After making my hammock I had a piece of 1.1 oz breathable nylon material left that was 170 x 260cm folded over this gave a double layer 170 x 130 cm, just enough for a lightweight underblanket.
First seam sewn along the 130 edge of fabric joining the two pieces together, a simple rolled hem to tidy edges up.
The fabric was folded back so just the bottom piece remained and a wooden guide was was placed on this and butted up against the last seam, fabic pulled taught underneath. The wood was 5mm MDF about 12cm wide.
The top piece of fabric was folded back over and draped over the wood keeping it taught and square so the baffle was even ('ish). Just enough overhang to cover the thin edge of the wood when taping.
With the wood still in place the whole outside edge is taped forming the the seam with the two pieces of the fabric joined. The wood is carefully pulled out and the rest of fabric folded over. Slight pressure along the seam folds the masking tape flat ready for sewing
When sewing the masking tape acts as a guide with the sewing machine foot running alongside the tape keeping the seam straight.
Process repeated until last baffle which although narrower than the others was still serviceable.
Two tie outs sewn to the corners; running parallel to the longest edge
The underblanket was now pegged out on a cloths horse with the baffles open ready to be filled. The pegs can be used to close each baffle when shaking the down into the baffle bottoms.
An old sleeping bag provided the down and the best method was slit the bag open scope out the mother-load and hoover up! I used the close of the nozzle with mesh and suck down into hoover tube method. Tamp the down down into the nozzle and invert into open baffle, close the top and blow! Beware close the top and don't stop blowing until your sure the down is, well down!
All filled up and pegged closed after a good shake to check evenly filled
Last long edge seam taped ready to sew. When sewing the long edges I left enough room incase I wanted to put elastic through later
A willing tester was found and instructed to get in and chill ( the slippers are not mine!)
Finished product ready for use.
The coldest sleeper in the world finds it warm enough so there is hope for the rest of us!
Any questions or advice then please just ask
Nigel
Bookmarks