are sewn through baffles in a quilt really much colder?

**ref103** · 05-03-2009, 20:40

I am considering doing sewn through baffles but i've read they are colder. i was wondering with all of the diy'ers how much colder it would be?

**Take-a-knee** · 05-03-2009, 20:54

Originally Posted by ref103

I am considering doing sewn through baffles but i've read they are colder. i was wondering with all of the diy'ers how much colder it would be?

I've heard 5-10 degrees colder sewn through compared to one-inch baffles, so it might make sense with a summer quilt. To try to get below freezing just won't work very well. I will make my summer quilt with one inch baffles.

**ref103** · 05-03-2009, 21:12

is there a good example here of making baffles? or can anyone explain them too me? i'm not completely understanding how they are put in a sleeping bag or quilt.

**Brian** · 05-03-2009, 21:46

Try taking a look here: http://thru-hiker.com/projects/down_quilt.php.

Basically, they're just middle pieces of fabric so that the inner and outer shell can 'float' independently of each other. In the case of insulated garments, this means that there are no cold spots where there is zero insulation due to the two shells being sewn directly together.

**Ramblinrev** · 05-03-2009, 21:49

Originally Posted by ref103

is there a good example here of making baffles? or can anyone explain them too me? i'm not completely understanding how they are put in a sleeping bag or quilt.

If you think an end view of corrugated cardboard that is kind of the idea. The central fabric is sewn alternately top and bottom so the seams are shielded by the insulation.

**Coffee** · 05-04-2009, 02:42

Self plug. Here are some quilt directions I put together.

http://www.tothewoods.net/RedRiverGo...orgeQuilt.html

**SmokeHouse** · 05-04-2009, 14:39

great info... I too have been thinking about making an UQ.

**Coffee** · 05-04-2009, 14:52

Originally Posted by MRH

great info... I too have been thinking about making an UQ.

Go for it. Take it slow and it's easier than you think. Just make sure you give it enough length. I made mine about a foot too short. Didn't account fully for all the length lost when you gather the foot end. Perfect length in a hammock if you don't want to pull it over your face. Just a little short on the ground. I use my hat or down jacket over my head.

**Dutch** · 05-04-2009, 15:06

I am working on a sewn through quilt right now. 2 things I have learned from the Jacks is a sewn through baffle can fold upon itself eliminating the thin spot to a certain degree. Take a look at the JRB sleeves sometime. I have to really examine it to see it was sewn through. Also plan on making it a little wider b/c you are making the material go up and down hills reducing the width. I am planning on starting with 56" wide material. That is 6 inches for seam alloence, 48" for the quilt and 2" so compensate for the hills and valleys.

I will also plug the Coffee's directions. They are great step by step instructions.

**ref103** · 05-04-2009, 15:29

thanks for the helpful tips. i might just do a sewn through on this one and the real deal on the next one after my sewing skills improve a little more. i do think i'll use just jeff's instructions once i do.