The Gemara applies a number of restrictions on folding clothes on Shabbat. The Poskim discuss whether these restrictions also apply to folding bedding, such as quilts or sheets. The Magen Abraham (Rav Abraham Gombiner, Poland, 1637-1682) permits making beds on Shabbat, if doing so creates an orderly and clean Shabbat environment. Based on this, the new volume of Mekhereh Eres (Vol. 6) permits folding a quilt on the crease, in order to keep the house neat and orderly. He adds that preferably this should be done before late afternoon, so as not to give the impression that one is preparing for after Shabbat. However, it is permitted to make the beds in an upstairs bedroom, even if the people in the house are downstairs.
Moreover, it is quite possible that the prohibition of folding applied only to clothing. This is evident from Rashi’s interpretation to the Gemara’s (Shabbat 113) use of the word "Kelim" to mean clothing.
SUMMARY
It is permitted to fold bedding on Shabbat, in order to create a neat and orderly environment in the home. Preferably, this should be done before late afternoon.
