How hard is it to make your own underquilt

**bootstick** · 02-16-2014, 19:08

I was browsing some DIY forums, and a guy from the uk, was documenting his progress on making an underquilt. I was wondering how hard would it be to make one that would work in 0-10 degree F weather. I live in Massachusetts, and I have a grand trunk skeeter beeter. How much would it cost, and could you give me a partslist if you have the time. I don't really know how to sew but I can always learn : ), I do have a sewing machine.

**CountryRoads** · 02-16-2014, 19:14

Check out CatSplat's "DIY Differential cut UQ calculator" thread.

**bootstick** · 02-16-2014, 19:15

Originally Posted by CountryRoads

Check out CatSplat's "DIY Differential cut UQ calculator" thread.

Thank you I appreciate it, I'll check it out right now

**VictoriaGuy** · 02-16-2014, 19:24

As you say, you can always learn.

Definitely don't try to DIY to save $$ ('cause you won't); do it for the fun and the sense of accomplishment you'll get.

A baffled quilt with differential cut, using very lightweight nylon, will provide a bit of a steep learning curve if you haven't sewed anything before, IMO.
But certainly not impossible...

I'd advise getting a few simpler projects 'under your belt' first (stuff sacks, tarp?).

**FLRider** · 02-16-2014, 19:25

It depends on what kind of underquilt you want to make.

A synthetic underquilt with Climashield APEX is easy enough that I wouldn't have much trepidation about recommending it as a first or second sewing project (the only thing easier that I've made is a stuff sack).

A down underquilt, on the other hand, is something that I'd recommend waiting a bit on. As a fourth or fifth project, it shouldn't be too hard, as long as you take your time and make sure of all of your measurements before setting needle to fabric.

Anyway, that's just my opinion. YMMV and all that...

**bootstick** · 02-16-2014, 19:27

Thanks for your input guys I appreciate it, after checking out that thread I decided to put it off for now, Im too much of a newbie for that kind of stuff, Im on feburary break right now and I am extremely bored. I might make a stuffsack just to get some experience under my belt, Thanks once again : )

**VictoriaGuy** · 02-16-2014, 19:55

Originally Posted by bootstick

Thanks for your input guys I appreciate it, after checking out that thread I decided to put it off for now, Im too much of a newbie for that kind of stuff, Im on feburary break right now and I am extremely bored. I might make a stuffsack just to get some experience under my belt, Thanks once again : )

You can start by making stuff (storage bags for gear?) using old bedsheet or poly/cotton from a local store, or a groundsheet/footprint from a blue tarp, etc. before getting into the ripstop pile!

Originally Posted by bootstick

Nice pictures guys, I wish I knew how to sew, we learned in middle school and I made a platypus, but other than that, I don't remember a thing : (

That's gonna change!

**bootstick** · 02-16-2014, 20:25

Originally Posted by VictoriaGuy

You can start by making stuff (storage bags for gear?) using old bedsheet or poly/cotton from a local store, or a groundsheet/footprint from a blue tarp, etc. before getting into the ripstop pile!

That's gonna change!

: ), Ill try this out tomorrow, this seems like a better project than a potato cannon. Do you know if it is cheaper to make an under quilt then to buy one?

**Dutch** · 02-16-2014, 20:38

It is cheaper but not much and you will spend many hours doing it. Plus the UQs you get from our venders are top notch. For 8 hours of work you might save $50.

**bowl-maker** · 02-16-2014, 21:03

I don't know...i saved quite a bit. Harvested down from a thrift store coat andan old free down comforter, used clearance fabric from WM. I probably have $20 in the two UQ's I have made.