DIY Unlined Gathered Bed Skirt: The Easiest Method

Updated at: 25/03/2025

Tired of frumpy, store-bought bed skirts that cost a fortune and never quite fit right? Transform your bedroom with a beautifully gathered bed skirt, crafted entirely by your own hands! This DIY project is surprisingly simple, even for beginner sewers, requiring minimal materials and expertise. Forget complicated patterns and frustrating instructions; this method prioritizes ease and speed, ensuring a perfectly tailored look without the hefty price tag or hours of tedious work. You'll be amazed at how quickly you can create a custom bed skirt that elevates your bedroom's aesthetic.

This incredibly easy, no-pattern method utilizes basic sewing skills and readily available materials. Get ready to discover the secret to a stunning, custom-fitted bed skirt without the hassle. Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions and create the bed skirt of your dreams!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Sewing machine
  • Fabric (56 inches wide recommended)
  • Measuring tape
  • Pins
  • Strong cord or thread
  • Scissors
  • Serger (optional)
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter to ensure clean cuts and prevent fabric from fraying excessively. Dull blades can lead to uneven cuts and increase the risk of injury.
  • Measure your mattress and box spring accurately before cutting your fabric. Incorrect measurements will result in a bed skirt that is too small or too large.
  • When using a sewing machine, be mindful of your fingers and keep them away from the needle. Always use a sewing machine needle appropriate for your fabric type.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Measure and Calculate

    • Length and width of the box spring, and desired drop (length) of the bed skirt.
    • Add the lengths of the three sides of your bed. Multiply this by your desired fullness (2.5x recommended). Add extra for hems. Determine how many cuts you can get from your fabric width based on the desired drop, and calculate yardage accordingly.
    Calculate fabric needs: Add the lengths of the three sides of your bed. Multiply this by your desired fullness (2.5x recommended). Add extra for hems. Determine how many cuts you can get from your fabric width based on the desired drop, and calculate yardage accordingly.Calculate fabric needs: Add the lengths of the three sides of your bed. Multiply this by your desired fullness (2.5x recommended). Add extra for hems. Determine how many cuts you can get from your fabric width based on the desired drop, and calculate yardage accordingly.
    Measure and Calculate

  2. Cut Fabric

    • Cut your fabric to the calculated length and width.
    Cut fabric: Cut your fabric to the calculated length and width.
    Cut Fabric

  3. Finish Raw Edges and Hem

    • Serge, zigzag, or overlock the raw edges to prevent fraying (especially important with velvet).
    • Create a double half-inch turned hem on both short ends.
    • Create a double one-inch hem (or a smaller double half-inch hem if preferred, especially for fabrics where stitching is noticeable). Topstitch the hem.
    Hem bottom: Create a double one-inch hem (or a smaller double half-inch hem if preferred, especially for fabrics where stitching is noticeable). Topstitch the hem.Hem bottom: Create a double one-inch hem (or a smaller double half-inch hem if preferred, especially for fabrics where stitching is noticeable). Topstitch the hem.Hem bottom: Create a double one-inch hem (or a smaller double half-inch hem if preferred, especially for fabrics where stitching is noticeable). Topstitch the hem.
    Finish Raw Edges and Hem

  4. Prepare Deck Fabric

    • Cut lightweight fabric (drapery lining, old sheet, etc.) one inch wider and two inches longer than your box spring.
    • Create a double half-inch hem on the top edge (headboard end) of the deck and topstitch.
    Hem deck fabric: Create a double half-inch hem on the top edge (headboard end) of the deck and topstitch.Hem deck fabric: Create a double half-inch hem on the top edge (headboard end) of the deck and topstitch.
    Prepare Deck Fabric

  5. Prepare for Gathering

    • Fold the deck in half lengthwise and widthwise to mark the center and quarters. Mark the bed skirt into equal sections corresponding to the deck sections, accounting for the fullness (2.5x).
    • Using a zigzag stitch over a strong cord, gather three sides of the bed skirt.
    Gather bed skirt: Using a zigzag stitch over a strong cord, gather three sides of the bed skirt.Gather bed skirt: Using a zigzag stitch over a strong cord, gather three sides of the bed skirt.
    Prepare for Gathering

  6. Gather and Attach

    • Lay the bed skirt right sides together against the deck, matching the marked sections. Pull the gathers and adjust them evenly, pinning as you go. Tie off the gathering cords.
    • Sew the bed skirt to the deck, carefully adjusting gathers as needed. Stitch approximately three-quarters of an inch from the edge.
    Sew: Sew the bed skirt to the deck, carefully adjusting gathers as needed. Stitch approximately three-quarters of an inch from the edge.Sew: Sew the bed skirt to the deck, carefully adjusting gathers as needed. Stitch approximately three-quarters of an inch from the edge.
    Gather and Attach

Read more: DIY Super Cute Whale Shower Curtain: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Tips

  • Use 2.5x fullness for a nicely gathered bed skirt.
  • Consider a smaller bottom hem for fabrics where stitching is visible.
  • Use a lightweight fabric for the deck – it doesn't show!
  • Take your time and use plenty of pins to make adjusting and sewing easier.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Gathering

Reason: Inconsistent tension on the gathering threads leads to some areas of the bed skirt being bunched up more than others.
Solution: Redistribute the gathers evenly along the length of the fabric before attaching to the drop.

2. Incorrect Fabric Measurement

Reason: Measuring the mattress and calculating the fabric needed incorrectly results in a bed skirt that's too short or too long.
Solution: Double-check your measurements and add extra fabric for ease and hems.

3. Poorly Finished Hem

Reason: A sloppy or uneven hem detracts from the overall look of the bed skirt.
Solution: Use a serger or zig-zag stitch to prevent fraying and then carefully fold and stitch the hem for a clean finish.

FAQs

What materials do I need to make an unlined gathered bed skirt?
You'll primarily need fabric (enough to cover the sides and foot of your bed with extra for gathering), matching thread, measuring tape, scissors, and a sewing machine (or needle and thread for hand-sewing). You may also want pins.
How do I determine the correct amount of fabric to buy?
Measure the length and width of each side of your bed and the length of the foot. Add extra fabric for the gathers (about 1.5 - 2 times the desired finished length). Add extra fabric for seams (about 2 inches per seam).
What if my sewing machine breaks down mid-project?
Don't worry! This project is entirely doable by hand, although it will take longer. Just use a needle and thread and follow the same steps. Gathering might be a bit trickier by hand, but it's still achievable.