{"id":34613,"date":"2025-10-20T14:30:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-20T12:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ripstop.be\/?p=34613"},"modified":"2026-02-20T15:49:34","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T14:49:34","slug":"hammock-underquilt-with-diy-down-filling","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ripstop.be\/en\/hammock-underquilt-with-diy-down-filling\/","title":{"rendered":"Hammock underquilt with DIY down filling"},"content":{"rendered":"

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How to sew a hammock underquilt – DIY, with down filling<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019ve decided on a project to make a hammock liner with down or feathers, you\u2019re in for a lot of fun. All you need is patience and be prepared for a cloud of flying down, and after a few hours of work, you\u2019ll achieve top-class insulation!<\/p>\n

There are two basic techniques for attaching down to the fabric: quilting or baffles. The difference between them lies in the shape of the compartments in which the down is packed. In quilting, we create compartments by stitching the fabric with a straight seam. At the seam, a so-called cold spot forms, which slightly reduces thermal comfort. If, instead of a seam, we sew in a wall connecting both materials, we create a three-dimensional baffle, providing a tight insulating layer without cold spots at the seams. For our liner, we opted for the quilted version. However, if someone is considering a baffle version, they can be made using our nylon mesh.<\/a><\/p>\n

Material selection<\/h2>\n

The best materials are down-proof, lightweight, and breathable so that the down can loft properly. Tear strength is less important because, unlike a hammock or tarp, there aren\u2019t significant stresses involved. Ultralight calendared nylons coated with DWR work very well for this purpose.<\/p>\n

The calendaring process, in simple terms, involves pressing the fabric to create a smooth, more \u201cplastic-like\u201d surface, which effectively prevents down from escaping. This is why down-proof fabrics have a shiny appearance.<\/p>\n

DWR (Durable Water Repellency) prevents water from soaking in, such as from light rain or dew.<\/p>\n

However, if greater water resistance is desired and the liner won\u2019t function as a quilt or be in direct contact with the body, a compromise can be made by combining a less breathable, down-proof polyester material on one side of the liner with nylon on the other. The advantage of this solution is increased water resistance, while the nylon layer ensures down breathability and allows for washing.<\/p>\n

Required Materials:<\/h2>\n

Additional information:<\/h2>\n