How to Make a Quilted Jacket from a Reclaimed Quilt: Tips for Quilters
A quilted jacket turns the warmth and patchwork you love in a quilt into something you can wear out the door. The Paula McKinlay Quilted Jacket pattern — The Reclaimed Quilt Jacket by Paula McKinlay and Claire Root — is designed as a one size fits almost all quilted jacket, so you can focus on fabric choices instead of complicated fitting. It offers two paths to the same cozy result: repurpose a quilt you already have, or build your own quilted fabric from scratch.
What Is the Paula McKinlay Quilted Jacket?
This is a garment pattern for a jacket made from quilted fabric. If you have a twin size or larger quilt that is no longer in regular use — a thrifted find or a finished quilt ready for a second life — this pattern shows you how to reclaim it as wearable clothing. If you would rather start fresh, you can create your own quilted fabric instead, piecing and quilting exactly the colors and prints you want to wear.
For the from-scratch route, the pattern calls for two 3 1/8 yard cuts — one for the outside and one for the lining. You will also need batting and 170 inches of 1 1/2 inch or 2 inch binding to finish the jacket.
Why Quilters and Sewists Love This Project
First, it is sustainable sewing with real meaning. A reclaimed quilt already carries hours of work and often a story; giving it new life as a jacket keeps that work in daily use instead of folded away in a closet.
Second, the one size fits almost all approach lowers the barrier for garment sewing. Many quilters who are confident with patchwork hesitate at fitted clothing patterns, and a forgiving jacket design makes the jump from quilts to wearables much friendlier.
Third, it is endlessly personal. A jacket from bold modern prints reads completely differently from one made from soft vintage florals, even though both follow the same pattern.
How to Make It, Step by Step
- Choose your starting point. Decide whether you are reclaiming an existing twin size or larger quilt, or making your own quilted fabric. Inspect a reclaimed quilt first, checking for thin spots or open seams to avoid when placing pattern pieces.
- Gather your materials. For the from-scratch route, collect your two 3 1/8 yard cuts for the outside and lining, plus batting. For either route, have your 170 inches of 1 1/2 inch or 2 inch binding ready.
- Prepare your quilted fabric. If making your own, layer outside fabric, batting, and lining, and quilt them together before you cut. If reclaiming a quilt, press it gently and lay it flat to plan your layout.
- Plan your placement. Position the jacket pieces so favorite blocks land where you want them — across the back or on a front panel. Take a photo of your layout before you cut.
- Cut and construct the jacket. Follow the pattern instructions to cut your pieces from the quilted fabric and sew the jacket together, taking your time through the thicker layers.
- Bind the edges. Apply your binding to finish the raw edges as the pattern directs, for a clean, durable edge that also adds a design accent.
Practical Tips
Use a fresh, sturdy needle and lengthen your stitch slightly when sewing through quilted layers. Walk bulky seam intersections slowly, and trim excess batting in seam allowances where the pattern allows, so seams lie flatter. Test your pressing approach on a hidden area first, especially with older quilts, and support the quilt's weight as you work so seams are not stressed. Save offcuts for matching pockets or a small tote — nothing needs to go to waste.
Care and Storage
Care for your finished jacket much as you would the quilt it came from: gentle washing in cool water, and air drying or low heat, will help preserve the fabrics and quilting. Between wears, hang it on a wide, padded hanger to support its weight evenly, or fold it loosely. Keep it out of prolonged direct sunlight, just as you would a treasured quilt.
Project Ideas
Create a seasonal version from a holiday quilt for festive wear, or piece a completely new quilted fabric from stash scraps for a one-of-a-kind scrappy jacket. A thrifted quilt with no family history attached makes a low-pressure first try, letting you learn the construction before cutting into a sentimental piece. Whether you reclaim a beloved quilt or quilt your own fabric, this pattern turns quilting skills into wearable warmth.
Shop the Paula McKinlay Quilted Jacket at Linda's Electric Quilters.
