Quilt-Making Materials for Outdoor Quilts
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Quick answer: To make an outdoor quilt you need lightweight ripstop shell and liner fabric (roughly 0.6–1.1 oz/yd², downproof if using down), insulation (down or a continuous-filament synthetic like Climashield APEX), baffle netting for down builds, polyester thread, shock cord, cord locks, grosgrain and optional snaps or zippers. Specialist suppliers carry everything; general fabric stores rarely carry the right technical fabrics.
Choosing quilt-making materials is the most important decision in any DIY quilt build. The fabric determines weight, durability, breathability and how pleasant the quilt feels on your skin; the insulation determines warmth and packability; small hardware choices determine how well it seals out drafts. This guide covers each category so you can plan your DIY top quilt with confidence.
This page is about technical outdoor quilts for backpacking and hammocks. If you're looking for cotton patchwork fabrics for traditional quilting, see our guide to top quilt fabric designers.
Shell and liner fabrics
Most outdoor quilts use two fabrics: an outer shell that faces the world and an inner liner against your skin. Both are usually nylon or polyester ripstop. For a deeper dive, see quilt shell fabrics.
| Fabric type | Approx. weight | Downproof? | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7–10D calendered nylon ripstop | ~0.6–0.75 oz/yd² | Usually, check supplier | Ultralight down quilts |
| 15–20D nylon ripstop (DWR) | ~0.9–1.1 oz/yd² | Often | Durable all-round shells |
| 20D polyester ripstop | ~1.0–1.2 oz/yd² | Varies | Shells that sag less when wet |
| 30D+ nylon taffeta | ~1.3–1.9 oz/yd² | Yes | Budget or heavy-duty builds |
| Uncalendered soft nylon | ~0.8–1.0 oz/yd² | No | Synthetic quilt liners |
Key fabric properties
- Downproofness. Down quilts need a fabric tight enough that fine clusters can't escape. Suppliers usually label downproof fabrics; calendering (heat-pressing) tightens the weave.
- Breathability. Measured as CFM (air permeability). Low CFM blocks wind and down but can trap moisture; a liner should be reasonably breathable.
- DWR. A durable water repellent finish helps shed dew and condensation.
- Hand (feel). Lighter fabrics can feel crinkly; softer liners feel better against skin.
You can buy light ripstop on Amazon for practice pieces and simple projects like stuff sacks: check price on Amazon. For quilt-grade downproof fabrics, specialist suppliers are more reliable.
Insulation
Down
Down gives the best warmth for its weight and packs smallest. You'll choose fill power (commonly 800–950 for quilts), duck or goose, treated or untreated, and certification. See down fill power explained, duck vs goose down and the Responsible Down Standard. Down requires baffle construction and careful handling — loose down floats everywhere. Our DIY down quilt guide covers the process.
Climashield APEX
Climashield APEX is a continuous-filament synthetic sold in sheets of different weights (commonly 2.5, 3.6, 5.0, 6.0 and 7.5 oz/yd²). It needs only edge stitching, holds warmth better when damp, and is cheaper than down. It's the best choice for a first build — see DIY synthetic quilt.
Other synthetics
Short-staple synthetics (the loose, fluffy batting used in many commercial jackets) need closely spaced quilting to stay in place, which adds cold spots and labor. Craft-store polyester batting is heavy and bulky for its warmth and isn't designed for compression. For outdoor quilts, APEX is the standard DIY synthetic.
| Down (850 FP) | Climashield APEX | |
|---|---|---|
| Warmth-to-weight | Excellent | Good |
| Packability | Excellent | Fair |
| Damp performance | Poor to fair (better if treated) | Good |
| Construction difficulty | High (baffles) | Low |
| Cost | High | Low to moderate |
Baffle material (down builds)
Down quilts need internal walls (baffles) to hold down in chambers. Baffles are usually made of a lightweight noseeum-style mesh or baffle netting, roughly 0.5 oz/yd², cut into strips to set baffle height. See quilt baffles explained and sewn-through vs baffled quilts.
Thread and needles
- Thread: Polyester, such as Gutermann Mara 70 (stronger) or Mara 100 (finer). Avoid cotton thread.
- Needles: Microtex/sharp needles in size 60/8–70/10 for ultralight fabric; 80/12 for heavier fabrics.
- Stitch length: About 2.5–3 mm; short stitches perforate thin nylon.
