How to Sew a Quilted Jacket Free Pattern + Video

In this post, you will learn how to sew a quilted jacket step by step with free PDF sewing pattern.

A quilted jacket is one of those projects that looks complicated… until you actually make one. Once you understand how quilted fabric behaves, it becomes surprisingly fun to sew, and incredibly satisfying to wear. That’s exactly why I wanted to create this quilted jacket sewing tutorial for advanced beginners who are ready to move past simple tops and try a real, wearable outer layer.

In this tutorial, I’m sharing everything you need to sew your own quilted jacket, including a detailed video tutorial, a photo-based step-by-step guide, and a free PDF pattern in 8 sizes. The jacket is designed with comfort in mind: a relaxed fit, hip-length silhouette, button closure (with the option to use a zipper instead), and two front pockets with flaps. You can follow the pattern as-is, tweak the details, or skip elements like the pockets entirely, it’s a flexible design meant to work with your style and skill level.

If you’ve read my earlier post about sewing seams on quilted fabric, this jacket is the perfect next step. You’ll be able to use that seam knowledge right away and see how it all comes together in a finished garment. And if not, don’t worry, I’ll guide you through each step so nothing feels overwhelming.

This is the kind of jacket you’ll want for spring days, fall layering, or mild winter weather, easy to throw on, soft to wear, and endlessly customizable.

I especially like the idea of wearing this jacket over a handmade midi dress with ankle boots. If you’d like to sew a dress to go with yours, my free fall dress sewing patterns are a good place to start. Choose your dress fabric alongside the jacket fabric so the two pieces will be easy to wear together.

Free Quilted Jacket Sewing Pattern

I made a free quilted jacket sewing pattern in 8 sizes to go with this tutorial, so you can skip drafting the pieces yourself and start sewing right away.

The pattern is available for my subscribers at the end of this post. If you are already subscribed, just scroll down to access it. If not, you can join for free and get access to the pattern there.

Before cutting your fabric, I recommend printing the pattern at 100% scale and checking the test square first, especially if you are printing at home.

Video Tutorial: How to Sew a Quilted Jacket

If you’re a visual learner, I highly recommend watching the full video tutorial before you start sewing, or at least keeping it nearby while you work. The video walks through the entire process of sewing this quilted jacket, from cutting the pattern to finishing the button placket, and shows exactly how the quilted fabric behaves at each step.

The written tutorial below includes detailed instructions and photos for every step, while the video helps you see the construction in real time. Using both together makes this project much easier, especially if this is your first quilted jacket.

Beginner Tip:
Even if you prefer written instructions, watching the video once all the way through will help you understand the overall order of construction and avoid mistakes later.

Quilted Jacket Overview (At-a-Glance)

Before diving into fabric and cutting, here’s a quick overview of what this quilted jacket includes and how the pattern is designed. This helps you decide if the project is a good fit for your skill level and sewing goals.

Feature	Details
Skill Level	Advanced Beginner
Pattern Sizes	8 sizes
Jacket Style	Quilted, unlined
Closure Options	Buttons or zipper
Pockets	Patch pockets with flaps (optional)
Length	Hip length (adjustable)
Construction Method	Flat construction
Best Seasons	Spring, fall, mild winter

If this sounds like the kind of jacket you’d actually wear, let’s talk about fabric choice and how much you’ll need.

Fabric Choice for Quilted Jacket & How Much You’ll Need

This quilted jacket pattern is designed to be unlined, which keeps the construction simple and beginner-friendly. Using pre-quilted fabric means you already have an outer layer and batting in one, no extra layering, no complicated bagging, and fewer steps overall. If this is your first time sewing a jacket, this setup makes the process much more approachable.

That said, if you’re more experienced or want extra warmth, you can add a lining. I’ll share guidance on that later in the tutorial, but the main instructions focus on the unlined version so you can get a clean finish without overcomplicating things.

Recommended Fabric Types for Quilted Jacket

For best results, choose a pre-quilted fabric with low to medium loft. Softer quilted fabrics are easier to sew, press better, and feel more comfortable once worn.

