trouble with elastic in flannel sheets
 

Oh have a question for all our fabric folk.....I always purchase flannel sheets for winter. I find that the elastic in the fitted sheet always loses it elasticity after the first season. I also use fitted cotton sheets and they will stay in great shape for a few years. I use the same soap, water temperature, dryer temp etc. ....any ideas as to why the elastic in flannel sheets breaks down so fast...
I know a dumb question but figure there must be a reason

That is a very good question. My daughter asked me if I knew how to replace the elastic in her flannel sheets and I said I had never replaced elastic in my sheets before, but then I don't have any flannel sheets.

Maybe the elastic fails because flannel sheets take so much longer to dry in the dryer than summer cotton ones. Perhaps that extended time in the dryer could cause the elastic to fail earlier. Maybe.....

I have flannel sheets on the 4 beds in my house all winter and they last a long time but I line dry them.

This is interesting. The elastic in my flannel sheets is fine after several years of winter use. I dry them in. Warm dryer my issue is that they eventually lose their flannel fluff. Still warm but not as fluffy.

You can get those elastic doodads that are made for holding fitted sheets on waterbeds. Now with deeper mattresses, they are handy for normal beds too. Looks like a garter with a hook on each end.

I agree with Alyce. Maybe you are drying them at too high a temperature. My flannel last for years and the elastic stays good. My fitted flannel sheets eventually shrink enough to make it harder to make the bed and, as Alyce says, they get less fluffy.

Since I started line drying my flannel sheets they seem to stay fluffy longer, not wearing out as quickly, I presume because tumbling in a dryer knocks off more fibers than just hanging on the line. And they smell so good from the sunshine!

I have had flannel top sheets, never bottom, but I did find out about t shirt sheets. I love them - they are warm, they hug the mattress and me, too. The top sheet is light (weight wise), but warm. I got a complete double size and pillow cases for $21.99 at Target For what it is worth!!!!!!! Flannel makes for a good top sheet or light blanket. Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. Edie

I LOVE flannel sheets, the elastic on mine seems to last just fine. I'm picky though, I've tried several brands and only found one I really like - I buy Pinzon flannel sheets from Amazon - I think it's an Amazon brand. They're really thick and fluffy, hold up great in the wash, and they're SO cozy. I feel like the bed is giving me a hug every time I climb into these sheets. I have 3 sets I've bought over the years, oldest set is about 5-6 years old now and still feels thick and soft and ridiculously comfy to stretch out on. No pilling, either. I machine wash on regular, and I machine dry on the "energy saver" setting (it uses a lower temp & a moisture sensor so shuts off as soon as the fabric is dry.)

It just now occurred to me...I'm going to buy a set of these for my sister for Christmas! :)

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*** This is what I do with all sheets that lose their staying power.
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*** I sew a piece of wide elastic catty cornered on each corner (about 5 -6" from corner).
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*** This also worked when I had regular depth sheets and then bought a deeper mattress.
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*** Then they will stay put.
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