Herbie Murray
Sleeping bag liners are a great way to add an extra layer of warmth to your sleeping bag, but they can be expensive. Luckily, you can make your own liner at home by repurposing old sheets or buying fabric. The process is simple: you just need to fold a sheet in half, stitch it together, and then attach it to your sleeping bag using snaps or ribbons. This guide will teach you how to fold a sleeping bag liner and provide tips for creating a comfortable and functional liner.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To add an extra layer of warmth to a sleeping bag |
| Fabric | Silk, cotton, flannel, fleece |
| Tools | Scissors, sewing needle, thread, pins, ribbon or snap tabs, sewing machine |
| Steps | 1. Cut fabric to size and shape. 2. Fold fabric with exterior side facing in. 3. Stitch together. 4. Attach snap tabs or ribbons to secure to sleeping bag. 5. Hem the top edge. |
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What You'll Learn
Cut fabric to size
The first step to making a sleeping bag liner is to cut the fabric to size. To do this, you will need to lay your sleeping bag on a flat surface and estimate its surface area when zipped closed. Trace the outline of the bag on a piece of packing paper or newspaper, adding an extra 2-3 inches on each side for the seams. You can use a marker or chalk to draw the outline. Don't forget to mark the top side of the bag, just below the chin level, so you know where the liner should end.
Once you have your pattern, lay out your fabric and double it, as if it were folded. Pin the pattern to the fabric if necessary, and cut around the outline, making sure not to cut the folded side. You should now have two pieces of fabric, which will form the inside and outside of your liner.
If you want to add a pillow pocket to your liner, you can do so by drawing a rectangle on one side of the fabric. The rectangle should be the same width as the top of your sleeping bag, plus an extra 20 inches to allow for the pillow. Use this pattern to mark and cut a head opening on the other side of the fabric. Cut the top side of the fabric in a straight line, so it sits flush with the top of your sleeping bag.
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Fold fabric in half
Folding a sleeping bag liner fabric in half is a crucial step in the process of making a sleeping bag liner. This step ensures that the fabric is properly aligned and ready for stitching. Here is a detailed guide on how to fold the fabric in half:
Prepare the Fabric
Before folding, it is important to properly prepare the fabric. Start by laying out the fabric and ensuring it is smooth and free of any wrinkles. Determine the size of your sleeping bag by laying it flat and estimating its square yard surface area when zipped closed. Double this size to get the amount of fabric you need. Cut the fabric to the desired length, allowing for some extra fabric for seams and hemming.
Folding Technique
Now, it's time to fold the fabric. Place the fabric on a flat surface in front of you. Imagine the fabric has a lengthwise centre line, and fold the fabric along this imaginary line, bringing the two long edges together. Ensure that the fold is sharp and precise, creating a neat crease. At this point, you should have the fabric folded in half, with the two long edges aligned.
Right Side In
When folding the fabric, it is important to ensure that the right side of the fabric is facing inwards. This means that the side of the fabric that you want against your skin when using the liner should be facing itself, and the exterior side should be exposed on the outside of the fold. This is an important step to ensure the liner is comfortable and functional.
Stabilize the Fold
Once you have the fabric folded in half, you may want to stabilize the fold temporarily. You can use fabric clips or pins along the open side to hold the fabric in place. This will make it easier to handle the fabric as you move on to the next steps, such as stitching or tracing a pattern.
Final Checks
Before proceeding further, take a moment to check that the fabric is folded accurately and symmetrically. Ensure that the edges are aligned properly and that the fold is straight and even. Any inaccuracies at this stage may impact the final product, so it's worth taking the time to check and adjust as needed.
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Sew bottom and sides
To sew the bottom and sides of a sleeping bag liner, follow these steps:
- First, cut the fold of the sheet until you reach the bottom of the sleeping bag. Be careful not to cut beyond this point, or you will damage the liner.
- You should now have two openings on either side. Fold the top sheet over the sleeping bag, and then fold the excess bottom sheet under.
- Sew the bottom of the liner, securing an extra layer of the bedsheet on the top and bottom of the liner.
- Double-check your seams and ensure the sheet is lined up properly. Use sewing pins to secure the opening, starting from the bottom and moving along the side.
- When pinning your sewing seam, remember to leave ample room. You want the liner to be comfortable to crawl into and allow for movement. If using a stretchy fabric, consider leaving even more room.