Hardware and trims
| Item | Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shock cord (1/16–1/8 in) | Neck and foot drawcords | Light; elastic for easy cinching |
| Cord locks | Secure drawcords | Mini single-hole locks save weight |
| Grosgrain ribbon (3/8–5/8 in) | Drawcord channels, loops | Polyester or nylon |
| Snaps (plastic or metal) | Neck closure, open footbox | Plastic KAM-type snaps are light |
| #3 coil zipper | Footbox or wearable quilt | Adds weight; use a draft tube |
| Small plastic clips | Pad attachment | See DIY pad straps |
| Flat elastic or cord | Pad straps | Light, adjustable |
A small assortment pack of cord locks and shock cord is handy for experimenting: check price on Amazon.
Draft collars and closures
Colder quilts benefit from a draft collar — a small insulated tube along the neck edge — and a neck closure using a snap plus drawcord. These need a little extra fabric and insulation, plus a cord lock and snap. For a pad-strap system, you'll need flat elastic or cord and small clips. Plan these details before ordering so you buy everything at once. See the draft collar guide and pad attachment systems.
Tools
- Sewing machine with a straight stitch (a walking foot helps)
- Rotary cutter, cutting mat, long acrylic ruler or straight edge
- Binder clips or fabric clips instead of pins
- Hot knife or lighter to seal edges
- Scale for weighing down and finished parts
- For down: a down-filling setup (bags, scale, enclosed workspace)
Where to buy
US gear-fabric specialists sell technical ripstop, downproof fabrics, baffle netting, Climashield APEX, hardware and full kits. Ripstop by the Roll is one of the best known and also publishes extensive DIY information. Some suppliers sell down in small quantities; quality and certification vary, so check fill power and documentation. Amazon carries basic ripstop, cord, cord locks and tools, but quilt-specific downproof fabric is more consistent from specialists.
Order fabric swatches before a big purchase. Feel, color and noise vary between fabrics, and a liner you don't like touching will bother you every night.
Matching materials to the project
| Project | Shell | Liner | Insulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| First synthetic top quilt | 1.0–1.1 oz/yd² ripstop (DWR) | Soft 0.8–1.0 oz nylon | APEX 5.0 oz/yd² |
| Summer hammock top quilt | 0.66–0.75 oz/yd² nylon | Light, breathable nylon | APEX 2.5 oz/yd² |
| Three-season down quilt | Downproof 7–10D nylon | Downproof 7–10D nylon | 850+ FP down, baffled |
| Synthetic underquilt | 1.0 oz/yd² ripstop (DWR) | Soft nylon | APEX 5.0–7.5 oz/yd² |
| Winter down quilt | Downproof 10–20D nylon | Downproof nylon | 850+ FP down, taller baffles |
Common material mistakes
- Using non-downproof fabric with down. Clusters will work through the weave within a few nights.
- Choosing a fully coated fabric for the liner. Silnylon or PU-coated fabric traps sweat and causes clamminess and condensation inside the quilt.
- Buying craft batting instead of APEX. It's bulky, heavy and loses loft quickly when compressed.
- Undersizing hardware. Tiny cord locks that won't grip your cord are frustrating on a cold night; buy matched cord and locks.
- Skipping swatches. Colors on screens don't match real fabric, and stiffness varies a lot.
Caring for finished DIY quilts
Your material choices affect care. Down quilts should be washed with a down-specific cleaner and dried on low heat with dryer balls; see how to wash a down quilt. APEX quilts tolerate gentle machine washing but dislike high heat; see washing synthetic quilts. Store both loose, not compressed.
Budgeting a build
Material costs vary widely. A synthetic APEX quilt usually costs well under a comparable commercial quilt; a high-fill-power down quilt can approach the cost of a budget commercial quilt once you add fabric, baffle material and shipping. Factor in your time — a down quilt can take a few weekends. A DIY quilt kit can simplify sourcing.
Frequently asked questions
What fabric is used for backpacking quilts?
Most backpacking quilts use lightweight ripstop nylon or polyester, typically 7–20 denier and roughly 0.6–1.2 oz/yd², often with a DWR finish. Down quilts need downproof fabric; synthetic quilts can use slightly more breathable fabric.
Can I use cotton quilting fabric for a camping quilt?
It's not recommended for backpacking. Cotton is heavy, absorbs water, dries slowly and loses warmth when wet. Technical nylon or polyester is far lighter and more weather-resistant. Cotton is fine for car camping blankets.
Where can I buy materials to make a down quilt?
US gear-fabric specialists such as Ripstop by the Roll sell downproof fabrics, baffle netting, Climashield APEX and hardware. Down is sold by some specialist suppliers in small quantities; check fill power and certification.
What thread should I use for nylon quilts?
Use a polyester thread, such as Gutermann Mara 70 or 100, with a fine microtex needle. Polyester resists UV and moisture better than cotton thread and has good strength for light fabric.