How to Make a Quilted Jacket from Old Clothes and Fabric

With more than 20 cities across the country dealing with record-breaking low temperatures (including Texas, with its recent winter storm), who can blame us for wanting to get a little extra cozy right now? One of the best ways to warm up is by upcycling old clothes or an old quilt into a quilted jacket. Because the only thing better than wrapping yourself up in a blanket is getting to wear one everywhere you go.

Trish, the designer and DIY pro behind Trish Stitched, told us the humble quilted jacket is "one of the biggest trends right now in the maker community." Not just because it's warm and comfy, but because it's a great way to breathe new life into clothing items that are too worn out to donate. "You don't have to be limited to what the piece is," she says. "With a little creativity and a sewing machine, you can turn secondhand pieces into your dream wardrobe."

@clairemolenda

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Before you dive into how to make a quilted jacket, make sure you have a few things on hand: your fabric of choice (think old shirts, dresses, denim, and blankets), some quilt patterns, and a sewing machine. Upcycling old fabric is what really makes each quilt jacket unique. Then, when you're ready to start sewing, you can find a simple step-by-step guide for beginners on Instructables. Artist Claire Molenda also shared her process in the video above.

Looking for more inspo before you learn how to make a quilted jacket? These fun quilt jacket patterns will have you running to your sewing machine.

7 Quilted Jackets That'll Inspire You to Make One

1. Sew Much Aerial

Marissa Friesen, the sewist behind @sewmuchaerial, wins the prize for best lining. Just look at that detail.

2. Suzy Quilts

Suzy Williams from Suzy Quilts took things a step further and made matching coats for her kiddo and dog, too. Could they be any cuter?

3. The German Edge

This quilted jacket features pieces of naturally-dyed fabric using things like avocado pits and skin, bay leaves, turmeric, and yellow and red onion.

4. Psychic Outlaw

You can give your quilted jacket a vintage look with bright pops of brown, green, orange, purple, and yellow. If you'd rather buy a jacket than make one, the company uses vintage and antique textiles to assemble each unique piece.

5. Elizabeth Made This

Proof you can truly upcycle anything: This quilted jacket was made from—wait for it—an old shower curtain.

6. Closet Core Patterns

If you're a fan of neutrals, stick to the same color scheme for the outside. And add a pop of color inside, if you dare.

7. The House that Lars Built

If you're a more experienced sewer, these in-depth instructions and options will definitely give you a challenge.