How to Make a Bedroll

Homemade bedrolls are easy versions of this antique military one.

Bedrolls serve as portable sleeping pads that can be rolled up and carried with ease. They are commonly used in camping and other wilderness environments but are also useful as floor pallets for overnight guests and slumber parties. Making your own bedroll isn't a difficult endeavor and the materials used are minimal. This makes it possible for you to save money and make your own instead of purchasing commercially produced ones.

Things You'll Need

• Fabric roll
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Fiber filling
• Fabric glue
• Nylon ribbon roll

Instructions

1. 

   Denim is durable, soft and easy to clean.

   Cut two rectangles of fabric measuring 38 inches wide by 70 inches long. This is about the size of a twin sized bed pad. If you want to create a larger roll to accommodate two people, double the width. Use a durable, but comfortable fabric such as denim, corduroy or canvas.

2. 

   Down feathers are soft and provide comfort for slumber.

   Lay one of the rectangular segments in front of you evenly. Cover the surface of the fabric with 2 or 3 inches of fiber filling. Fiber filling materials can be goose down feathers, cotton batting or a hypoallergenic poly-blend for allergy sufferers. Leave an inch of fabric exposed at all sides of the fabric surrounding the filling.

3. 

   Futon mattresses can also be altered to create a quick and simple bedroll.

   Squeeze a 1 inch. thick line of glue along all edges of the rectangular fabric segment. Layer the second fabric segment over the first, encasing the filling. Press the edges together firmly and allow them to dry for 10 minutes. This creates a plush mattress-like pad that resembles a futon mattress.

4. 

   Nylon ribbon serves as a material for binding the bedroll after it is rolled.

   Cut two strips of nylon ribbon measuring 140 inches, or 12 feet. Glue a free end of each ribbon at the center of each end of the mattress. Make sure both ribbons are glued on the same side so the mattress can be flipped over to conceal them during use. Let the mattress dry for an hour to allow the glue to fully set.

5. Roll the bedroll from one end tightly. This conceals one of the ribbons, but leaves one of them extra long. Reach into the rolled pat of the bedroll and locate the end of the concealed ribbon. Pull it out so you can use it. Wrap the long length of excess ribbon from the other end of the roll around the roll one time. Connect the two ribbon ends together into a simple bow.

Resources

• Sewing: Sewing Resources