If you've ever loved the quilt coat trend but weren't sure where to start, the Reclaimed Quilt Jacket by Paula McKinlay and Claire Root is built for that moment. It's a "one size fits almost all" quilted jacket pattern that lets you turn a twin-size or larger quilt — or quilted fabric you make yourself — into a wearable garment. Here's how it works and how to make the most of it.
What Is the Paula McKinlay Quilted Jacket?
This is a sewing pattern for a quilted jacket, designed by Paula McKinlay with Claire Root. The standout feature is its reclaimed approach: instead of cutting fresh yardage, the pattern is engineered to be made from an existing quilt that's twin size or larger. Got a vintage quilt from a thrift store, an old quilt that's seen better days, or one you made and never quite loved? This pattern gives it a second life as a jacket you'll actually wear.
Of course, you don't have to start from a finished quilt. The pattern also works with quilted fabric you create yourself — patchwork it, quilt it, then cut your jacket pieces from it. Either way, you end up with a true quilted garment: a quilted outer layer, batting for warmth and structure, and a lining.
What You'll Need
The pattern keeps the supply list refreshingly short. According to the pattern, you'll need:
- (2) 3-1/8 yard cuts — one for the outside of the jacket and one for the lining
- Batting — for warmth and the signature quilted loft
- 170 inches of 1-1/2" or 2" binding — to finish the jacket's raw edges
If you're reclaiming an existing quilt, that quilt itself covers the "outside + batting" portion (it's already quilted), so you'll mainly need your lining fabric and binding. If you're building quilted fabric from scratch, plan your patchwork panels to roughly the dimensions above, then quilt them to your batting before cutting the pattern pieces.
Best Uses: Who This Pattern Is For
This jacket pattern is ideal for:
- Upcyclers: The reclaimed approach is the heart of the design — giving a well-loved quilt a second act.
- Quilters expanding into garments: All the construction skills are ones you already know — quilting, binding, accurate cutting.
- Statement outerwear: A bold, cozy piece for fall and spring that draws compliments everywhere.
- Patchwork lovers: Building your own quilted fabric lets you design the exact color story you want to wear.
Tips for Cutting and Construction
Plan your layout before you cut. If you're working from a finished quilt, lay the pattern pieces on it first and study where the best prints land. The front panels are the visual focus — try to place a favorite motif center on one.
Mind the quilt's condition. Check older quilts for weak seams and thin spots; reinforce or patch them before they become jacket stress points at shoulders and elbows.
Quilt before cutting. If you're creating quilted fabric, quilt it before cutting garment pieces — quilting changes the fabric's dimensions, and cutting first leads to pieces that shrink out of true.
Bind carefully. With 170 inches of binding finishing the edges, your binding is highly visible. Use 2" binding for a bolder, more casual frame, or 1-1/2" for a sleeker finish.
Color Pairing and Style Ideas
A reclaimed quilt jacket looks best when the binding ties the whole piece together. Pull a binding color from a print already in the quilt — a solid that echoes a secondary color reads more intentional than matching the dominant one. For a self-made quilted jacket, consider a scrappy patchwork in one color family (all blues, all autumn tones) for a cohesive look.
One size fits almost all means the silhouette is relaxed and forgiving — style it open over a tee, or belt it for shape.
Care
Care for your jacket the way you'd care for the quilt it came from. Machine wash gentle and tumble dry low for cotton quilts, washing inside-out to protect the binding. If you reclaimed a vintage quilt, a gentle cycle and line drying will help it last for many more seasons of wear.
Shop the Paula McKinlay Quilted Jacket at Linda's Electric Quilters.
