Lorena Uriarte

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Quilt Coat Pattern Round Up!

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Which is my favourite quilt coat pattern?

It’s not surprising that I have embraced the quilt coat trend. I love making quilts, sewing my own clothes, and I hate being cold. And because I can’t disappear off to Spain every winter, a quilt coat is the next best thing!

Here are three of my favourite quilt coat patterns, along with a comparison of their hoods and some notes on binding:

Cheeky Lorena wrapped in a quilt coat
  1. The Tamarack by Grainline Studios
    • Pros: This pattern has a good range of sizes and features a flattering shape due to its scooped hemline around the hips. The longer back piece provides extra coverage, and you have the option for welted or patch pockets, as well as no collar, collar, or hood options.
    • Cons: The pattern was originally written for non quilted fabric, which can make it confusing, especially when dealing with darts and welted pockets. Additionally, the Hood, Collar & Patch Pockets Variation comes at an extra cost.
    • Hood: My favourite hood of the three. It’s a good shape and easy to bind.
Lorena's Tamarack
Tamarack
Chore Coat
Kaleidoscope Elemental Coat
Elemental
  1. The Chore Coat by Patchwork & Poodles
    • Pros: Designed specifically for quilted panels or to repurpose an existing quilt, this pattern has a slimmer fit and a sporty straight hemline at the hip. It includes the hood, collar, and pocket patterns in the initial cost. The pattern is simply written and easy to follow. I like the method for inserting the sleeve. It is straightforward to adjust the length of this coat.
    • Cons: Since it is a slim fit, you may want to make a toile (a test garment) to ensure the fit is perfect for you. It may not suit all sizes. 
    • Hood: My least favourite hood. I find it a bit bulky. I prefer the collared version.

  1. The Elemental Coat by Crinkle Dreams
    • Pros: This pattern offers lots of variations, including a cropped jacket, a hip-skimming length, and a longer knee-length version. There are also two sleeve lengths. Like the Chore Coat, you can choose a design with or without a collar or a hood, all included in the original pattern purchase. Plus, it features in-seam pockets, which we’ve all been waiting for in a quilt coat pattern.
    • Cons: I generally am not a fan of dropped shoulder designs as the coat can feel a little bulky, but I know others appreciate the extra room. The coat is designed with a one-button closing, but I chose to size up and add buttons down the front.
    • Hood: I also like this hood. It sits well around the neck and is easy to bind.

Making a Reversible Coat

Any coat can be made reversible with careful attention to binding the internal seams. This is my preference for any coat, as I dislike raw internal seams; unbound wadding leaves fluff on your clothes. However, I haven’t been able to master a reversible coat with double sided in-seam pockets, yet! Stay tuned…

Binding

I’m not afraid of a hand-finished binding; I think it’s worth the effort. I make my own by cutting 2″ bias strips and feeding them through the Simplicity bias tape maker. I’ve also used pre-made bias tape, stocking up at quilt shops that have a cute selection. There is a lot of binding required to bind a coat once you take into account the outside edges, sleeve cuffs, collar/ hood, and internal sleeve and side seams. It can be up to 8 meters depending on the pattern and size. Hate binding, most quilt coat patterns provide alternate finishing methods, like overlocking and Hong Kong seams.

Quilting Tips for Making a Coat

If you are making a quilt from scratch, think about how you want your finished coat to look and feel. Not just the patchwork but also the wadding and density of quilting:

  • Wadding: Cotton and bamboo wadding that has been lightly quilted and washed and dried has a better drape. Hand quilting with a wool/poly wadding gives a coat a puffy look.
  • Warmth: The warmth of your coat can vary based on the amount of patchwork, the type of wadding and the density of the quilting.
  • Lining/Backing Fabric: Choose smooth fabrics for the lining. They are softer on the skin and drape better.

Whether you’re looking for a project to keep you warm or a stylish way to showcase your quilting talents, these patterns and tips offer something for everyone. Happy sewing!

I teach a Two Day Quilt Coat Workshop. Find a list of them by searching my class schedule.

Melbourne : GJ’s Fabrics

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Join me for a Crafty Extravaganza from June 28th to 30th!

Are you ready for a creative adventure that spans three exciting days? Join me for three days of workshops where you get to choose your own crafting path!

Workshop Details:

Dates: Friday 28th, Saturday 29th, and Sunday 30th June

Location: The spacious and well-lit classroom upstairs at GJ’s in Fairfield. Enjoy ample street parking and a shop stocked with all the supplies you’ll need.

Classes Offered:

  • Quilt Coat Class: BOOK HERE!
    • Time: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
    • Dive into creating your very own quilt coat. This class spans two days to ensure you can perfect your creation.
  • Retreat Bag Class: BOOK HERE!
    • Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
    • Craft a stylish retreat bag perfect for carrying your crafting essentials. This class is designed to be completed in a single day.
  • Kawandi Class: BOOK HERE!
    • Time: 10:30 am – 3:30 pm
    • Explore the traditional quilting technique of kawandi. While this class can be completed in a day, those wishing to turn their kawandi piece into a bag may need additional time or careful instruction.

