Ashwin Lewis
The Selk'bag is a wearable sleeping bag that can be used for various activities such as camping, working from home, walking the dog, and even grocery shopping. It is known for its versatility, warmth, and comfort. If you're looking to turn your extra sleeping bags into a similar lounging suit, it is possible to do so with some DIY. This project requires two poly-filled sleeping bags, preferably one flat and one mummy bag, and an industrial sewing machine as a regular sewing machine may not be suitable. The process involves unzipping the bags, laying them flat, and using a top and bottom from your closet to trace and cut out a pattern. It is important to leave extra length in the sleeves and consider adding a zipper down one leg for ease of use. With some creativity and effort, you can transform your sleeper outfit into a cozy bag sleeper.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of sleeping bag | Poly-filled, flat sleeping bags are recommended. Down-filled bags will be a huge mess. |
| Sewing machine type | An industrial sewing machine is required. A regular sewing machine may get damaged. |
| Zipper | Including a zipper down one leg will make the suit easier to get on and off. Use one of the existing bag zippers. |
| Suit pattern | Unzip one of the sleeping bags and lay it down flat. Place a top and bottom from your closet on top and trace around, adding 1-1.5" extra for the seam. Leave extra length in the sleeves. |
| Suit assembly | Line up and pin the two bags with the insides facing out. Cover the edges with quilt edging and pin together with giant safety pins. |
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What You'll Learn
Use two poly-filled sleeping bags
If you want to change a sleeper outfit into a bag sleeper, one option is to use two poly-filled sleeping bags. This option is ideal if you are camping with a partner or friend and want to share a sleeping bag. There are a few things to consider when choosing this option:
First, look for sleeping bags that are specifically designed for two sleepers. These bags are usually larger and have features such as a built-in pillow barn or hood that can accommodate two standard pillows. Some bags also offer independent side zippers and foot vents, allowing each sleeper to adjust their temperature and position. If you are taller, look for a queen-size sleeping bag that can accommodate two sleepers up to 6.5 feet tall.
Second, pay attention to the temperature rating of the sleeping bags. If you are a warm sleeper, choose a bag with a lower temperature rating. If you are a cold sleeper, go for a bag with a higher temperature rating. It's a good idea to pick a bag with a lower temperature rating than the lowest temperature you expect to encounter, as you can always unzip the bag if it feels too warm. Consider the time of year you will be using the bag and whether you need something that can handle colder temperatures.
Third, consider the insulation type of the sleeping bags. Sleeping bags typically use down feathers or synthetic fibers for insulation. Down feathers are excellent at trapping air and creating an effective temperature barrier, but they can lose their insulating efficiency when wet. Synthetic fibers, on the other hand, continue to insulate when wet and are usually more affordable. Polyester or nylon are commonly used synthetic fibers.
Fourth, look for additional features that will make your sleeping experience more comfortable. For example, some sleeping bags have stash pockets for small items, pillow pockets that allow you to stuff clothes to create a pillow, or sleeping pad compatibility.
Finally, consider the size and weight of the sleeping bags, especially if you are backpacking. Backpacking bags tend to be lighter and more snug, so look for the lightest and most packable option within your budget. If you are car camping, you have more flexibility and can choose a warmer and roomier bag without worrying about bulk or weight.
By considering these factors, you can effectively use two poly-filled sleeping bags to create a comfortable and functional bag sleeper for your camping or backpacking trip.
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Cut and sew the bags on an industrial machine
When cutting and sewing bags on an industrial machine, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, ensure that your industrial machine is suitable for the type of fabric you are using. Industrial machines should have no issue tackling most fabrics, but it is always good to test before starting your project. For example, if you are using vinyl, a thicker needle with a sharp point, such as a microtex sewing machine needle or a denim/jeans sewing machine needle, will help the machine penetrate through the layers. Avoid using a leather needle as these have a blade edge that can cut through the vinyl.
Additionally, the thread you use depends on what your machine can manage. For bag construction, an ordinary multipurpose polyester thread usually works well. For topstitching, you can use a heavier thread to make it stand out. If your machine can handle it, consider upgrading to a Tex 45 or Tex 70 weight bonded nylon thread.
When sewing bags, you will be stitching through multiple layers of fabric and interfacing, so it is crucial to have a sturdy, industrial machine to ease the process. Ensure your machine is in good working shape, and consider using a longer stitch length and checking the tension to smoothen the sewing process.
If you are sewing bags with pockets, it is recommended to add at least a slip pocket or a zippered pocket to keep items safe. Fuse interfacing to the fabric used for pockets if it is lightweight. Additionally, if you are making a shoulder bag, pay attention to the width of the straps to ensure comfort and functionality.
Finally, some popular industrial sewing machines for bag making include the Consew 206RB-5, Juki DNU-1541, and the Cylinder Arm machine, which is ideal for large handbags as it provides ample space underneath the horizontal arm to manipulate the bag while sewing.
