tips, thoughts, and frustrations from a newbie making an underquilt

**MrsStrackAttack** · 04-23-2014, 17:59

So you want to make an underquilt, do you? Im wishing my diy eyes weren't bigger than my stomach!

I thought I would throw out a few helpful tidbits on things I would have done differently as someone smack dab in the middle this gigantic project. (Double trouble because im making one for the husband at the same time!)

That was my first mistake. If this is your first UQ, maybe just try one first. 2 is enouph to make a person loose it.

Next, i would have chosen my fabric more carefully. I knew i needed some DWR ripstop so i snatched some up that was on sale. Turns out it was much heavier than I expected. It sucks going through the sewing machine and I am going to be kicking myself on the trail. If you are going to go through all the effort to make a UQ, do yourself a favor and choose carefully.

PIN, PIN, PIN those baffles down! Man they squiggle and squaggle all over the place, and it is worth the extra effort in pinning than to constantly be readjusting while sewing.

Lastly, a couple baffles a day keeps the crazies away. Now that I have them sewn to one side and am working on the other it takes all my strength to keep it together. Ive decided to pace myself so I can finish the project.

I am open to ANY suggestions to make this undertaking any easier. I'll probably be working on it the next couple of weeks. Thanks!

**Rolloff** · 04-23-2014, 18:12

The best solution to this, at least it's the story I'm going with, would be an Underquilts.com UQ shell, for around 50 bucks.

Gives you the perfect example of quality workmanship, materials, and attention to detail involved. With all the baffles in place and three sides injected, most of the "holding" has been done for you, but there's still plenty of work closing the baffles after they've been stuffed, sewing the final edge shut and installing the shock cord channel for the suspension.

I have one and don't know whether I want to fill it with down or dissect it, to find out all the rest of the story.

I do know, in the future, I'll let the skilled handle my insulation needs. Don't think I can make it any cheaper, and I know my skills won't match any of our competent HF vendors.

**gmcttr** · 04-23-2014, 18:23

Originally Posted by Rolloff

The best solution to this, at least it's the story I'm going with, would be an Underquilts.com UQ shell, for around 50 bucks...

I suggest reading the warning on the HF Home Page.

**Floridahanger** · 04-23-2014, 18:37

Since you already have the baffles on one side, I suggest you start by rolling the blank side and pin with clips(any kind). This is your bottom side.

Take the top side with baffles, roll the fabric back, and start by pinning the first baffle(closest to the far end, left side) with as many pins to keep them from "squiggle and squaggle all over the place". By rolling and clipping the bottom fabric, it wil allow the entire Quilt to easily fit between the needle and body of machine. Sew the baffle in a straight line.

Unroll and reclip enough for the next baffle line. Pin the next baffle and sew. Repeat.

The hardest part is connecting the first baffle. Then it's just repetition and after a couple of baffles, it's easy, just tedious.

Good luck.

**SSGHawk** · 04-23-2014, 18:49

THe best laid plans of mice and men are just not worth it when you can buy the project 3/4+ done for peanuts. Most of the pride and satisfaction with very little of the anger. Except for the Cough, Cough feather part.

**MrsStrackAttack** · 04-23-2014, 19:31

[QUOTE=Floridahanger;1246896]Since you already have the baffles on one side, I suggest you start by rolling the blank side and pin with clips(any kind).[QUOTE]

That is a great idea!! Thanks! I've been using the roll and cram method. Clips sound better!

**Floridahanger** · 04-23-2014, 19:39

Medium sized binder clips work very well. Small enough to not be in the way and large enough to hold most any amount of frabric from quilts to tarps.

Also, I've also used potato chip bag clips.

**BirdDawg58** · 04-23-2014, 22:48

Are there other vendors who offer the underquilt shell?

**Rolloff** · 04-23-2014, 23:22

Originally Posted by gmcttr

I suggest reading the warning on the HF Home Page.

Didn't see the "warning". I knew production was going to slow to pretty much a stop for a while. Hope things run for the best.

There are several of his underground shells out there. Like stated, I have one, and would be glad to send it to the OP to have a look, if it would be of any help. Pretty sure I want to keep it. I learned enough by looking and laying my hands on it, that Insulation kits weren't going to be my cup of DIY tea.

Rolloff

**MAD777** · 04-24-2014, 11:56

All good advice in this thread! Making gear is doable for most folks because it only has to be functional, not pretty. However, it should be fun! Treat it like another separate hobby.
I fly fish, but I also like to tie my own flies. The one activity isn't really related to the other (until it's in the fish's mouth), but I enjoy spending my time doing both.
Just as some find a reward in tying flies and others are frustrated, so too are hiker/campers when it comes to making gear.
As the OP warned, if you hike with your gear, pay attention to the materials used. After all the effort spent, you don't want to wish you had done it differently. (Car campers can save on materials).