Transform Your Sweatshirt into a Stylish Quilted Jacket: A Step-by-Step Guide

Do you have an old sweatshirt that you love, but it’s too worn out to wear? Or maybe you just want to add a touch of warmth and style to your wardrobe? Look no further than quilted jacket made from your favorite sweatshirt! This trendy DIY project is not only budget-friendly, but it also allows you to showcase your creativity and love for fashion. Whether you’re a seasoned seamstress or a beginner, this step-by-step guide will show you how to transform a simple sweatshirt into a cozy and stylish quilted jacket. Get ready to revamp your wardrobe with this fun and exciting project – making a quilted jacket from a sweatshirt!

Quilting is a time-honored craft that has been around for centuries. It involves stitching together layers of fabric, typically using a soft padding in between, to create a warm and cozy blanket or garment. One popular type of quilted garment is a jacket made from a sweatshirt. It combines the comfort and casual style of a sweatshirt with the added warmth and texture of quilting. In this guide, we will take you through the steps on how to make your own quilted jacket from a sweatshirt.

Choosing the Right Sweatshirt

The first step in making a quilted jacket from a sweatshirt is to choose the right one. When picking out a sweatshirt for this project, there are some factors to consider. Look for one that is loose-fitting and slightly oversized, as this will ensure there is enough room for the added quilted layer without making the jacket too tight or constricting.

Additionally, you want to choose a sweatshirt made from a sturdy material such as cotton or fleece. These fabrics hold up well with washing and won’t stretch out too much during the quilting process.

Lastly, pay attention to the color and design of the sweatshirt. You may want to use one with a simple design or solid color so that it doesn’t clash with any fabric you choose for quilting.

Gathering Materials

Once you have chosen your sweatshirt, it’s time to gather all the necessary materials for quilting your jacket. In addition to your chosen sweatshirt, you will need:

– Quilting fabric: This will be used for the outer layer of your jacket and can be found at any fabric store.
– Batting: This is what provides insulation in your quilted fabric and can also be found at fabric stores.
– Sewing machine: While it is possible to hand-quilt, using a sewing machine will make the process much quicker and easier.
– Thread: Make sure you have enough thread to match your sweatshirt and quilting fabric.
– Scissors: These will be used to cut your fabric and batting.
– Pins or clips: These will be used to hold your fabric in place while you sew.

Preparing the Sweatshirt

Before you begin quilting, it’s essential to prepare your sweatshirt. Start by washing and drying it according to the care instructions. This will pre-shrink the fabric and ensure that it doesn’t shrink or warp after it has been quilted.

Next, lay out your sweatshirt on a flat surface and smooth out any wrinkles. If necessary, use an iron on low heat to get rid of any creases.

Cutting the Fabric and Batting

Now it’s time to prepare your quilting fabric and batting. You’ll need enough fabric and batting to cover the front, back, sleeves, and collar of your sweatshirt.

Start by placing the sweatshirt on top of your quilting fabric with the right side facing down. Use a ruler or measuring tape to trace around each of the elements of your sweatshirt (front, back, sleeves, and collar), adding an extra inch around all sides for seam allowance.

Next, place the traced pieces onto your batting and cut them out using scissors.

Quilting Your Sweatshirt

Once you have all your pieces cut out, it’s time to start quilting! Lay out one layer of batting on a flat surface followed by the corresponding piece of quilted fabric with the right side facing up.

Using either pins or clips, secure the layers together. Then use a sewing machine with coordinating thread to stitch along the edges of your quilting design. You can create any pattern you like – some popular choices for quilted jackets include simple straight lines, diagonal lines, or geometric shapes.

Repeat this process for all the remaining pieces of your sweatshirt until the whole jacket is quilted.

Assembling Your Quilted Jacket

Once all the quilting is complete, it’s time to assemble your jacket. Lay out your quilted sweatshirt with the right side facing up. Then place your original sweatshirt on top with the right side facing down.

