about our bedding

Our sheets are definitely not your average department store sheets

they feel different, what are they made of?

We use a 100% cotton, clothing fabric called muslin, which is thicker and more textured than the cotton often used to make sheets. People often remark that the noticeable texture feels more similar to old fashioned or even linen sheets. Just like a new pair of jeans they can take a bit of breaking in, but get softer and lovelier with each wash, while retaining their more rustic texture.

Although this cotton may feel a bit heavier than other fabrics, it breathes exceptionally well. This is because big threads are used in a looser weave. The cotton doesn’t retain excess heat or cold like tightly woven fabrics, so it’s quite comfortable all year round.

where are the seams? why are there seams?

The cotton muslin that we use for most of our bedding is approximately 63 inches (160cm) wide. This obviously limits us in how wide we can go without seams. Luckily, we’ve found a way to make our bedding with the seams placed in areas that don’t impact comfort and use. For instance, our flat and fitted sheets have seams that fall generally along the sides of the mattress. The dashed lines in the photos below outline where the seams will be on our sheets.

single fitted sheet

fitted sheet

Single beds are 39 inches (99cm) across so we have to add a small panel along each side of the sheet. This falls entirely below the level of the top of the mattress with the seam running along the bed. This is mirrored on the other side of the bed.

single flat sheet

Single flat sheets are 56 inches (142cm) across so there are no seams in our single flat sheets.

double fitted sheet

fitted sheet Double beds are 54 inches (137cm) across so we have to add a small panel along each side of the sheet. These fall along the side of the mattress with the seams right along the edge of the bed. This is mirrored on the other side.

double flat sheet

Because double beds are only 6 inches (15cm) narrower than queen beds, we do not make a double flat sheet. A queen flat sheet is about 92 inches (234cm) across and easily covers a double bed. The seams run right along the edge on each side.

queen fitted sheet

fitted sheet Queen beds are 60 inches (152cm) across, we have to add a panel along the right and left side of the mattress. The seams run along the top, very close to to each edge. There’s also a dart in each corner for a drop corner style allowing the sheet to fit a range of depths and easing the tension to help it last longer.

queen flat sheet

A queen flat sheet is about 92 inches (234cm) across and is made with a centre panel of about 56 inches (142cm) and two side panels of 18 inches (46cm) each. The seams fall along the side very close to the edge of the mattress, mirrored on the other side.

king fitted sheet

King beds are about 80 inches (203cm) across. We usually use a slightly wider muslin for king sheets that allows us to move the seams to the edges, similarly to our queen and double sheets. We still add a panel along each side with the seams running along the right and left edge of the bed.

king flat sheet

A king flat sheet is about 100 inches (280cm) across and is made with a centre panel of about 66 inches (193cm) and two side panels of 17 inches (43cm) panels each. The seams fall along the right and left side running very close to the edge of the mattress.

what about threadcount?

Threadcount refers to the number of threads woven into a square inch of fabric. Higher counts means tinier threads are used theoretically giving a thinner, smoother sheet. When done well this can be very comfortable.

Threadcount isn’t very useful in describing the muslin we use because big threads and a looser weave are used for durability and breathability. This gives the fabric a thicker, textured feel and look that gets soft as opposed to smooth with continued washing and use. Muslin is generally measured in ounces (weight) rather than thread size.

By focussing only on threadcount you can miss the bigger picture and not necessarily get sheets that are any softer, more comfortable or longer lasting. For a better judge of the overall quality of sheets take a few more things into consideration such as what they are made from, how they feel now, how they will feel once they’ve been used for a while, how long they will last, and how to care for them properly.

how do they age?

Our sheets just get better and softer with age, in the store we have some examples of fabric of varying ages so you can see how they wear. On the web though, this is tough to explain – washing and use will make your sheets get softer as opposed to smoother over time. We use a clothing fabric to make our sheets, so perhaps if you think of your favourite old jeans and the way they have just gotten more comfortable with age while still feeling different than an older dress shirt, you might get the idea. People are always telling us about how much they treasure their older sets of our bedding, so if this is your first set, you have something to look forward to. You can also order a swatch to see and feel how the fabric starts out. While all cotton will eventually fade, our bedding will remain true to colour for the longest time possible when our care instructions are followed. Dark colours will show fading more than light ones.

how do I care for them?

Always wash in COLD water and tumble dry warm. Dyed bedding should be washed keeping each colour separate for the first few wash and dry cycles. After that simply wash and dry similar colours together. Do not hang dyed bedding to dry, use a dryer. For best results during the first few washes, please make sure your bedding goes into the dryer right after it is done washing. Don’t let it sit wet. Unbleached 100% cotton bedding should be washed in HOT water for the first wash. After that, follow the washing instructions as detailed above.

what are the measurements and closure details?

Measurements for all of our products are located on a page called “measurements.” All sizes are approximate. All of our duvet covers have a zipper closure along the bottom edge. Our sleeping pillowcases have an open end. Below is a quick-reference for sheet and duvet cover sizing:

single

- SINGLE DUVET COVER: 66″ x 88″ or 168cm x 224cm

- SINGLE FLAT SHEET: 56″ x 104″ or 142cm x 264cm

- SINGLE FITTED SHEET: regular length 39″ x 75″ or 99cm x 191cm – extra long 39” x 80” or 99cm x 203cm regular depth: 11″ or 28cm

double

- DOUBLE DUVET COVER: 77″ x 88″ or 196cm x 224cm

- We don’t make a Double flat sheet as it would be only 6″ narrower than a Queen.

- DOUBLE FITTED SHEET: 54″ x 75″ or 137cm x 191cm regular depth: 11″ or 28cm

queen

- QUEEN DUVET COVER: 86″ x 88″ or 218cm x 224cm

- QUEEN FLAT SHEET: 92″ x 104″ or 234cm x 264cm

- QUEEN FITTED SHEET: 60″ x 80″ or 152cm x 203cm regular depth: 11″ or 28cm – extra deep: 15″ or 38cm – extra extra deep: 18″ or 46cm

- QUEEN PILLOWCASE: 20″ x 33″ or 51cm x 84cm

king

- KING DUVET COVER: 102″ x 88″ or 259cm x 224cm

- KING FLAT SHEET: 100″ x 104″ or 254cm x 264cm

- KING FITTED SHEET: 78″ x 80″ or 198cm x 203cm regular depth: 11″ or 28cm – extra deep: 15″ or 38cm – extra extra deep: 18″ or 46cm

- KING PILLOWCASE: 20″ x 41″ or 51cm x 104cm

how colourfast are they?

Just like a new pair of jeans, there’s a little bit of extra dye left on the fabric. An important consideration with hand-dyed fabric is spotting or dye transfer that can happen when dyed fabric is left sitting wet and in contact with other fabric for a period of time. Going to bed with wet hair, spills, and drooling among other situations can produce this result and should be avoided where possible. If dye transfer is a concern with your sheets you may wish to use pillow and mattress protectors. For babies and young children who may still have accidents during the night, we suggest unbleached cotton for bedding.