DIY Quilted Hoodie Quilt-A-Long: Week 2

Now on to the topic of the week: Cutting Your Sections.

This is definitely the scariest part of the project. Chances are, some of these questions are running through your head: What if I make a mistake and waste this quilt?! What if I chose the wrong size? What if I hate it when it's done?? 

Here’s the thing — you might. There’s no getting around it. You might mess up, it might not fit, you might hate it. I’ve done each at some point! I’ve made a quilt coat that didn’t fit. I’ve made one I thought I’d love, then didn’t. And I’ve confidently cut into a quilt thinking I placed all of my sections correctly, only to realize I cut one backwards and was out of fabric. But I survived and you will too, so go forward with confidence dear quilter! You can do this!!!

Cutting Instructions: What you need

• Rotary cutter
• Adhesive spray
• Ruler

Step 1. If using a completed quilt, arrange the paper templates on the quilt before cutting. This helps to visualize the final look and to see how much wiggle room you have in cutting. There’s nothing worse than cutting the first sections and realizing you haven’t left enough room to get all of the pieces you need! If using sections, check one more time that all of your pieces fit.

Step 2. Take Front and Back panel templates, fold the quilted sections in half and align the templates with the fold. Use pins and adhesive spray to secure the paper templates. I am a huge proponent of the adhesive spray, it minimizes distortion of the paper and makes cutting so much easier. Take your scissors or rotary cutter to carefully cut around the paper templates. Use a ruler to guide your rotary cutter around the curves.

Step 3. Next take Sleeve template. Cut (2) sleeve sections.

Step 4. Cut (2) hood pieces. Remember to FLIP THE TEMPLATE after cutting the first section. You need two mirror images (shown in photo above), and this is only possible if you invert the template before cutting the second piece. I’ve made this mistake before, and it is devastating!! Finally, cut the pocket and (2) sleeve cuffs.

Step 5. Make your binding. I used (1) 3" x WOF strip and (1) 6" x WOF strip.

That's all for this week! But before you go, I want to share a few changes I made to my second hoodie. You can see the two versions below.

Pattern Adjustments

1. Cropped lower hemline - I took about 4" off the second hoodie by marking a horizontal line 4" from the bottom of the front and back templates, then folded the templates along the line.
2. Widened sleeve holes - I cut 1" below the template along the edge of the sleeve hole. I hoped it would be easier to take the sweatshirt on and off, but honestly - it didn't make much of a difference. The quilted fabric is inflexible, even with a little extra room.
3. Widened sleeve panel - To accommodate the larger sleeve holes, I widened the sleeve itself by 1" by cutting 1" outside the sides of the templates (leaving the top and bottom the same) - it also really didn't change the fit.
4. Larger neckline - This was the best adjustment. I wanted a wider binding on the hood which required a larger attachment surface. The binding was 1.5" wide (6" binding strips), so with the front panel folded in half, I cut 1.5" deeper into the neckline. If widening the neckline, just remember, you have to compensate by adding width with the binding or changing the shape of your hood sections.

Let me know what you think, and be sure to tag me @wellspringdesigns_co in your progress photos and used #QuiltedHoodie to help me find you! I have LOVED seeing all of your gorgeous hoodies - each one is so amazing! You guys are just the best, and it has been so much fun making this project together!