Changing your bed linen is one thing. Successfully putting on a 240 × 220 cm or 260 × 240 cm duvet cover without ending up inside it with the duvet bunched up is another.
The larger the duvet cover, the more complicated the task can seem: the corners slip away, the duvet folds over itself and, once the bed is made, you may discover that part of the cover is still empty.
However, there are several simple ways to put on a duvet cover, even when you are doing it alone. The classic inside-out method, the burrito technique or an approach adapted to larger sizes: the key is finding the method that feels easiest for you.
Why Can Putting on a Duvet Cover Be So Difficult?
The main challenge comes from the size of the two pieces of fabric you need to handle. Unlike a pillowcase, a duvet cover can measure more than two metres in both width and length.
You therefore need to match all four corners of the duvet with the corresponding corners of the cover while preventing everything from folding or shifting out of place.
The first step is to make sure that your duvet and duvet cover are the same size. A 240 × 220 cm duvet cover, for example, should be used with a 240 × 220 cm duvet.
If you are unsure which dimensions are suitable for your bed, take a look at our Carré Blanc size guide.
Before You Start: Check the Direction of Your Duvet and Cover
It is a very simple mistake, but one that can waste a surprising amount of time.
If your duvet is rectangular, check which measurement corresponds to the width and which corresponds to the length. Then do the same with your duvet cover.
For example, with a 240 × 220 cm duvet, the 240 cm side corresponds to the width and the 220 cm side to the length. If the duvet cover is positioned the wrong way around, it will not fit the duvet correctly.
If possible, spread the duvet flat across the bed before you begin. This makes it easier to see all four corners and reduces the risk of having to start again when the cover is almost completely on.
Method 1: Turn the Duvet Cover Inside Out
This is probably one of the simplest methods when you need to put on a duvet cover by yourself.
Step 1: Turn the Duvet Cover Completely Inside Out
Start by turning your duvet cover inside out. Then slide your arms inside until you reach the two corners opposite the opening.
You should now be holding one corner of the duvet cover in each hand.
Step 2: Grab the Two Corners of the Duvet
Without letting go of the corners of the cover, grab the two corresponding corners of your duvet.
You are now holding the corners of the duvet cover and the duvet at the same time.
Step 3: Pull the Cover Down Over the Duvet
While holding the corners firmly, gradually turn the cover the right way around over the duvet.
The cover will move down over the rest of the duvet. Once the top section is correctly positioned, adjust the two bottom corners and distribute the filling evenly inside the cover.
Step 4: Gently Shake the Duvet
Hold the duvet by the two top corners and gently shake it to help distribute it evenly throughout the cover.
Then check that each corner of the duvet reaches the corresponding corner of the duvet cover.
How Can You Stop Your Duvet from Bunching Up Inside the Cover?
Once the cover is in place, take a few seconds to check each corner before making the bed.
If one corner of the duvet has not reached the corresponding corner of the cover, the filling may appear uneven and part of the duvet cover may remain empty.
You can also smooth everything out directly on the bed, working from the centre towards the edges to distribute the duvet more evenly.
Does the Fabric of the Duvet Cover Change How You Put It On?
The method remains broadly the same regardless of the material of your bed linen. However, the texture and flexibility of the fabric can slightly change how a large duvet cover feels when you handle it.
Cotton percale, cotton sateen, cotton gauze, washed cotton and linen each have different textures and constructions.
The most important thing is therefore to choose your duvet cover according to the comfort and style you are looking for. Explore the different options in our Carré Blanc duvet cover collection.
What If This Method Still Feels Too Complicated?
Turning the cover inside out works well for many people, but it is not the only technique you can use.
With a large 240 × 220 cm or 260 × 240 cm duvet cover, handling all that fabric while standing can be less practical when you are on your own.
Another technique involves working directly on the bed and rolling the duvet and cover together: this is known as the burrito method.
How to Put on a Duvet Cover Using the Burrito Method
If the classic method feels difficult, particularly with a large duvet cover, the burrito method can be a practical alternative.
The principle is different: instead of trying to insert the duvet directly into the cover, you lay both pieces flat on the bed and roll them together.
This method allows you to do most of the work directly on the mattress, which can make it particularly useful when changing your duvet cover by yourself.
Method 2: The Burrito Technique Step by Step
Step 1: Turn Your Duvet Cover Inside Out
Start by turning the duvet cover completely inside out.
Then lay it flat on the bed, with the opening positioned at the foot of the bed. Make sure all four corners are fully spread out and that the cover is not folded over itself.
Step 2: Place the Duvet on Top
Place your duvet directly on top of the inside-out cover.
The dimensions should line up: the top corners of the duvet should match the top corners of the cover, and the same applies to the corners at the foot of the bed.
