Hospital Corners

I've decided to go ahead and make my bed every morning, but I'll wait to do it until after I've eaten breakfast and cleared away the breakfast things. That'll give my sheets as much time to air as possible. For years, I've been living like an unkempt teenager - only making my bed when I change my sheets or when company's expected. (My grandmothers would be shocked!) It's high time for a change.

Here's a quick tutorial on bedmaking, courtesy of my 1947 housekeeping manual:

How to Make a Bed

1. Spread mattress pad smooth.
2. Spread bottom sheet right side up, even and straight, with center crease exactly in center of bed and wide hem at top.
3. Tuck sheet in at head and foot of bed.
4. Make "hospital" or mitered corners on all four corners. Be sure sheet is smooth.
5. Spread top sheet right side down, even and straight, with wide hem at top.
6. Tuck sheet in at foot. Make mitered corners at foot only.
7. Spread blankets on, one at a time. Tuck in at foot, mitering corners. Tuck in at sides and turn top sheet down over blankets.
8. If desired, spread third sheet or blanket cover over blankets, mitering corners and tucking in sides.
9. Plump up pillows and place at head of bed.
10. Adjust bedspread. If the spread is not fitted it will hang better if mitered corners are made at the foot.

Need a refresher on hospital corners? Not to fear...

To make "hospital" or mitered corners:

1. Pick up edge of sheet about 15 inches from foot of bed. Lift up into diagonal fold; lay fold on mattress.
2. Tuck the part of the sheet that is left hanging, under the mattress.
3. Drop the fold, pull smooth; tuck under mattress.

Better get my ruler handy!