Having trouble finding a good quality duvet cover that doesn't cost as much as your comforter? Here's an easy way (really, no kidding) to make your own.

Step 1: Measure your down comforter, width and length. We like to recommend that your duvet cover be the same size as your down comforter, or smaller. A smaller duvet cover (by 2" or 3") assures a nice snug fit, helps keep your comforter in place and gives a fluffier look to your comforter. So, for example, if we had a down comforter that measured 90" x 90", we would like our finished duvet cover to measure about 88"x88".

Step 2: You'll need 2 Flat Sheets, at least 4" wider and longer than you'd like your finished duvet cover to be. This assures that there will be plenty of fabric for the seams. If you have a couple of extra flat sheets in your linen cupboard of the size, color/design and quality (we like to use soft and lightweight fabric for duvet covers) that you'd like to use, great! Otherwise, keep an eye out for White Sales at stores like JC Penney, Sears and Macy's or the like.

You can often pick up good quality flat sheets for around $20.00 each (on sale, of course). Do purchase from reputable vendors and pay attention to the dimensions of the sheets you purchase, as they can vary widely from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Step 3: If you are handy with a sewing machine, you can sew the 2 flat sheets together (like a very large pillow case) yourself. But since the sheets can be quite large and sort of awkward to work with (due to the size) in the average home sewing environment we recommend that you contact a local Dry Cleaner that also does tailoring. A professional seamstress is another option as well. They will likely be able to sew your duvet cover for a very reasonable cost. Our customer's tell us to expect about $20.00 and up. This cost would be for the simplest of projects - no fancy hems, hidden and/or button closures, etc.

At some point you'll need to decide whether you'd like a Button Closure or a Zipper Closure. We recommend that you use a zipper closure. A nylon zipper is durable (withstands washing, etc.) and is very easy to open and close compared to buttons. Since the closure will be at the end of your duvet cover, at the foot of your bed, the zipper (or buttons) will not be easilly visible. A zipper closure also takes much less time to make than a button closure - making it less expensive.

So, there you have it. A very nice and perfectly serviceable duvet cover for under $100.00!

• 2 good quality Flat Sheets on Sale @ $20.00 each = $40.00
• Roll of nylon zipper = about $25.00 (less if your sewer has zipper material in stock)
• Cost of sewing = $20.00 and up.