Take a few seconds to align the edges carefully. The better the duvet and cover are positioned at the beginning, the easier the next steps will be.
Step 3: Roll the Duvet and Cover Together
Stand at the end opposite the opening of the duvet cover, usually at the head of the bed.
Start rolling the duvet and cover together towards the foot of the bed, as though you were creating one large roll.
Try to keep the roll relatively even across the entire width.
Step 4: Pull the Opening Around the Roll
Once you reach the opening of the duvet cover, take one end of the roll and pull the opening of the cover around it.
Repeat on the other side and then in the centre so that the entire roll is gradually enclosed inside the duvet cover.
Step 5: Unroll Everything
All that is left to do is gradually unroll everything in the opposite direction.
As you unroll it, the duvet cover will turn the right way around over the duvet.
Once everything is completely unrolled, check all four corners and make any small adjustments if necessary.
Your duvet should now be evenly distributed inside the cover without having to shake it repeatedly or climb inside the cover.
Does the Burrito Method Work with 240 × 220 cm or 260 × 240 cm Duvet Covers?
Yes. This technique can be particularly useful with larger sizes because most of the process takes place with the duvet and cover lying flat on the bed.
With a 240 × 220 cm or 260 × 240 cm duvet cover, the most important step is to align the duvet and cover correctly before you start rolling them.
If the dimensions do not match or the duvet is positioned the wrong way around, you may end up with corners that are not properly filled once everything has been unrolled.
Before starting, always check the dimensions of your duvet and duvet cover. You can also find the right dimensions for your bed in our Carré Blanc size guide.
Method 3: How to Put on a Large Duvet Cover by Yourself
You do not have to use the burrito method. With a large duvet cover, you can also use the classic inside-out method while adapting a few simple movements.
Start by spreading the duvet completely flat on the bed. Then turn the cover inside out and hold the two top corners from inside the cover.
Grab the corresponding corners of the duvet and gradually pull the cover down around it.
With a larger size, avoid trying to put everything in place in one movement. Work gradually from the top towards the bottom, then finish by positioning the two bottom corners.
How to Put on a 260 × 240 cm Duvet Cover More Easily
With a 260 × 240 cm duvet cover, the main difficulty is simply the amount of fabric you need to handle.
Use as much of the bed surface as possible instead of trying to hold the entire duvet in the air. Lay everything flat, align the edges and adjust each side gradually.
Before you begin, also check the direction of the cover. With a 260 × 240 cm model, the 260 cm side corresponds to the width and should therefore run from one side of the bed to the other.
You can explore the different sizes available in our Carré Blanc duvet cover collection.
How Can You Tell If the Duvet Cover Is Positioned Correctly?
Once the cover is in place, lay the duvet flat on the bed and check a few simple points.
All four corners of the duvet should reach the corresponding corners of the cover. The duvet should be evenly distributed across the entire surface, there should not be a large empty section on one side, and the whole duvet should keep its shape when you smooth it out.
If one end seems empty, you do not necessarily need to start again. Grab the corner of the duvet through the cover and gradually guide it into the corresponding corner.
Why Does My Duvet Move Around Inside the Cover?
If your duvet regularly moves around inside its cover, start by checking the dimensions.
A duvet and cover in different sizes will not line up correctly. Also make sure that the duvet has been inserted in the right direction.
Whenever you change your bed linen, take the time to position all four corners correctly and distribute the duvet evenly before making the bed.
Should You Close the Duvet Cover After Putting It On?
This depends on the design of the cover. Some duvet covers have a specific fastening system, while others have an opening or particular finish designed to help keep the duvet in place.
Simply follow the design of your duvet cover and avoid forcing or altering its closure.
To find a model suited to your bed and preferences, explore our duvet cover collection, available in cotton percale, cotton sateen, washed cotton, cotton gauze and other materials.
Which Method Is the Easiest?
There is no single perfect method for everyone. Some people prefer turning the cover inside out and grabbing the corners of the duvet directly, while others find the burrito method much easier.
The best option mainly depends on the size of your duvet, the space available around your bed and which technique you personally find easiest.
Mistakes to Avoid When Putting on a Duvet Cover
Even with the right technique, a few mistakes can make changing your duvet cover unnecessarily difficult: starting with the duvet the wrong way around, failing to align the corners or trying to handle the entire duvet at once.
Here are the main things to keep in mind to put on your duvet cover more easily and achieve an even result across the bed.
1. Not Checking the Direction of the Duvet Before You Start
This is probably one of the most frustrating mistakes. You are almost finished when you realise that the duvet has been positioned the wrong way around.
With a rectangular duvet, take a few seconds to identify the width and length before inserting it into the cover.
For a 240 × 220 cm duvet, for example, the 240 cm side corresponds to the width and the 220 cm side to the length. The same principle applies to a 260 × 240 cm duvet.
