From Quilts to Garments: A Guide for Quilters Exploring Garment Sewing

From Quilts to Garments: A Guide for Quilters Exploring Garment Sewing

Emily Herbster

You may have seen me make my first pair of pink linen pants along with a skirt over the summer after taking a class with Mikayla, who has since become a great friend! While finding local quilters can sometimes be tricky, connecting with a garment maker feels even rarer—so discovering Mikayla was such a treat. That experience introduced me to the creativity and satisfaction of garment sewing, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Recently, I took the leap and upgraded to a Bernina L 890, an overlocker and coverstitch combo machine that’s sure to elevate my future projects.

As a beginner, I had so many questions about fabrics, patterns, and techniques, and Mikayla was an amazing resource. I thought it would be a great idea to compile her tips, along with my own experiences, into a blog post for anyone looking to make the leap into garment sewing.

If you’re local to the Baltimore area and want to learn from the best, Mikayla currently teaches at Handcraft Happy Hour and offers private lessons! You can check out her schedule here. For inspiration, take a look at her beautiful creations on Instagram: @mikayla_sews.

Transitioning from quilting to garment sewing is an exciting journey—it’s a chance to create unique, wearable art. Whether you’re an experienced sewist or completely new to the world of clothing construction, this guide will help you get started.

Garment Pattern Brands for Every Skill Level

A well-written pattern is key to a successful first garment. Here are some pattern companies to explore, from beginner-friendly options to more advanced designs:

  • Helen’s Closet – Mikayla swears by Helen’s Closet for its incredibly thorough instructions. Perfect for beginners, these patterns guide you every step of the way.

  • Friday Pattern Co. – Another favorite for new sewists, their designs are trendy, accessible, and supported by clear instructions.

  • True Bias – Known for stylish, wearable garments, True Bias patterns are approachable for sewists building their wardrobe.

  • Closet Core Patterns – Closet Core offers a variety of designs, from basics to more complex pieces. While their instructions can be less detailed, the quality and range make them a standout choice.

  • Peppermint Magazine – If you want to dip your toes into garment sewing without spending much, Peppermint Magazine offers free, beginner-friendly patterns with fun, unique designs.

Other Notable Pattern Companies:

Where to Source Garment Fabrics

Unlike quilting cotton, garment fabrics come in a wide variety of weights, textures, and drapes.



These shops offer excellent options for garment sewing:

  • Surge Fabric Shop – A great source for knits, wovens, and specialty fabrics like athletic or swimwear materials.
  • I See Fabric – Offers beautiful, high-quality fabrics with an emphasis on natural fibers and trendy prints.
  • Blackbird Fabrics – A favorite for curated collections of luxurious garment fabrics, including linens, tencels, and wools.
  • Core Fabrics – Closet Core Patterns' fabric shop specializes in eco-friendly, high-quality fabrics ideal for garments.
  • Mood Fabrics – A legendary shop for its vast selection, from basics to high-end designer materials.
  • Domesticity Fabric Shop – A Baltimore-based shop (and local favorite!) with a delightful range of garment and quilting fabrics.
  • Sew to Speak – A charming fabric shop in Columbus, Ohio, offering a variety of garment and quilting fabrics.
  • Organic Cotton Plus – Offers sustainable, organic options for sewists prioritizing eco-friendly materials.
  • Lyrical Fabrics – Great for finding unique, modern prints and basics for garment sewing.

    Tips for Quilters Shifting to Garment Sewing

    Start Simple: Choose patterns labeled as beginner-friendly and avoid intricate designs or finicky fabrics like silk or chiffon. Starting with woven fabrics like linen or cotton might feel more familiar and easier to manage than knit fabrics, which require a bit more finesse.

    Learn Fabric Basics: Garment fabrics behave differently from quilting cotton. If possible, visit a local fabric shop to see and feel different fabrics in person. This will help you familiarize yourself with the variety of options available. If you can’t access an in-person shop, many online shops offer swatches that you can order to get a feel for the fabric before committing to a purchase.

    Pre-Wash Your Fabric: Unlike quilting cotton, garment fabrics often need to be pre-washed to prevent shrinkage and to remove any finishing treatments. Be sure to follow the care instructions for your fabric type before you start sewing.

    You Can Even Mock Up Your Garment: Use muslin to create a test version and ensure proper fit before cutting into your fabric. Garment fabric can be really pricey so this is an option to test fit before you cut into that beautiful fabric. 

    Check Your Seam Allowances: Quilters are used to sewing with a 1/4-inch seam allowance, but garment patterns often require larger seam allowances—commonly 5/8 inch. Be sure to follow the specifications in your pattern for accurate construction and fit.

    Review Fabric Requirements: Garment fabrics typically range between 50–60 inches wide, significantly wider than standard quilting cotton (42–44 inches). Many patterns provide fabric requirements for multiple widths of fabric, so double-check that you’re purchasing the correct amount for the width you’re buying.

    Expect to Make Adjustments: Unlike quilts, garments are fitted to your body, so some tweaking might be necessary. Be patient—it’s part of the process!

    Take Your Time: Garment sewing involves new techniques like darts, zippers, and hems. Practice makes perfect, so don’t rush.

    Paper Patterns vs. PDF Patterns: You usually have the option to buy paper patterns or PDF patterns, each with its pros and cons. Paper patterns require you to trace out your size, and you can simply put the pattern away afterward—no taping required. PDF patterns, on the other hand, need to be printed and taped together, which can be a bit of a hassle. However, you can opt to have PDF patterns professionally printed. I really love using PDF Plotting, which is super fast since they’re not far from me. They offer different paper options, and their prints always come out perfectly to scale because they specialize in printing sewing patterns. This way, you can cut your paper and easily reprint it if you want to make the pattern in a different size.

    Using a Projector for Patterns: If you decide to move towards using a projector for your patterns, a PDF file is a must. Projectors require a digital version of the pattern to project onto fabric, so having a PDF file ensures you can project your pattern directly and accurately onto your cutting table.

        Sewing garments is a deeply satisfying way to expand your sewing skills. With the right patterns and fabrics, you’ll be well on your way to creating a wardrobe full of handmade treasures. Ready to get started? Share your first garment project in the comments below—I’d love to hear about your journey!

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