Should I use a 2nd suspension and pleats?

**Fishbite** · 04-26-2018, 07:31

I am building a synthetic 3.6 CS full length underquilt and I would appreciate some advice. Do I need a secondary suspension? I am thinking I do not. Also, should I add some pleats? If so where and how long would you recommend?

Thanks for your help with this!

**kitsapcowboy** · 04-26-2018, 08:45

I like sliding channel primary suspension in combination with secondary suspension for a perfect fit for any camper on any hammock, but if weight savings is your primary goal, it's certainly not mandatory on a CS 3.6 synthetic underquilt, especially if it's less than full length, and you will save on weight and materials with a simple primary suspension on the ends only.

I generally don't bother with differential construction on my Climashield quilts that are 5.0 oz/sq yd or lighter (almost never on a CS 3.6). CS 6.0 is the break point, and I definitely create a differential outer shell with pleats on a double-layer 3.6 (7.2 oz), a 7.5 oz, or a 10.0 oz.

https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...ic-Combo-Quilt

HTH...

**mrcheviot** · 04-26-2018, 09:18

I agree with kitsapcowboy on all points.

For thinner synthetic quilts using the inside-out construction method, I generally make my outer shell larger than the inner by ( 2 x Insul Loft x .75 ), with the corners done as shown here: https://hammockforums.net/forum/show...t-for-Daughter

Then just stitch around, no pleating necessary. The corners accommodate the loft nicely, and using the 0.75 factor is just my way of ensuring I don't have excess fabric hanging down.

**Fishbite** · 04-26-2018, 11:42

Thanks for the advice! I will go with just a single suspension, and I like the idea of making the outside layer a bit larger. You guys really helped me in designing a quilt that has a good chance of being more than a prototype. Thanks again.