There are mixed reviews about sleeping bag liners. Some often consider them a rip-off, while others prefer to have multiple types for different occasions. After spending a cold winter on Orcas Island, Puget Sound, in February, I decided to make my sleeping bag liner.
Sleeping bag liners
Sleeping bag liners are thin, water-resistant fabric bags that can be slipped inside a sleeping bag to create a barrier between you and the bag. There are many options for sizes, shapes and materials. They come in various sizes and shapes, including rectangular or mummy bag-shaped. There are many options, but the main reason for using a sleeping bag liner is simple.
Increase the temperature range for your sleeping bag
A sleeping bag liner can add warmth to your bag at night. Some products offer up to 25deg more warmth, while others only provide 5deg. Without first testing, you should not rely on a sleeping bag lining for more warmth than 5deg.
Increase the life expectancy and hygiene of your sleeping bag
Your sleeping bag is an essential part of any adventure. It would be best if you took care of your sleeping bag to get the best out of it. It is important to keep your sleeping bag clean and dry.
Flexible adventure travel options
You can travel anywhere with a sleeping bag liner. The liner can be used for backpacking or camping in warm weather, and you can also take it with you to international destinations. A sleeping bag liner is great for anyone who has ever been in a hostel or hotel and thought the sheets looked gross.
How to make your very own sleeping bag liner without sewing
You must choose the fabric you want to use before you can begin. The chart will help you see each fabric’s benefits and drawbacks and allow you to choose based on your specific needs.
Step 1: Gather your materials
You will need the following:
- Approx. Approx. 5 yards of selected fabric, minimum 40 inches in width
- Fusible bonding web to medium fabrics
- Needle and thread
- Sharp scissors
- Iron
- Use a washable pen or chalk.
Step 2 – Cut your fabric.
Place your fabric flat on a flat surface and fold it once widthwise. The fabric should be visible all the way across. At once, you will need to cut both sides of the liner. Place your sleeping bag on top and align the bottom with the folds of the fabric. This is the time to decide if you want a plain liner or a pocket for a pillow.
Continue reading for DIY instructions on how to make a sleeping bag liner.
The hook/pocket will be created by folding this part over. It will match the hood of your mummy bags if you have one. The shape of your bag’s “head” area will determine its exact form. To reflect the “head” shape, trim the extra section. This is shown in the image by the half-circle (ish) shape that sticks out at the top.
After you have your bag correctly positioned, trace your sleeping bag using chalk or a pen visible on the fabric. Don’t trace too closely or make the bag smaller.
Step 3: No-Sew Sewing
Although I have a sewing machine, I prefer to avoid it whenever possible. It’s an old machine, and it feels like I’m using an industrial revolution-era machine.
My finger is just as likely to come undone. Fusible bonding web is now my friend. Fusible bonding is made of polyamide fusible Web that permanently bonds two layers together when activated with a steam iron.
Step 4: Hemming of the Opening & Hood/Pocket
The liner and pocket opening is the most difficult part of the entire project. For a neat finish, if you don’t have a hood/pocket or are using a rectangular shape, continue “sewing” up to the top. Then use the same ironing method for the hem.
Step 5: Reinforcing your seems
Lay it face down. The bonding web will be used to hem the entire piece. Instead of bonding both sides, you will fold the edge over and create a hem. This will strengthen the connections and create a hem between the hood/pocket, the largest part of the liner and the back.
