How to put on a duvet cover: 3 methods (and one with no ties)

The quickest dependable way to put on a duvet cover is the inside-out method: turn the cover inside out, grab the two far corners from inside, pick up the matching corners of your duvet insert, and shake the cover down over it. Below are the steps for that, the burrito method for bigger duvets and smaller rooms, and what to do if you never want to tie a corner again.

Before you start

A few minutes of setup makes every method easier.

• Check the sizes match. A queen insert in a king cover will slide around however carefully you put it on. Compare the measurements on both labels, not just the size name, because sizing varies between brands.
• Find the corners of the insert. Most inserts are slightly longer one way. Lay it out so you know which edge is the top.
• Clear the bed. Pillows and throws get in the way. A bare mattress gives you a flat surface to work on.
• Undo the cover fully. Open every button, popper or zip so the opening is as wide as possible.

Method 1: the inside-out method (best for most people)

This is the method most bedding guides recommend, including Tom's Guide, and it works well for single and queen sizes.

1. Turn the cover inside out. Reach inside, hold the two corners at the closed end, and pull the cover back over your hands so it ends up inside out with your hands in its corners.
2. Grab the insert. Still holding the cover's corners from the inside, pinch the two top corners of the insert.
3. Let the cover fall. Lift your arms and shake. The cover drops down over the insert, turning right side out as it goes.
4. Work the cover down. Lay the duvet on the bed and pull the cover down the sides until it reaches the bottom corners.
5. Tie the corners, if your duvet has ties. Match each tie on the cover to the loop on the insert so it doesn't slip later.
6. Close it and shake. Fasten the opening, hold the top corners and give it a final shake so the filling settles evenly.

Method 2: the burrito method (good for king size or small rooms)

If you don't have the arm span for a king duvet, or there isn't much space around the bed, rolling is easier than shaking. Mattress Clarity calls it the quickest way, and it doesn't need to be rolled tightly.

1. Lay the cover inside out on the bed, opening at the foot end.
2. Lay the insert on top, corners lined up with the cover's corners. Tie the corners together now if there are ties.
3. Roll from the top. Starting at the head of the bed, roll the cover and insert together towards the opening, like a burrito.
4. Turn the ends out. At the bottom, reach into the opening and fold it back over each end of the roll, tucking the roll inside it.
5. Close the opening while everything is still rolled up.
6. Unroll towards the head of the bed. The cover turns itself right side out over the insert. Give it a shake to finish.

West Elm describes a similar "sushi roll" version and suggests it for king duvets.

Doing it on your own

Most duvet guides assume you have a second pair of hands. If you don't:

• Use the bed as your helper. Do the corner work with the duvet lying on the mattress rather than holding it in the air.
• Secure the far corners first. Once the two corners at the head end are in place, the rest is just pulling fabric downwards.
• Choose the burrito method for queen and king. Shaking a large duvet with outstretched arms is the hardest part to do alone.

Which method should you use?

Method	Best for	Watch out for
Inside-out	Single and queen duvets; most people	Tiring with a king duvet, especially alone
Burrito	King duvets; small bedrooms	Corners can twist if the layers aren't lined up before rolling
Magnetic system	Anyone who wants to skip ties	Needs a matching magnetic insert and cover

Keeping the insert from bunching afterwards

Getting the cover on is only half the job. If the insert drifts to one side during the night, you end up redoing it. The usual fixes are:

• Corner ties, which hold well when tied properly but take time, and loosen if tied in a hurry.
• Duvet clips or grips, which clamp the cover and insert together at each corner.
• Magnets sewn into matching points on the insert and cover.

We wrote about why ties cause most of these problems in 3 problems with duvets, and how magnets fix them.

The no-ties option: a magnetic duvet system

The Habo Magnetic System™ replaces corner ties and loops with magnets. The Tureis insert has 6 magnets and the cover has 6 to match, sealed in protective shells at the corners and centre points. You line them up, they snap together with a click, and a concealed zip closes the cover.

You still turn the cover over the insert, so either method above works, but there's nothing to tie at any corner. It takes less time than a traditional duvet cover change, and gets quicker each time you do it. See the full 7-step walkthrough in how the magnetic duvet works.

The Tureis magnetic duvet cover only works with the Tureis insert, so the easiest place to start is the set with both.

Frequently asked questions

Which way does a duvet cover go on?

The opening goes at the foot of the bed. If the cover has a printed or seamed side, that faces up. On a rectangular duvet, the longer sides run down the length of the bed.

Why does my duvet keep moving inside the cover?

Usually because the corners aren't anchored, or the insert is smaller than the cover. Tie or clip each corner, or use an insert and cover that connect, such as a magnetic system.

Is it easier with two people?

Yes, especially for king sizes. If you're on your own, the burrito method is the easiest of the traditional methods.

What size duvet cover do I need?

Match the cover to your insert's measurements. Habo's sizes are Queen 210 × 210 cm and King 240 × 210 cm. More answers are on our FAQs and shipping page.

If you would rather never tie a corner again, explore the Tureis Magnetic Duvet System Set.