- Fold the sheet on top and the bottom underneath to pin the hem. Remember, you are creating the liner inside out, so the finished product will look neat and tidy.
- Sew along the outside of your pins.
It is important to note that these instructions are for a basic sleeping bag liner. If you are adding a zipper or other features, the process may vary.
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Create pillow pocket
To create a pillow pocket, start by using a yardstick to draw a rectangle on one side of the doubled material. This rectangle should be the same width as the top of your sleeping bag but extend about 20 inches above the hood. This extra fabric will be doubled over to create a pillow. On the opposite side of the fabric, mark and cut out the liner, ensuring the top side is cut straight across to align with the top of your sleeping bag.
After cutting out the fabric, fold it in half so that the exterior fabric is exposed. Stitch together the bottom and three-quarters of the open side, staying about an inch away from the fabric's edge. With the exterior fabric still facing out, sew snap tabs or short pieces of ribbon to the bottom and sides.
Turn your sleeping bag inside out and place the liner on top. Mark where the matching snaps or ribbons should go, and sew them to the inside of the bag. Hem the liner so that it doesn't extend above your chin when you're inside the bag. On the opposite side, hem the area where the pillow pocket will go. Double over this hemmed extension into a rectangle that fits inside the sleeping bag hood. Sew along the bottom and one vertical side of the rectangle, leaving the other vertical side open for stuffing a fleece or puffy jacket to create a removable pillow.
Alternatively, you can sew a pillowcase to the top of a flat sheet, lining up the openings. This method keeps the pillow in place while sleeping on an air mattress.
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Attach to sleeping bag
Sleeping bag liners are a handy item to have, especially for backpackers and travellers. They can be used to keep your sleeping bag free of dirt and body oils, and they can also provide extra warmth. Liners come in two main types: mummy-shaped and rectangular. Rectangular liners, also known as travel sheets, can be used on their own or inside a rectangular sleeping bag.
If you want to attach a liner to your sleeping bag, you can do so by following these steps:
- Lay your bag on the floor and estimate the square yard surface area it occupies when zipped closed.
- Place your liner on top of the bag, with the right side of the liner facing down. Trace the shape of the bag onto the liner fabric with a fabric marker, allowing for some extra fabric for sewing seams.
- Cut out the liner fabric, following the outline you have traced.
- Fold the liner fabric in half, exposing the exterior fabric (the side you don't want against your skin).
- Stitch together the bottom and about three-quarters of the open side. Sew about one inch in from the edge of the fabric.
- With the liner exterior fabric still facing out, sew snap tabs or short pieces of ribbon to the bottom and both sides. These will be used to attach the liner to the sleeping bag.
- Turn your sleeping bag inside out and place the liner on top. Mark where the matching snaps or ribbons need to go on the bag fabric.
- Sew the attachments to the inside of your sleeping bag. Use tack stitches to secure the liner, which can be easily removed later if needed.
- Hem the top side of the liner to ensure it does not extend above your chin when you are inside the bag.
- On the opposite side, hem around the liner where the pillow pocket will go. Double over this hemmed extension into a rectangle so that it fits inside the sleeping bag hood.
- Sew along the bottom and one vertical side of the rectangle, leaving the other vertical side open for stuffing a fleece or puffy jacket to create a removable pillow.
By following these steps, you can securely attach a sleeping bag liner to your sleeping bag, providing extra warmth and protection for your bag.
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Frequently asked questions
First, turn the bag inside out. Then, draw a rectangle on one side of the fabric, using a yardstick, to make a pillow pocket. The rectangle should be the same width as the top of your sleeping bag but with a 20-inch extension for the pillow. Cut the fabric and fold it in half so that the exterior fabric is exposed. Stitch the bottom and three-quarters of the open side.
Fold your sleeping bag lengthwise and trace its pattern on a newspaper using a marker. Cut the folded side of the fabric and pin one of the sides. Sew along that side and then open it with the seams facing upwards. Place the zipper and pin it in place before sewing each side. Remove the basting stitch and pull out the excess thread. Realign the edges and pin the open edges before sewing the bottom and seams. Fold and sew the top edge to finish.
Turn your sleeping bag inside out and place the liner on top. Mark where the snaps or ribbons will go and sew the attachments to the inside of the bag. Fold the edge on the opposite side to form a neat hem and make the end into a rectangle for the pillow. Sew along the bottom and one vertical side of the rectangle, leaving the other vertical side open for pillow stuffing.
