Ratio of Elastic Replacement in Fitted Bed Sheet
 

I need to replace the elastic in a fitted bed sheet. Is there a ratio I can use? For example 12 inches of sheet needs ? inches of elastic. The elastic will be enclosed in a casing around the entire sheet.

I think if you measure what area the fabric covers (when not elasticized) and the area you want it to fit around (the elasticized area once complete) that should give you an approximate ratio (i.e. 20 inches of fabric to fit around 10 inches of corner = 50% compression)

An alternate idea if you're using a casing is to stitch the casing, thread a length of elastic through (longer than required) and adjust until you get the fit you want.

I'm also thinking of measuring the edges of the sheet that will be under the mattress and subtracting 5 or 10 percent. Until the fabric store is re-opened I can't make a decision because I want to see the elastic before I purchase it. Thank you for all of your suggestions.

Elastic can vary so much - by stretchiness and how well it recovers.

bearisgray, one of the reasons buy I want to see the elastic in person before deciding on what elastic to buy. Hopefully Michigan will re-open on May 28. I can wait because the 28th will be here before I know it.

I did one not long ago, I measured around the sheet and used 1/3 less measurement on the elastic. Worked pretty well.

DACO48, thank you for sharing your experience. Now if my store will open soon.