Make Your Own Camper Mattress Cover: A Step-By-Step Guide

Making a mattress cover for a camper van can be a challenging task, but with careful measurements and the right tools, it is possible. The first step is to measure the dimensions of the bed and cut the foam mattress accordingly. The next step is to measure the fabric, cut it to size, and sew it into a circle, ensuring that the fabric is inside out. Then, the two open ends are closed, either permanently or with a removable closure like buttons or velcro. Finally, the foam mattress is stuffed into the cover, and the last opening is closed.

Measure and cut your foam mattress

To make a mattress cover for a camper, you'll need to start by measuring and cutting your foam mattress to the right size. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

First, measure your camper bed/inserts to determine the dimensions you need for your foam mattress. You can use a tape measure or a long ruler to do this. Make sure to measure the length and width of the bed accurately.

Once you have the dimensions, it's time to cut your foam mattress to size. You can use an electric cutting knife or any sharp scissors to cut the foam to the desired measurements. Take your time with this step and ensure that the edges are straight and even.

If your foam mattress consists of multiple layers, such as memory foam pads, consider gluing them together before measuring and cutting. This will make the process easier and ensure that the layers don't shift or bubble up once you've inserted them into the cover.

After cutting, measure the length around the mattress by wrapping your tape measure around it, similar to how you would measure your waistline. This measurement will be important when creating your fabric cover.

Now that your foam mattress is the correct size, you can move on to the next step of measuring and cutting your fabric to create a custom cover for your camper mattress.

Remember to take precise measurements and cut your foam mattress carefully to ensure a snug fit in your camper bed. Taking your time with this step will ensure a comfortable and functional mattress for your camping trips.

Measure and cut your fabric

To make a mattress cover for a camper, you will need to measure and cut your fabric accurately. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Measure your mattress: Get the length, width, and depth of your camper mattress. These measurements will ensure a perfect fit for your cover.
• Choose your fabric: Select a durable and washable fabric such as cotton, polyester, or blends. Consider the colour and feel of the fabric, ensuring it is hard-wearing, easy to clean, and comfortable.
• Cut the fabric: Based on your measurements, cut the fabric accordingly, allowing for extra fabric for seam allowances and zipper seams if you plan to include a zipper. For a standard mattress cover, add about 10mm of extra fabric to each side. If you are adding a zipper, add about 20mm of extra fabric to the appropriate sides.
• Prepare the fabric for sewing: If your mattress has multiple sections, cut the fabric into pieces that correspond to each section, adding the extra fabric for allowances as mentioned above. Mark the fabric pieces with pins or sewing chalk to indicate where you will sew them together.
• Sew the fabric pieces: Use a sewing machine or hand sew the pieces together, creating a cover that fits your mattress like a pillowcase. If you are adding a zipper, attach it to the appropriate sides first before sewing the remaining sides shut.
• Test the fit: Once you have sewn your fabric pieces together, test the fit on your mattress. Ensure that the cover fits snugly and that there is enough fabric to easily put on and remove the cover.
• Make adjustments: If needed, adjust the fabric by cutting or sewing to achieve a better fit. Remember to allow for seam allowances and to test the fit after making any adjustments.

By carefully measuring, cutting, and sewing your fabric, you will create a well-fitting mattress cover for your camper mattress.

Sew your fabric into a tube shape

To sew your fabric into a tube shape, start by folding your fabric as if you were wrapping it around your mattress. Make sure the fabric is inside out so that the side you want to be hidden is on the outside. Sew the two long edges together so that the fabric is in a tube shape. Do not sew the two open ends shut.

This step is part of a larger process of making a mattress cover for a camper van. Before this step, you will need to cut your foam mattress to the desired size and measure the length around your mattress pieces. Then, take those two measurements and cut your fabric to size.

After sewing the fabric into a tube shape, you will need to cut your end pieces and pin them into the outsides of your circle. Measure the height and width of your mattress and cut a piece of fabric to these measurements to make a square. Make another square for the opposite side of your mattress. With your fabric tube still inside out, pin the open sides into the fabric square to close off the openings. Follow each edge of the square, turning the tube of fabric from corner to corner. Leave one edge of the second square open so you can stuff the mattress inside. Sew along the pins.

Close off one end of the tube

Now that you have your fabric tube, it's time to close off one end of the tube. To do this, you will need to cut out end pieces for your mattress cover. Measure the height and width of your mattress and cut out two fabric squares to these measurements. These squares will serve as the end pieces of your mattress cover.

With your fabric tube still inside out, pin the open sides of the tube to the fabric squares. Carefully follow each edge of the square, turning the tube of fabric from corner to corner. Leave one edge of one of the squares open so you can insert the mattress inside. Sew along the pinned edges.

Now that one end of the tube is closed off, you can move on to the next step of inserting your mattress into the cover.

Stuff your mattress into the cover

Now that you have your fabric cut out and sewn together, it's time to stuff your mattress into the cover. This part is not the most fun, but it is important to be careful and patient. You are going to stuff the foam mattress into the slit that you left open when you attached the outsides. It's a bit like sliding an oversized pillow into a pillowcase.

Go slowly and do not pull the fabric or you will rip your seams and pop your zippers. Instead, walk the foam into the cover, folding it on the ends and walking it a little sideways. Patience is key here. Fit your foam into the pattern just the way you designed it. If you did your math right, it will fit.

Once you have your mattress inside the cover, you can close the last opening. You can choose to make a permanent closure or a removable one. For a permanent closure, you can sew it shut by wrapping the string back over the edges of the fabric before sticking the needle back through. This will cover the free edge of the fabric. For a removable cover, you can attach buttons or velcro to close it off.

Frequently asked questions