This month, our Aurifil Artisans embraced the opportunity to stitch something wearable, whether for themselves, someone dear, or even a beloved pet! Each project is a beautiful expression of style and intention.
From intricately embroidered accessories and quilted jackets to minatuire doll dresses and thread-trimmed totes, our Artisans have showed just how transformative thread can be in wearable art. Every stitch tells a story—of self-expression, of care, of the quiet power of making something with your own hands.
So let’s take a wander through their wardrobes and sneak a peek at what they’ve created—handmade pieces full of personality, purpose, and charm. Huge thanks to our incredible Artisans for sharing their creativity and enthusiasm with us, month after month.
Ben Millett
Ben cut a number of lengths of thread to test out colors before handquilting his Ombre Improv series, shared last year. He was holding on to the threads for a while, but then realized they could be tied together to hang from a hoop earring. He kept the thread lengths grouped per quilt, resulting in five loops to be worn together.
Aurifil Threads used: 12wt in 2423, 2530, 2520, 4020, 2535, 2540, 2235, 2145, 2340, 2245, 2395, 5022, 2000, 2800, 2850, 4093, 1320, 2860, 1158, 5018, 1231
Vickeidy Plybon
The moment I saw this print, I knew I had to make a dress with it! I made the #M7969 dress, and I’m absolutely in love.
Aurifil Threads used: 50wt in 2692
Amy Freyn
April’s Aurifil Artisan Challenge was to craft something wearable. This was a challenge for me as I have never made clothes (except for 2 quilt coats). I made the Reversible Hanbok Baeja by Sara SJ Kim @yoursara_k (an amazing beginner and free pattern!)
Aurifil Threads used: 40wt in 2692
Maude MacDonald
This patchwork circle skirt is made from a mix of cotton fabric scraps, all stitched together on my serger using Aurifil Forty3 cotton thread. The seams are clean, the finish feels super sturdy, and the whole thing has that playful, retro vibe I love. It was the perfect excuse to try cotton thread in my serger—and honestly, it worked like a charm.
Aurifil Threads used: Forty3 in 2026 and 50wt in 2132
Ashelyn Downs
After first seeing quilted sneakers a couple of years ago, I’ve been dying to make a pair. While I do live in “Quilt Mecca” and there have been plenty of opportunities to participate in workshops nearby, they just never quite worked for my schedule and would you believe that I’ve never actually taken a quilt-related workshop before!?
Aurifil Threads used: 50wt in 4241
Elissa Ziccardi
The Artisan challenge for this month is hands-down my absolute favorite… head to toe wearables of all kinds, there is something for everyone! Dive into the NEW Aurifil collection Full Moon Forest II by Tula Pink for the perfect coordinating colors and weights – I used all three weights in this magnificent collection of threads including 50, 12, and 80wt to construct, piece, quilt, and finish these projects. An epic celebration of undeniable, out of this world artistry, color, and whimsy, this collection takes my breath away!
Combining my love of quilting and intricate piecing with my background in garment making, I was inspired by the reimagined prints in Tula’s 50th collection, Full Moon Forest II. The centerpiece on the back of my quilted jacket features the illustrated owl “Hootie Patootie”. Providing a backdrop to the appliqued focal motif is a mandala of graduated foundation pieced flying geese in a rainbow ombre of colors featuring all of the new Tula Pink True Colors 2025 set off with Tula’s pastel Unicorn Poop solids.
The fronts of the quilted jacket feature radiating foundation paper piecing designs that I drafted myself to size and scale to show off applique motifs from a variety of the new prints. Adding more rainbow effect to the finished coat is seen on the paper pieced accent stripwork running down each full length of the sleeves. Blending the art of quilting with the functionality of outwear, my relaxed fit quilted jacket is fully lined and features pieced accent set-in sleeves, inseam pockets, a zippered front closure, a sporty and smart standing collar, and a yoked accent on the jacket fronts and back – my BELLA Quilted Coat pattern and sleeve expansion pack is pending release later this year!
