All about the Kids Quilt Coat
Since we first launched the Quilt Coat in early 2020, we’ve had requests from lots of folks in our community to create a kids quilt coat. I LOVED the idea of making a tiny version of our cult favorite coat, but during these past few crazy years, that felt out of reach for our tiny team that was stretched thin during our rapid, pandemic-fueled growth. Plus, kids clothing was a totally different ball game with different rules that I, a childless person, didn’t know very well (if at all).
In early 2022, things started falling in to place. With plans to expand our wearable quilted goods line and our seamstress Joanna having recently completed a children’s garment making course, we started taking steps towards designing a kids quilt coat. And as the universe would have it, I found out I was pregnant in early May - how’s that for timing?
As I started researching, I was surprised by how few thoughtful and modern heirloom-quality children’s garments I found that are handmade by artisans in the USA . Sure, there’s lots of frilly, old school communion dresses, miniature versions of the #cottagecore vintage quilt coats, and of course lots of inexpensive, low quality clothing made overseas. But nothing that speaks to the modern, aesthetic-forward family who emphasizes quality over quantity and values supporting the tradition of American craft. So we got to work.
Over the past 9 months, Joanna and I worked together closely (at least as closely as you can with me in Texas and her in Florida) over Slack, FaceTime, and Google Docs, determining the features we wanted the coats to have — our signature raglan sleeve, large pockets for treasures, designs to match the adult versions, reversibility — and creating our own range of flexible sizing so kids can get years (not months) of wear out of them. After many conversations across the country to discuss muslin samples, how big (or small) a 3 year old child is, pocket shape, quilt pattern placement, etc…we finally settled on something we loved.
The Kids Quilt Coat takes everything you love about the Quilt Coat — the raglan sleeve, modern minimalist designs, the oversized unisex fit, machine washability, and soft quilted coziness — and shrinks it down for the little ones in your life.
We also added a few key kid-friendly features: easy-to-snap brass snap closure, large pockets for holding treasures/rocks/snacks, long cuffable sleeves and and oversized fit that kids can grow into over years, playful contrast binding, and it’s REVERSIBLE! Perfect for those inevitable spills — just turn it inside out and wear it the other way (don’t worry, they’re still machine washable).
It’s safe to say we are totally obsessed (especially with my own little one on the way) — I don’t know how many times our team has swooned over this sweet little coat and exclaimed how adorable it was!
We see the Kids Quilt Coat as the perfect introduction to the concept of “fewer, better things” and learning how to care for their most special belongings. Like a handcrafted crib or a favorite stuffed animal, it’s one of those heirloom pieces that can be passed down to siblings and future generations.
The Kids Quilt Coat launches Friday October 7th at 12pm CST
For more information about sizing, see our Quilt Coat Size Guide. Feel free to reach out to us at hello@vacilandostudios.com with any additional questions.
