Colin Snow
Sewing your own down sleeping bag can be a fun and rewarding project. It's a great way to save money and ensure you have a lightweight, comfortable, and warm sleeping bag that's customised to your needs. The process is similar to making a duvet cover, but with some additional steps for the zipper and insulation. You can choose from various styles, such as mummy, rectangular, or semi-rectangular, and select the type of insulation that best suits your climate and preferences, whether it be down or synthetic. With careful planning and execution, you can create a functional and stylish sleeping bag for your next outdoor adventure.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Nylon, polyester, ripstop fabric, embroidery thread, tapestry needle, fabric safe paint, cardboard, newspaper, batting, basting spray, outer shell fabric, lining fabric, insulation, fleece, flannel, canvas |
| Sleeping Bag Style | Mummy, rectangular, semi-rectangular, quilted |
| Sleeping Bag Features | Hood, zipper, buttons, drawcord |
| Sleeping Bag Weight | Sub-2 lb, 250 g, 300 g, 48" dual separating zipper, 3/4 length zip, 1 g string |
| Sleeping Bag Dimensions | Adult (mummy): 72 in x 26 in (183 cm x 66 cm) at the widest point, tapering to 20 in (51 cm) at the foot end, Adult (rectangular): 80 in x 34 in (203 cm x 86 cm) |
| Sewing Techniques | Sewing a straight line, back stitching, pivoting, stitching, sewing in the ditch |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the type of sleeping bag and determining the dimensions
When choosing a sleeping bag, the most important factor is the location and style of camping you plan to undertake. If you will be camping close to your car, a heavier, cozier bag is a good option. These bags are usually more affordable and prioritize comfort over weight and pack size.
However, if you plan to go backpacking or hiking, a lighter, more compressible bag is ideal. These bags are more expensive, but they are designed to be easily portable over long distances.
Sleeping bags come in various shapes, the three most common being mummy, rectangular, and semi-rectangular. The mummy bag is the most popular shape, as it has a snug fit that tapers toward the feet, making it the warmest option. Rectangular bags are non-tapered, making them less efficient at heating but more comfortable. Semi-rectangular bags are a hybrid of the two, offering more room for comfort while still retaining some warmth.
When determining the dimensions of your sleeping bag, the basic idea is to minimize the amount of air space inside the bag. This reduces the amount of air you need to heat and keeps you warmer. The three key measurements to consider are length, shoulder girth, and hip girth, in that order of importance. Men's sleeping bags typically come in two standard lengths: regular (up to 6 feet) and long (up to 6 feet 6 inches). A short version is sometimes available, fitting up to 5 feet 6 inches. Women's bags usually come in regular (up to 5 feet 4 inches) and long (up to 5 feet 10 inches) sizes. It is recommended to choose the shortest length that fits your height to maximize warmth and minimize weight.
Additionally, consider your tolerance for feeling confined. If you are a restless sleeper or feel claustrophobic in tight spaces, a roomier bag may be preferable, even if it means sacrificing some warmth.
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Selecting the right fabric and insulation
When selecting the fabric and insulation for your down sleeping bag, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, it's important to choose a fabric that is lightweight yet durable. This will help reduce the overall weight of your pack while still providing longevity for your sleeping bag. Look for fabrics such as Pertex Microlight, which is known for its durability and lightweight properties.
Another crucial factor is the breathability of the fabric. Avoid fabrics like DryLoft, which do not allow for adequate airflow. Instead, opt for ordinary fabrics that can breathe and allow moisture to escape. This is important because your body releases moisture when you sleep, and if it builds up inside the sleeping bag, it can dampen the down and reduce its insulation capabilities.
When it comes to insulation, down is a popular choice for sleeping bags due to its excellent warmth-to-weight ratio. However, not all down is created equal. Look for high-quality down with a high fill power, typically 800 or more, as this will provide better insulation and loft. Additionally, consider the climate you'll be using the sleeping bag in. For summer use, a lower fill power may be sufficient, while for winter camping, you'll want a higher fill power to retain warmth.
The thickness of the walls in your sleeping bag is another consideration. While higher walls may seem like they provide more insulation, they require a lot of down to be effective and can add unnecessary weight to your bag. A wall thickness of 10-15 mm is typically suitable for summer bags, while up to 50 mm is appropriate for winter bags.
Lastly, pay attention to the design of the hood. A wide and flat hood is generally preferred as it allows you to sleep with the hood over your head without squashing the down, which can make the fabric greasy and sweaty. This design is also simpler and cheaper to make. Remember, the warmth of your sleeping bag comes from your body, and the bag's primary function is to slow down heat loss.
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Cutting the fabric and pinning the layers together
To cut the fabric for your sleeping bag, first, decide on the type of bag you want to make (mummy, rectangular, or semi-rectangular) and determine the dimensions. For example, an adult-sized mummy bag will need two pieces of fabric cut to 72 inches by 26 inches at the widest point, tapering to 20 inches at the foot end. A rectangular bag for an adult will require 80 inches by 34 inches.
Once you've cut your fabric to size, it's time to pin the layers together. If you're making a mummy bag, cut a piece of fabric for the hood, and sew this to the top of the bag first. Then, with the right sides of the fabric facing each other, pin the layers together along the outer edges, leaving a section unpinned for turning the bag right side out. This opening should be about 24 inches wide and ideally placed where the feet would go.
