--- title: "How to Measure for a Fitted Mattress Cover: Exact Numbers Only" url: "https://cushionguide.com/answers/fitted-cover-exact-measurements-no-allowance/" section: "The Cutting Table" author: "Hana Lindqvist, The Quiet Geometer of Seattle" author_url: "https://cushionguide.com/masters/hana/" published: "2026-03-30" updated: "2026-03-30" keywords: "how to measure for a fitted mattress cover, fitted daybed cover measurements, hemnes daybed mattress cover size, daybed cover loose crinkles, stacked daybed mattress cover" --- # Should I add a little to my mattress measurements so the daybed cover fits tight? *No. The extra is already in the pattern. Add your own and it is there twice.* Also asked as: Should I add to the measurements to keep it tight?; I want it tight and not crinkled. > **The quick answer:** For a fitted mattress cover, send the mattress's exact measurements, because the workshop adds the seam and fit allowance itself when it cuts. Padding the numbers puts the allowance in twice, so the cover sits loose, and that is where crinkles come from. Measure your own mattress too, since Hemnes mattresses vary by country. ![Navy velvet Hemnes daybed covers edged in cream piping in a home office with an oak desk, laptop and pine shelving](https://cushionguide.com/media/ikea-hemnes-daybed-covers/navy-velvet-hemnes-daybed-cream-piping-study-1600.webp "Navy velvet with cream piping turns a Hemnes daybed into a tailored study sofa. The oak desk, pine shelving and potted plants keep the room warm.") ## Key facts - Send the mattress's exact length, width and thickness. - The workshop builds seam and fit allowance into the cutting. - Padded measurements make the cover loose and crinkled. - For two stacked mattresses, give the combined height. - Hemnes mattress sizes vary by country, so measure your own. ## “Should I add an inch to be safe?” No. Write what the tape says, for example 74 x 37 x 7 in (188 x 94 x 18 cm). The cover is cut slightly larger than those numbers so the mattress slides in. That [fit allowance](https://cushionguide.com/glossary/#fit-allowance) is the workshop's job. Add your own inch and the allowance is there twice. The cover sits a little loose, and loose fabric crinkles. ## “We have two mattresses stacked.” One cover wraps both. Write the length and width, such as 31 1/2 x 78 3/4 in (80 x 200 cm), and the combined height of the two together. Measure your own. Hemnes mattress sizes vary by country, so a catalog number may not be yours. The [Hemnes measuring Pattern](https://cushionguide.com/guides/ikea-hemnes-daybed-cover-measuring/) shows where the tape goes, and [Hemnes daybed covers](https://cushionguide.com/cushions/ikea-hemnes-daybed-covers/) shows the finished fit. What does your tape say? Exact numbers. The workshop's margin. A smooth top. ## Measuring once, properly - ✓ Length along the top, end to end - ✓ Width across the top, side to side - ✓ Height at the side, both mattresses together if stacked - ✓ Each number as measured, not rounded up > **Tailor's margin:** For a fitted daybed cover, write the mattress size exactly as measured; adding extra makes the cover loose and crinkled. > A fitted mattress cover already has its seam and fit allowance built into the cutting, so an extra inch from the buyer only makes it loose. > > — Hana ## Buyer questions **A common question:** I want the daybed cover tight. Should I add a little to the mattress size? **The workshop's answer:** No. Give the exact measurements, for example 74 x 37 x 7 in. Padding them makes the cover slightly loose, which is where crinkles come from; the sewing allowances are added in the workshop so the cover comes out snug and smooth. **A common question:** Will the Hemnes mattress cover fit both stacked mattresses? **The workshop's answer:** Yes, it wraps both. Write the length and width, such as 31½ x 78¾ in (80 x 200 cm), plus the combined height in personalization, and measure your own, because Hemnes sizes vary by country. No added leeway: the fit allowance is built into the cutting. **A common question:** Can you make a bench cushion to fit an IKEA Besta? **The workshop's answer:** Yes. Choose the closest option, e.g. 15 3/4 x 71 in (40 x 180 cm) for a 71 x 16 in (180 x 41 cm) Besta, and write your exact size. Custom thickness such as 2 3/4 in (7 cm) and matching or contrast piping are available. **A common question:** Can you make a replacement cover for an IKEA sofa like the Friheten? **The workshop's answer:** Fitted slipcovers for IKEA sofas like the Friheten aren't made. Seat cushions and backrests are, including a set of 2 backrests, 2 armrests and a mattress cover that turns an IKEA sofa bed into a lounge. ## Questions buyers ask next ### Why does a slightly large cover crinkle? Because the extra fabric has nowhere to go. When a buyer's padding is added on top of the allowance already cut in, the cover sits loose on the mattress and the surplus shows as crinkles. Exact numbers keep it smooth. ### Do I measure the mattress or the daybed frame? The mattress. The cover wraps the mattress, so its length, width and thickness are the numbers that count. With two stacked mattresses, measure their combined height and write it beside the length and width. ### Will the mattress be hard to get into an exact-size cover? No. The cover is cut slightly larger than your numbers so the mattress goes in easily. That margin is built in by the workshop, which is exactly why you don't add one of your own. ## Related at the atelier - [Can I choose my own fabric, colors and piping for the Hemnes daybed set?](https://cushionguide.com/answers/daybed-cover-set-fabric-color-piping/): Yes, a Hemnes daybed cover set can be made in velvet or linen as well as the default corduroy, with the cover and piping in any colors from the fabric charts. - [Can I buy only the back cushions for my Hemnes daybed, or skip the bolsters?](https://cushionguide.com/answers/daybed-backrests-only-or-without-bolsters/): Hemnes daybed back cushions can be ordered without the rest of the set: two backrests with covers and inserts, a mattress cover plus two filled backrests, or the two round backrests alone. - [Can I get just a replacement mattress cover for my IKEA daybed?](https://cushionguide.com/answers/daybed-mattress-replacement-cover-only/): You can get just a replacement mattress cover for an IKEA daybed by choosing the Cover Only option on the daybed cover set listing. - [Hemnes Daybed Cover in Cream Velvet: Ordering It Right](https://cushionguide.com/readings/front-on-cream-hemnes-daybed-olive-tree-terracotta-rug/): To order a Hemnes daybed cover set right the first time, send the mattress length, width and stacked thickness, the back length inside the frame, and both fabric codes, body and piping, in one… - [Hemnes Daybed Cover in Cream Velvet with Burnt-Orange Piping](https://cushionguide.com/readings/cream-velvet-hemnes-daybed-burnt-orange-piping/): A Hemnes daybed cover in one neutral velvet, with contrast piping, makes the daybed read as a sofa rather than a bed. - [Hemnes Daybed Cover in Royal Blue Velvet for a Beige Bedroom](https://cushionguide.com/readings/royal-blue-velvet-hemnes-daybed-beige-bedroom/): A royal blue velvet Hemnes daybed cover works in a beige bedroom because the largest piece of furniture carries the only strong color, while the rug, walls and nightstand stay pale. - [How to measure an IKEA Hemnes daybed: two stacked mattresses, one cover](https://cushionguide.com/guides/ikea-hemnes-daybed-cover-measuring/) - [How to make a daybed look like a sofa with back cushions and bolsters](https://cushionguide.com/guides/daybed-back-cushions-sofa-look/) *— Hana* --- Written by Hana Lindqvist (https://cushionguide.com/masters/hana/) for CushionGuide (https://cushionguide.com/about/). The site explains made-to-measure cushions and the partner workshop makes them; measurements are in inches first. This Markdown mirrors the page at https://cushionguide.com/answers/fitted-cover-exact-measurements-no-allowance/