Good options include:

• Pre-quilted cotton
• Quilted cotton-linen blends
• Lightweight quilted canvas
• Quilted fabric with cotton or polyester batting

Try to avoid very thick or stiff quilted fabrics, especially if you’re newer to garment sewing. Heavy quilting can make buttonholes, pockets, and seams harder to manage.

If you’re making your own quilted fabric instead of buying it pre-quilted, my beginner quilting tips will help you choose the fabric, batting, and basic setup before you start cutting the jacket.

Best Quilted Fabric for This Jacket

Not all quilted fabric behaves the same way. Fabric thickness and loft affect how easy the jacket is to sew and how comfortable it feels when worn.

Fabric Type	Loft	Beginner Friendly	Notes
Pre-quilted cotton	Low–medium	✅ Yes	Easy to sew, presses well
Quilted cotton-linen	Low	✅ Yes	Lightweight, breathable
Quilted canvas	Medium	⚠️ With care	Structured look
Thick quilted fabric	High	❌ Not recommended	Harder seams & buttonholes

For your first quilted jacket, softer fabrics with low to medium loft will give you the best results.

Fabric Yardage (8 Sizes – Unlined Jacket)

The yardage below is based on a hip-length, unlined quilted jacket and assumes standard fabric width (140–150 cm / 55–60”).

Outer Quilted Fabric

• Sizes 1–2: 1.5 m / 1.7 yd
• Sizes 3–4: 1.7 m / 1.9 yd
• Sizes 5–6: 2.0 m / 2.2 yd
• Sizes 7–8: 2.3 m / 2.5 yd

If you plan to lengthen the jacket, add larger pockets, or use a directional quilted pattern, I recommend adding 20–30 cm (¼ yd) just to be safe.

Fabric Requirements by Size (Unlined Jacket)

The table below shows fabric requirements for the unlined, hip-length version of this quilted jacket.

Size	Fabric Needed (140–150 cm / 55–60”)
1–2	1.5 m / 1.7 yd
3–4	1.7 m / 1.9 yd
5–6	2.0 m / 2.2 yd
7–8	2.3 m / 2.5 yd

If you plan to lengthen the jacket or use directional quilting, add extra fabric for safety.

Optional: Adding a Lining

If you decide to line your jacket, you’ll need the same amount of lining fabric as the outer fabric. Choose something lightweight and breathable, such as:

• Cotton poplin
• Cotton voile
• Lightweight twill

Lining is completely optional and not required to complete the jacket—the unlined version is warm, comfortable, and perfect for spring, fall, or mild winter weather.

Other Materials

• Matching thread (polyester works best with quilted fabric)
• Buttons or a zipper (both options work with this pattern)
• Lightweight fusible interfacing (for button areas or pocket flaps)

This jacket is meant to be simple, wearable, and stress-free. Start with the unlined version, get comfortable with quilted fabric, and then experiment with lining or design tweaks on your next one.

Quilted Jacket Construction Order

If you’re new to jacket sewing, seeing the full construction order upfront can make the process feel much less overwhelming.

Step	What You’ll Sew
1	Cut pattern pieces
2	Patch pockets & flaps
3	Shoulder seams
4	Attach sleeves (flat method)
5	Side & sleeve seams
6	Collar & neckline
7	Center front & hem
8	Sleeve hems
9	Buttonholes & buttons

Below, each step is explained in detail with photos and tips to guide you through the process.

Step-by-Step: How to Sew a Quilted Jacket

This section walks you through the full construction of the quilted jacket, step by step. The jacket is unlined, making it more beginner-friendly, while still giving a clean, professional finish. You’ll see the jacket take shape gradually, so don’t skip ahead, each step builds on the previous one.

Before You Start (Beginner Tip)
Before sewing, read through all steps once. Quilted fabric behaves differently than regular fabric, and understanding the full flow will help everything feel less overwhelming.

