Patchwork clothing has been popping up in the fashion pages of glossy magazines for a while now. Whether it’s the increased awareness of sustainability in the fashion industry, or just a passing trend aimed to capture the nostalgia of past eras, I think it’s a movement that as sewists we should all embrace.
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There is something magical about piecing a pile of fabric scraps together to make something extremely wearable.
Forget your preconceived ideas of hippy patchworked skirts that smell faintly of incense, patchwork garments can be elegant, modern and very stylish.
I made a patchwork dress from some of my favourtite leftover vintage fabric pieces a few years ago, and still get compliments whenever I wear it.
More recently I was inspired by classic patchwork blocks and printed a patchwork design on a t-shirt.
Get the Patchwork Dress instructions and making tips here
Why it’s a great idea to make Patchwork Clothing
There are so many advantages to including a patchwork element in your next garment project, here are just a few:
- Using leftover fabric already in your fabric stash is a great way to save money and reduce waste.
- An interesting way to re-purpose unfinished quilt tops, vintage quilts or worn out clothing like old jeans.
- Perfect for when you want to sew something new but can’t get to a fabric store.
- You’ll have something really unique to wear.
I still fondly remember a patchwork sweatshirt that my mum made me in 1984 from a big bag of fleecy fabric off-cuts a friend had given her. I designed it myself with bat-wing sleeves and a cowl neckline – it was the stuff of dreams for a 10yo back in the 80’s! I thought it looked pretty cool.
If you need some inspiration to see how amazing patchwork clothing pieces can look, I’ve gathered some over on Etsy.
Patchwork Clothing on Etsy
I've collected a range of patchwork clothing from makers and sellers all over the world. Due to the nature of patchwork, many of the garments are handmade to order or vintage pieces.
Even though they may be more expensive than mass-produced clothing, these one of a kind patchwork jackets, dresses, tops and skirts are classic peices that you can wear for years to come.
If you are handy with a sewing machine, they also provide teriffic inspiration for making a patchwork garment of your own.
Multicolour Cotton Patchwork Cocoon Coat
This one-of-a-kind vintage coat made from a patchwork quit top is stunning! The red lining and binding really makes the patchwork pattern pop. The price is just as breathtaking as the design, so if you haven't got a big wad of cash just kicking around, maybe it use this cape as inspiration to make your own.
Heirloom Quilt Jacket
This patchwork jacket is made from a Civil War era quilt top from the late 1800s, and 70s vintage denim. A simple classic style that will look great for decades. The colour combination of dark red and indigo looks very modern.
Americana Quilt Patchwork Toddler Dress
This cute faux patchwork fabric toddler dress is so cheerful and reminds me of the kind of dresses my mum would make for me as a child. Kids garments are an easy starting point for making patchwork clothing because they are smaller and quicker to finish.
Six Star Vintage Quilt Jacket
An incredibly beautiful patchwork jacket made from from a 1920 star feedsack quilt. The quilt is a restored piece that has been in the family of 75 year old couple May and Gary of Nebraska. A true wearable work of art.
Patchwork Boxy Top
This colourful patchwork t-shirt is comfortable and fun to wear. Its boxy style looks great on nearly everyone. and the colour-blocking is super contemporary. Handmade to order in Amsterdam. Great inspiration for a wearable top from jersey fabric off-cuts.
Patchwork Quilt Print T-shirt
Inspired by all things patchwork, this t-shirt is printed with a patchwork quilt design. Choose from black, navy or grey marle.
Vintage 70s Patchwork Maxi Skirt
Be still my beating heart! This vintage patchwork skirt ticks all my vintage clothing boxes. The colours and style are super wearable. Team this skirt with a black polo neck jumper and you are all set. Make a similar one with a basic A-line skirt pattern. This one is made from a cosy faux suede fabric.
Army Denim Patchwork Kimono
Re-using old jeans is one of my favourite styles of refashioning and upcycling. This deconstructed patchwork kimono is a cool unisex style that includes lots of different shades of denim patchworked together with green army cloth.
Patchwork African Wax Print Tiered Dress
A colour explosion! This wax print fabric patchwork dress brings a huge smile to my face. Custom made for the perfect fit, this dress is a real show-stopper! And really not so expensive for a custom made garment. This Etsy seller includes a matching face mask with every order. Go visit the With Flare Etsy store, all their dress designs are gorgeous.
Wool patchwork coat made in Boro Technique
An heirloom piece that looks thoughtfully made. Each patchwork square is stitched with a Japanese Boro stitching technique to add texture and reinforce the fabric.
Patchwork Pocket T-Shirt
A simple addition to a plain t-shirt elevates the look to something really bespoke. A fun way to take advantage of those last few scraps of your favourite fabric.
Colorblock Patchwork Sweater
A fun sweater made from cosy fleecy sweatshirt fabric. The perfect way to use up colourful fabric off-cuts. This one is custom made to order. Make yours in any colour combination that suits you.
These clothes look so fun! GORGGGG!