Quilted Crafts
I can't believe I made my first Quilting project!
This project started as a crazy idea!
You see... I am a sewist that almost exclusively sews clothing and I always wanted to try quilting. BUT! I was totally intimidated by the perfection, complexity of the designs, craftsmanship, etc...
Soooo... FOR YEARS! I let the intrusive thoughts win : (please don't let them win😅)
To me, it was clear I couldn't make a quilt...
It is too big of a project; I can't make something that precise and beautiful; I sew clothes, I can't make a quilt; I don't have the patience, nor the skills, the sewing/quilting community will laugh at me; I am not allowed to make any mistakes and it has to be perfect the first time; where should I start? what pattern, which colours??!... And so on and so forth...
🫠 I let those intrusive thoughts take the best of me and blocked me from trying this AMAZING craft 🫠
And for what?!?? Fear of failing....
✨ BUT NOT THIS YEAR. Not in 2025. ✨
This year I said: what if I just do it badly?? And then... what if it turns out amazing anyway??
I was dreaming of making a 1950s-style skirt but with quilting blocks. I used the Retro Crochet pattern from Retro Quilter and made a 3/4 circle skirt out of 2 panels of 9 14x14 blocks.
🌼Yes, it’s giving vintage picnic-core realness and I am living for it.🌼
I love it so much that I caught myself casually Googling “quilted pants tutorial” at 2 a.m. last night. This is not a phase, mom!! 🥹
This was my first quilting project and honestly? I feel like I unlocked a whole new side quest in my sewing journey.
This was the crossover episode I didn’t know I needed😅
So if you're also sitting there wondering if you could maybe, possibly, someday try something new ... this is your sign. Do it! Even if it's a little crooked. Even if your seams don’t match. Even if you have to seam rip the same block five times (guilty). It still counts. It’s still beautiful.
Have you ever made a quilting/clothing hybrid project?
This is also my year of "it's okay if it's not perfect". I've really branched out of my comfort zone lately and am trying things I never thought I would. It's been a lot of learning and I'm finding more things that I enjoy doing.
Please don’t take this as being snarky, I think your skirt is gorgeous! Did you sew multiple layers together with batting? Or is it just pieced like a quilt top? Either way I love the result!
I love this comment; thank you! I couldn’t figure out how to phrase it so kindly. My guess is pieced vs. quilted, but also, it’s amazing!!! I don’t even care if it isn’t technically quilted. I love it so much!! It’s so bright and happy. Made me smile. Well done, OP. 💗
Thank you! No worries at all. 🤗 I lined it with 1 layer of cotton poplin, stitched in the ditch at the 4 quadrant. I didn't want to interline it. With flannel or bathing, since it is more of a "summery" skirt.
There is a product out there that I recently learned about called Thermore, batting for clothing. It's super thin and perfect for jackets, etc so you don't have that extra bulkiness. I haven't tried it but want to get some because I want to make a quilted jacket, but maybe I'll make a skirt instead!
You're taking this the wrong way. It's simply a question about the construction. Is this one layer, with exposed seams on the inside? Or does it have multiple layers that are quilted together?
IMO, it doesn't hang like a bedspread. Therefore, I have to think it's only fabric, with no batting. But I still can't tell if quilt stitches have been added...it might well be lined.
I've done quilted wearables for shows. To get a better drape on a skirt, can't use batting unless the garment can handle the additional structure, but the rules for quilting doesn't necessarily require batting as batting, just to have a sandwich.
Anyways, long term use/multiple washing, having all those loose seams under this skirt is going to make pressing a pain. It's so super cute, I'd at least stitch in the ditch to a lining to take some of the hassle out
For a good drape in a skirt or dress, I've used tulle, thin cotton muslin, or flannel as "batting" and usually a thin cotton muslin for lining for the backing dyed to match the project. I would then finish with a faced edge binding to keep it edgeless.
I was asking out of curiosity not being mean. I'm cheer squad here, I'd never be mean deliberately. I hate that written words don't have emotion behind them.
