DIY Top Quilt Idea

**ApplestoApples** · 12-13-2013, 20:28

So, I have been wanting to DIY a top quilt for quite a while, but have never used a thread injector in my life. My idea was to buy a cheap sleeping bag, and then take out the insulation and replace it with down. is this a feasible idea? Are there any hiccups I'm no foreseeing?

Thanks, Luke

**nuttysquirrel** · 12-13-2013, 20:42

cheap sleeping bag= cheap fabric, even if you could remove the insulation( don't bet on it since it's probably quilted- the insulation sandwiched between the fabric and then sewn thru all the layers keeping everything from shifting, you will have to rip out all those stitches) and fill it with down it would leak all over the place.

**the_gr8t_waldo** · 12-13-2013, 20:49

I finished a tq in the spring. it wasn't particularly easy but, modifying a sleeping bag might, well be cheaper but starting out with fresh mat'l a lot easier

**Timberrr** · 12-13-2013, 20:50

Many fabrics (read: cheap fabrics) aren't woven tightly enough to hold down. You would get the little feather stems poking out and sticking you all over. You'd be miserable, but otherwise it sounds like a great idea (except for that sewn through quilting problem).

**Timberrr** · 12-13-2013, 20:52

PS. Welcome A2A to HF!

**ApplestoApples** · 12-13-2013, 21:10

Alrighty then. Thanks for the advice, probably saved me some cash. Ive been lurking for a while now, thought I would go ahead and post a thread.

**ApplestoApples** · 12-13-2013, 21:11

BTW, How hard is it to create a top quilt? Is it worth it to attempt as a first project or should I try some small stuff first, like stuffsacks?

**bear snack** · 12-13-2013, 22:00

If you have never sewn before, don't underestimate the value of practice on a yard of cheap fabric. Get to know your machine, how it handles slippery fabrics, how to begin and end a row a stitches that won't pull out, or finish an edge so that your fabric won't fray. Practice trying to make a stuff sack to a specific finished dimension and learn a few things about how adding seams, finished edges, or draw cord channels will impact the size of the fabric you start with. Sewing is hugely rewarding, but a little practice before the goose down starts flying will go a long way!

**ApplestoApples** · 12-13-2013, 22:06

Thanks a lot! Will grab some fabric scraps tomorrow and try to make some practice stuff sacks maybe.

Luke

**gmcttr** · 12-13-2013, 22:08

Talk to http://underquilts.com/ and ask when he will be selling the TQ shell again (they are in transition at the moment). It's exactly what you're looking for. You fill it with down and sew up one side.