Miya Pearson
Sewing up an old sleeping bag is a great way to save money and repurpose old items. It can be a fun project for those who enjoy crafts and DIY, and it can also be a way to create a unique and personalised sleeping bag. Whether it's for camping, sleepovers, or just lounging around the house, sewing your own sleeping bag can be a rewarding experience. It is a simple enough project for beginners and can be easily customised with different fabrics and designs. You can even turn an old quilt into a sleeping bag with a long separating zipper. This project is also a great way to involve kids, who can pick out their favourite fabrics and help with the sewing process.
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What You'll Learn
Sewing machine vs hand-stitching
Sewing machines and hand-stitching techniques can both be used to sew an old sleeping bag. Sewing machines are generally faster and more consistent, but hand-stitching offers more precision and control over the placement of each stitch.
When sewing a sleeping bag, you may encounter thick or fluffy materials, which can be challenging to work with using a sewing machine. A sewing machine may struggle with thick materials, and its presser foot may not fit in tight spaces. In such cases, hand-stitching may be a more feasible option. Hand-stitching is a meticulous and time-consuming process that requires precision and patience. It uses a technique called the saddle stitch, which is stronger and more reliable than machine stitches. If one stitch breaks, the rest of the hand-stitched product will remain intact, whereas in machine sewing, one stitch coming undone can lead to multiple stitches unraveling.
Hand-stitching also offers the advantage of portability. You can easily bring your hand-sewing project with you on the go, which is not possible with a bulky sewing machine. Additionally, hand-sewing can be a calming and meditative experience, allowing you to focus on the precise placement of each stitch. It is an excellent option for beginners as it only requires a needle and a single thread, making it a great way to learn about stitch construction.
However, sewing machines excel in speed and consistency. What might take hours to sew by hand can often be accomplished in a matter of seconds with a sewing machine. Sewing machines provide uniform stitches with the exact same length and distance apart, ensuring a neat and professional finish. They are also better suited for certain tasks, such as sewing buttonholes, which need to be sewn by machine. Additionally, while hand-stitching is ideal for small projects and repairs, sewing machines are generally designed to handle larger projects more efficiently.
In conclusion, both sewing machines and hand-stitching techniques have their advantages and disadvantages. Sewing machines offer speed and consistency, while hand-stitching provides precision, control, and the ability to create stronger and more durable stitches. The choice between the two ultimately depends on the specific requirements of your sleeping bag repair or alteration project.
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Zipper type and placement
Zippers are an essential component of sleeping bags, providing a secure closure mechanism for comfort and warmth during sleep. When sewing up an old sleeping bag, it is important to consider the type of zipper and its placement to ensure functionality and ease of use. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations for zipper type and placement:
Zipper Type:
- Continuous Zipper: A continuous zipper is a common choice for sleeping bags. It runs along the entire length of the bag, allowing for easy entry and exit. This type of zipper is typically used in baby sleeping bags, providing a convenient way to put the baby in and take them out of the bag.
- Dual Separating Zipper: For adult sleeping bags, a dual-separating zipper is recommended. This type of zipper allows the bag to be opened from both the top and the bottom, providing more flexibility and ventilation options.
- Open-End Zipper: An open-end zipper is another option, especially if you're looking for convenience during changing. However, ensure that the zipper is long enough to accommodate the required length.
Zipper Placement:
- Top Opening: The zipper is typically placed along the top opening of the sleeping bag. This placement allows for easy access and provides a secure closure to retain warmth.
- Middle Seam: When sewing, place the sleeping bag on the floor with the middle seam running vertically. This alignment ensures that the zipper is installed straight and evenly.
- Bottom Closure: For a sleeping bag with a closed bottom, line up the bottom edges and sew a strong straight stitch to secure the closure. This ensures that the bag retains its shape and provides a comfortable sleeping space.
When installing the zipper, follow these steps:
- Prepare the zipper by unzipping it halfway and cutting off the top teeth on each half, as described in the "continuous zip" preparation step. Sew between the remaining teeth to create a stopper.
- Place the zipper between the front and back pieces of the sleeping bag, with the right sides facing each other. Ensure the teeth are oriented towards the middle.
- Pin and sew along the zipper, keeping close to it. Turn the fabric right side out, and you'll have a neat zipped edge.
- Repeat this process for the other side of the zipper, ensuring symmetry.
- Top-stitching is optional but recommended for a polished look. Top-stitch along the zipper, around the neck, and down the other side.
- Feed the zip pull back onto the zipper, wiggling it gently to get it moving smoothly.
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Fabric choice and preparation
Sewing a sleeping bag is a simple project even for those who have little experience in sewing. The choice of fabric is one of the most important parts of making a sleeping bag. The fabric you choose will depend on the season, the purpose of the bag, and the comfort and sensitivity of the user's skin.
For a baby sleeping bag, opt for natural, breathable, and easy-to-wash fabrics. High-quality standard cotton is soft, resistant to frequent washing, and suitable for sensitive skin. Cotton flannel is ideal for winter as it retains heat without causing sweating. Cotton jersey is elastic and lightweight, perfect for the mid-season.
