How to Put On a Duvet Cover the Easy Way

Putting on a duvet cover is the chore most people dread. You climb inside, lose a corner, and end up with the insert bunched at one end. It doesn't have to be like that. With the right method, it takes about two minutes and no climbing.

Below are the two easiest methods, plus a few tips that make any duvet cover go on smoothly.

The short version: turn the cover inside out, lay the insert on top, roll them up together from the top, flip the opening over the roll, then unroll. The cover turns right side out around the insert on its own.

Before you start

  • Check that the sizes match. A queen insert goes in a queen cover. An insert that's too small slides around inside, and one that's too big bunches up and strains the seams.
  • Find the opening. Most duvet covers open along one short end and close with a zipper, buttons or ties.
  • Look for corner ties. Some covers have small ties inside each corner, and some inserts have loops to match. Tying them keeps the insert from shifting.
  • Use the bed as your workspace. A flat surface makes everything easier, so start with the fitted sheet already on.

Organic Soybean Fiber Duvet Insert laid flat on a bed

Method 1: The roll method (easiest)

Also called the burrito method, this is the one to learn if you only learn one. It works for every size, including king.

  1. Turn the duvet cover inside out and lay it flat on the bed, with the opening at the foot of the bed.
  2. Lay the insert flat on top of the cover and line up all four corners. If there are corner ties, tie them now.
  3. Starting at the head of the bed, roll the cover and insert together tightly toward the opening, like a sleeping bag.
  4. When you reach the opening, reach inside and turn the opening out and over the end of the roll, one side at a time, like pulling on a sock. The whole roll should now be wrapped inside the cover.
  5. Close the zipper, buttons or ties.
  6. Unroll it back toward the head of the bed. The cover turns right side out as you go.
  7. Hold the top two corners and give it a good shake to settle the insert.

Keep the roll tight and even. A loose roll is what makes the insert bunch to one side.

Method 2: The inside-out method (fastest)

  1. Turn the duvet cover inside out.
  2. Reach inside and find the two top corners, holding one in each hand.
  3. With your hands still inside the cover, grab the two top corners of the insert.
  4. Lift and shake so the cover falls down over the insert and turns right side out.
  5. Lay it on the bed, pull the cover down over the bottom corners and close the opening.

This one is quicker once you've done it a few times, but it needs some arm span. For a queen or king, the roll method is usually easier.

If you share the bed, the inside-out method is also easy to do with two people. Each person holds one top corner of the cover and insert together, and you shake it down between you.

Corner of the Royal Ruched Duvet Cover Set

Tips for ruffled and ruched covers

  • Hold the cover by its corners and seams, not by the ruffles, so the trim doesn't stretch.
  • Once the cover is on, run your hands along ruffled edges to straighten them, and along ruched rows to settle the gathers.
  • Ruched covers are forgiving. The texture hides small ripples, so the insert doesn't need to be perfectly flat.

How to stop the insert from shifting

  • Use corner ties if your cover and insert have them.
  • Make sure the insert and cover are the same size.
  • Give the duvet a quick shake each morning when you make the bed. It redistributes the fill and pulls the corners back into place.

Classic White Ruched Duvet Cover Set on a made bed in a sunny bedroom

Common questions

Which end of the duvet cover goes at the top?

The opening goes at the foot of the bed, so the closure stays out of sight and away from your face.

Do I really need to turn the cover inside out?

For both methods above, yes. Turning it inside out first is what lets the cover flip over the insert instead of you having to stuff it in.

How often should I wash my duvet cover?

If you sleep with a flat sheet, every few weeks is usually enough. Our guide on how to wash ruched bedding has more care tips that apply to any cotton duvet cover.

Need an insert?

If you're starting from scratch, the Organic Soybean Fiber Duvet Insert is filled with soybean fiber and raw cotton, is OEKO-TEX certified and comes in three warmth levels. Add it to any duvet cover set and the insert is 20% off with Bundle & Save. Not sure which style you like? Our guide to ruched vs ruffle bedding can help you choose.

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