Revamping A Sleeping Bag

I have a sleeping bag from when I was a child, that wears like iron and seems virtually indestructible. All except the zipper that is!

I ordered a 100" zipper on line, which I received inside a week. (Update: Site no longer online) I am very pleased with the durability of the zipper I received. It is a separating zipper so that the bag can be completely opened for airing out. In the past I have gotten zipper by the foot from a local upholstery shop, which has since disappeared, like so many local suppliers.

Steps to replacing a zipper:

1. The first thing to do is remove the old, broken zipper.
2. Find the center bottom of the bag. Leave a few inches of zipper at the center bottom of the bag. This allows for full opening of the bag.
3. Place the zipper right side down to the bag, with the zipper tape near the edge of the bag. Follow the lines of the zipper you removed. Stitch the zipper in to place.
4. Repeat with the other side of the bag and zipper. I find it adds extra strength to bar tack the upper ends of the zipper tape.

I will admit we camp a lot, compared to most families and wandering pillows are always ending up filthy. Here's solution I found.

Adding a removable pillow case to the sleeping bag.

1. Use a regular pillow case and any separating zipper that you have on hand. Even a short one will serve the purpose. Be sure to use a separating zipper so you can wash the pillow case without washing the whole bag.
2. Attach one side of the zipper to the center of one half of the sleeping bag top.
3. Attach the other side of the zipper to the bottom of the pillow case.
4. I also used a small piece of velcro on the pillow case opening, to keep the pillow in the case.

Once a pillow is inserted in to the case and you roll the whole thing up you may discover that the original ties are not long enough.

I have replaced the original ties with elastic loops. Make them snug enough to hold the bag. This makes it much easier for children to pack up the bag.

Here's a way to help the bag stay clean and at least semi dry while you transport it.

Make a bag from Nylon, wind breaker type fabric.

1. Roll up the bag with the pillow. Loosely measure the distance around the bag (where the ties or elastic is). Add 3" for seam allowance and ease in inserting the bag. We'll call this measurement "A".
2. Measure the length of the rolled bag and half way down the rolled area. Add 3" to this measurement for the drawsting casing. We'll call this measurement "B".
3. Cut the fabric to the measurements A by B
4. On the "B" edges of the bag, turn the edges under ½" and then 1" Tuck in ends of the draw string casing by 1/2". Stitch down to create a drawstring casing.
5. Use a 1/2" seam to join "A" sides of the bag,up to the casing.Do not stitch your casing closed.
6. Insert a cord into each drawstring casing. Insert the bag and pull the drawstrings to close the bag. Cord Locks are a great addition to the drawstring to stop them from coming out of the casing.

Suppliers and information for outdoor gear sewing.

Specialty Outdoors
"Tips and Techniques for sewing your own outdoor gear", is an under statement for the wealth of information this page provides.

Words Etc - Pattern ParadeOne of the patterns offered is a Teddy Bear Sleeping Bag. Great for sleep overs with friends.

Wy'East Fabrics Online Catalog
Online catalog for outdoor fabrics such as Polartec Fleece, patterns, webbing, supplies and the Rogue Tarp Series products for river rafters. You will also find the zippers, zipper tape and hardware to finish projects to look like ready made.

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