• Homemade bedspreads are ideal when personalizing a room.colorful bed linen on a wooden bed image by ann triling from Fotolia.com
  
  Homemade bedspreads are fun and exciting to make, as they can be personalized to suit any style or room. Some people prefer a simple white bedspread, while others enjoy a detailed and exquisite quilt that is the focal point of the bedroom. There are several how-to guides on how to successfully sew a bedspread, but few of those guides offer tips on how to make stronger and more durable bedspreads that will last longer.
  
  

The Dust Ruffle

• The dust ruffle is a common component found on many traditional bedspreads, including quilt sets. Although it has no specific purpose besides hiding the bed legs and the dust underneath the bed, it adds character to any bedspread combination. When designing or sewing a bedspread, avoid attaching the dust ruffle to the comforter or primary bedspread. While it may add length and width to the bedspread, the ruffles will experience more wear and tear because they are being used and crumpled at night. Instead, sew the dust ruffle onto a white sheet and place it on the bed underneath the box mattress. This will leave the dust ruffle in its place and in good shape.
  
  

Make it Fitted

• Instead of sewing a massive square or rectangular bedspread, make the bedspread fitted. Making a sheet fitted will create straight and elegant lines on the bed and the bedspread itself. To do this, simply bend the corners and fold them inward when the bedspread lays flat on the bed. Use some pins to hold the fold in place. Remove the bedspread from the bed and sew the fold on the inside of the bedspread. For a precise line, use hand-stitching techniques. Experienced sewers may find it easier to complete this seam on a sewing machine.
  
  

Quilts on Machine

• Many people look to quilt patterns when creating a bedspread. Although quilts are more time-consuming than a simple fabric bedspread, quilts often become the focal point of a bedroom, especially if the room has white walls and simple furniture. Quilts gather dust as every other bedspread does, but since a quilt has sewing lines all over the surface area, more dust gets stuck in these creases than in a standard bedspread. Therefore, quilts are often subject to frequent washes. To ensure a long-lasting quilted bedspread, sew the quilt on a machine to add strength and durability. Although traditional quilts were hand-sewn, they are often too delicate to be washed in the washer.
  
  

Colors and Seasons

• When choosing the colors for the bedspread, think of the seasons. If the bedspread will be on the bed year-round, choose lighter colors, such as pastels. While they will add some color to the summer months, they will still give a sense of calmness for the colder winter months. If making several bedspreads for the year, choose bright and lively colors for the summer months, to echo the weather. For winter, choose calmer and bolder colors, such as a dark navy, grey or maroon.