DIY Top Quilt designs?

**wizardofhaws** · 02-22-2012, 10:23

I have seen the great guide for the IX UQ here and a few other locations. I have seen the detailed guide for the KAQ and for the PLUQ. I may be blind but I have not seen a sticky or another good guide for a DIY TQ. Ideally looking for plans for an IX TQ or similar. Would love to replace my sleeping bag and mat with IX TQ and UQ.

**Shug** · 02-22-2012, 11:30

This might help......http://thru-hiker.com/projects/down_quilt.php
Shug

**wizardofhaws** · 02-22-2012, 13:09

The pattern on thru hiker is for a down TQ. Is IX not a good option for a TQ? Am I better of to keep using the sleeping bag until I can save up enough to DIY or buy a down TQ? There seems to be all kinds of ideas and options on UQ but have not seen the same for TQ.

**normis1** · 02-22-2012, 14:44

If you're a handy DIY'er, you can modify the plans for any IX UQ to make a TQ. Simply omit the suspension, add a drawcord at the foot end, and you're done. Easy peasy.

WV · 02-22-2012, 14:56

Originally Posted by normis1

Easy peasy.

Freezy!

Try Primaloft as a substitute for expensive down. It drapes well, too. That makes a difference in a top quilt.

**uncle_ray_ray** · 02-22-2012, 15:40

Originally Posted by wizardofhaws

The pattern on thru hiker is for a down TQ. Is IX not a good option for a TQ? Am I better of to keep using the sleeping bag until I can save up enough to DIY or buy a down TQ? There seems to be all kinds of ideas and options on UQ but have not seen the same for TQ.

I had a sleeping bag and air matress for quite some time before I converted. There's not much difference between a TQ and an UQ. Consider a TQ as an UQ without the shockcord, and having a possible footbox. I'm preparing to DIY a warmer down UQ, and my current DIY down UQ will become my TQ, I'll be modifying it with a zippered footbox. I'll keep the shockcord on it so that it can still be used as an UQ. My first DIY TQ was made with IX and Climashield combined. If you can go to down, I would, but the IX and Climashield combo was good for me down to 25* with no issues and a lot less costly. It just doesn't compress as well as down will.

**wizardofhaws** · 02-22-2012, 15:51

Thanks for the input. Will see if I can mod the IX UQ design to create a TQ with a footbox. Will have to look at the Climashield for the TQ.

**uncle_ray_ray** · 02-22-2012, 17:16

Originally Posted by wizardofhaws

Thanks for the input. Will see if I can mod the IX UQ design to create a TQ with a footbox. Will have to look at the Climashield for the TQ.

IX has been given in my opinion an undeserved reputation for being a do-it-all-insulation. It needs help! Climashield works exceptionally well with it, but it does increase the weight. Two layers of IX would probably be good for about 45* and above in my opinion. Great for summer camping. Any other views on this opinion?

**wizardofhaws** · 02-22-2012, 18:50

Was driving in the car and had a "Duh!" moment on my search for a TQ. Going to start looking at the Thrift store, Walmart and IKEA for an inexpensive down comforter. If I cannot locate something there will keep investigating the IX or IX/Climashield option. I really appreciate all the input and ideas that come from these boards. Can't keep myself away.

**Catavarie** · 02-23-2012, 10:53

Originally Posted by wizardofhaws

Was driving in the car and had a "Duh!" moment on my search for a TQ. Going to start looking at the Thrift store, Walmart and IKEA for an inexpensive down comforter. If I cannot locate something there will keep investigating the IX or IX/Climashield option. I really appreciate all the input and ideas that come from these boards. Can't keep myself away.

You had to say IKEA, now I got the IKEA song stuck in my head.