Thrift Flip Tutorial: Easy Quilted Jacket From an Old Blanket

ModernModiste
by ModernModiste
12 Materials
$12
3 Hours
Medium

Start with a thrift store quilted blanket and then follow this tutorial to learn how to make a quilted jacket from it.


This DIY quilted jacket is perfect for spring or fall weather (or year-round if you’re lucky enough to live somewhere temperate!)


I create a similar garment in my previous tutorial, How to Make a Cozy Reversible Quilted Jacket Out of Old Blankets.


This time, I wanted to make a lighter version for spring, so I opted for a lightweight quilted blanket.

Tools and materials:

  • Lightweight quilted thrift store blanket
  • Scrap lightweight fabric
  • Scrap linen fabric
  • Hoodie for pattern
  • Pattern paper
  • Pen or pencil
  • Scissors
  • Sewing pins
  • Snap button kit
  • Bias tape
  • Thread
  • Sewing machine
How to make a quilted jacket pattern

1. Create the quilted jacket pattern

Tuck the hood of your hoodie inside so it’s out of your way. Fold your hoodie in half lengthwise and mark the top and bottom of the shoulder seam on your paper, then trace the outline of the body of the hoodie on your paper.


Tip: If you want your jacket to be longer or shorter than your hoodie, trace the back to your desired length.

Tracing around a hoodie for the pattern

Fold back the sleeve of your hoodie so you can trace the armhole curve onto your paper.

Cutting out the paper pattern with seam allowance

Cut your pattern, adding a seam allowance on all sides except the long straight back edge, which will be placed on the fold of your fabric.


This will be the pattern piece for the back of your jacket.

Using the back pattern to make the front pattern

Now trace this pattern piece onto another piece of paper. Lower the neckline and add 2 inches to the “fold” edge for a button placket on the front of your jacket.

Making the sleeve patterns

Trace the sleeve of your hoodie, including the shoulder, onto your paper. Then, flip over your seam and trace it again in a mirror image to the first.


Tip: Check with a ruler to make sure both sides are the same length!

Cutting out the pattern pieces from the blanket

From your quilted fabric, cut out two front pieces adding another two inches to the front of those pieces. Cut out one back piece on the fold and cut out two sleeves.


Tip: line up the bottom of your front and back pieces with the bottom of the blanket so that you won’t have to do any hemming.

How to make pockets

2. Make pockets

For each pocket you want, cut out one pocket and one pocket flap from your quilt fabric as shown in the image above. You can free draw these to your liking.


Cut a second pocket and pocket flap from some matching or coordinating lightweight scrap fabric. 

Assembling the pockets

With right sides together, sew the quilted and lightweight fabric pocket pieces and flap pieces together, leaving an opening on each to turn it right side out.


Snip the bottom corners of both pieces, turn them right side out, and sew the gap closed. Then, topstitch both the pocket and flap pieces.

Placing the pockets on the jacket

I chose to make a second pocket with no flap from a light-weight linen fabric alone.


This second pocket will sit behind the quilted pocket.


Sew that second pocket to the jacket front about 5 inches from the inside edge leaving the top open.

Pinning the pockets to the jacket

Pin the quilted pocket on top of the lightweight pocket, aligning the edges.


Topstitch the quilted pocket on three sides, leaving the top open as well as an opening on the side facing the outer edge of your jacket to put your hand in.

Marking the pocket position

Mark the position for your pocket flap above the pocket on your jacket.

Adding a snap closure and sewing the pockets

Add a snap to the outer layer of your pocket and your pocket flap and then sew your pocket flap into place.

How to sew a quilted jacket with pockets

Repeat for a second pocket if you wish to have one.

Pinning the shoulder and side seams, ready to sew

3. Sew the shoulder and side seams

With right sides facing, pin and sew the two front jacket pieces to the back piece along the shoulders and sides.

Finishing the neckline with bias tape

4. Finish the neckline

Add bias tape to the neckline by following my instructions in the video from 4:36 to 5:20.

Sewing the front plackets

5. Finish the front plackets

On both front pieces, fold in the 2-inch front placket and sew it in place.

Folding the sleeves and pinning, ready to sew

6. Make the sleeves

Fold each sleeve in half and sew along the open long edge.

Sewing bias tape to the raw edges

Add bias tape to the raw edge, as well as to the raw edges of the side seams of the jacket. Follow along with me in the video from 6:38 to 7:08 to see how I did this step.

Inserting the sleeves into the armholes

7. Attach the sleeves

With right sides together, pin and sew the sleeves into the jacket armholes.


Add bias tape to both seams by following me in the video from 7:27 to 8:07.

Adding snap buttons to the plackets

8. Add front snaps

Follow the instructions on your snap fastener package to add snaps to the front plackets of your jacket.

How to make a quilted jacket

How to make a quilted jacket

All done. Stay warm and cozy and enjoy showing off your new DIY quilted jacket!


Give this a try and let me know in the comments how you liked making a quilted jacket from a thrift store blanket.


DIY a Denim Jacket With a Cozy Lining This Winter

For more DIY fashion ideas, check out this tutorial on how to make a cozy denim jacket!

Suggested materials:
  • Lightweight quilted thrift store blanket
  • Scrap lightweight fabric
  • Scrap linen fabric
See all materials

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