DIY down TQ w/550 (duck down)

**bloomgorge** · 03-21-2011, 19:39

i wanted to try and make a TQ out of duck to see how it did and it was a favor to a friend to evaluate the difference between 550 and 650. some of the specs

78x49x2" baffles (loft is about 3.5")
20oz of down - (feathertex)
1.1 DWR camo from (BWDD) so it's about 1.3-1.4oz/yd
bottom us 1.1 uncoated (wally world)
0.5" gross grain trim (BWDD)
1 cord lock with 3/32" line (BWDD)
3 buttons (joann's)
no-see-um (BWDD)

total weight in a lined stuff sack is 2.05lbs. i understand this could be a lot for some but it's not bad for a 3 season TQ. the stuff sack i used was 3 oz and I think with straps it could compress another 2-3" or so. i plan on make something much lighter out of 800 or 900 fp but the materials where here so i had it and i just enjoy making gear so i thought i'd see how it would turn out.

i've got a trip (overnight) that i'm going to evaluate the warmth, comfort and packability.

**Dblcorona** · 03-21-2011, 19:51

That compresses pretty good for the 550. Nice. Did you use buttons or snaps for the footbox?

**sclittlefield** · 03-21-2011, 20:02

As usual, nice looking quilt. Definitely interested in hearing how you think the 550fp performs.

That could be an inexpensive entry point for some DIY'ers nervous about dealing with higher end (and priced) down. I know when I build something, there is never going to be just one... I'm on backpack #4 right now and there will be more. I personally like working with inexpensive materials for the first couple attempts before the kinks are worked out - but then I'm doing it for experience and the ability to help others (both what to do and what not to do).

Thanks for sharing your projects here.

**bloomgorge** · 03-21-2011, 20:14

dblcorona -

i used this that i picked up at joAnn's with a 50% off coupon http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/p...RODID=prd34657

scott -

thanks, this is my second DIY TQ and I finding i am getting better at refining things and also my sewing. kevin (dlbcorona) kindly pointed out that i'm just a tad focused on details - i guess that's from work. i have a tendency to sit on the pot for about a week before i start any project just to make sure i'm not going to screw up. i have found, the more i make things and if mistakes do occur, it's easier to repair or un-mistake what i just messed up.

**Dblcorona** · 03-22-2011, 09:10

kevin (dlbcorona) kindly pointed out that i'm just a tad focused on details - i guess that's from work.

LOL I said that as a good thing.

How'd you do the edges? Roll or tuck?

**bloomgorge** · 03-22-2011, 11:04

i sew the top to bottom and then trim it tight to the sewn line. as i'm doing the trim with 0.5inch gross grain i roll the edge of the two materials that make the quilt as it's being sandwiched in the gross grain. i haven't had any down leaks so i guess i'm doing something right.