Step 1: Cut Out the Pattern Pieces

Cut all pattern pieces according to your chosen size. Make sure the quilting lines run in the same direction for all pieces to keep the look consistent.

Beginner Note:
Keeping the quilting lines aligned makes a huge difference in the final look of your jacket.

Patch Pockets with Flaps – Full Step-by-Step

In this jacket, the pockets are fully finished using a separate pocket lining, which keeps the inside clean and comfortable. The pocket flaps are also lined, giving them structure and a professional look. This method works especially well for quilted jackets without lining.

Cutting the Pocket Pieces

For each pocket, cut:

• 2 pocket pieces from the outer fabric
• 2 pocket lining pieces (the lining pieces are 2 cm / ¾ inch shorter than the outer pocket pieces)

For the pocket flaps, cut:

• 2 flap pieces from the outer fabric
• 2 flap lining pieces

Pocket and flap pieces cut and labeled

Why This Matters:
The shorter lining keeps the lining hidden inside the pocket once finished.

Step 1: Sew the Pocket Flaps

• Place one flap piece and one flap lining piece right sides together. Pin or clip them in place.
• Sew around the sides and the top edge, leaving the bottom edge open.
  Carefully clip the corners to reduce bulk, making sure not to cut into the stitches.
• Turn the flap right side out, gently push out the corners, and press well with steam.
  Set the finished flaps aside.

Finished pocket flaps, pressed and ready

Step 2: Sew the Pocket Bags

• Place one outer pocket piece and one pocket lining piece right sides together.
  Align them along the top edge only and sew across that edge.
• Next, fold the pieces so that the right sides are together again, matching the remaining side and bottom edges. Pin or clip all around.
• Mark a 5 cm (2 inch) gap along one side, this opening will be used to turn the pocket right side out.
• Sew around the sides and bottom of the pocket, leaving the gap unstitched.

• Clip the corners carefully.
• Turn the pocket right side out through the opening. Press it flat, making sure the lining sits neatly inside.
• Close the turning gap with a straight stitch close to the edge.

• Press flat

Beginner Tip:
Take your time pressing here, this is what makes the pocket look crisp instead of bulky.

Step 3: Attach the Pockets to the Jacket Front

Using the pattern, mark the pocket placement on the right side of the jacket front. If you prefer, you can also position the pockets visually and measure to ensure they are even.

• Pin or clip the pockets in place.
• Stitch around the sides and bottom of each pocket, securing them to the jacket front.

Pocket placement marked on jacket front

Pockets stitched in place

Step 4: Attach the Pocket Flaps

• Position the pocket flap right sides together with the jacket front, placing it just above the pocket opening. Align the raw edge of the flap with the jacket front and pin in place.
• Sew across the top edge to attach the flap.
  Trim away the excess seam allowance, being careful not to cut into the stitches.
• Fold the flap down into its final position and press. Pin it in place.
• From the right side of the jacket, sew the flap again, stitching 0.5 cm (¼ inch) away from the first seam. This secures the flap neatly and gives a clean, professional finish.

Final Pocket Step: Press and Repeat

• Press both pockets and flaps carefully with steam to set the shape.
• Repeat the same steps for the second pocket.

And that’s it, your patch pockets with flaps are complete!

Sewing the Shoulder Seams

• At this stage, we’ll sew the shoulder seams using the flat method, which works especially well for quilted fabrics and helps keep the layers aligned.
• Lay the back jacket piece flat on your work surface with the right side facing up.
  Place the front jacket pieces on top, right sides together, aligning the shoulder edges with the back piece.
• Pin or clip the shoulder seams in place, making sure the edges match evenly.

• Stitch the shoulder seams using a straight stitch, following the seam allowance included in your pattern.
• Once sewn, press the seams gently with steam to set the stitches and flatten the quilted layers. Avoid sliding the iron, lift and press instead.
• The shoulder seams are now complete, and you’re ready to move on to the next construction step.

