UQ/TQ using non-calendered ripstop

[Norg]

This is my first post... how exciting! I have been doing a lot of reading and contacting some of you but I have a question now that I need a general response. I am planning on purchasing a large quantity of 30 Denier Ripstop Coyote Brown Pure Finish 1.1 ounces. I plan to use it to make various things including both a UQ and TQ if possible. The problem I am facing is that from everything I have read it is strongly suggested to use calendered ripstop and the stuff I am buying is not calendered. Is it still possible for me to use this material and successfully make a UQ and TQ that will be "downproof"?

[packeagle]

I don't think so. I think 1.1 needs to be calender to be down-proof.

[zooshooter]

It is somewhat unlikely. However, even calendered isn't truly downproof. It just lets through less down than non-calendered. I'd guess that the quilts would still work, they just wouldn't last quite as long.

[XTrekker]

I wonder if you could calendar it using an iron. I ironed some polyester pants once and I noticed that they got shiny after passing the iron over them.
from my understanding the calendaring process is just simply melting the fabric to seal the pores up.

[sr1355]

Even with calendaring no woven fabric will be 100% down proof, minor passage of plumules and spines will occur. To answer your question a pure finish fabric will leak like a sieve. I do not believe you will have much success home calendaring the fabric. Calendaring is done under high temps and high pressure in a factory environment, conditions that would be difficult to create at home.. You'll be better of investing in the small yardage of calendared fabric you need for your quilts.

[gmcttr]

^this...and since there is ripstop nylon made "calendared one side" and "calendared two sides", I would recommend purchasing fabric listed as downproof and not simply calendared.

[Norg]

Thank you for each of your replies. Just for a matter of clarification, is two-sided downproof then? I'd like to know in case I find fabric that meets the standard of being downproof but does not list it as such.

[sr1355]

There is more to fabric being suitable for use in down gear than calendaring, thread count, denier, etc will come into play. Downproof is a misleading phrase as even the best fabric designed for use in down gear can pass plumules and feather spines.

Check out DIY Gear for suitable fabrics, most folks use his 1.1 Breathable Ripstop Nylon, you can find them at the following link.

CLICK HERE