If you're adding a zipper, fold the fabric in half like a taco, with the right sides together. Pin the zipper to the edge of the fabric, then sew it in place. Now you can pin the remaining edges of the bag together, starting near the bottom of the zipper and working your way down. Make sure your top edges are even before you start pinning and sewing.
For a quilted sleeping bag, you'll need to prepare two pieces of batting that are slightly larger than the inside of your bag. For a summer bag, use three layers of batting on the bottom and one layer on the top. Lay the inside fabric down, secure the edges with tape, then lay the batting pieces over it, smoothing them out. Spray one half of the inside fabric with basting spray, replace the batting, then spray and smooth out the other half. Now, fold the top layer of batting towards the inside bottom, then flip your work over so that the right side of the inside section is up. Layer the outside section over the inside, with right sides together, and pin along the outer edges.
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Sewing the fabric and insulation together
To sew a down sleeping bag, you will need to cut two pieces of outer shell fabric and two pieces of lining fabric to your desired size. Then, cut two pieces of insulation to the same size as your outer shell and lining pieces.
Now, lay one piece of outer shell fabric with its right side facing up on a flat surface. Place one piece of insulation on top of the fabric, and then place one piece of lining fabric on top of the insulation with its right side facing down. Pin these layers together.
Sew around the edges of the pinned layers, leaving an opening for turning the fabric right side out. You can now stitch the centre seam with the inside facing up. Remove any basting pins as you go.
Now, lay the work on the floor with the batting side facing down and the right side of the inside section facing up. Place the outside section over the inside section, with the right sides of the fabric facing each other. Pin along the outer edges through all the layers of the work, leaving a section unpinned for turning. Ideally, place this opening where the sleeper's feet would be. Sew all the way around with a 1/2" seam, avoiding the unpinned section.
Trim off any excess batting and turn the work right side out. Fold the unsewn edges in and press them neatly so that the seam matches the sewn edges. Pin the edges in place. Finally, edgestitch around the whole work, about 1/4" from the edge.
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Adding a zipper or buttons for openings
Planning:
Before starting, it is important to plan the placement and type of opening you want. Consider the purpose of the sleeping bag and the specific requirements for your use case. For example, if you need to save weight and space, adding zippers for arm openings might be a good option. Alternatively, you might want a full-length zipper for easy access in and out of the bag.
Sourcing Materials:
Once you've decided on the type of opening, source the appropriate materials. For zippers, you'll need a suitable length and type of zipper, preferably with double sliders to allow for opening at the top or bottom. You'll also need a zipper stopper, typically sold in packages with multiple stoppers. If you opt for buttons, source sturdy buttons that can withstand the tension of keeping the bag closed.
Preparing the Sleeping Bag:
Before attaching the zipper or buttons, carefully plan their placement on the sleeping bag. Mark the fabric with the exact spots where you'll be attaching them. If you're adding a zipper, carefully cut the fabric along the marked line, creating a straight and precise opening for the zipper. If you're adding buttons, you may not need to cut the fabric, but rather reinforce the areas where the buttons will be sewn on.
Attaching the Zipper or Buttons:
For zippers, start by attaching the zipper stopper at the top end of the zipper using needle-nose pliers. Be gentle to avoid damaging the fabric. Next, attach the zipper teeth to the fabric, ensuring they are securely sewn in place. Finally, test the zipper by opening and closing it a few times to ensure smooth operation. For buttons, sew them firmly in place, ensuring that the thread is strong enough to withstand tension.
Testing and Adjustments:
Once you've attached the zipper or buttons, test the openings by using the sleeping bag. Ensure that the openings function as intended and make any necessary adjustments. For zippers, you may need to adjust the tension or alignment to ensure a smooth operation. For buttons, check that they hold the bag closed securely and make any necessary adjustments to the thread or button placement.
Remember that adding openings to your sleeping bag will impact its overall weight and temperature rating. Zippers might make the bag slightly heavier, and both zippers and buttons can create small openings for heat to escape. However, with careful planning and execution, you can add much-needed functionality to your sleeping bag.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a shell fabric, insulation, and a lining fabric. Common options for shell fabric include nylon, polyester, and ripstop fabric. For insulation, you can choose between down and synthetic. Finally, for the lining, a soft and breathable material like fleece or flannel is recommended.
You will need 4 yards of both outer and inner fabric, as well as a queen-size high loft batting or 4 yards of cut batting.
You can choose between a mummy, rectangular, or semi-rectangular style. The mummy style is tapered at the foot end, while the rectangular style offers more room.
Sew a straight line down the middle of the bag from top to bottom to create two "legs." Cut a piece of outer shell fabric and insulation for the hood and sew it to the top of the bag. Add a zipper or buttons to the side for an opening.
It is recommended to make a newspaper cutout pattern first to ensure you have the right dimensions. Remember to allow for extra material for seams. You can also adjust the thickness of the walls of the sleeping bag depending on the season. Finally, consider the direction of the baffles, which are the 'walls' that separate and keep the down in individualized compartments.
