By Janome Maker: Shereece Nicole
Hello, fibre friends! I’m Shereece Nicole of Sew Hooked on Treasures and I’m returning for another fun tutorial.
It’s not uncommon for us quilters to have unfinished quilt tops just waiting for a purpose other than taking up space in a WIP pile. In an effort to change things up, I’ve been trying to finish my quilts in new-to-me ways (i.e. wearable, decorative or utility purposes). While in a local discount store, I found men’s sweatshirts for $3 and decided, “THIS is my next quilty wearable!” And now I’m sharing this how-to with you!
Supplies
- Unfinished Quilt Top
- Sweatshirt or Hoodie
- Coordinating Thread(s)
- Ruler
- Rotary Cutter
- Seam Ripper
Sewing Note
If you don’t have a serger, this is the perfect time to utilize the overlocking stitches on your machine! On my Memory Craft 9410QC, I prefer stitch Utility stitch #15. Choose a length that is similar to the original serged stitches. Play with it on a scrap fabric sandwich to find yours. Mine was 0.80 to give you an idea of where to start.
Also, the machine recommends using the M foot. Due to the thickness of the fabrics, I found it easier to use the A. It’s worth a shot to try the M though. It’s pretty cool how it works.
Now, let’s get started…
Instructions
1. Separate the sleeves from the body and the cuffs from the sleeve using your seam ripper.
Note: Mine is a raglan (sleeves extend up to collar) sweatshirt, so it was easier to leave the collar on. You may want to also remove the collar piece.
2. Using each sleeve piece as your batting, baste and quilt the unfinished quilt top to the sleeve. You don’t need backing for this.
3. Trim the excess quilt top from the sleeve.
4. With the right sides together, pin and sew the inside of the sleeves.
5. Place a cuff piece on the inside of the sleeve at the wrist lining up the cuff seam with the inside of the sleeve seams. Sew around. Repeat with the second sleeve.
6. With right sides together, pin sleeves to the body making sure the side seam of the body and the inside seam of the sleeve. Sew around.
Note: If you removed the collar, here is where you’ll pin it to the right side of the body and sew around.
Turn your work right side out and admire!
Optional Pocket
Hoodies don’t have a monopoly on front pockets. Since I had more usable quilt top, I wasn’t going to waste it.
1. Using the pocket from a pattern I had previously used (Simplicity S9759), I cut a piece from the quilt top and a coordinating lining cotton fabric. If you don’t have a pattern, you can use another hoodie to trace the outline onto the lining fabric with a marking tool (e.g. Sewline pencil, Frixxon pen, water soluble pencil, etc.). Add ¼” all the way around for seam allowance.
2. I also cut a piece of one-sided fusible interfacing (Pellon SF101) approximately ¼” shorter on all sides. Fuse to quilt top per the manufacturer instructions.
3. Sew quilt top and lining right sides together all the way around leaving an opening of approximately 4” on the bottom. Backstitch at the beginning and end.
4. Trim the corners close without cutting stitches. Turn pocket right side out.
5. Using a blunt object (like a chopstick), push out the corners. Press flat.
6. Find the center of your sweatshirt and pocket. Line up the two and pin your pocket in place.
7. Topstitch around except for angled hand openings. Backstitch at all the ends.
Ta-Da!!! Your sweatshirt is ready to hit the town.
Pocket Design Option
I’m also a crocheter. I like to keep small projects handy. My sister, knowing this, sent me a photo of a hoodie with an opening for yarn and hooks. I fell in love with the idea, so worked that into this project! I left a 3” opening at the top of my pocket. I’ll let you know how I like it as soon as I try it out.
Please share photos if you ever try this. You can tag me on Instagram and Facebook or just email me!
Stitch on me hearties, 💕