For an adult sleeping bag, you will need 4 yards each of outer and inner fabric. You can use a variety of fabrics for the outer material, such as nylon, canvas, duck cloth, or outdoor fabric. For the inner fabric, you can choose a fun print or a solid colour that matches your preference.
Before you start sewing, prepare your fabric by cutting it to the required size. You will need enough fabric to cover the length and width of the sleeping bag, with some extra fabric for the seams and any desired features, such as a hood or a wider bottom. If you are using a pattern, cut the fabric according to the pattern pieces, adding a seam allowance of approximately 1 cm to prevent the edges from fraying.
If you are adding a zipper, prepare it by unzipping it halfway and cutting off the top teeth on each half. Sew between the remaining teeth to create a stopper at the top. You can then pin and sew the zipper in place, sandwiching it between the outer and inner fabric layers.
By carefully selecting and preparing your fabric, you can create a comfortable and personalised sleeping bag that suits your specific needs and preferences.
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Stitching techniques
Stitching a sleeping bag requires some preparation and a lot of careful work. Here is a step-by-step guide to the stitching process:
- Prepare the Fabric: Cut the fabric according to the desired size of the sleeping bag. For a baby sleeping bag, you might need a length of 92 cm and a width of 38 cm at the underarm, expanding to 64 cm at the bottom. For a child, you will need three yards of fabric, cut in half to make two equal lengths. For an adult, you will need four yards of outer and inner fabric.
- Pin and Stitch: Place the fabric with the right sides together, lining up the long seams, and pin them in place. Then, stitch down the length of the pinned side and remove the pins. Repeat this process for the inner fabric.
- Create the Shape: Place the outer fabric on the ground with the right side facing up. Tape it down if needed to avoid wrinkles. Repeat step two, this time pinning along one of the long edges. This will create a squarish shape when unfolded.
- Add the Zipper (optional): Place the zipper near the top of the right edge of the fabric, with the right side of the zipper facing the right side of the fabric. Line up the edges and pin every 4". If using a standard presser foot, unzip the zipper about 4" to work around the zipper head. Stitch the zipper in place, sewing about 1/2" in diagonally, then pivot and sew down to the corner of the bag.
- Secure the Bottom: Fold the sleeping bag in half, ensuring the right sides are facing together. Pin the bottom edge of the zipper to the other edge of the bag, with the long edges lined up. Stitch the bottom closed, using a strong straight stitch.
- Finish the Edges: Fold over the binding to encase the raw edges, press, and pin with clips. Stitch in the ditch on the top side of the sleeping bag to secure the back of the binding.
- Top-stitching (optional): Top-stitch up one side of the zip, around any features like armholes, and down the other side. This adds a polished look to your sleeping bag.
It is important to note that these steps are a general guide, and depending on your specific project, you may need to modify the techniques or include additional steps. Additionally, if you are repairing a sleeping bag, you may need to use thinner thread and adjust the thread and foot tension to avoid the fabric getting stuck in the machine.
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Sleeping bag dimensions
Sewing up an old sleeping bag is a great way to repair and reuse an item that might otherwise be discarded. It is also possible to sew your own sleeping bag from scratch. Either way, it is important to consider the dimensions of the sleeping bag to ensure it is fit for purpose.
The dimensions of a sleeping bag will depend on the size of the person using it. A sleeping bag should be long enough to cover a person from their shoulders to their feet, with enough width to be comfortable. The length of a sleeping bag can be adjusted depending on whether it is being made for an adult or a child. For example, the finished dimensions of a baby sleeping bag might be 92cm in length, with a width of 38cm at the underarm and 64cm at the bottom of the bag.
When sewing a sleeping bag, it is important to leave a small opening in the lining, either at the side or the bottom, to turn the bag right-side-out and hand stitch the hole closed. This can be done by machine stitching very close to the edge. The bottom of the sleeping bag can be secured with a strong straight stitch.
The shape of a sleeping bag also plays a role in its thermal efficiency and overall comfort. A bag that fits close to the body will retain heat better, while a wider bag may be more comfortable for those who toss and turn. Sleeping bags are available in different sizes and temperature ratings, from three-season bags for warmer weather to expedition bags for extreme cold. When selecting a sleeping bag, it is recommended to choose one that is rated for a temperature slightly below what is expected to be encountered.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, sewing up an old sleeping bag is possible. You can sew it by hand or with a machine. You can also add a zipper to the sleeping bag.
You will need a needle and thread for hand sewing, or a sewing machine for machine sewing. You may also need a zipper, fabric, scissors, pins, and a presser foot.
First, you need to decide if you want to sew the sleeping bag by hand or with a machine. If you are sewing by hand, you will need to hand-stitch the sleeping bag shut. If you are using a machine, place the sleeping bag under the presser foot and sew about 1/2" over the long ends of the zipper.
Some common issues include the machine getting stuck in the loft and catching on the torn part of the fabric. Using thinner thread and adjusting the thread and foot tension may help resolve these issues.
