Adding a zipper to a Costco quilt

Jill81 · Feb 24, 2019

I love my Costco down quilt — it’s super lightweight and warm and at about $/€35 very inexpensive too. But I thought it would be handy to be able to use it as a sleeping bag so I’ve added a full length lightweight zipper, at a cost of less than $/€5. This makes it considerably warmer than using snaps or Velcro and it can still be opened up completely and used as a quilt.
To make this you need about 3 yards/meters of what’s called “continuous zip”, available at sewing stores, and a zipper foot on your machine. The trick to being able to open the quilt up completely once the zip is installed is to leave a little “tail” at the very end, (see photo). Also make sure that the zipper pull tab is running in the correct direction, from the top (head end) down, otherwise you’ll never get out of the thing.
Okay, maybe this is not a project for a novice sewer but maybe you have a friend who sews?

KEEP CALM AND SEW ON!

Portia1 · Feb 24, 2019

I have a rumpl down throw—this would be a great add! Thanks

Jeaninboise · Feb 24, 2019

Jill81 said:
I love my Costco down quilt — it’s super lightweight and warm and at about $/€35 very inexpensive too. But I thought it would be handy to be able to use it as a sleeping bag so I’ve added a full length lightweight zipper, at a cost of less than $/€5. This makes it considerably warmer than using snaps or Velcro and it can still be opened up completely and used as a quilt.
To make this you need about 3 yards/meters of what’s called “continuous zip”, available at sewing stores, and a zipper foot on your machine. The trick to being able to open the quilt up completely once the zip is installed is to leave a little “tail” at the very end, (see photo). Also make sure that the zipper pull tab is running in the correct direction, from the top (head end) down, otherwise you’ll never get out of the thing.
Okay, maybe this is not a project for a novice sewer but maybe you have a friend who sews?

KEEP CALM AND SEW ON!

View attachment 52466
View attachment 52467

What a great idea! We went when it was a bit warmer so I just used a sleeping bag liner- like a sleeping bag but no zipper so you have to crawl in and out. Because my feet get hot and I always have to get up in the middle of the night, I opened the bottom and but a hem in it so that my toe could hook on the hem and pull it down. So when I got up to go to the bathroom I just pulled it up to my waist and walked to the bathroom then pulled it down when I got back in bed.

NanaEL · Feb 24, 2019

Jill81 said:
I love my Costco down quilt — it’s super lightweight and warm and at about $/€35 very inexpensive too. But I thought it would be handy to be able to use it as a sleeping bag so I’ve added a full length lightweight zipper, at a cost of less than $/€5. This makes it considerably warmer than using snaps or Velcro and it can still be opened up completely and used as a quilt.
To make this you need about 3 yards/meters of what’s called “continuous zip”, available at sewing stores, and a zipper foot on your machine. The trick to being able to open the quilt up completely once the zip is installed is to leave a little “tail” at the very end, (see photo). Also make sure that the zipper pull tab is running in the correct direction, from the top (head end) down, otherwise you’ll never get out of the thing.
Okay, maybe this is not a project for a novice sewer but maybe you have a friend who sews?

KEEP CALM AND SEW ON!

View attachment 52466
View attachment 52467

I have been searching Costco store and online and have not found anything like this!!

Bob K (Phoenix) · Feb 24, 2019

I picked up a couple of these at my local Costco a couple on months ago. Love them - so lightweight, warm, (and cheap!). This is a great idea - thanks - now just need to find someone who can sew one on!!!

t2andreo · Feb 24, 2019

Jill81 said:
I love my Costco down quilt — it’s super lightweight and warm and at about $/€35 very inexpensive too. But I thought it would be handy to be able to use it as a sleeping bag so I’ve added a full length lightweight zipper, at a cost of less than $/€5. This makes it considerably warmer than using snaps or Velcro and it can still be opened up completely and used as a quilt.
To make this you need about 3 yards/meters of what’s called “continuous zip”, available at sewing stores, and a zipper foot on your machine. The trick to being able to open the quilt up completely once the zip is installed is to leave a little “tail” at the very end, (see photo). Also make sure that the zipper pull tab is running in the correct direction, from the top (head end) down, otherwise you’ll never get out of the thing.
Okay, maybe this is not a project for a novice sewer but maybe you have a friend who sews?

KEEP CALM AND SEW ON!

View attachment 52466
View attachment 52467

Brilliant! Do you realize you could sell these enhanced quilts for double your investment? Once you figure the process out, wait for an order, go to Costco, buy the quilt and fulfill the order.

I am interested. Is there a color choice? Also, what are the finished interior dimensions?

gloria lowe · Feb 24, 2019

NanaEL said:
I have been searching Costco store and online and have not found anything like this!!

I got mine on Amazon last year

NanaEL · Feb 24, 2019

gloria lowe said:
I got mine on Amazon last year

There are quite a few on their site -- more specs on which one worked well for you? Thanks

marciarsm · Feb 24, 2019

I’ve also used a Costco down throw that I added snaps to. I like your idea of a zipper even better. Thanks for sharing. Amazon carries the extract same throw in four colors at a bit of a higher price.

trecile · Feb 24, 2019

I cut the Costco blanket in half and tuck it inside a silk liner for when I need extra warmth.

