Patching an underquilt?

**hutzelbein** · 03-12-2015, 14:56

I just managed to damage my underquilt through pure stupidity

The gash is about 3" long, perpendicular to the baffle direction. It doesn't touch any seams, though. I have some Tear-Aid type A and thought I might just tape the gash, but I'm worried that I'll not manage to close it cleanly. Of course there is down spilling out, and I can't put any pressure on the fabric because there is all that down underneath.

I could carefully sew the gash closed, but that won't look pretty and it will pucker the fabric, creating an ugly scar. I have some ripstop that is close in color but not down-proof. I also have some Argon 90 - maybe a better choice? I'm thinking of cutting a rectangular patch, seaming the edges and then try to sew it over the rip. Has anybody done something like that? Would it work without sewing the rip closed beneath the patch? I can also put a Tear-Aid patch on top of it, to make absolutely sure that it will hold. Good idea / bad idea?

I'm grateful for pointers. I'm so angry at myself right now...

**Xtrm tj** · 03-12-2015, 15:14

Tenacious tape worked for me on my synthetic quilt

**Brady** · 03-12-2015, 15:29

Tenacious tape fixed my down jacket. 1 year, still holding.

It happens, don't beat yourself up. I cursed like crazy when I snagged the hole in my jacket. It happened as I was heading out for a trip. Stuff breaks, that's life. Even rocks eventually wear out.

**SilvrSurfr** · 03-12-2015, 15:29

A couple of years ago, I put a two-inch gash in my 20* HG Burrow (I don't actually know how it happened so can't fully berate myself for sheer stupidity

). Mine was on the seam where the footbox connects to the quilt. I chose to hand sew the tear because it seemed the most permanent solution. It ain't purty but it sure had held up.

**Boston** · 03-12-2015, 17:01

Use silicone, or seam sealer. Spread it over the patch, then apply to the quilt. A fabric glue may work too. I used the silicone because I already had it. This was for a half inch tear for me, but should work the same. No need to hem, the glue will stop any freying.

If you pinch the tear area off you should be able to pick the quilt up there and shake the down away from the opening - giving you more space to work without impacting the down.

**drifter** · 03-12-2015, 18:24

Had a rip in my UQ and used some stunt kite repair tape. Got it at http://www.dynakite.com/store/cart.p...t_detail&p=895 I figured if that stuff will stay on my kites ripping thru the air a 60 MPH it sure won't come off a stationary item. My UQ is black so I used a red patch. Stands out like crazy and let's it be known my gear gets used.

**ironfish77** · 03-12-2015, 18:38

Tenacious Tape in the correct color.
What I did with my down bag was very carefully lay everything out on a flat spot without a breeze, no one walking around, no doggy tails moving air.
I sort of poked and gently blew the down back in the hole. Then I gently pushed everything flat, slow is the key. Once the rip and down were flat I fixed the edges together. I was surprised at how nice the mend looks. I did not do a fast fit, I had to leave the project a couple of times when the down started floating. Cut your Tenacious Tape patch larger than your repair area, the threads are damaged next to and around the damaged area. I am fussy, however, I was pleased with my repair. Stuffing the down back into the quilt and getting the edges lined up was a learning experience, however, the patience was worth my time.

My Tenacious Tape patches have been through some serious weather without letting go or doing other undesirable things. I sometimes live where it becomes very cold. I do not Hang in such cold temps. however my quilts sometimes get exposed to -45 F/C conditions, the tape did not fail as most tape does when temps drop below -40.

**OutCold** · 03-12-2015, 19:36

Duct tape on my sleeping bag has been holding for 2 years!

**ironfish77** · 03-12-2015, 19:48

Originally Posted by OutCold

Duct tape on my sleeping bag has been holding for 2 years!

Ya, for awhile, maybe a long while, works great in an emergency. I have removed some old duct tape that was failing from my son's sleeping bag (He duct tapes everything!) there was a lot of white/grey sticky stuff, it would not hold the tape, just the glue remained. I used Goop to get the tape residue off and did the Tenacious Tape, all nice and neat now. Ha, just wait for the next rip, he will Duct Tape it again LOL.

Some folks like a nice neat almost invisible patch, Tenacious Tape Gives that nice finish touch.

**OutCold** · 03-12-2015, 19:52

Originally Posted by ironfish77

Ya, for awhile, maybe a long while, works great in an emergency. I have removed some old duct tape that was failing from my son's sleeping bag (He duct tapes everything!) there was a lot of white/grey sticky stuff, it would not hold the tape, just the glue remained. I used Goop to get the tape residue off and did the Tenacious Tape, all nice and neat now. Ha, just wait for the next rip, he will Duct Tape it again LOL.

Some folks like a nice neat almost invisible patch, Tenacious Tape Gives that nice finish touch.

My point is just not worry... There are obviously better options but sometimes we worry to much when there are simple solutions. Besides patchwork on gear makes you look like a seasoned veteran!

Originally Posted by ironfish77

Ya, for awhile, maybe a long while, works great in an emergency. I have removed some old duct tape that was failing from my son's sleeping bag (He duct tapes everything!) there was a lot of white/grey sticky stuff, it would not hold the tape, just the glue remained. I used Goop to get the tape residue off and did the Tenacious Tape, all nice and neat now. Ha, just wait for the next rip, he will Duct Tape it again LOL.

Some folks like a nice neat almost invisible patch, Tenacious Tape Gives that nice finish touch.