Pros/Cons Karo Step Topquilt

**NWAlabamaHiker** · 03-05-2015, 15:41

I'm about to start a 800 fp down topquilt and I've about decided on a karo step design. Does anyone know of any cons of this design? It looks like mostly pros to me over a baffled tube design.
Also does anyone have any experience with Dutch's argon 67 in relation to the RSBTR membrane 10? Both weigh almost exactly the same per yard and are within 5 cents of each other on price?

**MAD777** · 03-05-2015, 18:13

I made a Karo step top quilt. All the other quilts that I made used conventional baffles. The reason I chose Karo for the one quilt was because it was so thin, only 1-1/4" thick. I wanted a lightweight summer quilt, so I wasn't afraid of cold spots. I used 6 ounces of 800 FP down in a 78"x40" quilt. I'm happy with it.

I wouldn't use the Karo style on a thick quilt for colder weather where I want to prevent down from shifting.

**NWAlabamaHiker** · 03-05-2015, 18:24

At this time I'm not planning on doing any real cold weather hanging, so what I was looking for is more a 3 season topquilt. I'm in Alabama, so through three seasons we rarely see any temps any lower than 35-40. So with that being the case, in your opinion, would a karo step tq work ok?

WV · 03-05-2015, 20:30

One argument pro is the availability of TeeDee's very fine set of instructions with illustrations. There's another nice thread by animalcontrol, too.

**NWAlabamaHiker** · 03-05-2015, 20:51

Originally Posted by WV

One argument pro is the availability of TeeDee's very fine set of instructions with illustrations. There's another nice thread by animalcontrol, too.

That's exactly what I've been looking for! I stumbled on one of those once before, but couldn't remember where! I've since found a few other instructionals, but I really needed these links! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I may end up being disappointed having gone with a karo step, I don't know, but based on everything I've read, I think that's exactly the plan I'm going to go with!
Thanks again WV!

Oh yeah, and I'll try to post pics as I go so everyone can see my progress!

**Dutch** · 03-05-2015, 21:06

Pros- easy to fill as it is just one big chamber and you don't have to weight each baffle out, that is huge. You can also move down to areas like have a thicker quilt in the torso. There is less baffles to sew.

Cons- You have to have the baffles laid out correctly and I think making it differential is a little trickier. Also the down can move freely and if the quit isn't sufficiently full you can have big areas with no down.

**NWAlabamaHiker** · 03-05-2015, 23:08

Originally Posted by Dutch

I think making it differential is a little trickier.

I'm sorry, can you elaborate on this a little more?
Btw I've got a cart full on your site right now, just waiting on payday!
Side note/question- I know you are currently out of some colors of the argon fabric, will you be getting more in?

**MAD777** · 03-06-2015, 00:36

Usually (but not necessarily) differentially cut quilts are used for underquilts. Underquilts need to wrap around the bottom of the hammock with no air gaps. Most top quilts are made flat, so Karo step is not an issue in that case. I wouldn't use that method for an underquilt.

**NWAlabamaHiker** · 03-06-2015, 03:59

Thanks Mad777. I appreciate your help!

**Dutch** · 03-07-2015, 19:54

Originally Posted by NWAlabamaHiker

I'm sorry, can you elaborate on this a little more?
Btw I've got a cart full on your site right now, just waiting on payday!
Side note/question- I know you are currently out of some colors of the argon fabric, will you be getting more in?

With a traditional baffle it is easy to determine where the baffles go on the inside and outside. With the Karo style you have to do some figuring. Maybe there is a mathematical way that makes it easy but it seems like voodoo to me.