Sealing Down Quilt Seams?

[JWinNC]

Working on my first DIY down quilt (a UQ). I noticed at a few points, for example on my lock/reverse stitches, that I'm getting a few stitch holes that are bigger and have a little bit of light shining through. I'm betting that eventually the down will find these little "holes."

Should I put a tiny bit of sealer on these needle holes? Inside? Outside?

Leave it alone and wait and see if it actually leaks?

I'm leaning towards a tiny, tiny bit of sealer on the inside while I'm still building it, but I'm not positive that's a good idea.

Thanks,
JW

[genixia]

What needle size are you using? You shouldn't need to worry about this.

[JWinNC]

I think the needle is #12. I'm using a hand-me-down Kenmore that has been very fickle about needles and what I have in there now seems to work 99% of the time.

[MAD777]

I never worry about needle holes. The weaker modern nylon fabrics seem to heal themselves pretty well. Never had a problem and have made several down quilts.

[Rain Man]

I assume you are using calendared rip-stop, aka "down proof" fabric.

What about the kind of needles? Some are sharp point, some ball point, some "knife" point and cut the fabric. It's not only about size.

[Caminante]

I recently made a down underquilt and noticed slightly enlarged holes in the first stitch or two, I assume because there was one stitch carrying the weight of the fabric as it fed, but once there were a couple of stitches those forces were spread out. I now carefully feed the first stitch or two in delicate fabrics which has mitigated the issue. Having said all that, it does look like those initial spots healed themselves, just as MAD777 mentioned.

[JWinNC]

I'm using calendared fabric. It could very well be my needle. Like I said my old Kenmore is finicky with needles. Before I do another project I plan to experiment with other needles and different settings. My stitches may be overly tight adding stress.

I have noticed that my few areas of concern do seem to have "healed" at least some like Madd777 mentioned they might. I plan to inspect my seams again before the down goes in, but I don't think there is going to be a problem.

Thanks for the help and suggestions!