Workshop Logistics:

  • Each day, classes will have staggered start times to accommodate all participants.
  • A friendly workshop assistant will be on hand to provide guidance and support throughout the sessions.

Fees:

  • from $150 per day: This fee covers the workshop session, morning tea, and lunch.
  • Please note: The fee does not include your choice of quilt coat pattern. A prep & requirement list is provided in each class description. An additional fee is charged for larger kits in the Kawandi or Retreat Bag classes.

Additional Kits:

  • Extra or larger kits are available to order.

Reserve Your Spot:

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to do these popular classes! Whether you attend for one, two, or all three days, you’re guaranteed to have a wonderful time crafting and connecting with fellow quilters. Reserve your spot now and get ready to create something fun!

Fabric & Notions Requirements for Quilt Coat Class:

  • Quilt Sizing: For sizes up to 18, a 60” square quilt will typically suffice. Larger sizes or hooded coats may require additional quilted pieces or a larger quilt. Ensure you have enough quilted fabric by printing out pattern pieces and checking them before class. You can also opt to patch and quilt pieces separately for each pattern piece rather than cut up a full sized quilt.
  • Preparation: If possible, pre-shrink your quilt by washing it with cool water and colour catchers.
  • Quilt Style: Simple one-block quilts are easiest to work with, quilts with multiple or large borders can pose challenges but can work with proper pattern placement.
  • Quilting Density and Wadding: Lighter quilting and wadding result in a lighter and softer coat. Opt for all-over, diagonal, or gridded quilting patterns, avoiding densely or horizontal line quilted fabrics.
  • Backing/Lining Fabric: Consider backing your quilt with cotton lawn, voile, or sateen to reduce bulk.
  • Bias Binding: You’ll need at least 5 meters of 2” cut bias binding. You can make your own bias binding or purchase pre-made bias tape. Alternatively, reuse old quilt binding.
  • Buttons or Press Studs: 4-5 1” buttons or heavy-duty metal press studs.
  • Thread: Use 40wt cotton for machine piecing and 50wt cotton for slip-stitching binding.
  • General Sewing Supplies: Ensure you have a walking foot, pins, wonder clips, hand sewing needles, permanent marker, erasable marker or chalk pen, scissors, fabric glue, and a quick unpick.

Pattern Options:

Remember to download and print out your chosen coat pattern in the correct size, and follow the individual pattern instructions for measuring, sizing, and printing at home. If unsure, size up. Trace pattern pieces onto Trace & Toil (or mid weight interfacing), cut the left & right front and sleeve pieces, and ensure all relevant pattern markings are copied. Don’t forget to label each piece with your name.

Feel free to email me with any questions!

Requirements for Retreat Bag Class: 

  • Fabric Selection: Students are required to provide their own fabric for the outer shell and lining of the retreat bag. For a small bag, you’ll need a Fat Quarter for the outer fabric and half a meter for the lining. For a large bag, you’ll need half a meter of each fabric for the outer and lining.
  • Notions: Bring along matching thread, top stitching sewing machine needles , pins, scissors, a rotary cutter and cutting mat (if preferred), measuring tape, and a seam ripper.
  • Sewing Machine: Bring your sewing machine in good working condition, along with its manual and any accessories you may need, such as a quarter inch foot, zipper foot or walking foot.
  • Iron and Ironing Board: Irons and ironing boards will be available for use during the class. You may wish to bring a small personal iron for pressing seams and applying interfacing as needed.

Ensure you have all necessary materials and tools prepared before the class, as the printed pattern, interfacings and hardware required for constructing the retreat bag will be included in the provided kit.

Lorena stitches kawandi with bright colourful fabrics.

Requirements for Kawandi Class:

  • Personal Items: Don’t forget to bring your glasses if you require them for close work. Additionally, bring your favorite thimble to aid in hand stitching, as well as a small pair of scissors for trimming threads and fabric.
  • Provided Kit: A complete kit containing everything you need to make a 45cm kawandi will be provided for each participant. This kit includes all necessary materials such as fabrics, threads,  pins and needles.

Cancellation Policy: We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise, leading to the need for cancellation. However, due to travel arrangements from interstate, we kindly request a minimum of 7 DAYS notice for cancellations. This allows us to attempt to fill your reserved spot or accommodate any changes effectively. Alternatively, you are welcome to send a replacement attendee in your place.

For participants who have purchased kits, arrangements can be made to have them mailed to you upon cancellation. Please note that rescheduling of the workshop in Melbourne will not be possible in 2024.

Regrettably, failure to provide notice within the stipulated timeframe or non-attendance on the day of the class will result in forfeiture of the entire class fee. This policy is in place to account for the costs incurred in travel arrangements and the inability to fill the vacant spot at short notice.

In the event that we need to cancel or reschedule a workshop, every effort will be made to notify you promptly. If rescheduling is not feasible or if you prefer not to reschedule, a full refund of the class fee will be provided. We strive to provide more than 48 hours notice for any cancellations or changes.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation regarding our cancellation policy. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.

c. 2015 Lorena Uriarte