My quilted backpack features a three-dimensional owl resting atop a fully functional front pocket with flap. Applique vines and leaves set the background for the owl head. Expertly woven ribbons dance and decorate the full exterior of the bag from the zipper strip, to the back quilted pocket, and both exterior side pockets. The interior of the bag includes a slip pocket on one side, with a full height zip pocket on the opposite side. A convenient carrying handle and adjustable straps featuring the new Tula Pink webbing from Renaissance Ribbons, make this backpack ideal to be carried in a variety of ways. Tula Pink hardware from Sallie Tomato are the finishing tops on all of the bag hardware. I poured loads of joy and energy into the intricately pieced blocks that finish at 2.5″ square, over 1500 pieces of fabric and 150+ blocks, I was inspired to take the over the top details in the coat quilt and quilted sneakers and pull it all together by creating these quilted crop cargo pants.
Tamara Darragh
Say hello to my new quilt coat crush! For April’s Wearable Challenge, I finally stitched up the Tamarack Jacket I’ve been dreaming about for years. I started by quilting a whole cloth panel, then transformed it into a cozy, texture-filled coat—complete with big stitches, hand-finished binding, and antique bronze snaps. I used a mix of my favorite Aurifil threads throughout, from construction to finishing touches, and loved how each weight added its own personality. This project was all about slowing down and savoring the process. I hope it reminds you that wearable quilts can be equal parts art, comfort, and joy.
Aurifil Threads used: Longarm quilting— Forty3 in 2311; Construction— 50wt in 2311; Blind stitching the binding— 80wt in 2155; Big stitch binding— 12wt in 2155
Zeïba Monod
Let’s talk thread magic because Aurifil really brought this gorgeous reversible coat to life. I pieced it with my trusty 50wt, which never lets me down. I was this close to hand quilting it, but since both sides would be visible, I went all in on texture with machine quilting instead. The winning combo? Aurifil 12wt on top, 28wt in the bobbin, and a denim needle. Hello, texture. Every detail, from the bold quilting to the flat felled seams and even the binding, was stitched with 12wt. It’s strong, smooth, and totally eye-catching on both sides, with gorgeous, softer details on the reverse thanks to the 28wt. The best part? It’s truly reversible, with clean finishes, beautiful texture, and no “wrong” side in sight.
Aurifil Threads used: 50wt in 2311 for piecing and 28wt 2311 & 12wt 2000 for quilting
Christine Joubert
Making clothes is a real challenge for me, so I’ve started with a little piece, using only leftovers, and turning it into something quilty using kantha stitches. Using Aurifil threads in 12wt is always a success for this purpose— so smooth and going easy through multiple layers and colors !!!
Aurifil Threads used: 12wt in 4020, 2135, 1148, 2520, 2220
Amelia Ellen
For this challenge I made a quilted waistcoat using denim and floral jacquard fabric. I decided to add the quilted detail onto one of the panels of the waistcoat. I am so pleased with the way that the floral pattern of the quilting works with the floral fabric and the colours work so beautifully together too. What an enjoyable challenge, I cant wait to wear this one!
Aurifil Threads used: 50wt in 4651; 40wt in 2021
Lexi Ellis
For April I channeled the wearable energy for an Aurifil takeover weekend! It was such a fun opportunity to introduce some beginner tricks for a quilted wearable, while stretching my own skills! I enjoyed quilting with 28wt and can’t wait to try Aurifil thread for more garments.
Aurifil Threads used: 50wt & 28wt in 5015, 2423
Candice Odeen
For April’s wearable challenge I wanted to make a bag but wanted something different from all of my others. I’ve been saving this velvet corduroy for a special occasion and the repurposed sheets were the perfect accent. Aurifil’s large range of colors allowed me to match perfectly right in spots I wanted, and have delightful contrasting top stitch in other spots. I’ve used 28wt several times while sewing with leather and love the results.
Aurifil Threads used: 12wt & 28wt in 6728, 1128, 2420
Janine Heschl
The best thing about being an Aurifil Artisan is that each month you get to be extra creative and come up with a spanking new project that may or may not shove you right out of your comfort zone – depending on the prompt. This month was the ‘wearable art’ theme and I got to stitch a tiny dandelion for one of my miniature hoops. I hand embroidered her with 40wt, 50wt and 80wt Aurifil Cotton thread on black calico fabric. Initially I intended to stitch a patch to sew onto a jacket, but then I wanted to make an ‘all year round wearable accessory’ and turned the hoop into a necklace.
