Making a Memory Quilt Coat

The Idea of a Memory Coat…

Oftentimes full-size quilts were/are gifted to celebrate milestones or made of old clothing which can contain memories of their own. Why can’t this idea be incorporated into something you can wear or gift?

For the holidays, I wanted to make something special for my Momma so I decided to make her a quilt coat. However, I wanted this coat to represent things that are important to her so every step was full of intent. A lot of thought went into each fiber and stitch to make this quilted memory coat.

Not only can a memory quit coat be a touching journey for the quilter, but will definitely be special for the receiver. Below are some things to consider if you want to make your own memory quilt coat!

The fabrics

Selecting the fabrics to use in the memory coat could be the most important step, but don’t let this scare you! Take a moment before you choose fabrics to think about the intent of this memory quilt coat. Maybe you have memories of your own, remember a special story someone shared with you, or have a good inside joke with your family or friend that you can draw on. Keeping this in mind, start selecting fabrics.

Choose quilting cottons with patterns that represent something special to you or the quilt coat receiver. For instance, I used a cow print in my mom’s memory coat to remind her of her growing up on the family dairy farm. If quilting runs in your family, perhaps you have inherited some vintage* quilting cottons you can incorporate. Using old clothing in your memory quilt coat can also hold a lot of meaning and memories. Cottons and linens are best, but if you would like to use a fabric with stretch like a cotton jersey be sure to back this fabric with fusible interfacing to prevent distortion (this method is similarly used when making a T-shirt quilt).

*If you are using vintage fabrics, vintage embroidered fabrics, or particularly delicate fabrics, consider reinforcing this fabric with a second layer of neutral-colored fabric or cotton fusible interfacing.

The garment pattern

There are plenty of garment designers with coat patterns amenable to quilted fabrics. If you’re gifting your memory quilt coat, consider the types of clothing that person likes to wear. I chose the Tamarack Jacket by Grainline Studio since it was a similar style to the house coat my mom likes to wear. Visit your local craft store or sewing shop to browse the garment pattern magazines, or look online for a pattern you like. Patchwork and Poodles has a great post referencing a some quilt coat patterns others have used.

Quilt pattern and quilting

As always, the quilt pattern and quilting design is up to your own creative desires! Consider the garment pattern and fabrics you’ve selected. For instance, if you have a special fabric you would like to highlight, choose a quilt pattern or block that allows that fabric to really shine! If you are making a memory quilt coat as a gift, you could consider what types of patterns the coat receiver might like. If quilting runs in your family, maybe you choose a pattern that mimics a favored family quilt.

Longevity of the memory coat

As with all quilts, the longevity of your memory quilt coat will depend on the fabrics used and how the coat is washed. Like quilted blankets, if you want to use a washing machine, make sure it’s set to gentle cycle with cold water - you can use a gentle detergent. If you have incorporated delicate or vintage fabrics into your memory quilt coat, hand-washing in a large sink or bathtub will increase the longevity of these fabrics. Feel free to wash your coat when it gets dirty, but depending on how often your memory quilt coat is worn (and what you’re doing when you wear it) you may only need to wash your coat every few weeks or once a month. Remember, the fewer washings, the less stress is being put on the fibers.

The great thing about a memory quilt coat is that if it’s well constructed and cared for it can be something that lasts for years or even generations. Even patches over worn areas can become a special part of the memory quilt coat.

Planning on making a memory quilt coat? Use the hashtag #memoryquiltcoat and/or tag me so I can see your work!