Embellished Quilt Block Denim Jacket

Do you have a denim jacket that needs a bit of an update? Here’s a fun and easy project to help you personalize your wardrobe: an Embellished Quilt Block Denim Jacket! And the best part is that you can make it uniquely your own by choosing any style of block and fabrics you like. Believe it or not, you can even create this if you don’t know how to sew.

Image is a collage of photos showing the back of a denim jacket embellished with a purple and pink Ohio Star quilt block. It also contains the project title, and is intended for Pinterest.

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How to Make an Embellished Quilt Block Denim Jacket

There are two different ways to create this jacket; one is for quilters, while the other requires absolutely no sewing experience at all. Take a look at the easy instructions below, and choose the method that’s the best fit for you.

Image contains a woman wearing a denim jacket embellished with a purple and pink quilt block on the back. She is standing with her back turned toward the camera, and holding a quilted patch that matches the jacket.

Materials

fabric of your choice (mine is Felicity Fig from the Wandering collection by Andover Fabrics) OR premade 10” Iron On Patchwork Quilt Blocks
double-sided fusible interfacing
denim jacket
iron
sewing machine and thread (optional)
scissors

Special Savings: My favorite source for quilting and sewing supplies is Missouri Star Quilt Company. If you click any of the affiliate links in this post and place an order, you will get a special 25% discount that’s just for my friends and followers! The discount will automatically be applied at checkout, so let’s go shopping!

Instructions

Create or choose your quilt block.

If you’re not a quilter, this is the easiest step ever, because all you need to do is choose your favorite premade 10” Iron On Patchwork Quilt Block! They’re available in a Brights palette as well as Cottage Core. Each pack has 5 designs to choose from, and you can use the extras for other projects like pillows and tote bags.

Image contains two packages of MSQC Iron On Patchwork Quilt Blocks; one Cottage Core, and one Brights, on a wooden background.

If you prefer to create your own quilt block, choose your favorite 9” or 10” block pattern, and piece it with your choice of fabrics. I chose the Ohio Star, which is a pretty simple one for beginning quilters. Here’s a detailed tutorial for how to make the Ohio Star, or you can make any style block you like.

Image is a digital illustration of an Ohio Star quilt block, colored in shades of pink and purple.

Iron fusible interfacing onto the back of your block (only if you sewed your own).

The pre-made blocks already have adhesive backings, so skip this step if you are using one of those. If you created your own block, follow the instructions on the interfacing packaging to iron the bumpy/rough side of it to the back side of the fabric. Then, trim your block to square it up.

Image contains an Ohio Star quilt block made from purple and pink patterned fabrics on a grey pad next to a light pink Oliso iron.

Position your block and iron it to your jacket.

If you’re using the pre-made blocks, follow the instructions on the packaging regarding heat and time settings. If you made your own, you’ll first need to peel off the paper backing layer of the fusible interfacing. Then, place your block right side up on the back of the jacket and iron it to adhere.

Image contains the back of a denim jacket laying on an ironing pad with the quilt block and a light pink Oliso iron on top.

Machine sew around the edges of the square (1/8” seam) and sew any other details/pattern you like. (optional)

If you don’t sew, no worries, your patch will still look awesome! If you do want to add decorative stitching, this is your time to shine. I basically sewed a 1/8” seam inside each of the smaller shapes in my Ohio Star.

Image is a close-up view of the Ohio Star Quilt block in pink and purple fabrics, with decorative stitching added.

Once your block is ironed in place (and stitched, if you like), your jacket is ready to wear! Isn’t it so much fun?!

Image contains a denim jacket with a pink and purple quilt block on the back, draped over a chair in front of Amy’s DreamBox craft organization system.

If you don’t want to stop there, you can add some extra flair to the front of your jacket too, by doing some fussy cut appliqué or by ironing on smaller versions of the quilt block patches. Here’s my full tutorial for the appliqué flowers I did.

Image contains a denim jacket with pink flowers appliqued on the front, sitting on a chair in front of Amy’s DreamBox crafting station.

This is such a fun and easy way to bring new life to a jacket, a pair of jeans, or even a tote bag. It’s also a great option for repairing/covering a hole in your favorite jacket. What will you personalize?

Image contains a woman with her back to the camera, wearing a denim jacket that is embellished with a pink and purple quilt block on the back. She is holding several pieces of floral fabric over her shoulder.

Crafting Tips

Don’t have a jacket that’s perfect for this project? Try your local thrift store or online marketplace to find a great deal on a gently used one!
Use this same technique to personalize a tote bag.
If your pre-made block is too big, you can cut easily use a rotary cutter or scissors to trim it down to the size you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the jacket washable?

Yes!

Where do I get the pre-made patches?

The 10” blocks, as well as smaller 5” blocks are available online from Missouri Star Quilt Company. Save 25% on your order when you use this link. The discount will automatically be applied at checkout.

Can I do this to a different type of jacket?

Absolutely.