren't they just so annoying sometimes...I have one that needs to be ironed big time and I am dreading this task and attempting to find an easier way around it!
Of course they drive you nuts. My solution ... Duct Tape. And if you run out painters blue tape works just as good. LOL
DD#2
http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2540691280040927248kFdMpT
It's still perfectly in place 4yrs later.
and it works on Halloween fabric aka bed skirt
http://home-and-garden.webshots.com/photo/2087348830040927248jSqapj
I have loved everyone's comments...particularly people who have used duct tape! I feel tame in comparison!!! :)
Janell
Duct tape works well too, but my Aunt uses velcro and it seems to work well.
Wait, what?...people wash their bedskirts? LOL...I always just vacuumed! Now, though, we have a platform bed with drawers, so no bedskirts to deal with. Love your solution!
For the last bedskirt I made, I sewed the skirt panels directly to a fitted sheet. That way the sheet is tight to the boxspring but I can remove it to launder.
Thank you Susan, I have been puzzling how to address the washing questions all day! Seriously, people wash bedskirts? Wow, doing this never occurred to me. Does that mean I am a bad housekeeper?! They get vacuumed occasionally, but never washed.
Janell
What an ingenious idea Janell! I may have to steal this from you because I have the same problem with my bed skirt!
I actually did something like this in one of my first apartments when I was younger, except I used duct tape (no joke) to hold it into place after I cut out the center. It worked like a charm! I've learned now that velcrow has the same effect and makes you feel a little more glamourous than duct tape.;)
Oddly enough, my favorite part is when you had a private conversation with yourself. Too funny! I think it looks wonderful, and it is NOT weird. People "rig" stuff all the time, don't they?
As a seamstress, I can tell you the best way to make a bedskirt is in three sections attached on the box springs with twist pens. You can buy these at the fabric store. Everything stays really tight and you can remove and clean.
Just take off the glued panels, cut off the glue,turn under and stitch, then use the twist pens.
I love the look, but was wondering how you were going to wash it too. The Velcro idea might be the answer!
xo,
cristin
Janell, I'm commenting before I read all of the other comments. I used velcro when I made the DIY crib skirt for my nephews nursery. Not sure if you remember that post. What is so great about usinf velcro is that if the need to wash the bedskirt, you can simply pull it off, wash, put it back. Also it is pretty much stay put unless you pull it off. When you have a chance, check out my post on the DIY crib skirt.
Yes! I loved the crib bedskirt you made from the shower curtain.
Interestingly I purchased velcro to attach my bedskirt, but then didn't use it because it seemed like an extra step that wouldn't provide any extra function. Having attached the trim with stitch witchery, something tells me if I attempted to wash this bedskirt the trim would come off!
Has anyone washed an item with trim applied with stitch witchery? I'm curious!
Janell
Regarding washing the bedskirt: when we had a very high bed and very long bedskirt, our dog loved to sleep under the bed. Well, she left behind a little hair and/or dirt each time she went under so eventually I had to wash it. I can see if you don't have that issue that you probably wouldn't need to.
I almost hate to tell you this but did you know that they make these niffy little pins to hold bedskirts perfectly in place, ...and they're removable...and cheap! You can find them at Bed Bath and Beyond. They're awesome!
Ha, ha! About 12 people have told me this today! I LOVE writing this blog, the things I learn!! Janell
This is such a great post! My bedskirt has totally been bothering me lately so I think I'll have to give this a try. Plus it's slightly too long so cutting it up might be the best option.
I agree with Kelly -- sew it to a fitted sheet! Easy to wash if needed and keeps things stable. And who doesn't have an old fitted sheet around.
I have to be able to take it off to wash it because of the dog. So, I may try those little pins or go with a full pleated skirt instead of a tailored one. Mine actually shrank a bit and is now a bit short!
I have to try this, what a great idea. Would love for my bedskirt to not shift!!! Simple, Easy and smart!! Kathysue
great idea with the glue! I've used one of those under-carpet rubbery things that keeps area rugs from shifting on hardwood floors. I just placed it on the boxspring and put the bedskirt over it and it keeps it in place quite well.
btw: I used stitch witchery on the hem of a tablecloth I made for my craft show which needed a wash afterwards and it came undone in many places. Looks like I'll need to sew the ribbon trim on afterall.
I asked my seamstress to make 3 panals I could attach to my boxspring too. We want to purchase another mattress set later on and I didn't want a tailored bedskirt that wouldn't fit properly later on. She's making a cribskirt for our house using this method too. I love it!
Everything you design is lovely! I have ideas, but not the skills. I'm going to try my hand at your tutorials someday. Thanks for sharing your talent.
Hi Janell,
I LOVE your ideas and how you are not afraid to just go for it! I have to wash my bedskirt every so often because the dog lays against it. Just keep Roscoe away from yours and you'll be fine.
Janell, you crack me up! I seriously giggled out loud when I read this post. And the parts under the mattress that are never seen by anyone else are STILL insanely neat and tidy on your version.
WOW! You are good! And how cute is your son on that gorgeous settee! Did I mention you are good? :)
I wish i could have a bedskirt, my bed has side rails, head and foot boards, so I haven't figured out how to put a skirt on it. Boy do I need a bedskirt, I hate being able to see underneath the bed, lol. Got any advice on this? I do have pics if needed!
Who knew that a bed skirt would cause so many comments. I'm thinking of getting a king bedskirt for my queen bed since I have bed risers. The more I think about it the extra material would drive me bonkers. I've seen places that have bed skirts that are attached to the side (don't know how yet). I'm thinking of putting extra material or trim on the bottom of the ruffle to cover the extra length. It reminds me of how my mom got my maxi dress to make it through a few years in grade school. lol
I have the same problem with my bedskit. Yours look great. I used the same concept with my drapes. If you care to see...check them out.
http://yuppielady.blogspot.com/2010/09/diy-ribbon-trimmed-drapes.html
All of our pre-made bed skirts are safety pinned in several places around the perimeter of the skirt so they don't shift.
We also have some that my mom made and when she makes bed skirts she sews them onto a fitted sheet so they go on the box springs just like a fitted sheet would go on the mattress. No sliding with that method either.
Super job! Another idea for attaching a bedskirt to a boxspring is the use of T-pins used when upholstering. (They do come in different lengths and shaped like the upper case letter "T".) Unlike twist-pins they are easier to remove and there is less chance of destroying the fabric plus are usually sold in/under sewing notions and come in a package of eight to twelve. Just ensure you have enough bed skirt tuck-in under the mattress to hide them. -Brenda-
Re my comment above. If you live in the U.S.A. you can probably find the T-pins at JoAnn Fabrics. (i.e: Package of 35 @ $4.29 per package.)
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