never did a DIY

[Paul-Stefi]

So we had a few old (10-20 years) down sleeping bags given to us. They seemed damp and there appears to be a residue on the outside of the bag, I have concerns about mold. My question is, is there anything worth salvaging. I am sure the down is not treated. Could I maybe wash the down in bleach in the sleeping bags and then do a DIY quilt type thing. Also I have no sewing machine and have never DIY anything. So is there a place I can just buy the shell of a quilt and fill with down after washed and dryed.

Thanks

[ShooTa]

i made an UQ out of old 1980s sleeping bag - so they are certainly possible to do - in my thread i may hopefully answer any questions you may need answering.
by no means is my UQ the best - many others have made better quality ones than mine.

[Snowball]

If I were you I would wash the slepingbags as they are, dry them and store as they are until there is a need for the down. Do not store them packed, they need space. Down is relative expensive and I am not sure how much difference it makes treaded or not. Down has been used untreated since before most of us was born so……..

Look into if you can use the sleepingbags just by modifying it will save you a lot of work. It would depend on how they are sewn and the seize.
One way to modify is to fold it out and mark the pattern you want, move the down to the side you will use( depending on how much down you need) Sew two rows of stitches ½” apart and cut between them. Then you only have sew a new edge on and it would most likely be a channel for chock cord if it’s a UQ.
If it doesn’t work you can always reclaim the down. You can make an TQ or UQ this way. It may not be the ideal way to do it but it can be done.
Before washing do some reading. You can damage the down by using the wrong soap (and fabric softener).

When you haven’t done any sewing you should make some small projects first just to learn the basics.

[Paul-Stefi]

Thanks for the info guys I appreciate it.