Cut Velcro

I used 5/8" wide velcro (with adhesive backing), because it was the same size as my straps. You can use any size available to you as long as it is equal to or smaller than the width of your straps.



For the loop side of the velcro, cut (4) 2" pieces.

For the hook side of the velcro, cut (2) 2" pieces and (2) 6" pieces.

*The purpose of the 6" pieces is to give your straps a bit of adjustability.



The hook side of the velcro will be placed on the straps and the loop side (the softer side) will attach directly to the sleeping bag. That way you won't have any scratchy, rough velcro inside your sleeping bag while you're sleeping.



Cut Straps

I used 5/8" wide elastic for my straps. I didn't have any webbing to use. After using my sleeping bag for a weekend away I realized webbing would work much better. The elastic was a bit too stretchy and it felt like the straps weren't as supportive as I wanted. If you don't have access to webbing and are going to use elastic, I recommend measuring the elastic while it is stretched, rather than measuring it while it was relaxed like I did.



I measured the elastic to my body, measuring from my waist in the front, up and over my shoulders, down to my waist in the back. This was 46". I cut (2) pieces of elastic 46" long. If you're using elastic, make this measurement while the elastic is stretched. You'll be much happier with the result.



Attach Velcro to Straps

Lay the straps flat on the counter. On one end of each strap, attach the 2" pieces of hook velcro. On the other end, attach the 6" piece of hook velcro.



I used a sewing machine to secure the velcro to the elastic because I didn't trust the strength of the adhesive and I didn't want these straps to fail while using my sleeping bag on a camping trip. If you do this, sew the perimeter of the velcro to the elastic. I used a zig-zag stitch for extra durability.



Attach Velcro to Sleeping Bag

Put on the sleeping bag - arms in arm holes and legs in leg holes. You will notice the bag is probably slouching it's way to the ground. Pick up the bag and raise it up until it's not dragging on the ground. This is where you'll want to attach the velcro straps. Reach inside and mark this spot - with a marker or a pin - anything really.



Take off the sleeping bag and open it up. Find your mark. Starting with the back, measure the width of the bag at this point. My bag measured 26.5" wide. I wanted the straps to be 10" apart. I found the center of the back and measured 5" to each side. This is where I stuck two of the 2" looped velcro strips. Repeat this process for the front of the bag, and stick your remaining two velcro pieces centered and 10" apart.



Using a needle and thread, I hand sewed the corners of each velcro piece on to the bag for more security. I didn't use a sewing machine because I didn't want these stitches to be visible on the outside of the bag, and I didn't know how to accomplish this with a sewing machine.



Now you can attach the straps to the bag!

