Tips for a DIY down UQ?

So after doing a couple bugnets/tarps I was all set to make myself a nice down TQ for my first insulation-related DIY project... and then GoLite had their sale and I bought one instead! Whoops. So I figured, hey, I've got all this downproof material sitting around, might as well do an underquilt instead!

I had a good look at the Red River Gorge UQ guide and will be looking to follow that general design as it's relatively straightforward and had a good set of instructions.

I do have a couple questions:

1) Is a differential cut necessary, or even worthwhile? I will have a full-length channel on all sides, so it can be cinched up at the hammock ends with shock cord, will that eliminate the need for a diff. cut?

2) Which way should the down chambers run, lengthwise or widthwise? The RRG tutorial indicates widthwise, but most of the quiltmakers on HF seem to have them run lengthwise.

Any other general advice is quite welcome.

I strongly prefer lengthwise baffles and yes, you need to sew them in so that the outer layer spacing is greater then the inner layer spacing. Therefore your outer shell will be wider than your inner shell.

The actual spacing depends on the average thickness that you're going for, but here's an example. Lets say your inner spacing is 5" and you have 8 chambers - thats 40" of inner width plus seam allowance. Those same 8 chambers can have a spacing of 6" on the outer shell making that layer 48" wide, plus twice the baffle height, plus the seam allowance.

Easy-peasy when you think about it!

This differential construction will cause the quilt to wrap around you and keep you snugly warm without collapsing the chambers and compressing the down.

MAD777 is always right.

Yes, listen to Mad777, he sure did help me through some tough spots.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MAD777

I strongly prefer lengthwise baffles and yes, you need to sew them in so that the outer layer spacing is greater then the inner layer spacing. Therefore your outer shell will be wider than your inner shell.

The actual spacing depends on the average thickness that you're going for, but here's an example. Lets say your inner spacing is 5" and you have 8 chambers - thats 40" of inner width plus seam allowance. Those same 8 chambers can have a spacing of 6" on the outer shell making that layer 48" wide, plus twice the baffle height, plus the seam allowance.

Easy-peasy when you think about it!

This differential construction will cause the quilt to wrap around you and keep you snugly warm without collapsing the chambers and compressing the down.

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Aaaaah, so that's what they mean by differential cut, I was thinking of something totally different involving the UQ being more narrow towards the ends. :lol: Yes, I was planning to design the channels as you'd mentioned, otherwise it would end up a really awkward rectangle shape and wrap very poorly. Thanks a bunch! Definitely starting to feel more confident about this.

MAD777, thanks for that explanation! Suddenly, the picture became very clear for me. I might be getting close now to my DIY UQ!

MAD777 is the Chuck Norris of DIY hammock gear! :D

good question and great answer..now maybe I will DIY an UQ...thanks!!

When Alexander Graham Bell invented the telephone, he had three missed calls from mad777--about DIY hammock gear.

:D

But prior to the missed calls from Mr Bell, MAD77 counted to infinity...twice!