TIPS & TRICKS
Layer up with our guide to making your own quilted garments.
1 KEEP IT SIMPLE
The thickness of quilted fabric means that it won’t work well with every pattern – so try to choose something that’s specifically designed for use with quilted material. Typically, boxy, simple garments with minimal seams work best – avoid fussy designs and let the fabric take centre stage. You may also need to go up a size or two to accommodate the added bulk and achieve a comfortable fit.
2 BASTE, DON’T PIN
Quilted material is made up of several layers, with two outer fabrics and a layer of wadding in-between. This added thickness can be tricky to work with, and standard straight pins can bunch up and distort the fabric. If you really do want to stick with pins, you could opt for safety pins instead of regular dressmaking sharps – however, we recommend basting or tacking your pattern pieces instead for a secure, neat, and long-lasting (but still temporary) hold. Sewing or quilting clips are handy for edges.
3 PRE-MADE VS DIY?
There's pros and cons to making your own quilted fabric and using pre-made. Pre-quilted fabric looks neat and saves time, however, you’re limited to the prints and thicknesses available – whereas making your own allows you to combine any fabric print with the perfect thickness of wadding for a truly bespoke result. If you opt to re-purpose a vintage quilt, make sure there's enough material for your garment before you start cutting, and work carefully with the delicate antique fabric and seams.
4 THINK THICK
If you choose to make your own quilted fabric, you’ll need to pick the perfect wadding to sit between your fabric layers. There are lots of different types available – with fusible, sew-in, thermal, and even antimicrobial options to choose from. Think about how and when you’ll use your garment (for example, a winter coat will need a thicker wadding than a light summer jacket) and take a trip to your local fabric shop to see what they have on offer.
5 PICK THE RIGHT FABRIC
With your perfect wadding in mind, the next step is to choose your fabric. Quilted garment patterns are often unlined, so the layers of fabric you use to make your material will essentially become the outer shell and lining. Avoid slinky fabrics, which will slide around as you work and make the layering process a lot more difficult. A good, sturdy, reliable cotton is always a safe bet – and you’ll have an almost unlimited choice of colours and prints, too!
