ANSWER: Percale is a closely woven plain-weave fabric often used for bed linens. The term describes the weave of the fabric, not its content, so percale can be a 50/50 blend of cotton and polyester, 100% cotton, or a blend of other fabrics in any ratio. A percale weave has a thread count of about 200 or higher, and is noticeably tighter than the standard type of weave used for bed-sheets. It has a medium weight, is firm and smooth with no gloss, and warps and washes very well. It is made from both carded and combed yarns. The finish of the fabric is independent of its weave, so it can have "hard" (crisp)or a "soft" (slightly looser) finish.

ANSWER: Not really necessary as the factory allows for this (depending on the fabric used) when they cut the sheets. If you still want to add to the depth... make it about a 2 or 3 cm... no more.

When ironing 100% Cotton Percale, ensure the linen is damp and use a steam iron for a clean crisp finish!

Most people regard ironing as a chore. But ironing linen can become a less onerous task if you do it when the linen is damp.

If linen is taken out of the dryer or off the line while still damp and then ironed immediately, the chore ceases to be a chore at all. Be sure the soleplate of your iron is clean and smooth for quicker and easier ironing. If you have a steam iron, check for mineral deposits, which can cause brown spotting. Check your ironing board and its cover. For speedy ironing, use well padded boards with smooth heat-reflective covers.

Begin with dampened linen. Steam ironing dry linen is less effective than dry or steam ironing dampened linens. A professional steamer is the only appliance that provides enough steam to remove wrinkles from heavier linens. The steam from a household iron is just not enough.

Store linen items in a plastic bag in the refrigerator or freezer from 6 to 24 hours before ironing. This will make them easier to iron and will prevent mildew.

Use spray starch (if desired) and iron with a steam iron at a medium to hot setting. Starch provides extra crispness, particularly to napkins to be folded into fancy shapes. For a softer look, select spray-on fabric sizing instead. In a pinch, smooth things over with spray-on wrinkle remover.

Iron on the wrong side first, then on the right side to bring out the sheen, especially damasks and light-colored linens. Iron dark linens on the wrong side only.

Choose a temperature setting compatible with the fabric weight. Pure linen can withstand the highest temperature setting on your iron. Test an inconspicuous corner first.

Iron linen until smooth but not dry. Once wrinkles are gone, hang the linen item until it is bone dry.

When ironing embroidered linen, keep the embroidery stitches rounded and dimensional by pressing item on the wrong side atop a soft towel.

Use a press cloth to safeguard delicate lace and cutwork.

Firstly it is important to note that it is best not to measure from cord to cord that are found bordering the mattress - Always measure above the cord from the top and below the cord from the base of the mattress. Place your hand on top of the mattress but do not press down, then measure from the bottom up to your hand - where you hand touches and the cord ends take your measurement here. It is suggested that you measure the corner of your mattress as this will have the least loss in support if the mattress is older and also ensure to take a measurement from the middle of the mattress at the bottom to compare, if there is a big difference then call us for assistance. Depth of mattresses varies and can be anything from as low as 15cm and go up to 45cm. We cater for all depth's and can custom make your fitted sheets in your choice of fabrics and colours..