What's the best way to replace the elastic on fitted sheets?

Remove the old elastic. Use bias tape to make a casing (the sheets are always too skimpy, imho, to make the casing from the sheet itself). Thread 1/4'; elastic through; fold it over and sew it firmly. It's hard to explain what I mean by ';fold it over';--the elastic casing will stick out beyond the edge of the sheet; I was always afraid that just stitching the elastic to the casing would put too much stress on the sheet where the end of the casing is, so I fold it over so that I can stitch the elastic and casing to the sheet itself. It looks kinda funny, but it holds just fine, and it's covered by the mattress anyway.





And yes, buying new is generally better--by the time you buy the casing and elastic and spend the time, you're not really saving much, if you buy cheep sheets. But you can customize sheets this way if you have an odd-shaped mattress. You can also get some hi-quality, soft flat sheets that someone else is selling (yard sale, freecycle, thrift store) because the fitted sheet wore out, and wind up with nicer sheets than you would buy at the store.





I have never had success sewing through elastic--I always stretch out the elastic and have to remove it. This is even when I follow professional instructions. It's just not my talent!What's the best way to replace the elastic on fitted sheets?
Buy new sheetsWhat's the best way to replace the elastic on fitted sheets?
Sorry, you gotta buy some new sheets
There's not an easy way...





Just buy new sheets and save yourself the trouble! :o)
well you take that sheet and cut it up into rags then replace it with a new one real easy but not cheap
Go to walmart and get sheet retainers, or take elastic and attach both ends to velcro on a sewing machine put that on the corners of your sheets when you make the bed.
Buy new sheets and diamond diane got 10 pts huh?
buy a new one!!
The best way is to sew a new elastic on directly over the other one; taking the old one off is much too tedious and it not worth it unless the sheet is your absolute hands-down, never get rid of it favorite. Make sure you are using thin elastic and ask your local fabric store's advice on which sewing machine needles are best for that. I have a Singer Elegance and I use Schmetz needles, the Universal ones when I make scrunchies. However, depending on your machine, you may need something different. Good luck.