Using pins or clips, match up all the edges of the two pieces and then sew along the seams with a sewing machine. Make sure to leave a small opening at one of the sleeve openings to turn the jacket right-side-out.

Finally, turn your jacket right-side-out and close up the opening using a needle and thread or by using your sewing machine.

Finishing Touches

To give your quilted jacket a polished look, add some finishing touches. You can add buttons, zippers, or a hood for added functionality and style. You can also use bias tape to cover any raw edges on the inside of your jacket.

Once all these steps are completed, you now have your very own quilted jacket made from a sweatshirt! Not only is it unique and

What is a Quilted Jacket?

A quilted jacket is a popular and stylish type of outerwear that features a quilted, padded design. These jackets typically have a lightweight fabric on the outside and are filled with either down or synthetic insulation for warmth. Quilted jackets can come in various styles, lengths, and colors, making them versatile for both casual and formal occasions.

The quilted design is created by stitching together layers of fabric with padding in between, giving the jacket its signature puffy appearance. This not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also provides added warmth and comfort. The stitching also helps to keep the insulation evenly distributed throughout the jacket, preventing cold spots.

Quilted jackets have been around for centuries but have recently experienced a surge in popularity due to their timeless style and practicality. They are suitable for both men and women of all ages and can be worn as an everyday coat or as a stylish statement piece.

Materials Required to Make a Quilted Jacket From a Sweatshirt

To make your own quilted jacket from a sweatshirt, you will need the following materials:

– A sweatshirt (preferably one that fits comfortably)
– Fabric for the lining (cotton or flannel works well)
– Lightweight fusible interfacing
– Batting (cotton or polyester)
– Coordinating thread
– Sewing machine
– Scissors
– Ruler/measuring tape
– Straight pins
– Fabric marking tool (chalk or disappearing ink pen)
– Iron

Step-by-step Guide to Making a Quilted Jacket From a Sweatshirt

Step 1: Preparing the sweatshirt
The first step is choosing your base sweatshirt. It’s important to find one that fits you comfortably as it will be used as the base for your quilted jacket. Once you have your sweatshirt, lay it flat on your work surface and measure the length from the shoulder to the hem. This measurement will determine how long your quilted jacket will be.

Next, turn your sweatshirt inside out and use a fabric marking tool to mark the desired length for your jacket. Cut off any excess fabric, leaving enough for a seam allowance.

Step 2: Preparing the lining
Using the same method as above, measure and mark the desired length on your lining fabric. Cut it out according to the marked line. Use this piece as a template to cut out another piece of lining fabric.

Step 3: Creating the front panels
Place one of the lining pieces on top of one half of the sweatshirt with right sides facing each other. Pin them together along the front zipper line. Stitch along this line, using a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Repeat this process for the other half of the sweatshirt and remaining lining piece.

Step 4: Adding interfacing
Cut lightweight fusible interfacing into strips that are slightly shorter than your zipper line. Place these strips on both front panels, aligning them with the stitching line you created in step 3. Iron them onto the fabric to secure them in place.

Step 5: Creating quilted sections
This is where you can get creative with your design! Using a ruler or measuring tape, create quilting lines on both layers of fabric (sweatshirt and lining) using a marking tool. These lines can be straight, diagonal, or even curvy depending on your preference.

Once you have marked all of your lines, use straight pins to hold both layers of fabric together while you sew along these lines using coordinating thread. This stitching will secure all layers together and create a quilted effect.

Step 6: Attaching the front panels
Lay your quilted sweatshirt on your work surface with the right side facing up. Place each front panel on top, aligning it with the zipper line. Pin them in place and stitch them onto the quilted sweatshirt using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Step 7: Adding batting
To add extra warmth and volume to your quilted jacket, sandwich a layer of batting in between the sweatshirt and lining layers. Cut the batting to match the size of your jacket and place it in between the layers before sewing them together.