Attaching the Sleeves (Flat Method)

• In this step, we’ll attach the sleeves using the flat method, which is one of the easiest and cleanest ways to sew sleeves, especially when working with quilted fabric.
• Lay the jacket flat on your work surface with the right side facing up, with both the front and back pieces already joined at the shoulders.

• Place one sleeve right side down onto the jacket, aligning the curved edge of the sleeve cap with the armhole. Match the notches and center points first, then pin or clip the rest of the sleeve evenly around the armhole.
• Repeat for the second sleeve.
• Sew the sleeves to the jacket using a straight stitch, following the seam allowance included in your pattern. Sew slowly and carefully around the curve to keep the layers smooth and even.

• Once sewn, gently press the seams with steam to help them lie flat and set the shape.
• The sleeves are now attached, and the jacket is starting to take its final form.

Sewing the Side Seams and Sleeves

• Now that the sleeves are attached, we can close the jacket by sewing the side seams and sleeve seams in one continuous line. This method is simple, efficient, and works very well for quilted garments.
• Fold the jacket right sides together, aligning the front and back pieces and matching the sleeve seams.
• Start sewing at the end of the sleeve and continue down in one smooth line to the bottom hem of the jacket. Make sure the underarm seams line up neatly for a clean finish.

• Use a straight stitch and follow the seam allowance included in your pattern. Sew slowly, especially around the underarm area where the fabric is thickest.
• Once both sides are sewn, gently press the seams open or toward the back, using steam and light pressure.
• At this point, the jacket body is fully constructed.

Sewing and Attaching the Collar (Bias Tape Finish)

Because this jacket has no lining, the neckline is finished neatly using bias tape for a clean inside finish.

Step 1: Sew the Collar

• Place the two collar pieces right sides together. Pin or clip them in place.
• Sew around the outer edges of the collar, following the seam allowance in your pattern, and leave the neckline edge open.

• Carefully clip the corners and curves to reduce bulk.
• Turn the collar right side out, shape the edges neatly, and press well with steam.
• Press flat

Step 2: Attach the Collar to the Jacket

• Place the collar right sides together with the jacket neckline, matching the center back and notches.
• Pin or clip evenly.
• Sew the collar to the jacket using a straight stitch.

Step 3: Finish the Neckline with Bias Tape

• Once the collar is attached, finish the raw neckline seam using bias tape.
• Align the bias tape with the raw edge of the neckline and stitch it in place.
  Fold the bias tape over the seam allowance to fully enclose the raw edge, press it neatly, and stitch again from the right side to secure it.
• Gently press the neckline to set the stitches and smooth the seam.

The collar is now fully attached and beautifully finished on the inside, giving the jacket a clean, polished look without the need for a lining.

Sewing the Center Front (Button Placket)

This step finishes the jacket opening and creates a clean, structured front edge.

Step 1: Finish the Top Edge

• Fold the top edge of the center front right sides together.
• Sew across the top edge using a 1 cm (⅜”) seam allowance.
• Trim if needed, turn right side out, and press flat.

Step 2: Form the Button Placket

• Fold the center front inward to create the placket, following the pattern width.
• Press carefully and pin or clip in place.

Step 3: Secure the Sides and Bottom Edge

Fold and press the bottom hem.

In one continuous line of stitching, sew:

• down one side of the center front
• across the bottom edge
• and up the other side (if required)

Sewing the Sleeve Hems

In this step, we’ll finish the sleeve hems with a clean double-fold hem. This method works well for quilted fabric and gives the sleeves a neat, structured finish.

• Fold the raw edge of each sleeve to the inside by 3 cm (1¼ inch) and press gently.
• Next, fold the edge inward again by 1 cm (⅜ inch) to enclose the raw edge completely.
  Pin or clip the hem in place all the way around the sleeve.
• Stitch around the sleeve hem using a straight stitch, sewing close to the folded edge. Sew slowly to keep the stitching even.
• Once sewn, press the hem with steam to set the folds and smooth the fabric.
• Repeat the same steps for the second sleeve.

Sewing Buttonholes and Attaching Buttons

Step 1: Mark Placement

• Mark buttonholes and button positions using the pattern or even spacing.

