Summer Quilt – Climashield or down?

Hey man, I'll give you what insight I can.

I've made a few sew thru down quilts so far, and the trick is to not over complicate things.

I recommend doing all your prep before you lay a single stitch.

I cut both shell pieces by measurement, using 1" painter's tape to mark my angles, and hem. I stick the tape on the inside of the cutout (i.e. don't cut the tape off), which gives me a 1" guide all around. I also use the same tape to mark each baffle line, just make sure you don't sew thru the tape, and it'll peel right off after you sew each one.

I pin the top and bottom, and one side along the 1" margin and join the shells, then I pin along each baffle line. I pin at a 90deg angle to the baffle, otherwise the pins have a tendency to work themselves out of the fabric.

Sew the fabric along each baffle line, stuff it, then sew the last side up along the tape.

I wouldn't go over 5" wide for each baffle.

Be careful when you're laying out your fabric and cutting not to stretch it.

Here's one I did with 1.8" loft, sew through, 1" baffled footbox, and a serape headhole.

edit: kitty in the background comes free with order :p

Haha keep that kitty off the quilt! I tried laying mine flat under the bed, but the cats found it comfy…so now it's hanging in a closet.

Ok, so keep baffles 5 inchs or less in length. That's probably my biggest obstacle with a sewn through down quilt. What length do I need to achieve a 1.5 inch loft?

Forgot to mention that part, make sure you add 8 or so inches over what your hem allowances are. Sew thru quilts loose alot of length due to the tenting of the baffles.

Also keep in mind that if you do drawstring type footbox, you'll lose between 4-6" there when it's cinched.