Step 8: Sewing the rest of the jacket together
Fold your jacket in half with right sides facing each other and align all edges. Pin them together and stitch along all edges using a 1/2 inch seam allowance, leaving a small opening at one side for turning.

Step 9: Turning and finishing your jacket
Turn your jacket right side out through the opening you left in step 8. Use an iron to press all seams flat. You can choose to hand sew or topstitch around the edges to close the opening, or simply stitch over it when quilting.

Congratulations!

1. How do I get started in making a quilted jacket from a sweatshirt?
To begin, you will need to gather materials such as a sweatshirt, quilting fabric, batting, scissors, sewing machine, and basic sewing supplies.

2. Can I use any type of sweatshirt for this project?
Yes, you can use any type of sweatshirt as long as it is in good condition and made of fabric that can be easily quilted.

3. Do I need to have sewing experience to make a quilted jacket from a sweatshirt?
While it may be helpful to have some basic sewing skills, this project can be completed by anyone with clear instructions and patience.

4. What is the process for quilting the fabric onto the sweatshirt?
First, cut your quilting fabric and batting into smaller pieces and then layer them on top of each other with the sweatshirt in between. Pin the layers together and sew them using your preferred quilting stitch.

5. Can I modify the design of the quilted jacket to fit my personal style?
Yes, you can customize your quilted jacket by adding extra embellishments or changing the shape and placement of the quilting fabric.

6. How long does it take to make a quilted jacket from a sweatshirt?
The time it takes to complete this project will vary depending on your experience level and speed of sewing. However, on average it may take around 2-3 hours to finish.

In conclusion, turning a sweatshirt into a quilted jacket is a fun and easy way to upcycle old clothing and create something new and unique. It allows for personalization and customization of a garment while also being an environmentally friendly alternative to buying new clothes. From choosing the right sweatshirt to adding quilting details and finishing touches, there are various steps involved in making a quilted jacket from a sweatshirt.

First and foremost, it is important to select a sweatshirt that is in good condition and preferably made of cotton or other natural fibers for easier quilting. Next, determining the sizing and pattern for the jacket is crucial to ensure that it fits well and achieves the desired design. Investing time in cutting out uniform pieces for the quilt sleeve panels, hood, front body, and back body will result in a more symmetrical look.

Adding batting or filler material between the layers of fabric can provide warmth and volume to the jacket while also providing an opportunity to experiment with different textures. Quilting techniques such as stitch-in-the-ditch, grid or free-motion can be used to attach the layers together while also creating decorative patterns.

Lastly, finishing touches such as pockets, zippers or snaps add functionality to the jacket while enhancing its aesthetic appeal. Additionally,

Author Profile

Rebecca Nolen

My name is Rebecca, though most people simply call me Becca. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French style and timeless garden blooms. Peonies, with their soft layers and romantic charm, are my constant muse.

I hope you find a warm, inviting space to enjoy stitching my patterns. Brew your favorite coffee, settle in, and create a heartfelt piece of hand-embroidered art. Let your home reflect its own personality and soul with stitches that speak of comfort and grace.

My goal is to share beautiful patterns that inspire peaceful, mindful stitching. My hope is that you discover the quiet joy of hand-embroidery. My work has been featured across creative communities and in Stitch & Story Journal and The Artisan’s Review. Cross stitch remains my truest source of joy.

Since 2024, I’ve embarked on an exciting chapter—writing an informative blog dedicated to the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my love for the craft, offering detailed articles and personal responses to reader questions on all things stitching.

It covers a wide range of topics, from beginner-friendly tips and original pattern creation to historical insights and the therapeutic benefits of needlework. My goal is to build a space where stitchers of all levels can learn, share, and grow together, finding their own peace and pleasure in cross stitch just as I did.

To all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French, thank you. Your kind words, photos of finished creations, and steady encouragement are the threads that keep me creating. Let’s keep stitching a world of beauty and serenity, one pattern at a time.