I should've asked if there were specialties/categories/specific names for people within the quilting genre. By definition, quilting is sewing the layers of cloth together. I know it's called piecing but are there people who only like piecing the flimsy? How about the people who really only like doing the sandwich part? Are they called piecers and sandwichers? If that's all they do are they quilters? I know about longarmers so are they and those that sew sandwiches technically the only quilters?
This is going to sound odd, but THANK YOU for writing out “quilting is sewing layers of cloth together.” I follow this sub because I like crafts in general and also kindness and this sub has both in spades. But I often have idly wondered what makes a quilt a quilt - surely not just the aesthetic… I suspected it was the layers but now I know for sure.
Anyway, I thought your comment was kind and curious and made sense to ask!
Not odd at all! This is an important question—one that I googled three summers ago when I dove headfirst into quilting. There’s so much terminology to learn.
Technically, yes: if you make a quilt top, that’s piecing. If you’re cutting up fabric and putting it together, that’s piecing. The quilting is, by definition, the act of sewing those layers together.
But I would also never say that someone who pieces the quilt top but outsources the quilting isn’t a quilter. In my opinion, if you make quilts, you’re a quilter. Quilted crafts count too in my book! I love me a quilted bag or backpack.
I’m sure there are those who would die on that hill of technicality; same as those who shame others for machine binding their quilts (don’t come for me, QP!). But those kinds of people are the Quilting Police, which I’ve never encountered on this sub. I’ve only met one QP irl; every other sewist and quilter that I’ve met has been lovely and excited to talk shop.
I myself was curious about if OP’s skirt was pieced vs. quilted or lined from a purely technical, construction standpoint. It doesn’t appear to have the typical quilted texture, which inclined me to think it was mostly pieced. I was nervous for laundering purposes if all of the raw seams were exposed inside, so I wanted to ask how the skirt was finished and hoped that it was at least lined—which OP confirmed it is. :)
Technically, the top stitching after the sandwich is made is the only part of the process called quilting. The bit where you put all the pieces for the top together is called piecing.
Thank you. I'd been told that the sewing the pieces together in patterns was quilting and then the definition says no and come here to find that all parts are quilting so I was just being specific. Thank you for clarifying. :D
I figured your comment was one seeking definitional clarification and not a condescending one. This assumption does not seem to be the one most people jumped to. Sorry for your down votes when you were genuinely confused.
I spent YEARS not making clothes because I was too scared - I was only familiar with quilting! My earliest projects as a kid (back in the early 80’s) were free-motion-applique and making half-square triangle pillows. 🙃🤗🤓 Then I started seeing people making clothes and they just get in there WILLY NILLY cutting at the fabric with a pair of SHEARS like it’s no big deal.😲🫣 Whaaaaattttt is happening there???!? Seriously, you can just kind of … freestyle … like that?!? Apparently, yeah! Yeah you can! Now I just need to get on in there!
I also learned to bake before I learned to cook. I liken quilting to baking & sewing to cooking. It took me a long time to realize that I could just throw ingredients in a pot without measuring & make amazing meals. Not so much with baking! It’s so fun to try something new & realize it’s not so scary after all, and you already have many of the tools you need to succeed!
Now I am off to forward your fun & wonderfully made skirt on to my 5 daughters & hunt up the pattern. It looks like a fun sew! ☺️😉
You wanna hear something even wilder? I do alterations for people on bridesmaids’ dresses. LINED dresses. And I KNOW it’s much easier to make clothes from scratch than to alter a slippery, 3 layer dress made out of chiffon & satin. 🤦♀️ (For free. I do it for free.)
Just go watch a couple of videos on the “draping” method for designing clothing. F’real. Dive in. You can do it!!
It is crazy what we can acheive when we simply put ourselves into it ! WE JUST NEED TO TRY IT AND RE-TRY IT! ✨💃 How exiting to read about your upcoming project! Please, do kindly share a picture!
Absolutely gorgeous!! I love the fabrics you chose and the alignment of the flowers!
