Synthetic kid's quilt plan

[Lizzy]

Hi guys,
I have just ordered some material from Tiergear (thanks Siimon) and want to have a crack a making my boys (10 &8 yo) a summer quilt. They have down bags for winter but would be nice to test out a quilt for summer.
I have ordered the lighter climashield (2 oz) and 1.1 ripstop for the outside and the very light argon for the inside.
I am thinking of having a tapered design with a shock cord draw cord foot with maybe a few snaps up to create the foot box. At the top possibly some more draw cord or snap.
Length maybe 150cm
Top 90cm
Foot 80 cm
I have no idea about sewing but mum & hubby are pretty handy so "I'll" give it a shot. I read on here I think to sew layer of insulation then material, then material and turn inside out- does that sound right?
Any hints tips or thoughts?
Cheers
Lizzy

[Moondog55]

I can't help with sewing tips but I can throw in a design idea or two if you want.

[Lizzy]

Sure any ideas appreciated

[bernieq]

Synthetic kid's quilt plan
Post by Lizzy » Tue 18 Feb, 2014 7:50 pm

Aaah, synthetic kids - the best sort

Before you sew, tack the layers of material in place with needle and thread - helps stop that pesky rip-stop nylon slipping all over the place.

[simonm]

Hi Lizzy,

Climashield quilts are pretty simple. The one I did for my daughter I did exactly as you described Climashield then 2 layers of fabric, then turn inside out. I put a thin strip of scrap material over the Climashield to sew to save the sewing foot getting caught in the Climashield, though some people use newspaper and then pull it off after you have sewn. Does that make sense?

[Bluegum Mic]

Very good tip Simon and I agree with the technique. Its really easy to sew with but as Simon says the foot of the machine catches easily on climashield. Great project though. Enjoy

[Lizzy]

Thanks guys.... This should be interesting! My Mum thinks it's about time I learnt to sew...lol
Any easy explanation of the simplest way to do the draw cord channel for the foot box?

[simonm]

Just leave a hem allowance and sew an end channel, thread the cord through and add the cordlock.

[Moondog55]

Yep tapered from top to bottom draw cord foot and either snaps or velcro to hold the bottom sides together if need be

[Strider]

Synthetic kid's quilt plan
Post by Lizzy » Tue 18 Feb, 2014 7:50 pm

Aaah, synthetic kids - the best sort

You seem to have overlooked the possesive apostrophe

[Lizzy]

Lol
Thanks for the tips- this should be interesting.... Don't worry I will take photos to amuse you!

[bernieq]

Synthetic kid's quilt plan
Post by Lizzy » Tue 18 Feb, 2014 7:50 pm

Aaah, synthetic kids - the best sort

You seem to have overlooked the possesive apostrophe

Of course – otherwise, it would have initiated a semantic argument about whether or not the adjective applied to the kids (sic) or the quilt – and obviated any element of humour the comment may have contained.

(I do like nested quotes)

[Lizzy]

Materials arrived (thanks Simon Tiergear)- it is so light & beautiful I noticed the argon material I am planning on using for the inside of the quilt has a shiny side- does it matter which side goes toward your body?
Thanks & now I had better teach myself to sew

[simonm]

That's great Lizzy. Shiny side in facing the insulation is what Dutch recommends. That Argon fabric is superb isn't it. I have a down top quilt to make soon with Argon and am really looking forward to it.

[Lizzy]

Yep the Argon is ridiculously light- reminds me of those compostible target bags! Thanks for the advice. Still planning- probably a good thing seeing as I only got a few practice stitches in before it decided it didn't like me :O

[simonm]

Yep the Argon is ridiculously light- reminds me of those compostible target bags! Thanks for the advice. Still planning- probably a good thing seeing as I only got a few practice stitches in before it decided it didn't like me :O

I don't think I will use that description on the site "Argon like compostable toilet bags" .

You will need light tension when sewing it, and a new needle is best.

[Lizzy]

We'll I finally got around to making the 1st quilt- amazed how ell it turned out seeing as I hadn't used a sewing maching in about 25 years but thanks to my Mum who got me going and helped with the tricky bits.
The material is great! Thanks again Simon at Tiergear
I ended up keeping it rectangular and only adding a drawcord foot as this is a summer bag. I still need to add a couple of snaps at the bottom. Comes in at a whooping 250g
It should be perfect for the kids. Will have a crack at the second soon- don't think I'll make any changes.

[simonm]

Awesome work Lizzy. Nice and light for the kids to carry too.

[simonm]

Here is one I am just finishing off for my 4 year old daughter - she likes pink

[Lizzy]

Ooooh nice Simon! But think I'll stick to green for the boys
How much does it weigh? Is that the heavier climashield?

[simonm]

I will weigh it tonight, it is using the 4.0oz Climashield and heavier outer fabric. I have another one to make for my 2 year old son.

[simonm]

Hi Lizzy - my daughters quilt is a bit over 400grams. It is 120cm long and 86cm's wide. Made from ripstop nylon that is perhaps about 1.5oz, I added velcro for the footbox, and it also has grosgrain edging added for no other reason than for aesthetics in this case.

I used the heavier fabric as I think it may be more durable in the hands of my two little campers.

[Lizzy]

Nice one Simon. Bet she'll love it! I might tackle my second one tomorrow....

[Redback]

I had been thinking about a similar project. Has anyone been game to try it with down? Every little bit counts when you have to carry the 16kg unit that is my son.

[Lizzy]

Haven't tried it with down- bought the boys down (women's size) bags for winter. Would be interesting to make some but not yet.... Just remember if down gets wet it is not as good as synthetic.

[simonm]

I had been thinking about a similar project. Has anyone been game to try it with down? Every little bit counts when you have to carry the 16kg unit that is my son.

I have not made a kids quilt from down, it would be a simple project but more labour intensive than the synthetic quilt.

[Redback]

I have made a down underquilt (hammock camping) before, works well, but very fiddly. We have taken natural biodegradable nappies, so wetness shouldn't be a problem.

Great work on your projects by the way. Forgot to write my admiration earlier.