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Include a zipper for ease of use
If you want to change a sleeper outfit into a bag sleeper, including a zipper can make it easier to get in and out of the bag. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do this:
First, you'll need to choose the right zipper. It should be a heavy-duty zipper, such as a jacket zipper, that is at least a yard or meter long. You can buy a specified "sleeping bag zipper", or you can use any heavy-duty zipper from your local craft store. Just make sure the colour matches or complements the colour of your sleeper outfit.
Next, you'll want to carefully examine the sleeper outfit and plan out where you'll place the zipper. Most zippers lie flat when the teeth are facing out while the zipper is unzipped. Take notes or pictures of how the zipper will be oriented, and make sure to note any straps at the bottom of the sleeper outfit, which are typically used for rolling it up.
Now, it's time to start sewing! If you're using a sewing machine, it just needs to be able to sew forward and backward in a straight line and handle multiple layers of fabric. A zipper foot can be helpful but isn't necessary. You'll want to start by pinning the zipper into place, following the orientation and placement you determined earlier. Start pinning a few inches below the top of the sleeper outfit, and pin along the old stitching line if there is one. If the zipper is too long or short, don't worry about it for now—just pin to the end of the zipper or the end of the sleeper outfit opening, and you can deal with any excess later.
Once the zipper is pinned into place, start sewing! Sew along the old stitching line, or along the line you marked out earlier. Sew a second row of stitches about 0.75 inches (1.5 cm) below the first row for added strength.
Finally, trim any excess zipper tape, and you're done! You've successfully added a zipper to your sleeper outfit, making it much easier to use as a bag sleeper.
Remember, adding a zipper to a sleeper outfit is a detailed process that requires patience and attention to detail. Take your time, and don't be afraid to refer to online tutorials or seek help if needed.
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Line up and pin the bags with insides facing out
To line up and pin your bags with the insides facing out, you will first need to unzip one of your sleeping bags and lay it down flat on the floor. You can use a flat sleeping bag or a mummy bag for this. Then, take a top and bottom from your closet and lay them down on top of the sleeping bag. Trace around the clothes, adding approximately 1-1/2" extra for the seam. Leave extra length in the sleeves so they are not too short. You can always trim them later if needed.
Now, line up the edges of the two sleeping bags with their insides facing out. Cover the edges with quilt edging, about 2" wide. Pin the bags together with giant-sized safety pins. You can also use small fabric clips if you don't want to use pins. Make sure the pins or clips are placed horizontally through the fabric to keep the materials from sliding around.
Once the bags are lined up and pinned, you can start sewing. Use upholstery thread and a giant needle on an industrial sewing machine. Sewing the bags on a regular sewing machine may damage your machine.
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Cover the pinned edges with quilt edging
Covering the pinned edges with quilt edging is a crucial step in finishing your quilt and giving it a neat, professional look. Here's a detailed guide on how to do this:
Prepare the Quilt Edging
Before you begin, it's important to prepare your quilt edging or binding. Cut fabric strips that are about 2 1/2 inches wide along the width of the fabric. Trim the selvage ends and sew the strips together end-to-end to create one long strip. Fold this strip in half lengthwise and press it to create a crisp fold.
Pin the Quilt Edging
Place the quilt top right-side up on a flat surface. Starting in the middle of one side of the quilt, pin the raw edges of the quilt edging to the raw edges of the quilt. Ensure that the quilt edging is pinned all around the perimeter of the quilt, creating a clean finish.
Sew the Quilt Edging
Sew the quilt edging to the quilt using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Start sewing from the middle of one side, moving towards the corners. When you reach a corner, sew up to about 1/4 inch from the edge, lift the needle, and turn the quilt. Flip the little triangle flap so that it lies in the opposite direction, and continue sewing the next side. Repeat this process for all four corners.
Fold and Pin the Edging to the Back
Once you've sewn the quilt edging to the front of the quilt, it's time to fold it over to the back. Fold the folded edge of the quilt edging over to the back of the quilt, carefully mitring the corners. Pin the quilt edging in place, securing it to the back of the quilt. You can use regular pins or metal clips for this step.
Hand Sew or Machine Sew the Edging to the Back
Now, you have two options: hand sewing or machine sewing the quilt edging to the back of the quilt. For hand sewing, use a blind stitch to secure the quilt edging, hiding the stitches on the right side of the quilt. For machine sewing, simply sew the quilt edging to the back, ensuring that the stitches are secure and neat.
By following these steps, you will effectively cover the pinned edges with quilt edging, creating a polished and durable finish for your quilt.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need two poly-filled sleeping bags. Unzip one of the bags and lay it down flat on the floor. Get a top and bottom from your closet and lay them on top of the sleeping bag. Trace around the clothes, adding approximately 1-1/2" extra for the seam. Leave extra length in the sleeves so they are not too short. You can trim them later if needed.
Flat bags are easier to cut out a pattern from. One of the bags should be flat, and the other can be a mummy bag. Down-filled bags will be a huge mess!
You will need an industrial sewing machine as a regular sewing machine may get damaged. You will also need sharp, strong scissors and quilt edge trim from a fabric store.
Include a zipper down one leg. Instead of adding your own, use one of the existing bag zippers.