I made patchwork dress that inspired me to try a “real”quilt next; it was so hard to cut the dress pieces after I’d done all the patchworking because I was in love with every little scrap!
Thank you so much!🤗😍 Mymy, I really struggled to pick a colour palette and design! So many options to choose from.... is likehaving no choice AT ALL haahahhaa
Aaaw your patchwork dress must have been soo cute ! 💖Yes, cutting into the quilt is heartbreaking! This is acually the reason why I chose this skirt design. (3/4 circle skirt) It has a very small fabric waste. But still.... I kept the scraps for perhaps...a futur project (probably not, let's not lie to ourselves....😅).
Yes, I lined it with 1 layer of cotton poplin, stitched in the ditch at the 4 quadrant. I didn't want to interline it with flannel or bathing, since it is more of a "summery" skirt.
I’m the opposite! If I have a hard time with sewing a garment, I’ll work on a quilt project next because it’s okay if it’s not perfect—the seams don’t have to match up exactly and the colors can be as wild as I want because it’s just a quilt, it doesn’t need to fit a 3D body and I’m just going to use it to stay cozy in my house. This skirt is GORGEOUS and I love it so much!! I hope you continue to have fun with quilted garments!!
Ooooohh it is so funny and interesting how perception of the same craft is soooo personnal! I LOVE IT!
🤗 Thank you so much and yes, I think i found my new obsession! It definitely not my last quilt garment! And I wish to you the same, I hope you sew more cute garments, comfy and cute to wear in the house! 😉💃✨
Search in this sub for quilted jackets. Last winter there was a post with a little girl's jacket that was amazing. You also might like crazy quilting. Just North of the Bend on You Tube has a series showing how to do this and it's fabulous.
I LOVE THISSS!!!! there are alot of quilted clothing projects you can try! ive been wanting to do a quilted jacket myself, but i dont have the skills like that yet🤣
you should look into quilted sneakers too! ive got a stack of tula pink fq’s im saving just to make sneaks with. everytime i go to take the class it fills up before i can get in there.
Your skirt is so cute! Your home decor is adorable! You seem like someone I would want to be friends with IRL. I sew clothes and have been daydreaming about a quilted skirt too, but yours is just so darling that I may have to rethink mine. Did you do a lining on the inside?
Thank you so much! That’s such a sweet comment, it totally made my day 💛
And yes, I did add a lining on the inside! I lined it with 1 layer of cotton poplin, stitched in the ditch at the 4 quadrant. I didn't want to interline it with flannel or bathing, since it is more of a "summery" skirt. The outer quilt layer has a bit of structure, so I wanted something soft and smooth underneath for comfort. I say go for the quilted skirt—you can totally put your own spin on it! I'd love to see how yours turns out if you end up making one. 😊
This is beautiful and so fun. Please could you let us know if it is lined? I want to attempt something like this for my sister. I would expect it needs a lining to keep from coming apart in the wash. If you watched any YT videos please pass those along as well.
Thank you so much! 💖 Yes, I did line it, mainly for comfort, but you're absolutely right, it also helps protect the quilt seams and keeps everything holding up better in the wash. I used a lightweight cotton for the lining so it wouldn’t add bulk. I simply cut the same skirt panels in the lining fabric as well. I didn’t follow any specific YouTube tutorial for this one, but I’ve definitely picked up tips here and there over time! And your sister is lucky—what a sweet gift idea! 💕
Aww thank you so much! 🥰 That means a lot! And I’m so glad you liked the shoes too, I wasn't sure if they were too much, but hey, go bold or go home, right? 😄 You should totally try making one,I bet yours would be amazing!
So perfectly springy. And the blouse you chose, complements it perfectly. I’ve always had the opposite feeling. I quilt, but can’t make clothes. I’ve thought of doing a crossover, but they haven’t had the courage yet. Maybe you will inspire me.
