Handmade Vintage Quilt Jacket: Cozy, Stylish & One-of-a-Kind

There’s something truly special about a handmade quilt jacket, especially when it’s stitched from vintage quilts that carry decades of history and charm.

These cozy, one-of-a-kind pieces blend nostalgia with modern style—and each one tells a story through its patterns, fabrics, and hand-sewn details.

Today, I’m excited to share the beautiful vintage quilted jacket made just for me in collaboration with the talented maker, Jennifer of Jeff’sJen Designs, who brings these heirloom textiles back to life.

“A love of quilts began when I would go with my grandmother to the community house to quilt. The ladies would lower the quilt frame from the ceiling and scoot their chairs up to the quilt to sew and visit. Through my grandmother, I learned the importance of preserving quilts and the stories they tell, which I strive to do in my own work creating quilt jackets.”

Jennifer Coleman Jeff’sJen Designs

Thrifting with the Gals

It’s the third Thursday of the month, and that means it’s time for Thrifting with the Gals. The time when the gals and I all get together to share our favorite monthly thrifted finds with you, along with a few tips and tricks in vintage home decorating.

We are excited to welcome our guest host, Wendy of WM Design House, back with us this month. Today, Wendy is sharing all about Thrifted Garden Treasures, which I know you are going to love!

Thrifting with the Gals’ Blog Posts

What is a Quilt Jacket?

Vintage quilt jackets are one of the latest trends in women’s fashion, blending timeless charm with modern, wearable style.

These one-of-a-kind garments are handcrafted from thrifted vintage and antique quilts, giving each piece unique character, history, and a cozy layered look that’s perfect for all seasons.

The intricate patterns and textures of the original quilts are preserved, showcasing the craftsmanship and artistry of the past. As a result, quilt coats are not only fashion statements but also wearable pieces of history, each telling its own story through the fabric and design.

Whether paired with jeans for a casual look or layered over a dress for added warmth and flair, patchwork jackets embody the essence of vintage fashion with a modern-day twist.

How My Handmade Quilt Jacket Came to Life

I was overjoyed when Jennifer of Jeff’sJen Designs offered to make me one of her trademark Cocoon Quilt Jackets.

Why I Chose Not to Use an Heirloom Quilt for My Jacket

I’ve often imagined having a quilted jacket made from one of my mother’s old quilts—something I could wear through the seasons as both a keepsake and a tribute to her handiwork. A wearable piece of art, stitched with history and memory. But when I spoke with Jennifer of JeffJens Designs, she lovingly advised against using any heirloom quilt for a jacket project.

Legacy quilts, no matter their condition, are far too special to dismantle. And I couldn’t agree more. That’s likely why I never pursued the idea—paired with the perceived expense of a handmade quilt jacket.

But now, thanks to Jennifer’s thoughtful process and beautiful vintage finds, I have a one-of-a-kind jacket made from a rescued vintage quilt—and I treasure it.

Decorating with Vintage and Heirloom Quilts in the Bedroom

If you love quilts as much as I do, you’ll enjoy seeing how I’ve incorporated vintage and heirloom quilts throughout our bedrooms. Many of these pieces were handmade by my mother and have become meaningful staples in our home decor. Whether draped over a bed, folded at the footboard, or layered for seasonal warmth, quilts bring texture, charm, and a sense of family history to every room.

And if you adore displaying quilts, you’ll fall in love with wearing one too—like this beautiful handmade quilt jacket.

The Story Behind My One-of-a-Kind Vintage Quilt Jacket

Jennifer’s quilt jackets are all handmade from vintage quilts she finds at estate sales, yard sales, or thrift stores, so each design is unique.

Jennifer creates three to four new pieces each month. Her website offers a few that are already in inventory, which you can shop for or preview to see what you fancy.

Next, Jennifer will send you photos of the quilts she has on hand so you can pick out your perfect quilt. And it’s quite the collection. Here are several samples of what I had to choose from, and there was more:

The Vintage Starlight Quilt Used for My Jacket

I chose this blue Starlight quilt pattern tied with orange yarn. Unlike quilted quilts, these tied quilts were made when there wasn’t a community to help in the process (as Jennifer mentions in this post’s introductory quote), so the individual would join the front to the back to secure the batting.

How My Handmade Quilt Jacket Was Sized and Styled

Once you choose your thrifted vintage quilt, Jennifer will assist you with the style and sizing. For instance, I am a hard fit at just 5’1″ tall, so I needed petite sizing.

She suggested her Cocoon quilt jacket, one of her most popular styles in the shorter length. I agreed.

How Long does it take to get handmade quilt jackets?

My vintage quilt jacket arrived in about two weeks after I selected the quilt and style—and I haven’t stopped wearing it since. The turnaround was quick, the craftsmanship is beautiful, and it was absolutely worth the wait for a piece this special.

“I taught myself to sew on YouTube about 3 years ago because I fell in love with a quilt coat but it was $1800!! I thought “I can make that!” So I did.
I work full time in pharmaceutical sales and I needed a creative outlet- I fell in love with creating these designs.
My grandmother quilted, cooked like a trained chef, sewed my prom dress, had a huge garden… she was amazing!! But I thought ALL grandmas were like her so I didn’t really appreciate how talented and great she was until I became a mom and by that time, she was gone.
I want to honor her and all the others that made those beautiful works of art by recreating pieces that live and are loved just little bit longer.”

Jennifer Coleman Jeff’sJen Designs

Cocoon-Style Quilt Jackets: The Signature Look of JeffJens Designs

A Personal Touch: Naming Your Handmade Quilt Jacket

Jennifer adds a truly special touch to every handmade quilt jacket she creates—each one receives a name. Mine was called “Ann”, and it immediately made the piece feel even more personal and one-of-a-kind.

The packaging and presentation of her jackets are thoughtful and beautiful, making the unboxing just as memorable as wearing the coat itself.

I love this quilt jacket so much that I came out from behind the camera, where I am very comfortable. Ella and I had fun taking these photos with lots of treats, of course; you can even see the camera clicker in my hand

A fashion blogger, I am not!

I am almost 5.1′, 59 years old, and need my hair done tomorrow, LOL. But this quilt jacket—yes, please!

Why Quilt Jackets Make the Perfect Thoughtful Gift

Quilt jackets would make thoughtful gifts, too. Imagine opening up a gift like this for your graduation, birthday, shower, or anniversary. What a wonderful, unique surprise it would be and something one will treasure for a lifetime.

Jennifer’s handmade, vintage quilt jackets are affordable, too, a token to years of love and coziness.

I wear mine thrifting, on evenings at the beach, camping, and curling up on the couch when I sit down to write to you all.

Quilt Jackets and the Charm of Sustaintable Vintage Fashion

Using old quilts to create jackets is an excellent example of upcycling, where discarded materials are transformed into new, high-value products.

This practice reduces waste and promotes sustainable fashion, appealing to environmentally conscious consumers.

Trending Now: Vintage Quilt Jackets in Fashion and Thrift Culture

Vintage quilt jackets are more than just a fashion trend; they represent a fusion of history, art, sustainability, and personal expression.

Their popularity is driven by a growing appreciation for unique, handcrafted, and environmentally friendly fashion choices.

And well, we just think they are all around cool, too!

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