How to Turn a (FREE!) Woven Pajama Pattern into a Quilted Vest
Hi I'm Emily! I have been sewing for years, and enjoy trying new skills and projects. I found Ellie and Mac in 2020, and it opened up the world of garment sewing for me. My favorite thing about sewing clothes is how many changes you can make to create the perfect piece for you! I'm excited to share some of my ideas with you.
If you love a cozy, handmade layer, this quilted vest is a perfect project. Using the free woven pajama pattern bodice pieces (from the Adult Classic PJ & Nightgown Pattern) as a base, you can create a fully lined, quilted vest with a clean finish and lots of room for customization.
This tutorial walks you through the process step by step—from modifying the pattern to quilting your fabric and assembling the final piece.
Supplies Needed
● Outer fabric (I used a quilting cotton)
● Flannel or thin batting
● Lining fabric (also quilting cotton)
● Bias binding
Pattern Pieces
You can download the Adult Classic PJ & Nightgown Pattern HERE. Then use the:
● Free woven pajama pattern bodice front
● Free woven pajama pattern bodice back
Pattern Adjustments
To transform the pajama top into a vest, a few simple modifications make a big difference:
● Shorten the bodice pieces to create a more cropped look
● Round the bottom of the bodice front for a softer silhouette
● Deepen and slightly round the neckline since this version does not include a collar
● Raise the bottom of the armhole for a better fit as a sleeveless garment
● Trim the shoulder width inward—you won’t be attaching sleeves, so you don’t need the extra width
Create a Toile
Before cutting into your final fabric, it’s important to make a toile (a test version). This allows you to:
● Check the fit
● Adjust the armholes or neckline
● Refine the cropped length
This step helps ensure your finished vest fits exactly how you want it to.
Prep Your Fabric
● Wash and dry your outer fabric, lining fabric, and flannel
● Press everything well—wrinkles will affect both quilting and final assembly
Quilting the Fabric
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Lay your outer fabric face down
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Place the flannel or batting on top
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Mark your quilting lines:
○ Draw lines at a 45-degree angle, spaced about 2 inches apart
○ Then mark lines in the opposite direction to create a diamond/grid pattern
- Sew along each marked line
○ Choose a thread color you love—I matched mine to my bias binding for a cohesive look
Take your time here—this step really defines the finished look of your vest.
Cutting Your Pieces
From both your quilted fabric and lining fabric, cut:
● Two mirrored bodice front pieces
● One bodice back piece on the fold
Assembly
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Outer Layer
○ Sew the quilted bodice pieces right sides together at the shoulders and side seams
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Lining
○ Assemble the lining pieces the same way
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Combine Layers
○ Turn the quilted outer layer right side out
○ Place the lining inside, wrong sides together, so seams align
○ Pin or baste the layers together
At this stage, try it on!
I made a small adjustment here by slightly reshaping the armholes and trimming a bit more from the shoulders for a better fit.
Attach the Bias Binding
Finish the raw edges with bias binding. This gives the vest a clean, polished finish while securing all layers together.
(Need help with the binding? Tap here for a quick look at how to add binding on another pattern we have - https://youtu.be/RkhE-2vqwgk)
Add Closures
I used KAM snaps to finish mine—just follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation.
Finished Vest
Other Ideas and Variations
This pattern is very customizable. Here are a few ways to make it your own:
● Use traditional buttons instead of snaps
● Remove some width from the center front and add ties for a softer closure
● Piece your outer fabric in a quilt-top style before quilting for a more intricate design
● Experiment with different quilting patterns (straight lines, curves, or even hand quilting)
This is a great project for using up fabric scraps and creating something both practical and beautiful.
- Written by Emily Samuel
