Editing Bed sheet

{{Short description|Rectangular piece of cloth or linen cotton used to cover a mattress}}
{{Redirect|Sheets|the surname|Sheets (surname)|other uses|Sheet (disambiguation)}}
{{more citations needed|date=May 2022}}
[[File:Prześcieradło.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|A bed sheet]]
{{Wiktionary}}
A '''bed sheet''' is a rectangular piece of [[cloth]] used either singly or in a pair as [[bedding]], which is larger in length and width than a [[mattress]], and which is placed immediately above a mattress or bed, but below [[blankets]] and other bedding (such as [[comforters]] and [[bedspreads]]).  A bottom sheet is laid above the [[mattress]], and may be either a flat sheet or a fitted sheet (a sheet which has been sewn with elastic or a drawstring along the hem of the top, sides and bottom of the sheet to prevent it from slipping off the mattress). A top sheet, in the many countries where they are used, is a flat sheet, which is placed above a bottom sheet and below other bedding.

==History==
The term ''bed sheet'' was first used in the 15th century.<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bed%20sheet|title=Bed sheet|publisher=Merriam-Webster|access-date=2022-05-10}}</ref> Bed sheets were traditionally white and made of cotton, linen or silk, however, now various colors and patterns are used.

==Styles==
[[File:Colorful Bed sheets.jpg|alt=|thumb|Assortment of different colored bed sheets]]
Bed sheets come in two main varieties: flat and fitted. A flat sheet is simply a rectangular sheet of cloth, while a [[wikt:fitted sheet|fitted sheet]] has four corners, and sometimes two or four sides, fitted with [[Elastomer|elastic]], to be used only as a bottom sheet. The fitted sheet may also be secured using a drawstring instead of elastic. The purpose of a fitted bottom sheet is to keep it from slipping off the mattress while the bed is in use. A particular way of folding and tucking while making the bed, known as "hospital corners," is sometimes used when the bottom sheet is flat rather than fitted.

Usually a flat bed sheet is [[overlock]]ed around the edges to form four [[seam (sewing)|seams]]. One of the seams is wider than the other three and helps with orienting the sheet correctly on the [[mattress]]. The wider seam goes at the head end of the mattress. Sometimes the sides do not have seams, but are finished with the [[selvedge]] only. When one [[Bed-making|makes a bed]], the patterned or [[monogram]]med side of the top sheet may be placed facing up, or facing down, in which case the top edge may be folded towards the foot of the bed to expose the design.

In the US and Canada, sheets are often sold in a four-piece set consisting of a fitted sheet, a flat sheet and two pillowcases. In China, a four-piece set consists of a [[duvet cover]], two pillowcases and either a fitted or flat sheet. Fitted sheets are gaining popularity due to their ease of use. Use of good quality elastic make fitted sheets durable.

==Materials==
[[File:Correctional Activities at Central Jail Faisalabad, Pakistan in 2010 - Convict weaver busy in weaving a Hospital Bed Sheet on a traditional manual loom.jpg|thumb|Weavers work on a hospital bed sheet on a traditional manual loom in [[Faisalabad]], [[Pakistan]], in 2010]]
[[Cotton]] and cotton blends dominate the market, the most common blend being cotton/polyester. Cotton provides absorbency and a soft hand, while polyester adds durability and wrinkle resistance.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Know Your Home Furnishings|last=Elsasser|first=Virginia Hencken|date=2004|publisher=Fairchild Publications|isbn=1563672421|location=New York, NY|language=en|oclc = 53051985}}</ref> Other common fibers used in the manufacturing of bed sheets include [[linen]], [[silk]], [[Modal (textile)|Modal]] and bamboo rayon, [[lyocell]], Microtex or Microfiber, and [[polypropylene]]. Polypropylene (olefin) is a hypoallergenic spun-bound material produced at a low cost and typically used in emergency shelters or hospitals as disposable sheeting.

Cooling sheets are made of [[Lyocell]], bamboo ([[rayon]]), [[linen]], [[hemp]] or [[silk]].<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Baker |first1=Liz |last2=PhD |title=Too Hot? Try Sleeping Like an Egyptian (and other cooling ideas) |url=https://comfortsleepsanctuary.com/too-hot-try-sleeping-like-an-egyptian/ |access-date=2023-08-06 |website=Comfort Sleep Sanctuary |language=en-us}}</ref>

==Construction==
The quality of bed sheets is often conveyed by the [[thread count]]—the number of threads per square inch of material. In general, the higher the thread count, the softer the sheet, but the weave and type of thread may affect the "hand" of the material so that a sheet with a lower thread count may actually be softer than one with a higher count. Yarn quality also plays a part in the look and feel of sheets, as finer yarns tend to create a finer sheet fabric. The ply also plays a role in how heavy the sheet feels. Ply represents how many fibers are twisted together as the sheet is being created. A 2 ply 300 thread count sheet will feel heavier than a single ply 600 thread count sheet. 
 
The most common constructions are [[muslin]], [[percale]], [[sateen]], [[flannel]], and knitted jersey.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Textiles for Residential and Commercial Interiors|last=Willbanks|first=Amy|date=2014|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing USA |isbn=9781609019372|language=en|oclc = 953427784}}</ref> In a [[plain weave]] the [[Warp (weaving)|warp]] and [[weft]] cross each other one at a time. Sateen has multiple (usually 3–4) over threads and one under.<ref>{{citation |title=The Difference Between Percale & Sateen |first=George |last=Boykin |work=[[eHow]] }}</ref>

== Cleaning ==
Bedsheets should be washed about once a week,<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Reeve |first=Jackie |date=2022-05-19 |title=How Often You Should Wash Your Sheets (And How to Get Them Really Clean) |url=https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/blog/how-often-you-should-wash-your-sheets/ |access-date=2022-05-20 |website=[[Wirecutter (website)|Wirecutter]] |language=en-US |quote=We’re not the only ones who recommend changing or washing sheets weekly. This is pretty much universal advice from most expert sources, including Martha Stewart and Good Housekeeping. And it’s also the recommendation in five books we consulted: Laundry by Cheryl Mendelson, Simply Clean by Clean Mama founder Becky Rapinchuk, Real Simple Cleaning by Kathleen Squires, Clean My Space by Clean My Space founder Melissa Maker, and Laundry Hints & Tips by Cindy Harris.}}</ref> using low-temperature water and drying settings.<ref name=":0"/> Warm water can be used to eliminate coffee stains, urine or [[allergen]]s, such as [[House dust mite|dust mites]].<ref name=":0" /> Using [[fabric softener]]s is not recommended, as they leave behind residue that decreases the fabric's breathability.<ref name=":0" />

==See also==
* [[Bed size]]
* [[Mattress]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Bedding}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Bedding]]
[[Category:Linens]]