DIY UQ Baffles vs. Karo style

[wwk10]

I have been kicking the DIY UQ idea around for a year.
Now that I have Kmart duck down pillows, I'm doing it.
I was planning 8 baffled tubes, but Karao appeals to me for the easy of loading the down.

What are the pros and cons.
Karo seems more difficult to sew, but seems a lot easier to load.

[MAD777]

I've done sewn thru, straight baffles and karo step quilts. I will never do a sewn thru again, too hard! I am about split on the other two. Personally, I think the karo step is more appropriate for thin quilts under 2" thick and straight baffles for thicker quilts.

The disadvantage of straight baffles in thin quilts is that there are so many if them because you have to keep the spacing tight to control the movement of the down. As quilts get thicker, the baffle spacing gets larger so there are far less baffles to sew. Plus, I think straight baffles control the down better which would be important for a winter quilt.

[Tuck]

I'm sorry for asking, but what exactly is the difference between the two? Does anyone have pics, drawings, or youtube links? I'm thinking about picking up some pillows from Kmart, but I have a feeling I might be jumping in to soon to making my own uq.

Thanks.

[WV]

Mad777, nice analysis. Couldn't agree more on the importance of suiting the construction to the thickness of the quilt. I've just finished a "summer top quilt" with channels. I can't wait to do a new winter TQ because it will be so much easier.

The only thing I'd add to your summary is that karo construction is better suited to top quilts than underquilts or insulated hammocks, because topquilts lie flatter, and the primary function of the baffles is to maintain even thickness of the quilt, not to keep the down from shifting. That's not to say that karo step construction is inappropriate for underquilts, just that it's more difficult to get it right. Grizz, TeeDee, and others have demonstrated the versatility of karo step construction.

Tuck, I avoided underquilts for a long time, but then I got a NoSniveller, which can be used as a top quilt, underquilt, or poncho. I'd suggest making a simple, fairly large topquilt and experimenting with bungees to use it also as an underquilt (see the Jacks' suspension system). You'll learn a lot. Also, search HF to see others' designs for quilts. Lots of good info out there.

[MAD777]

I completely agree with WV that karo step quilts are better for top quilts.

[wwk10]

Thanks. I think it will be 45x55 w 8 baffles w 2.5" loft w 16 oz of kmart pillow down of unknown FP w hopes of 30 degree comfort.

[icedfire477]

I've got the same pillows as you, so I'd love to hear how it works out

[nacra533]

I prefer Karo step for a flat TQ, with snaps and drawstring foot box. I prefer it because I can "poof" more down on top of me when its cold and "poof" more out to the sides when it's a little warmer. Mine is probably a little under filled for the thickness. I don't recall if I over filled at all.

I prefer baffled (channels/tubes) UQs for the reasons mentioned previously.

Neither is hard to sew, with Karo, its a lot of short sew lines but you have to be careful not to box your self out of an unsewn baffle. Sew them all down to the bottom (or top) then start in the middle and work your way out.

I think the long baffles /tube style is easier to sew. Just mark the baffles, top and bottom pieces to keep everything aligned as you sew. For example, mark middles, 1/4s, and 3/4s and make sure they all line up when you are sewing them.

[JohnSawyer]

Hmmm...this has me thinking I might try a summer weight sewn-through Karo uq just for fun....