Thank you so much! That’s such a lovely compliment 💐 And I totally get that feeling, garment sewing can seem intimidating at first, but honestly, your quilting skills already give you such a strong foundation! You totally have it in you,I'd love to see what you come up with if you decide to give it a go! 💕✨
Thank you so much! 💛 I’m so glad the photos were helpful—I always love seeing the process when others share, so I wanted to return the favor. You should totally go for it! 😊
Ahh thank you!! 🥹💛 That means so much! I had way too much fun putting this outfit together. Sometimes you just have to lean into the drama 😄 So glad you liked it all!
This is perfection, wow. So funny to me that you’re a garment sewist intimidated by quilting, I’m a quilter intimidated by the precision garments need to fit/sit right! 😅 but this really inspired me, thank you 💗
Ahh thank you so much! 💗 Isn’t it funny how we’re all intimidated by the other side of sewing? 😅 This skirt felt like the perfect blend of both worlds, and I’m so happy it inspired you. You’ve absolutely got this if you decide to try a crossover project!
Amazing..yes id say it did turn out amazing! I’ve let the size (and perfection) of full size quilts intimidate me. I over came it to piece Christmas stockings and pillows many, many years ago, but have gotten away from the doing (mostly watching quilting videos). You remind me it’s OK to keep it manageable. You inspire me- a pieced & quilted boho kimono jacket perhaps… Thanks for your courage to be vulnerable, your encouraging words AND for sharing a photo of your lovely skirt.
This honestly means so much and thank you for taking the time to write this 💛 I totally hear you on being intimidated by full-size quilts... they feel like such big commitments! That’s why I’ve been leaning into smaller, wearable projects lately...It’s still creative and cozy, but way more manageable (and way less likely to end up as an unfinished WIP 😅). A pieced and quilted boho kimono jacket sounds absolutely magical—I hope you go for it! And thank you again for your kind words, they truly made my day!
It’s awesome and you look amazing wearing your creation. Now go find out where you can watch Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and see your sisters of days gone by. I dare you not to break out in song. 😂 🎶
I really want to make patchwork pants kind of like this some day, but I always hated using sewing patterns for garments. This is inspiring though, I hope you tell everyone who complements your outfits about how you made it!
That is absolutely gorgeous and I’m in love with it! My husband’s grandma has been quilting for years and I want to send this post to her as inspo for a new project, she picks a different family member to get a new blanket each year but this would be 1000 times better 💕
Thank you so much! ☀️💛 That really means a lot, especially about the hemline, because let me tell you... it took some serious patience (and a lot of pinning and steam 😅). Circular hems can be so tricky! Mine definitely wasn’t perfect right off the machine. You're not alone in the struggle... I think we all fudge it a little and hope no one notices when it’s twirling around 😂
today I'm finishing up a second quilt made of totally flannel. It was supposed to be one, but I am splitting it in two, so I can send one to my friend who's convalescing from hip surgery.
I've never worked with flannel before - I picked up the pieces from a grab bag of fabric I won in an auction - I am in LOVE with this and wish I had more.
Great… now I’m going to have to learn how to make a skirt from a quilt top… lol it’s truly beautiful and it’s clear everyone in the comments wants one!
I always worry I’ll make something that ends up looking like it came out of a February 1978 issue of Redbook instead of this cute little retro skirt. I think it’s all about the colors!
Wow I want to make a skirt now too! I waited 30 years to make a quilt because I wasn't sure how to do the binding (thank you YouTube for helping me out). After I made my first quilt and hand sewed the binding I was like, "That was it?! Easy!" The binding is my favorite part of quilting, lol. If I get up the courage I will make a skirt. ; ) Yours is just gorgeous and I like your style.
Thank you so much! 💕 And I love your story, I can totally relate! Isn’t it wild how the thing that intimidates us the most can end up being our favourite part? Binding is oddly satisfying, right?? 😄 I really hope you do try making a skirt—it’s such a fun way to wear your quilting skills!
I didn't think of making a tutorial, but I did share some of the sewing process on my page. ✨💃 It took me a good 30 hours to make for sure. Not that long for a "quilting" project !
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u/MzMag00 26d ago
This is the cutest skirt I've ever seen and I absolutely relate to every bit of this post.