A bedskirt is three pieces sewn together: a flat platform that sits under your mattress, and fabric panels that hang down the sides and foot

A bedskirt (also called a bed ruffle or dust ruffle) hides the box spring and under-bed storage. It consists of a rectangular platform that tucks under the mattress, and three fabric panels sewn to that platform that drape to the floor. You can make one with basic sewing skills—straight seams, a few hems, and straightforward math to get the measurements right.

The construction is straightforward: you cut a platform from muslin or cotton, sew fabric panels to three sides of it, hem the panels so they hang evenly, and finish the edges. Most bedskirts take a weekend to complete, and you'll use only a sewing machine and basic tools you likely already own.

Key Takeaways

  • Measure your mattress length and width, your box spring height, and the distance from box spring to floor to determine how much fabric you need.
  • The platform sits under the mattress and should be cut from sturdy cotton or muslin, while the three hanging panels are cut from your decorative fabric.
  • Sew the three panels to the platform using a straight stitch, then hem all four edges of each panel so the fabric doesn't fray and hangs evenly.
  • Test the fit before finishing by laying the bedskirt on the bed and checking that panels touch the floor without bunching or dragging.

Measure your bed and calculate fabric yardage

Start by measuring three things: your mattress length and width, the height of your box spring, and the distance from the top of the box spring to the floor. Write these down. A standard queen mattress is 60 inches wide by 80 inches long; a full is 54 by 75; a twin is 39 by 75. Your box spring is usually 8 to 10 inches tall, and the drop (floor distance) is typically 14 to 16 inches, but measure your own bed because frame heights vary.

The platform should be cut 1 to 2 inches smaller than your mattress on all sides so it sits fully under the mattress without showing. For a queen, that's roughly 58 by 78 inches. The three panels (two long sides and one foot end) should each be as tall as your box spring height plus the drop distance, plus 1 inch for seam allowance at the top. If your box spring is 9 inches and the drop is 15 inches, each panel is 25 inches tall. The width of each side panel is your mattress width minus 2 inches (to account for the corner seams); the foot panel is your mattress length minus 2 inches.

For yardage, buy muslin or cotton for the platform (1 to 2 yards depending on bed size) and decorative fabric for the panels. Calculate panel fabric by adding the heights and widths of all three panels, then divide by 36 to get yards. Most bedskirts need 4 to 6 yards of decorative fabric. Buy an extra half-yard for mistakes.

Cut the platform and prepare the panels

Cut your platform from muslin using a rotary cutter and ruler, or mark it with chalk and cut with scissors. Make sure the corners are square by measuring diagonally from corner to corner—both measurements should be identical. Press the platform with an iron to remove wrinkles.

Cut your three panels from decorative fabric. Cut them slightly larger than your final measurements (add ½ inch on all sides), then trim them to exact size after sewing. This gives you a margin for error. Press all panels with an iron before sewing. If your fabric has a pattern or nap (like velvet), lay all pieces in the same direction so the pattern runs the same way on all panels.

Finish the bottom and side edges of each panel with a ½-inch hem before attaching them to the platform. Fold the fabric ½ inch to the wrong side, press, fold again, and sew close to the fold with a straight stitch. This prevents fraying and gives the bedskirt a clean, finished look. Trim any loose threads with scissors.

Sew the panels to the platform

Lay the platform on a flat surface with the wrong side facing up. Position one long side panel along one long edge of the platform, right sides together (the pretty sides facing each other). Pin every 4 to 6 inches, then sew with a ½-inch seam allowance using a straight stitch. Backstitch at the beginning and end to lock the seam. Press the seam open with an iron.

Attach the second long panel to the opposite long edge the same way. Then attach the foot panel to the foot end of the platform. The head end of the platform stays open—that's where the mattress sits. Press all seams open after sewing.

At each corner where two panels meet, the seams will overlap slightly. Trim the excess fabric at the corners so the panels fold smoothly without bunching. You can also add a decorative trim or lace along the seams if you want to hide them or add detail.

Hem the top edge and check the fit

The top edge of each panel (the edge sewn to the platform) should be finished so it doesn't fray. Fold the raw edge ½ inch toward the wrong side and press, then fold again and sew close to the fold. This creates a clean, hidden seam that won't show when the bedskirt is on the bed.

Before you finish, lay the bedskirt on your bed and check the fit. The platform should sit flat under the mattress with no wrinkles. The three panels should hang evenly and touch the floor without dragging or bunching. If a panel is too short, you can add a strip of fabric to the bottom. If it's too long, trim it and re-hem. Make any adjustments now, while you can still easily unpick seams.

Finish the corners and add closures if needed

The corners where the side panels meet the foot panel can be left as they are (the seams will be hidden under the mattress overhang), or you can add a decorative touch. Some sewers add a small pleat or box pleat at each corner for a tailored look, or sew a button or bow at the corner seam for detail.

If you want to be able to remove the bedskirt for washing, you can add hook-and-loop tape (like Velcro) or snap tape along the top edge where the platform meets the panels. Sew one side of the tape to the platform and the other to the back of the panel. This lets you unfasten the panels without unpicking seams.

Press and install your finished bedskirt

Give the entire bedskirt a final press with an iron, paying special attention to the seams and hems. This smooths out any puckering and gives it a polished look. Lay it on your bed with the platform centered under the mattress. The three panels should hang evenly on all sides, and the head end should be open so the mattress sits flat.

Adjust the panels so they're straight and not twisted, then lower the mattress onto the platform. The weight of the mattress will hold the bedskirt in place. If the panels shift when you move the bed, you can tack the platform to the box spring with a few stitches or safety pins in inconspicuous spots, but this usually isn't necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make a bedskirt without a sewing machine?

Yes, but it will take much longer. You can hand-sew all seams using a needle and thread, using a backstitch for strength. The hems will also take longer to hand-sew. Most people find a sewing machine worth the time savings, but hand-sewing is possible if you have patience.

What fabric works best for a bedskirt?

Cotton, linen, and cotton blends are easiest to work with and hold their shape well. Avoid stretchy fabrics like jersey or knits unless you're experienced—they're harder to sew straight. Heavier fabrics like velvet or brocade drape beautifully but require a stronger needle and thread.

Do I need to pre-wash the fabric?

Yes, especially if you're using cotton or linen. Wash and dry the fabric the same way you'll wash the finished bedskirt, then press it before cutting. This prevents shrinkage after you've sewn everything together.

What if my bed has a footboard?

If your footboard is solid and reaches the floor, you may not need a foot panel at all—just sew two side panels to the platform. If the footboard has space underneath, measure that space and cut the foot panel to fit around it, or leave it open and sew the panel only to the sides.

How do I keep the bedskirt from shifting when I move the bed?

The mattress weight usually holds it in place, but if it shifts, you can sew a few small stitches through the platform into the box spring fabric in hidden spots, or use safety pins. Avoid permanent attachment if you want to remove the bedskirt for washing.