How Do I Make An Underquilt?

[KevinDee]

I really want one because I hate sleeping on a pad, but buying a professionally made quilt is a little too pricey at the moment seeing as I am also saving up for a blackbird. So what do I use for material? 1.1 nylon? How much down would I need for a 3 season quilt? 8oz? 10oz? getting a 20 degree rating would be nice. And what would be best for the layer that would be against the hammock? more nylon or something like insultex? And what is the sewing process like? do I sew the baffles before or after adding the down? how much down per baffle? Are there steps on here somewhere for making a crowsnest type underquilt? Also where is the best place to buy down? stormcrow's site seemed to have the best price but he is currently out of stock. also for suspension I would really like to have it on shock cord channels like the warbonnet yeti. any tips on how to do any of this is greatly appreciated. thank you all in advance

[Shug]

This may give you some info and a good start: http://www.tothewoods.net/RedRiverGo...orgeQuilt.html
Be patient and have some fun.....
Shug

[SuperTramp]

I just made one last week-end with a poorly rated winter sleeping bag.it was rated to minus 10c but was no where close to that but was thin and light enough for a 3 season uq. I just laid it out and cut it 40x48 stitched the blanket binding twice leaving a channel for a continuous shockcord loop and separate channels for the ends to draw close or loosen

[bchboy1206]

How would using something like this work to be converted to an underquilt??? Cheap enough and not too much work has to go into it to get it done.

http://www.rei.com/product/812653/al...ar-special-buy

[hippofeet]

Take a seam ripper and cut off zipper (and save it for your next project), cut to desired length/width, reseam cut edges (I would fold them in, pin, then sew a single line down each edge) then sew on a channel and thread the shockcord through. Since the shockcord will exit at all 4 corners, you can just sew 4 channels. The picture above has black material, I am guessing thin nylon? sewn on for the channels, probably with a folded under seam on both sides of the channel, and a double line of stiches. I will be making a quilt here real soon, with quilt batting from walmart and some camo nylon, I will through up some pics maybe? *throw*

[Redoleary]

For an IX UQ here are some instructions you can get all the stuff needed to make it from DIY Gear Supply I made one of these and its a fine UQ. Not sure how low it will take me yet, but it will do fine for the summer for sure.
EDIT: oops, I see now after reading more closely that you wanted a down UQ.

[KevinDee]

thanks for the replies everyone. converting a sleeping bag into a quilt would work but i really want a down quilt because of how small it would pack down

[KevinDee]

thanks for that link shug. im a little baffled on the baffles. In those instructions it looks like there are rather large gaps between each baffle. if the down only goes into each baffle wouldnt those gaps just become cold spots?

[Shug]

thanks for that link shug. im a little baffled on the baffles. In those instructions it looks like there are rather large gaps between each baffle. if the down only goes into each baffle wouldnt those gaps just become cold spots?

Trust the process....the baffles are there will not be cold spots. I too was baffled on baffles but once neck-deep in it the light comes on and it makes sense.
Shug

[PDA]

Down is really expensive, wherever you buy it. However, there is hope for the impecunious. Check the quilts at your local thrift store. I obtained a Sonoma down quilt for ca. $5 at my local thrift store. O.K. it's not the very best down (up to 20% feather allowed in the official definition) but it is enough to make a really inexpensive u or o quilt (or even both, because it is a king size quilt). I have made some amazing scores at my local thrift store and REI garage sales (e.g. trekking poles for $1.38 (plus tax)).