Modifying synth mummy bag into top quilt

Sorry if this has been covered well in the past. Searching here and elsewhere hasn't been too fruitful for me.

I want a top quilt as all you fine folks state I need. I have no sewing skills (RayWay) nor do I have much addl. funds for Nunatak, JRB, etc.

I do, however, have a synthetic mummy bag. Simply put, can I have the hooded portion and zipper removed, sew the cut ends and essentially be done?

Is there something else I am missing? I know the footbox will be oriented the wrong way, but I don' think this mummy bag is fitted that tightly.

Thanks!

ummm.... I just open the zipper of my mummy bags and use them as is. Works great for me. I know some people say the zipper presents a hazard to the hammock body but I have never really had a problem.

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Originally Posted by Ramblinrev

ummm.... I just open the zipper of my mummy bags and use them as is.

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That's how I use my SFS (Speer Frog Sac). I leave the zipper closed up to my knees, to make a foot box.

Here is a webapge that shows how to do it on a campmor down bag. You could follow the same principles. You don't ave to worry about the insulation though. Just sew across where you want the seam to be and cut off what you want, then finish the edge.

http://purebound.com/homemade/sleepingbag/

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Originally Posted by Mrprez

Here is a webapge that shows how to do it on a campmor down bag.
http://purebound.com/homemade/sleepingbag/

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Excellent! Thanks!

I wear a size 41 jacket and, using Ray Jardine's quilt sizing instructions, I arrived at a width (at the head) of 48in for my quilt. This is for ground sleeping, you can get by with a few inches less in a hammock.

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Originally Posted by Take-a-knee

I wear a size 41 jacket and, using Ray Jardine's quilt sizing instructions, I arrived at a width (at the head) of 48in for my quilt. This is for ground sleeping, you can get by with a few inches less in a hammock.

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Thanks for the input. I'm fairly wide at the shoulders and flip-flop a fair bit when sleeping. Still have my Warbonnet BB in a box, so I couldn't tell you how I sleep in a hammock. The zipper on my mummy bag doesn't go all the way into the footbox, so I think I will simply remove the zipper and hood. If it seems too big, I can always remove more.

BTW, what thickness and type of thread would you recommend? I'm sewing illiterate....:confused:

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Originally Posted by chuckc1971

Thanks for the input. I'm fairly wide at the shoulders and flip-flop a fair bit when sleeping. Still have my Warbonnet BB in a box, so I couldn't tell you how I sleep in a hammock. The zipper on my mummy bag doesn't go all the way into the footbox, so I think I will simply remove the zipper and hood. If it seems too big, I can always remove more.

BTW, what thickness and type of thread would you recommend? I'm sewing illiterate....:confused:

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I ordered a spool of nylon thread from Ray Jardine, avoid the fabric shop cotton thread like the plague, it'll fail.

100% polyester thread is what you want. Cotton thread is not real reliable for gear purposes. The dual content thread is only slightly more reliable. 100% polyester.. especially if UV resistance treated is your best buy. There are a variety of manufactures. I would suggest buying from gear outfitters or good fabric shops. Steer clear of the Wally World thread unless you want to deal with the fuzzies. Their outdoor thread is not too bad but for the price you pay at wally world for it you might as well get better stuff elsewhere.

Most sewing thread for home use now in not "sized" perse. Some commercial use thread still is. If you are referring to needle size you might want to take a look at the "We Don't Sew... We Make Gear! Vid series. Behind the mysteries would be the pertinent segment for needle size although the whole series was intended for sewing illiterates.

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Originally Posted by Ramblinrev

If you are referring to needle size you might want to take a look at the "We Don't Sew... We Make Gear! Vid series. Behind the mysteries would be the pertinent segment for needle size although the whole series was intended for sewing illiterates.

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Thanks! I ordered some thread from Ray Jardine as suggested earlier. I've seen reference to the vid series you mentioned, but not I can't find the link. Guess I'm forum search illiterate now as well. :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by chuckc1971

I've seen reference to the vid series you mentioned, but not I can't find the link. Guess I'm forum search illiterate now as well. :rolleyes:

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They're in the DIY Video section.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6

Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11 Part 12

http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/v...y&categoryid=3

That will take you to all the DIY vids.

Thanks guys!

The site members are so helpful! :D