Quilted vests are warm, light and practical for children in autumn and winter. They can be made with or without a hood, and with a few simple techniques they look very professional. These notes come from a quilted fibre vest project.

Choosing the fabric

Quilted fabrics for vests are usually 100% polyester, and some are 100% cotton. If you use a polyester quilted fabric, you can add a cotton lining on the inside, which feels softer and more breathable against the skin.

Construction

This vest uses a double-sided quilted cotton, so the inside is as neat as the outside. All the edges are closed with piping (binding), which hides the raw edges and gives a clean finish.

The padding inside the fabric is 100% nylon fibre, and the lining layer on top of it is 100% cotton.

Pockets and decoration

Attach the pockets before you set in the zipper, and reinforce their corners so the seams do not open under use. Video tutorials on pocket construction are available on YouTube.

The hooded version has decorative pocket flaps. These flaps can also be worn over normal pockets and are just ornaments.

Making your own snaps

You can fit snap fasteners yourself at home. It is simple and you only need a pair of top and bottom setting dies for the snaps. Always check that snaps and other small parts are firmly attached before a young child wears the vest.