Jill81 · Feb 24, 2019

t2andreo said:
Brilliant! Do you realize you could sell these enhanced quilts for double your investment? Once you figure the process out, wait for an order, go to Costco, buy the quilt and fulfill the order.

I am interested. Is there a color choice? Also, what are the finished interior dimensions?

The one I bought from Costco had an Eddie Bauer tag on it but it was exactly the same dimensions (60 x 70 inches) and weight as the more commonly sold Black Diamond brand, which can be found on Amazon.com now.
Once the zipper is installed the dimensions are 30 inches wide by 70 inches long, or 76 x 178 cm, so not overly long or generous but it works for me.
Cheers,
Jill

t2andreo · Feb 24, 2019

WAAAY too short for my (very) stocky self. But, it is a nice idea all the same.

NorthernLight · Feb 25, 2019

I sewed on a six inch piece of ribbon at about knee level on both sides, and tied them together. It prevents the quilt from slithering off. I can wrap it around my sleep sheet/liner or use it stand alone. I've stayed toasty warm and can let air in when it gets too warm.

NanaEL · Feb 25, 2019

You are all so clever! Thank you for the info.

Jeff Crawley · Feb 25, 2019

marciarsm said:
I’ve also used a Costco down throw that I added snaps to. I like your idea of a zipper even better. Thanks for sharing. Amazon carries the extract same throw in four colors at a bit of a higher price.

View attachment 52491

If you don't have a COSTCO nearby Brits can find them on eBay at £21.69 and eBay in the USA have loads at around $32

I used KAM snaps to make mine.

Just Karin · Mar 2, 2019

I soooooo wish I could buy two for my sister and me, planning for starting the vdlp in 6 weeks! I live in The Netherlands and just can’t find those here, or a shop that ships to this country

Jeff Crawley · Mar 2, 2019

Just Karin said:
I soooooo wish I could buy two for my sister and me, planning for starting the vdlp in 6 weeks! I live in The Netherlands and just can’t find those here, or a shop that ships to this country

Just a thought - do you know anybody coming to the UK, specifically Kent, in the next few weeks?

trecile · Mar 2, 2019

Just Karin said:
I soooooo wish I could buy two for my sister and me, planning for starting the vdlp in 6 weeks! I live in The Netherlands and just can’t find those here, or a shop that ships to this country

I have a couple of extra Costco blankets - brand new, but I'm afraid that the shipping would be prohibitively expensive.

Jermann75 · Mar 4, 2019

What a great idea! I sewed velcro onto mine but I love the idea of the zipper! The velcro is super noisy when you want to open it and it's kinda scratchy too!

J F Gregory · Mar 4, 2019

NanaEL said:
I have been searching Costco store and online and have not found anything like this!!

In our area the quilts are a seasonal item.

MinaKamina · Mar 4, 2019

Just Karin said:
I soooooo wish I could buy two for my sister and me, planning for starting the vdlp in 6 weeks! I live in The Netherlands and just can’t find those here, or a shop that ships to this country

This one does ship to the Netherlands:

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Packable...m=333097841915&_trksid=p2047675.c100037.m2107

No import charges for the time being, as the UK is still pre-Brexit.

shubertj · Mar 5, 2019

t2andreo said:
Brilliant! Do you realize you could sell these enhanced quilts for double your investment? Once you figure the process out, wait for an order, go to Costco, buy the quilt and fulfill the order.

I am interested. Is there a color choice? Also, what are the finished interior dimensions?

Its 60X70 inches (152cmX177CM) so figure its half when a sleeping bag. Have seeing only in blue.

t2andreo · Mar 5, 2019

To small to be of use as a sleeping, except for a Smurf... But thanks for replying...

MinaKamina · Mar 5, 2019

t2andreo said:
To small to be of use as a sleeping, except for a Smurf... But thanks for replying...

You'll simply need two quilts, you can smurf them together even if they are made as separate sleeping bags as long as they have the same smurf of zipper.

t2andreo · Mar 5, 2019

But, then it is twice as heavy and bulky. Being big is sometimes a problem...sigh...

trecile · Mar 5, 2019

t2andreo said:
But, then it is twice as heavy and bulky. Being big is sometimes a problem...sigh...

It wouldn't have to be twice as heavy. Each blanket could be cut narrower, say 40" wide and sewn together.

t2andreo · Mar 5, 2019

Too much alteration. I will stick with my Alps Mountaineering microfiber liner. If needed, I will wear clothing to sleep.

Just Karin · Mar 9, 2019

Thanks all!
I manager to buy two and I even received them already!
They seem very thin, or is it me? I find it hard to imaginaire they are warm enough?
But ik you all way they are... Then I have to believe you don’t I
I’m going to think about ho to close it. I saw several options. Funding a sipper that long seems hard. Velcro is noisy someone mentioned. Hmmm....

MinaKamina · Mar 9, 2019

Just Karin said:
Thanks all!
I manager to buy two and I even received them already!
They seem very thin, or is it me? I find it hard to imaginaire they are warm enough?
But ik you all way they are... Then I have to believe you don’t I
I’m going to think about ho to close it. I saw several options. Funding a sipper that long seems hard. Velcro is noisy someone mentioned. Hmmm....

Google 'slaapzakrits'...!

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Adding a zipper to a Costco quilt

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