So you want to make a quilt coat? Not sure where to start or where to find the right quilt coat pattern? As quilters, we have a good grasp on the “quilt” portion of the quilt coat, but the “coat” portion? Hmmm. Luckily, coats are pretty forgiving clothing, so if anything, I suggest you jump in and try! In this blog post I’m going to detail patterns I considered when making my quilt coat and suggestions for fabrics.
What’s a muslin? And do I need one?
In sewing clothing, a muslin is a sample clothing item you make before you cut into the good stuff. It helps you to determine your size and fit. Do you need one? It can be helpful to make a muslin, using some cheap fabric (old sheets, fabric you don’t like, etc.) to ensure a good final fit. It will also help you to learn the process of making your coat without the stress of using “the good stuff”. So, I do recommend making a muslin before you begin. As stated above, use some cheap or ugly fabric, and sandwich it with some batting scraps (aka: frankenbatting) and backing. When making my quilt coat, I did make a muslin first. I’m glad I did because even though I sized down, the size I ended up making was still overly big. I was glad I didn’t make an entire quilt, cut up an entire quilt, and turn it into a coat and THEN find out the size wasn’t right.
Quilt coat pattern to use:
Okay, so now we need to talk about what quilt coat pattern to use. Quilt coats are unique because you can eliminate the need for lining by binding all inner seams with bias tape. When deciding on my quilt coat pattern, I looked at the following coat patterns. Edit 6/2021: I’m adding in my own pattern, the Patchwork Chore Coat! After making two of the patterns below, I set out to design my own based on what I was looking for in a coat pattern.
Patchwork Chore Coat:
The Patchwork Chore Coat by Patchwork and Poodles comes in 8 sizes, XXS – 3XL. It comes with a button closure (hurrah!) and two views: View A has a classic chore coat collar, and View B has a hood (!!). It comes in one length, but I have a blog post on how I lengthened and added a zipper instead of the buttons. Check out #patchworkchorecoat on Instagram for many more makes using this pattern.
Purchase the Patchwork Chore Coat pattern:
Sapporo Coat:
There’s some beautiful quilt coats out there made from the Sapporo Coat pattern by Papercut Patterns. I really love the shape and the pockets on this coat. However, I made a muslin, I sized down TWO sizes, and this was the result:
My muslin was made from non-stretch sweatshirt fleece and a flannel lining. It has become my go-to coat to sling on when I take Riley on his morning potty break because it is oversized and warm. But, I really don’t love the look or fit to wear it outside my home. I could size down one more size, but honestly I’m worried I still won’t be happy with this pattern’s fit on me. So, I looked for other coat pattern options. BUT! I’ve seen some really lovely versions that look awesome on other people. We’re all made differently!
Tamarack Jacket:
The Tamarack Jacket by Grainline Studios is made for quilted materials, so it is a good pattern to consider for a quilt coat. It is a pattern for a shorter, more fitted coat pattern. Homeday Studio has a great blog post on how to make the patchwork Tamarack Jacket featured above.
Wiksten Haori:
This beautiful pattern boasts simple lines which are perfect for a quilt coat! You can find it for purchase here. I especially love the patchwork and hand-quilted version by The German Edge featured above.
Simplicity 8298:
Oh my goodness if you’re looking for a vintage style and cut, Simplicity 8298 might be for you. It is just so so cute! And has a hood option! And multiple lengths! Plus, there’s a matching kids’ sized pattern too! (Side note: when I was putting together this blog post, I noticed this pattern go on clearance on Simplicity’s site. So if it is no longer available, check Ebay, Etsy, Amazon, and other resellers).
Courtney Rae documented making the above Simplicity 8298 quilt coat on Instagram. Check out this post for her helpful tips/tricks, along with the Quilt Coat highlight saved in her Instagram stories.
Paola Jacket:
This is a FREE pattern by Fabric-Store.com. Diana Vandeyar turned it into a gorgeous quilt coat in shades of red! You can look at her progress on this quilt coat on her Instagram, or head to her blog for a virtual quilt coat mock-up!
New Look 6585:
Okay, so after reviewing all of my options, making a test coat out of the Sapporo pattern and hating the fit, I settled on this pattern. The New Look 6585 pattern is made for double-faced or reversible fabrics so it doesn’t have a separate lining. If that doesn’t sound right for a quilt coat, I don’t know what does! I’ve seen several people make a quilt coat with separate lining, but since I’m using an existing quilt, I wanted to find a pattern that would work without needing a separate lining.
Plus! This pattern has a hood! It comes in three lengths, and it has pockets, although to be honest I’m undecided if I’m going to add them. My quilt is rather puffy, and I worry that the pockets would be overkill on the puff factor. Maybe I’ll change my mind, but luckily, since they are exterior pockets, I can always add them at the end. I’m leaning towards view B, which is the medium length coat. I’m sure I’ll make modifications along the way (like bias binding instead of folding over the edges, etc.) and if I do, I’ll make sure to document all of it for you!
Grainger Coat:
The Grainger coat by Muna and Broad is a great option for a quilt coat that comes in plus sizes! It has a short and a long length and was created for pre-quilted fabric so its a good choice for a quilt coat!
Toddler Quilt Coat Pattern:
I found this great FREE quilt coat pattern by Small Dream Factory for a 2 year old! I made one as a way to test out some finishing techniques before jumping into an adult-sized coat. You can read all about it here. I also love the look of this Pixie Pea Coat by Twig and Tale if you need a wide range of sizes.
