What's the limit of sewn-through top quilts?

**lmoseley7** · 02-23-2012, 23:43

I've made an underquilt and tested it down to just below freezing using two fleece blankets for my top insulation.

I was contemplating making a top quilt and was wondering what the limit of a sewn through quilt might be. I know that sewn through quilts tend to get cold spots where the inner and outer shell are sewn together because at that point there isn't much insulation. So how low can a sewn through top quilt go? I would assume that the more down you put in each tube, the more narrow the quilt will be until your down is preventing itself from lofting correctly. Eventually I'd made a top quilt with baffles, but I wanted to test some ideas related to making the footbox first. Also, living in Alabama, our winters are generally pretty mild and all other seasons are hot, so a summer sewn through quilt would be the go to quilt for most of the year.

**Catavarie** · 02-24-2012, 00:28

Most people seem to agree that sewn through are summer only quilts for most only good down to around 50F. Of course everyone being a bit different means that YMMV. I know that during the summer time here, anything more than a thin sheet is too much even without any sort of UQ.

**JohnSawyer** · 02-24-2012, 00:38

On another thread, folks that had MADE sewn-through quilts agreed that it was easier to make a baffled quilt... something about the layers sliding around while sewing...

Having not made one myself . . .

**lmoseley7** · 02-24-2012, 09:26

Thanks for the responses. I think I remember that thread now that you mention it John. If I attempt it I'll pin the material to limit the sliding.

**Jazilla** · 02-24-2012, 09:44

Just finished stitching up an UQ for my son (need to order down). It is way more simple to stitch baffles. I drew a chalk like down my material and then down my baffle material and just lined them up. Super easy.

**MAD777** · 02-24-2012, 10:47

Baffled quilts are much easier than sewn through.
Even with copious pinning there will be many screw-ups.
(Don't ask me how I know)

**ciphoto** · 02-24-2012, 15:59

I made a sew through and didn't have any trouble with the sliding etc... I haven't had a chance to test it yet, but made it aiming for 40*.

**G.L.P.** · 02-24-2012, 19:16

my first TQ and UQ i ever made was a sewn through... i will never do that again LOL it's a pain pins,tape nothing will really make it any easier
once your off a little with one side it messes up the entire quilt so have a seam ripper on hand

Baffles even if there only 1" are much easier to deal with and you will get a little more out of the quilt sewn through is nice(I have one) but it's very limited
say 45-50F lower if your a warm sleeper or you have a very good UQ JMO

**Beast 71** · 02-24-2012, 19:38

I've been down to freezing in my Jack's-R-Better Shenandoah sewn through quilt and stayed warm. I did have a good base layer and a wide pad under me at the time.

**G.L.P.** · 02-24-2012, 23:01

Originally Posted by Beast 71

I've been down to freezing in my Jack's-R-Better Shenandoah sewn through quilt and stayed warm. I did have a good base layer and a wide pad under me at the time.

i got my stealth down into the low 30's as well but i had a winter UQ under me and a down sweater on
i'm also a warm sleeper