How to Make a Zippered Mattress Cover for a Hide-A-Bed

Instructions for Making Zippered Mattress Covers

When it comes to hide-a-beds, they're generally used by a whole string of people over the years. You can keep your mattress looking as good as new, though, by making a zippered cover that can be removed for laundering.

Purchase plastic to make the cover at most places that sell fabrics. The plastic doesn't have to be too thick but should be easy to sew. Ask for assistance if you're not sure of the type of plastic you need. You'll also need seam binding tape in half-inch widths and nylon thread. 

You may have trouble finding a zipper large enough for the mattress cover at a regular sewing supplies shop. It'll need to be the measurement of the end of the mattress, plus four inches. Check with an upholstery supply shop or a shop where upholstery work is done. They can usually cut a zipper to the proper length.

Check the width of the hide-a-bed mattress before purchasing plastic. Try to find plastic that comes in a size large enough to cut each width without piecing them together. If you do have to piece them together, because your mattress is wider than the width of the plastic, plan on making a seam down the center of the mattress cover.

Measure and cut two pieces of plastic the width of the mattress plus an inch, and the length of the mattress, plus an inch. (Cut four pieces if you'll have to seam together. Each piece should be half the width, plus one inch, and each piece should also be the length measurement plus one inch).

You'll also need to cut a band for the mattress cover. Measure the four sides of the mattress and add them together. Add four inches and cut this measurement in length. You can cut the plastic strip in one, two or three pieces, but don't use four or more, if possible. For the width, measure the depth of the mattress and add an inch and a half. Cut the band to this measurement, in width.