Dog Quilt Coat Pattern:
Make sure your entire family is outfitted this winter! Read about my quilt coat for Riley.
Fabrics:
Think about your favorite quilt blocks, how do you want to use them within your quilt coat? (Harvest Star would make a killer quilt coat!) Perhaps you want to add a feature panel on the back of your quilt coat. Or, you desire an overall design. Even a simple square patchwork can look stunning when turned into a coat. Improv quilts make great, unique quilt coats and are a great stashbuster too!
Another option to consider is cutting up an old quilt. When searching for these online, look for the words “cutter quilt” which denotes a quilt that has a lot of rips or stains. These make great quilt coats since you’re able to cut around the rips or stains and provide that quilt with a second life. These quilts also tend to be more economical to purchase.
Loved your post. I am making a tamarack right now. But I definitely want to make more quilt coats. Not sure why I have gotten so obsessed with these lately but I am! I have been a quilter for years but not a seamstress. I think maybe because it is being able to wear something I love so much…quilts! Can’t wait to see your process. I am highly adapting the tamarack but will have to check out the pattern you are using.
I’m obsessed too! I want ALL. THE. QUILT. COATS now!!
One of the issues I have is that i want to make the Tamarack jacket and add a collar. It’s difficult finding another pattern with a collar that is right for the Tamarack.
It might be a case of trial and error… if you make a muslin then played with collar styles & shapes that might help. Good luck!
Hi ! Did you ever make the NewLook pattern 6585 ? I’m looking for a simple pattern to make a coat from and existing quilt. I thought that pattern might work but am curious if it worked for you.
Thank you !
I did make it! Here’s a blog post about it: https://patchworkandpoodles.com/quilt-coat-a-finished-project/ Of course I’m biased towards the Patchwork Chore Coat 😉 but this one can give you a different style if that’s what you’re looking for!
Find another jacket pattern that has the collar you want. Trace the neckline from that pattern onto the Tamarack jacket pattern. I’ve been “merging” patterns together for 50 years. Great fun!
Hi A bit late to this party I know and maybe you already know but Grainline have an add on for the Tamarack for a collar or hood and pockets. 🙂
I have been making quilt coats for granddaughters and myself. My strategy has not been to cut up an existing quilt. Instead I create the pattern pieces by layering the backing and batting a bit larger than a pattern piece and then quilt as you go. I have used strip quilting from fun jellyrolls for my granddaughters. Once the section is finished I cut out the pattern piece. After creating all the pattern pieces I sew them together. I either zigzag or bind the seams. Then I bind all the edges of the jacket with contrasting fabric.
That’s a great way to do it! That was my strategy for the toddler quilt coat I made. You’ve got some very lucky granddaughters!
Love this round up of patterns! I’d like to add another to your list. All Well Workshop has a great pattern called the Cardigan Coat that is excellent for quilted materials. It has a lot of size and customization options, as well.
Thanks for the recommendation!
Liking for someone willing to sell me their simplicity 8298 coat pattern. It is no longer being made I guess.
Lmk if so. Thank you!
Hi there! As recent as a month ago, my local Joann Fabrics still had some in stock. I’ve also seen it on Mercari, Ebay, and Etsy. Good luck!
Another sewing pattern that was designed specifically for quilted fabrics is the Ayora Jacket be Pauline Alice. https://www.paulinealicepatterns.com/en/jackets-coats/103-ayora-jacket.html
I haven’t heard of that one – thanks for sharing!
Hey! This is a great roundup! I would suggest adding the All Well Cardigan Coat by the All Well Workshop. It is made specifically for quilted material and there are some great posts on their blog where the team has purchased old, stained quilts and given them new life with their pattern. I highly recommend it!
YES! That’s a great one!
Thank you, Elaine, so much for sharing your research and experience with us. So funny, I just bought that same New Look pattern yesterday! I too have a love and appreciation of wonderful old quilts. I am a costume designer and have used worn out quilts for costume purposes several times. I made a cocoon shaped coat last week out of a comforter from Victoria’s Secret that I bought at thrift. I based it on a jacket that I made many years ago but unfortunately no longer have the actual pattern. I will let you know how this pattern works out for me.
I love that! I think old quilts can still have a lot of life left in them, even if that life is no longer as an actual quilt!
Hello! Did you finish the coat for the New Look pattern? I’m curious how that looks.
Yes – there’s a blog post on this site about it 🙂
Thanks for an informative post, a quilt coat has been rumbling around my head for a while! Please note the Wiksten coat is no longer available.
What quilt batting would you recommend for a quilt coat? So many choices!!
Thank you so much for this post! I’d been looking at the Sapporo coat, but it looks like you an I have a similar build and I think it would be way too oversized on me too.
Yeah, I made the second-from-smallest size, and when I evaluated my muslin, I realized that even going down to the smallest size would still make a coat that drowned me so I looked elsewhere.
Great info! I just finished my first quilt coat and I am now totally addicted. I have already purchased two antique quilts to make more!! I thought I would share that I used Butterick 6394 for my pattern with a few adjustments. I was not able to find the New Look pattern but this one worked just fine. Here is a link to see my finished coat. I love it so much!! https://www.instagram.com/reel/CaknvG9A15x/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link