Houndstooth Sheets

In a rainbow of decorator colors and stylish prints, houndstooth sheets are a must-have item for anyone with a twin size bed. Twin bed sheets sets are available in a full range of fabric choices as well as 100 percent cotton, cotton polyester blends, cotton sateen and even 100% Egyptian cotton.

Many twin size pillow top and European top mattress can be as high as 20 inches or more. Twin size fitted bed sheets with shallow pockets simply will not fit these new mattresses correctly. Sheets that do not fit well are prone to slip off while you sleep. Like trying to force a round peg into a square hole will damage the peg, force fitting a sheet onto a mattress will damage the sheet.

As with any other sheet size, buying a twin bed sheet set means knowing what to look for. Buying a bargain sheet set may seem like a good idea, but it may not be real bargain at all. Bargain sheet sets may end up costing more money in the long run and are often made with inferior materials. Low quality fabrics can fade when washed, and will not hold a seam very well.

The fabric choices for twin bed sheet sets range from cotton and cotton blends to sateen. A quality twin bed sheet set should have a thread count of at least 200. Thread count is measured as the number of threads per square inch of fabric. The thread count of a bargain sheet set may be as low as 100. Bed sheets with a low thread count, regardless of the fabric type, will feel flimsy and coarse.

Even though a quality twin sheet set will cost a little more, spending the extra money will pay dividends in the long run. Higher quality fabrics will launder well and hold the shape of the sheet longer. There will be less color fade and the sewn seams will be less likely to fail. Fabric and content labeling is very important when buying twin bed sheet sets. A label that lists a fabric as 100 percent cotton is likely to be so, though it may be a blend of different cotton grades. Labeling is important whether you are paying a little or a lot for a set of twin bed sheets.

When it Comes to Twin Bedding, Cotton is Still King

Cotton is still the most popular choice for XL twin sheet sets. Cotton is a durable fabric that holds its shape and stays comfortable after repeated washings. In addition to the Upland species of cotton, there are several species of cotton that are used to produce cotton fabric that is extremely soft and durable. Egyptian cotton and the hybrid Pima cotton sheet sets are usually more expensive to buy but are well worth the extra expense. Regardless of the species, there are different grades of cotton. It takes an experienced and trained eye to properly grade cotton fiber.

Cotton polyester blends are another great choice for extra long twin sheet sets. There are other fabric types that provide all the comfort of cotton and are environmentally friendly alternatives.

Sustainable Fabrics

Bamboo and hemp are two examples of sustainable fiber sources that can be made into soft, durable and beautiful fabrics. Bamboo and hemp are grass type fibers which grow prolifically without the need for irrigation or the use of chemical fertilizers and insecticides. This is stark contrast to some species of cotton which are the target of insects and plant disease and require irrigation in order to thrive.

Bamboo fibers are harvested from the center of the stalk and are spun into luxurious fabrics that have a natural, long lasting antimicrobial property. This antimicrobial property can withstand the rigors of everyday use and. repeated washings. In spite of what folks may think, bamboo fabric is as soft as cotton. As a less expensive alternative to 100 percent bamboo, cotton and polyester is often blended with bamboo, bamboo blends still provide the same antimicrobial characteristics, soft feel and durability.

Hemp fiber is another example of a sustainable fiber source that has been in use for thousands of years. Hemp fibers have been used for thousands to produce paper, fuel, rope and fabric. Like bamboo, hemp plants can be cultivated without irrigation or the use of harsh chemicals like insecticides and fertilizers. Hemp fibers are spun into durable and soft fabrics that are extremely long lasting.

Caring for Your Twin Bedding and Mattress

Quality bed linens can represent a substantial investment. Properly caring for your twin bed sheets can ensure that you get the most for your money. Manufacturers attach a fabric care label which provides instructions on how to wash and dry your twin sheet set. Provided that you use the right detergent, most fabrics can be washed in cold water. Cold water washing will help to maintain the color. Do not use chlorine bleach if the fabric care label recommends against it. Machine dry your sheets according to the care instructions.