DIY KARO Top Quilt

**Otter1** · 12-07-2018, 16:14

Originally Posted by allwood2006

Great Job. Curious to know what you think after you test in the elements? Would you mind if I use that design and attempt to pull one off for myself? I am thinking it will be a little different, but I don't like to just take anything without asking even if it is the Internet.

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Enlightened Equipment was the first manufacturer to use this design in packpacking & hammcok quilts. Their underquilts still use Karo baffles. There are also youtube videos and threads here by DIY'ers you can find.

**Cbenzy** · 12-07-2018, 17:34

Originally Posted by allwood2006

Great Job. Curious to know what you think after you test in the elements? Would you mind if I use that design and attempt to pull one off for myself? I am thinking it will be a little different, but I don't like to just take anything without asking even if it is the Internet.

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I can’t wait to find out! It’s got a lot of loft. You can definitely use it. If you have any questions please feel free to ask. Not sure how much help id be though lol first one. I will be doing an underquilt as well shortly. KARO with differential cut.

**Tikker** · 12-07-2018, 21:03

so......apparently I've been under a log, I've never heard of this karo style baffle until like this week

performance wise, how does it compare to just the tube style baffles?

I can see where it'd be less sewing work for the maker, but my brain wants to think you'd have to be more careful about migrating your down, and that it'd be prone to clumping

**rais'n hammock** · 12-07-2018, 22:16

Great job on the quilt. Looks nice and warm.

Originally Posted by allwood2006

Great Job. Curious to know what you think after you test in the elements? Would you mind if I use that design and attempt to pull one off for myself? I am thinking it will be a little different, but I don't like to just take anything without asking even if it is the Internet.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

I have made a couple of Karo Step TQs. A 0° with a sewn foot box and a 30° with snaps and a tie bottom. Same basic design for the quilt part.
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...-Style-Footbox
I have used both in the designed ratings for many nights and they perform perfect. I really like the Karo Step for ease of filling with down and for being able to spread it around to the spots I want more warmth, feet and knees for me. I think it is fair to say that any design posted on this forum is fair game. That is the intent of posting details here so that others can see a method and learn what they like or would do different.

**psyculman** · 12-08-2018, 07:23

Just beautiful.

Isn't it fun keeping track of those baffles when you sew the two layers together? And the very fine, very thin fabric does not help. I have had all the materials to do a 6th down quilt for about a year now, but am not going to karo it, no way. (2 for me, 3 for friends) IMG_20181208_070810.jpg IMG_20181208_071037.jpg IMG_20181208_071209.jpg

**Cbenzy** · 12-08-2018, 08:46

Originally Posted by Tikker

so......apparently I've been under a log, I've never heard of this karo style baffle until like this week

performance wise, how does it compare to just the tube style baffles?

I can see where it'd be less sewing work for the maker, but my brain wants to think you'd have to be more careful about migrating your down, and that it'd be prone to clumping

I haven’t used it yet outside. Not sure on performance. However there are plenty of hammockers on here that can, well on the performance of the KARO design any ways. There is actually a lot more complicated sewing and design/layout. It saves time at stuffing because you do not need to measure baffles. I designed 4” openings therefore down moving is a bit more difficult but it helps keep the down where it should be.

**Cbenzy** · 12-08-2018, 08:48

Originally Posted by psyculman

Just beautiful.

Isn't it fun keeping track of those baffles when you sew the two layers together? And the very fine, very thin fabric does not help. I have had all the materials to do a 6th down quilt for about a year now, but am not going to karo it, no way. (2 for me, 3 for friends) IMG_20181208_070810.jpg IMG_20181208_071037.jpg IMG_20181208_071209.jpg

Nice bag! I actually didn’t find it that difficult the hardest baffles are the long ones because of the way the fabric is bunched up.

**FJRpilot** · 12-08-2018, 08:50

Very well executed, great job!

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**Cbenzy** · 12-08-2018, 08:54

Originally Posted by rais'n hammock

Great job on the quilt. Looks nice and warm.

I have made a couple of Karo Step TQs. A 0° with a sewn foot box and a 30° with snaps and a tie bottom. Same basic design for the quilt part.
https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...-Style-Footbox
I have used both in the designed ratings for many nights and they perform perfect. I really like the Karo Step for ease of filling with down and for being able to spread it around to the spots I want more warmth, feet and knees for me. I think it is fair to say that any design posted on this forum is fair game. That is the intent of posting details sonth as t others can see a method and le as ri what they like or would do different.

I agree 100%. What is the loft you have on the deg?