How to Make Clothing Out of a Quilt

Quilted jackets are a fun way to stay warm.

Quilts are full of fun colors and patterns arranged in an often stunning way. While these blankets are a stylish way to snuggle up and keep warm, they can also be turned into fun clothing. Quilted jackets, skirts and pants bring that quirky style to the adventurous fashionista's wardrobe. While stores carry quilted clothing for sale, these items can be made by hand from actual quilts to provide an even more unique garment.

Things You'll Need

• Quilt
• Scissors
• Clothing patterns/old clothing
• Tailor's chalk
• Dressmaker's pins
• Needle and thread
• Lining fabric (optional)

Instructions

Choose Your Pattern

1. Determine what item of clothing you want to turn your quilt into. Pants, jackets, dresses, skirts and more can be made from quilts.

   Thicker quilts can be made into warm jackets. Thinner quilts are more suitable for making pants, skirts and dresses as they are easier to move in.

2. 

   Patterns help create clothing that fits you properly.

   Choose the appropriate pattern to use, or cut apart a similar item of clothing and trace around the pieces onto paper to create your own pattern.

   Cut out the pattern pieces according to the directions on the package.

3. Lay your quilt flat on your work space. Pin your pattern pieces on top of the quilt and trace around them.

4. Sew the pieces together according to the pattern. Add a lining if desired.

   Finish the garment by adding any buttons or embellishments you want.

Tips & Warnings

• Make your own quilted fabric by sewing together pieces of fabric.

• Mix fabric from different quilts to give your garments and even more quirky, mix-matched look.

• Sewing needles can break when sewing thick fabric. Sew slowly and pay attention to your machine.

References

• Mad Quilter: How To Make A Quilted Tote Bag

Resources

• Sewing Patterns: Misc. Jacket & Vest Patterns & Books