The Forest Coat is here!

 

I’m so pleased to introduce you to The Forest Coat, a quilted children’s coat that came about from a collaboration idea between myself and Annie Brady of Bound Co, designer and creator of the most beautiful modern quilting fabrics and quilting patterns.

We wanted to create a coat that could showcase her Little Animal quilt range while allowing quilters who are new to garment sewing, and garment sewers who are new to quilting, to meet in the middle and learn some new skills. And so, The Forest Coat was born! I’m so proud to now see my Forest Coat being used to showcase her adorable little animal quilts designs. You can find out more about this collaboration very soon but in the meantime, say a big proper hello to The Forest Coat.

 
 
Three line drawings of different views of the forest coat. The outside of the coat, the reversed view of the coat and the coat without a hood.
 
 

Here’s the breakdown:

Description:
It’s a simple coat in shape and style with a standing collar and centre front zip opening, fold up cuffs, optional patch pockets and a drop hem at the back. There is an option for a detachable hood (Oh, and did I mention there are ears?) and not only detachable but reversible too. Speaking of reversible, since the coat is fully bound, it means that you can even make the coat itself reversible. Fun eh?! All seams and edges are bound and if that seems daunting, don’t worry for one second. You’ll be an absolute pro after this with my clear and concise instructions.

Close up image of the side back view of the standing collar. White needle cord fabric with pink and green floral print and a light pink bound edge. Also 3 green flower buttons.

Size:
The pattern ranges from 1-10 years old (Body Measurement Chest: 50cm-72cm)

Fabric Recommendations:
Outer & Lining Fabrics
A medium weight woven fabric will be a great choice which is why quilting cotton is perfect. Woven fabric is definitely the best option and what I would recommend. It is however, possible to use a sweater weight knit for one of the layers but only if the other layer is woven and you have experience with quilting. If you are new to quilting, definitely stick to using woven fabrics.
Wadding (Batting):
My preference would be cotton or wool since it is more breathable.

Image of toddler in a forest setting. She is wearing a little quilted coat with turn up cuffs and a detachable hood. The coat is made from quilted white needle cord with pink and green floral print, light pink bound edges and a burgundy zip.

Notions Required:
- Wadding (Batting)
- Open-Ended Zip (Reversible Zip if you plan to make it reversible)
- Small buttons x 10
- 20mm (3/4 inch) Single Fold Binding
- Sewing Thread (approx 4 x 100m spools)
- A walking foot is helpful but definitely not essential

Files Included:
Your download link includes 4 PDF files
- A4/US Letter format for home printing
- A0 Large format for copy shop printing
- Projector format for home projection
- Fully illustrated instructions PDF booklet

Side view of a toddler in a forest setting. She is wearing a little quilted coat with hood up and turn up cuffs. The coat is made from quilted white needle cord with pink and green floral print, light pink bound edges.
 
 
Close up of a happy little girl wearing a quilted coat with turn up cuffs and a detachable hood. The coat is made from quilted white needle cord with pink and green floral print, light pink bound edges and a burgundy zip.

Outside View

The basic shape and main construction of this coat is straightforward but the amount of binding and techniques required to make it reversible, pushes it more towards an intermediate level make. Don’t be put off though! If you’re relatively new to sewing, the instructions will help to guide you through each step and I always encourage people to push themselves. It’s always fun to learn new skills. If you’ve never quilted before (I’d done very little!), I can safely tell you, it’s super simple and I’ll show you how. Or, if you’ve only ever quilted and garment sewing is new to you, then this is the prefect project to dip your toe in the garment sewing pond. You’re likely to already be a dab hand at binding so the garment aspect of it will be super simple for you to manage. If you’re new to binding, you’ll be guided through a few techniques so you’ll be a binding convert by the end! Does a zip sound too beyond your skills? Nonsense! This is a super simple zip insertion, you don’t even need to use a zipper foot. I even tell you how to shorten a zip if necessary, a really helpful tool in your sewing arsenal. I love it when people can learn something new when making my patterns.

 
 
 

That warm fuzzy feeling you get when that special little person puts on something you’ve carefully made with your own hands, never gets old. And they’ll be warm and fuzzy too in their adorable little cozy quilted coat. Full circle!!! They’ll love the coat, but I’m pretty sure they’ll love the ears the most and to be fair, who doesn’t love a set of ears? It’s like the kids version of a dress having pockets!

This pattern is great if you want to learn some new skills, improve on your current skills or just want to get stuck into a really cute project for the fun of it.

Here’s what the testers had to say about their experience making The Forest Coat.

Little girl standing on one leg in the forest wearing the reverse view of the forest coat. Plain lilac fabric with patch pockets of floral print and little ears on the detachable hood. Light pink bound seams

Reversed View

 
 
Side angle of a denim blue double gauze forest coat, no hood, with pockets and white grey stripe bindings and cuffs, hanging on a light grey wall. Cropped framed picture off to the side with a twig sitting on top.
 
 
“My daughter looks adorable in hers, but I’d totally make it for a boy too. I always like kids patterns like that, that aren’t too gendered.”
 
 
“I am so glad I tried quilting. It’s cool. I will be doing more of it. Great Pattern Gillian!”
 
 
“The instructions were very clear and easy to follow”
 
 
“I love that it used only one A0 sheet. Much less waste”
Wide angle shot of a smiling little girl wearing a white, pink and green floral print forest coat. The hood is removed and she is pulling up the burgundy zip.
 

Massive thanks and gratitude to my amazing team of testers. Your input has been incredibly helpful in getting this cute little coat out into the world for others to make.

Be sure to check out my Tester Round-Up post to see their fantastic creations.

Click the button below to get your copy of the Forest Coat today. I can’t wait to see what you make with it so be sure to share it on social with the hashtags #forestcoat #wdsforestcoat

 
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