Step 2: Sew Buttonholes

• Test first on a scrap of quilted fabric.
• Sew buttonholes slowly and carefully.
• Cut open carefully.

Step 3: Sew the Buttons

• Attach buttons by hand or machine, leaving a small thread shank.

Final Press

• Give the jacket a final press to set all seams and details.
• Your quilted jacket is now complete and ready to wear!

Optional Adjustments You Can Make

Once you’ve made one version of this jacket, it’s easy to customize it to suit your style or climate.

Adjustment	How It Changes the Jacket
Longer length	More warmth
Zipper instead of buttons	Sporty look
No pockets	Faster sewing
Thicker batting	Warmer jacket

These adjustments are optional, and the jacket works beautifully exactly as written.

How to Style a Quilted Jacket

One of the things I like most about this quilted jacket is that it is really easy to mix with other handmade pieces.

For an everyday outfit, I would wear it with my high-waist wide-leg pants and a simple fitted top underneath. The wider pants balance the slightly boxier shape of the jacket really nicely.

If you want something even more relaxed, try it with my Scandi pants. This is probably the combination I would choose for a comfortable weekend outfit with sneakers or simple boots.

I also love a short quilted jacket over a longer skirt. My maxi tiered skirt adds movement underneath the jacket and makes the whole outfit feel softer and a little more romantic.

And don’t keep this jacket only for pants and skirts. You can throw it over my long-sleeve fall dress with boots when the weather gets cooler.

If you want even more ideas for mixing your handmade clothes instead of wearing every sewing project separately, I have a whole post about sewing and styling a handmade fall wardrobe.

Quilted Jacket FAQ

Is this quilted jacket beginner friendly?

I would call it an advanced beginner project. The jacket is unlined and the sleeves are sewn using the flat method, which keeps the construction much simpler than a traditional tailored jacket. If quilted fabric is new to you, you may also want to read my guide to sewing seams on a quilted jacket before you start.

Can I use a zipper instead of buttons?

Yes. I used buttons for my jacket, but you can replace them with a zipper if you prefer a cleaner or slightly sportier look. Baste the zipper in place first so you can check that both sides of the jacket line up before sewing it permanently.

Do I need a walking foot to sew quilted fabric?

No, but it can make sewing bulky quilted layers much easier because it helps feed the layers through the machine more evenly. If you do not have one, sew slowly, use clips to keep the layers together, and test your stitch settings on a scrap first.

Can I leave off the pockets?

Absolutely. The flap pockets are optional. Leaving them off makes the jacket quicker to sew and gives it a cleaner, more minimal look.

What to Sew Next

If you enjoyed making this quilted jacket, you might want to try another handmade layer next.

For something more relaxed and softer to wear, try my free cardigan sewing pattern. It is a nice next project if you want an everyday layer without the bulk of quilted fabric.

If you love jackets but want to play with recycled fabric next, my DIY patchwork denim jacket is a completely different look and a really fun way to use old jeans and denim scraps.

Or, if you want to practice more classic jacket construction, you can make my basic jacket with a free PDF pattern next.

And if you’re planning a whole handmade wardrobe for cooler weather, have a look through my fall sewing and styling ideas for more projects that work beautifully with this jacket.

Ready Quilted Jacket !

Sewing a quilted jacket isn’t about getting every detail “perfect.” It’s about making something comfortable, useful, and completely yours. Whether you chose buttons or a zipper, added the flap pockets or skipped them, kept it hip-length or adjusted the length, your version is exactly the right one.

Once you’ve finished this jacket, you’ll probably notice something important: quilted fabric isn’t scary anymore. In fact, you may already be planning your next version (different fabric, longer length, maybe another pocket situation). That’s always a good sign.

If you follow along with the tutorial, take your time, and enjoy the process, you’ll end up with a quilted jacket you’ll actually wear, not just once, but season after season.

Happy sewing, and enjoy every stitch

Free Quilted Jacket Sewing Pattern – for my Subscribers!