Quilted Clothing: Cosy Layers, Handmade Style

There’s something so timeless about quilted clothing. It’s the perfect mix of comfort, creativity, and sustainability and I’ve been completely hooked on it. Whether it’s a patchwork jacket stitched from your favourite fabric scraps or a cosy vest made from an old quilt, quilted garments are such a lovely way to combine your love of quilting and dressmaking.

And since I can’t keep a secret for long… there’s a new Made on Monday sewing pattern coming soon that fits this theme perfectly! (Think comfy layering, patchwork potential, and all the reasons to dig through your scrap basket.)

So in the meantime, before the launch, I thought it would be fun to share some tips and ideas to help you plan your own quilted make - whether you’re using my upcoming pattern or one you already have!

How to Plan Your Own Patchwork

Patchwork clothing doesn’t have to mean chaos - it’s all about balance. Before you dive into cutting, take a bit of time to plan the overall look.

• Pick a palette. Start by gathering fabrics that sit well together. If you’re using scraps, look for a repeating theme - maybe it’s all florals, all denim, or shades from one colour family.

• Think about texture. Quilted clothing works best when the fabrics are similar in weight. Mixing quilting cottons with cord, flannel, or light denim can add interest without making the garment too heavy.

• Keep scale in mind. Large prints can get lost in small patchwork squares, so balance big and small designs.

• Lay it out before you sew. Snap a photo of your fabric layout - it’s a great reference if you’re piecing over a few days (or weeks!).

  
  

Once your patchwork panel is ready, you can layer it with wadding and lining, quilt it however you like (straight lines, wavy stitches, hand quilting, it’s all fair game), then cut your pattern pieces from your newly quilted fabric.

Using Patchwork for Dressmaking

When it comes to dressmaking, treat your patchwork like any other fabric. Once you’ve pieced and pressed your panels, you’re essentially creating your own custom textile - one that’s completely unique to you.

Before you start sewing your garment, make sure you’ve created enough patchwork to cover all of your pattern pieces. The easiest way to do this is to lay your paper pattern pieces out flat and use them as a rough guide. Add a little extra patchwork around the edges for good measure, it’s always better to have a bit more than to fall short.

Press your seams well and make sure everything sits flat before cutting into it. You can even back your patchwork with a lightweight interfacing or pre-quilt the fabric if you want to give it extra stability. Then, simply carry on with your dressmaking as normal!

It’s such a fun way to combine quilting and clothing, you get the creativity of piecing fabrics together, but with the satisfaction of making something wearable at the end.

Upcycling Old Quilts into New Clothes

If you’ve got an old quilt tucked away, maybe it’s worn at the edges or has a few too many stains for the bed, it could have a new life as a piece of wearable art.

Here are a few tips before you start cutting:

• Check the condition. Look for areas where the fabric and stitching are still sturdy. These can become panels, pockets, or even sleeves.

• Stabilise delicate sections. If parts of the quilt are thin, add a lightweight fusible interfacing to the back before cutting.

• Use the quilt’s design. Let the patchwork pattern guide your placement - a favourite block can make a perfect back panel or statement pocket.

• Mind the bulk. Older quilts can be quite thick, so choose simpler patterns with fewer seams or darts to make sewing easier.

It’s such a satisfying process, taking something with history and turning it into something you can wear every day. Each stitch carries a little bit of the quilt’s story into its next chapter.

A Little Hint…

If you’ve been dreaming of a quilted make for the cooler months ahead, keep your eyes peeled, our next Made on Monday pattern is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect project to show off your patchwork skills (or to finally make use of that beautiful quilt you’ve been saving).

Make sure you’re signed up to the newsletter so you don’t miss the launch and in the meantime, start gathering your fabrics and scraps. Your next cosy make is waiting to be stitched!

(fabrics use - Denim Florals by Liberty Fabrics)