Aurifil Threads used: 40wt, 50wt & 80wt in 5018, 1147, 2134, 2214, 2318, 4012, 2145, 2123, 1114, 2130
Annie Tremblay
A fresh new quilt coat for Spring was on my list for this month’s Aurifil Artisan challenge. I used Fableism sprout wovens for coziness paired with pretty strawberries for the perfect lining for spring and summer season. I pieced and quilted it with Aurifil 50wt thread in 2510 Light Lilac to match the binding for a subtle look. Wearing a quilt is the best thing!
Aurifil Threads used: 50wt in 2510
Marta Chade
It started with a 0.35 mm hook, some fine cotton thread and the idea of a summer dress. When I realized how long it would take in life size, I turned to my miniature world and crocheted one for my tiny babies instead. Even after countless projects, the “wow” feeling of seeing a finished tiny piece next to a real object never fades!
Aurifil Threads used: 50wt in 2132, 6723, 2021
Mary Burroughs-Mayer
The Aurifil Artisan challenge for April was all about making something wearable. This is my favorite challenge of the year, and I love thinking outside the box to make something for myself. I’ve been ogling the Drafters Grid Dress by Roberts-Wood for a LONG time, and this felt like the perfect time to finally take the plunge. This design uses patchwork (my favorite part of quilting) to make a beautiful and flattering silhouette. It’s a little boring on the thread details, though. I used 50wt thread in color 2021 to construct and top-stitch the entire dress. This thread is the true work horse of my sewing room, however, and I’m excited to let it shine a little bit with this project. Check out my blog link for ALL the details and some tips and tricks for making this pattern.
Aurifil Threads used: 50wt in 2021
Susanne Kuprella
That was a project that I didn’t know how it would turn out. I had been given a pile of velour samples and spontaneously decided to turn them into a belt. I had never done this before and, above all, turning and closing the opening was a challenge. Not everything worked out as planned, but in the end the result is absolutely wearable. I love this belt!
Aurifil Threads used: 50wt in 2021 & 28wt in 2908
Matthew Friesz
I took some creative liberty with this month’s prompt and made something wearable [for my Kindle]. I used about 20 different colors of Ruby+Bee solids and hand-stitched all these little curves using the Ovalets templates and instructions from @BettyCrockerAss & @SpunStraw. I sewed the finished ovalet blocks into two panels with my sewing machine and then used the panels to create this perfect little zipper pouch.
Aurifil Threads used: Pieced with 50wt in 5016. Quilted with 50wt in 2000, 2145 1100 & 28wt in 2784
Vivian Doan
For a couple of years I have wanted to make a quilt coat and now I can say I did it! The pattern is the Omilla Hooded Quilt Coat by @sewillow_patterns. I used the most amazing fabric by @windhamfabrics called Pickle Dish from the collection #perfectpointsfabric. For the lining, I used Spark, a @rubystarsociety blender in the colour Lipstick. I used some extra blacks I had for the pockets and hood and binding.
Aurifil Threads used: 50wt 2479 in the bobbin and Forty3 2692 for the quilting
Zoe Mayson
I rescued a beat up quilt from a charity shop that was crying out for an upcycle, and when this month challenge came up, I knew it was serendipity! Picking 2 matching sections of the quilt, this crescent bag was born. Just for me, it’s big enough for all the essentials, but small enough to take anywhere! I used a thread that I have nicknamed ‘blueberry cheesecake’, as it has such lovely varigated yellow and blue tones, that coordinated perfectly with the quilt!
Aurifil Threads used: 50wt in 4649
Barbie Mitchell
The texture of the hand quilting, achieved with the rich Aurifil 12wt, makes this vest a tactile joy, while the machine-pieced construction with 50wt ensures its wearability. This project reminded me of my deep love for garment making and the wonderful overlap in skills between it and the art of quilting.
Aurifil Threads used: 12wt in 1148 & 50wt in 2130
We encourage you to click through and check out each of these amazing projects in more detail!