Inspirational Shibori Quilted Jackets for Sewing Enthusiasts

I have been wanting to share these wonderful, shibori quilted jackets made by Anne Binns for a while now. I was most impressed when Anne shared her work with me. This was one of those times when opening an email was truly pleasurable!

the back of a blue shibori quilted jacket with a dandelion motif — Reverse of jacket showing dandelion motif

The front of a blue shibori quilted jacket with stripes and flowers on the pockets — Reverse of jacket showing dandelion motif

Indeed, using shibori patterns in this way is inspirational, I really wanted to share these jacket ideas with you. As a consequence of seeing them, I do hope that you may be encouraged to use my many shibori designs in making clothing. Look at other blogs to be inspired by the many patterns you can make with simple shibori.

The overall striped pattern of the jacket is completely Anne’s own idea, but she used designs and forms from some of my blogs to create the focus motifs. I feel most proud to have helped in the creation of such beautiful items of clothing.

Cream and pale blue quilted jacket with blue leaf sprigs on the pockets. — Cream and pale blue quilted jacket with leaf motif decoration on the pockets

General Information on Fabric

The outer layer and lining of the shibori quilted jackets is made from calico (called muslin in the USA/Canada). This fabric takes shibori and dye very well. There is wadding quilted in between the two layers.

Now, most importantly let me point the way to the blogs she used in creating the different designs used to decorate the jackets.

Patterns Used to Create the Shibori Quilted Jackets

1. The Large Dandelion on The Reverse

This large flower design is made by stitching through one layer of fabric. Firstly, to make the flower sew 3 lines of simple running stitches parallel to each other around the outside larger circle. Secondly, some more parallel stitches worked in a circle closer to the centre. A large bead makes the centre. Finally it is all gathered up and wound around with a strong binding thread. This blog gives step by step instructions.

Shibori stitching and binding for making a dandelion

2. The Five Petalled Flower on The Pockets

This motif is quite simple to sew, using only running stitches following the line of the pattern. Here, I share the outline pattern and finished flower. Here is the blog with more information.

Simple ori-nui geranium pattern as sewn on quilted jacket pockets

3. The Seven Leafed Sprig on the Pale Blue Quilted Jacket

Finally, the small sprig of leaves shibori design. It is a simple pattern again using ori-nui and still so effective. To clarify I have included the pattern outline alongside the finished design. And here is the blog with full information on making the leaf motif.

Unsurprisingly, Anne has told me her daughters and granddaughters have put in orders for their own shibori quilted jackets. But she is not sure whether they will get them!

But I am sure Anne’s work will inspire you to make your own quilted jacket.