As September shortens and October approaches, every quilter’s social media begins to fill with photos of gorgeous quilt coats. Modern, traditional, structured, drapey, minimal, maximal, new, upcycled, the possibilities are endless, and all are enviable. It causes one to think, “I’m a quilter. I should be able to make one of those!” So you gather your courage, select a sacrificial quilt, and… pick a coat pattern? But which one?? There are so many! They all look great in photos, but would they look the same on you? I’ve been in your quilty shoes, and went searching high and low for a comprehensive review of quilt coat patterns. There were some moderately helpful articles, but none provided an example of one person modeling different coat designs. Well, “necessity is the mother of invention,” so I decided to create my own list. I selected three modern coat patterns to test in hopes of finding the perfect pattern and passing on the experiences to the next quilter in need.
My ideals for a quilt coat: a modern cut, relaxed fit, but not bulky, mid-length, large pockets, and a hood. For reference, I am 5’ 10” and generally a medium in most clothes.
The hunt for patterns matching these criteria began, and eventually three patterns— NewLook 6586, Nova Coat by Papercut patterns, and Chiono Jacket by Sewillow—emerged as the front-runners. Each pattern offered something slightly different. NewLook 6585 had 3 length options, a hood, and draped silhouette; the Nova Coat was a modern cut with large pockets and relaxed fit; Chiono Jacket was also a modern cut, good length, and relaxed fit without the bulk.
After pattern selection comes the most important step of the quilt coat process: TEST THE PATTERN!!!
If you take nothing else from this post, please, Please, PLEASE — before cutting a beloved quilt to pieces, you must test to your jacket pattern to verify size and cut. This post provides some help by reviewing the designs, but every body is different, and it is impossible to know how a coat will fit until you try it on. Many suggest making a muslin version, but if you do this, remember that a quilt is much bulkier and stiffer than muslin fabric. This may affect sizing. I suggest scouring local thrift and antique stores for old, worn-out quilts as an inexpensive way to test the pattern (and also repurpose an old treasure!). It will give a more realistic representation of the final product. The quilts used in these test coats were full of holes and threadbare patches. While well loved during their prime, it was clear that they would benefit from a second chance in garment form. I am so thankful I didn’t waste a quilt that took hours to sew on patterns that didn’t work.
7 comments
I copied your first quilt coat, I feel like it’s only right to do it again😜! Thanks for your excellent information.
Thank you so much for this review! I’m a quilter and when bored make purses. I have been dreaming of making a coat and your review as a beginner gives me courage to give it a try. I’m going to give the Chiono a try! I’ll let you know how it goes!