Miya Pearson
DIY fleece sleeping bags are a great option for those seeking a cost-effective, customizable, and rewarding project. They are perfect for sleepovers, camping, and road trips, providing warmth and comfort for both kids and adults. With straight seams and a zipper, these sleeping bags are relatively easy to sew, even for beginners. The process involves cutting and sewing fabric pieces together, adding insulation and lining, and attaching zippers or buttons for closure. By choosing the right materials and following tutorials, anyone can create their own cosy fleece sleeping bag.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fabric | Brushed polyester fleece, anti-pill fleece, canvas, flannel, or other soft and breathable material |
| Fabric Length | 72 inches wide and 60 inches long for an adult sleeping bag; adjust the length for a larger or smaller bag |
| Fabric Layers | Two layers of fabric with insulation in between |
| Fabric Type | Machine-washable, easy to sew, with a pattern or plain |
| Sewing Technique | Straight seams, zig-zag stitch, satin stitch, topstitching |
| Zipper | Open-ended zipper, with one half on each side of the bag |
| Zipper Technique | Pin zipper in place, sew, then zip back together |
| Time | Approximately 2-3 hours |
| Cost | Less than $20 |
| Purpose | Perfect for road trips, sleepovers, and indoor use; not suitable for cold weather camping |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right fabric
When choosing the right fabric for your DIY fleece sleeping bag, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, decide on the purpose and functionality you want your sleeping bag to serve. Do you want it for camping outdoors, sleepovers, or road trips? This will help determine the type of fabric you choose.
If you're looking for a fabric that is easy to sew, machine-washable, and budget-friendly, polyester fleece is a good option. It is also soft, moisture-wicking, and quick-drying, making it a popular choice for sleeping bags. You can find polyester fleece in various colours and patterns to suit your taste.
Another factor to consider is the weight and bulkiness of the fabric. Mid- and heavyweight fleece varieties can be bulky, so if you're planning to use your sleeping bag for backpacking or hiking, you might want to opt for a lighter-weight fabric. Silk, for example, is lightweight, compact, and luxurious, making it ideal for backpacking. However, silk liners can be more expensive.
If you're looking for a warmer option, consider using a combination of fabrics. Cotton, for instance, is strong, durable, and non-irritating, while fleece adds extra warmth. You can also find insulated fabrics, such as Thermolite®, which add significant warmth without the bulk. These options might be more suitable for cooler climates or winter camping trips.
Lastly, consider the feel and comfort of the fabric. Some people prefer the cozy feeling of fleece, while others might find it too hot or irritating against their skin. Cotton is often a good choice in this regard, as most people find it comfortable and non-irritating.
Remember, you can also add a liner to your sleeping bag, which can provide extra warmth and comfort. Liners are available in various materials, including fleece, cotton, silk, and microfiber, each with its own advantages and price points.
Overall, choosing the right fabric for your fleece sleeping bag depends on your personal preferences, the intended use, and your budget. Consider the functionality, weight, warmth, and comfort of the fabric to make the best choice for your project.
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Cutting the fabric to size
Before you start cutting, decide on the type of sleeping bag you want to make (mummy, rectangular, or semi-rectangular) and determine the dimensions you need. Here are some sample dimensions for different sizes:
- Adult (mummy): 72 inches x 26 inches (183 cm x 66 cm) at the widest point, tapering to 20 inches (51 cm) at the foot end.
- Adult (rectangular): 80 inches x 34 inches (203 cm x 86 cm).
- Child: Cut your two fabrics in half so that they are each 1.5 yards long. You can adjust the width based on the age of the child; for a 5-year-old, a width of 34 inches will work well.
When cutting the fabric, it's important to consider the direction of the fabric's grain. The selvage is the term for the white edges of the fabric with the printed fabric information on it. The length of your sleeping bag will be the fabric distance from selvage edge to selvage edge.
If you're adding a liner, you'll need to ensure it's wide enough. For comfort, a liner should be about 72 inches wide. If your liner is too narrow, you can add fabric to the selvage edge to increase its width.
Once you've determined the dimensions, use a rotary cutter or fabric scissors to cut the fabric to size. Cut two pieces of outer shell fabric and two pieces of lining fabric to the desired size. If you're adding insulation, cut two pieces of insulation to the same size as the outer shell and lining pieces.
Now you're ready to start pinning and sewing your fleece sleeping bag together!
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Sewing the fabric together
Sewing a fleece sleeping bag together involves several steps, and there are variations depending on the type of sleeping bag you are making.