2. Using a Duvet and Cover in Different Sizes
A cover that is too large can leave empty areas and make it feel as though the duvet is moving around inside. On the other hand, a cover that is too small will prevent the duvet from spreading out properly.
Always check that the dimensions match before you begin.
If you are unsure which size to choose, take a look at our Carré Blanc size guide.
3. Forgetting to Position All Four Corners Correctly
Whether you use the classic inside-out method or the burrito technique, the four corners are your main reference points.
Once the cover is in place, check that each corner of the duvet reaches the corresponding corner of the cover.
If one has moved out of place, grab it through the fabric and guide it back into the correct corner before smoothing everything out.
4. Trying to Shake Everything into Place at Once
With a smaller duvet, a few movements may be enough to distribute it evenly. With a 240 × 220 cm or 260 × 240 cm duvet cover, trying to shake the entire duvet vigorously can be less practical.
Instead, work gradually: position the corners, spread the duvet across the bed and then smooth it from the centre towards the edges.
Using the surface of the bed as support means you have much less fabric to handle at once.
5. Making the Bed Before Checking the Duvet Is Evenly Distributed
Before arranging your pillows and cushions, take a few seconds to look at the duvet while it is lying flat.
If part of the cover looks empty or the duvet has gathered on one side, adjust it immediately.
These small corrections are much easier to make while the duvet is still fully spread out.
How Can You Stop the Duvet from Bunching Up Inside the Cover During the Night?
Start by making sure that the duvet and cover are the same size and positioned in the same direction.
Whenever you change your bed linen, make sure each corner is properly positioned and that the duvet is evenly distributed across the entire cover before going to sleep.
If you notice that it has shifted slightly after several nights, you usually do not need to remove the entire cover. Simply reposition the corners and gradually redistribute the duvet inside.
FAQ: How to Put on a Duvet Cover Easily
What Is the Easiest Way to Put on a Duvet Cover by Yourself?
Two methods are particularly practical: turning the cover inside out and grabbing the duvet corners directly, or using the burrito method.
The first method is quick and straightforward once you have mastered the movement. The second allows you to work mainly with the duvet lying flat on the bed and can be particularly practical with larger sizes.
Try both techniques to find the one that works best for you.
How Can You Put on a Duvet Cover Without Climbing Inside It?
There is no need to climb inside the duvet cover.
With the first method, turn the cover inside out, place your hands inside the two top corners and then grab the corresponding corners of the duvet.
With the burrito method, the duvet and cover remain flat on the bed during most of the process.
How Do You Put on a 240 × 220 cm Duvet Cover by Yourself?
Start by checking the direction: the 240 cm side corresponds to the width and the 220 cm side to the length.
You can then use either the inside-out method or the burrito technique. With a large duvet, working directly on the bed helps reduce the amount of fabric you need to lift and handle.
How Do You Put on a 260 × 240 cm Duvet Cover by Yourself?
The principle is the same. The 260 cm side should run across the width of the bed, while the 240 cm side runs along the length.
Spread the duvet and cover across the mattress as much as possible, carefully align all four corners and work gradually rather than trying to lift everything at once.
How Do You Know Which Way Around a Duvet Cover Goes?
Check its dimensions and identify the width of your duvet. With a 240 × 220 cm cover, the 240 cm side corresponds to the width. With a 260 × 240 cm cover, the 260 cm side corresponds to the width.
If you are unsure which dimensions are suitable for your bed, take a look at our size guide.
Why Doesn't My Duvet Fill the Entire Cover?
Start by checking that the duvet and cover are exactly the same size and positioned in the same direction.
If the dimensions match, check all four corners. A corner of the duvet that has folded inwards can make part of the cover look empty.
Does the Burrito Method Really Work with Large Duvet Covers?
It can be particularly practical with larger sizes because most of the process takes place with the duvet and cover lying flat on the bed.
The result mainly depends on carefully aligning the duvet and cover before you begin rolling them together.
Which Duvet Cover Material Should You Choose?
Your choice mainly depends on the feel and level of comfort you prefer. Cotton percale, cotton sateen, cotton gauze, washed cotton and linen all offer different textures and finishes.
You can explore the different materials and sizes in our Carré Blanc duvet cover collection.
Changing Your Duvet Cover Doesn't Have to Be a Struggle
Putting on a duvet cover becomes much easier when you use a method that suits you. Whether you choose the inside-out technique or the burrito method, the key is to check the direction, align all four corners and work gradually.
With larger sizes, use the bed as your work surface instead of trying to handle the entire duvet in the air. A few well-organised steps can make changing your bed much easier.
To complete your bed, explore our Carré Blanc duvet cover collection and our size guide to find the right dimensions for your bed.