For a basic sleeping bag, you will need to sew the two pieces of fleece together, leaving a gap of 6-12 inches, which will be used to turn the bag. The fabric can be slippery, so use extra straight pins to hold it in place if needed. Once sewn, turn the bag through the hole and tuck the edges in, sewing the hole closed.
If you are adding a zipper, there are a few methods to attach it. One way is to sew the zipper to the bag before turning it, lining up the two halves of the zipper with each side of the bag. Another method is to sew the zipper to the liner first, then attach the liner to the bag. If you are sewing the zipper to the liner, pin the liner zipper with the teeth facing down towards the outer shell of the bag. Sew the zipper to the liner, then attach the liner to the bag, sewing around the edges and leaving a gap to turn the bag.
For a more complex design, such as a hooded bag, you will need to cut and sew additional pieces of fabric and insulation to the bag. If you are adding a hood, cut a piece of outer shell fabric and insulation to the desired size and shape, then sew it to the top of the bag. You can also add a zipper or buttons to the side of the bag to create an opening.
When sewing the fabric together, it is recommended to use a small zig-zag stitch to join the pieces, which will prevent ripping if the fabric is pulled. You can also use a satin stitch to flatten the seam and make it more comfortable. Plastic snaps can also be used for easy closures, especially for children's sleeping bags, and they hold up better than velcro.
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Adding a zipper
Next, lay out your fabric pieces. Place your zipper on the outer fabric, with the zipper facing down, leaving a gap of about 2 to 3 inches from the top edge of the fabric. Then, place the inner fabric on top, with the right sides of the fabric facing each other. Pin the fabrics in place, and sew straight down the edge, ensuring you catch both fabrics and the zipper in between. When you need to sew around the zipper pull, simply move it out of the way.
Now, turn the fabrics right side out and topstitch along the zipper. Repeat this process on the other side of the zipper with the remaining two pieces of fabric. If you are sewing a liner for your sleeping bag, you will need to pin the liner zippers onto the bottom at the center, with the pin-and-box pullers facing the center bottom of the bag. The liner zipper should be pinned 'teeth down' or facing towards the outside shell of the sleeping bag. Sewing zippers around corners can be tricky, so it is important to curve the zippers to follow the shape of the sleeping bag.
Once the zipper is attached, zip it back together and flip the bag inside out so that the solid fleece is on the outside. Sew up the bottom and sides of the sleeping bag, ensuring you cover the sharp, rough edge of the zipper at the bottom.
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Finishing touches
Once you've sewn your fleece sleeping bag, there are a few finishing touches you can add to make it perfect. Here are some ideas to consider:
Zipper
If you haven't already, now is the time to attach a zipper. Line up the zipper pieces and zip it back together. Then, fold the bag in half and pin the zipper in place, with one half on each side of the bag. Sew the zipper to the bag and zip it up. You can also add a button or snap closure for extra security.
Hood
If you want to add a hood to your sleeping bag, cut a piece of outer shell fabric and insulation to the desired size and shape. Sew it to the top of the sleeping bag, and consider adding a zipper or buttons to the side for easy access.
Size and Dimensions
Before you finish, make sure the sleeping bag is the right size for the intended user. For an adult, a rectangular bag should be around 80 inches by 34 inches. If it's for a child, you can cut the fabric to 1.5 yards long and adjust the width to fit the child's body, with a little extra room to move.
Fabric Choice
You can choose from a variety of fabrics to create a comfortable and durable sleeping bag. Anti-pill fleece is a great option as it's warm, soft, and easy to sew. You can also add a liner using brushed polyester fleece or other types of fleece fabric.
Topstitching
To add a decorative touch and ensure the seams lie flat, try topstitching. Use a satin stitch to create a neat finish and prevent the stitches from ripping if the fleece is pulled. You can also experiment with different stitching patterns, such as a diamond quilting pattern.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need two pieces of fabric, insulation, a zipper, pins, and a sewing needle and thread.
A warm and durable fabric such as fleece or canvas is a good option for the outer shell. For the inner lining, a soft and breathable fabric like fleece or flannel is a good choice.
Sew the zipper to the outer fabric with the zipper facing down, then place the inner fabric on top with the right sides together. Pin the layers in place and sew straight down the edge, catching both fabrics and the zipper in between.
Cut the fabric and insulation to the desired size and shape. Sew the insulation to the outer fabric, then sew the inner fabric to the insulation with the right sides together, leaving an opening to turn the fabric right side out. Turn the fabric right side out and sew up the bottom and sides of the sleeping bag.
