The Soft Armor Pattern

$15.00

Introducing Thread + Sprout SOFT ARMOR!

Inspired by chainmail hoods, helmets, and heraldry-adorned tabards worn by knights of ye olde times, but made of soft, squishy, warm quilted fabric. A wearable reminder to not harden your heart, even though the world is hard.

A fabric spell of protection and something to remind you of safety — to give you the courage to keep on keeping on. A reminder to stay soft, stay open, and stay tender while stoking the flames of your sacred rage and to fight like hell for a better world.

  • This pattern is kind of like a bib or vest with a solid front and back, open sides, and snaps under the arms.

  • It has a slightly cropped, swinging fit with an option of including a hood or not.

  • It can be made from pre-quilted fabric, a thrifted quilt, or self-quilted and pieced fabric.

  • Great for ambitious beginners to advanced sewists

The Soft Armor Pattern includes sizes XXS - 5X (fits chests/busts that are ~31-62.5”)

This is a PDF sewing pattern, available to download immediately after purchase. Once downloaded, you will be able to print the pattern either at home or at a copy shop. Instructions and options for printing the pattern are laid out in the pattern instructions PDF.

The instructions also include a video sew-along for you visual learners - the link to the video is on the second page of the instructions :D

Find info on fit, sizing, fabric requirements, and more below!

Check out this blog post for helpful resources, a sewing playlist, and more tester images!

Introducing Thread + Sprout SOFT ARMOR!

Inspired by chainmail hoods, helmets, and heraldry-adorned tabards worn by knights of ye olde times, but made of soft, squishy, warm quilted fabric. A wearable reminder to not harden your heart, even though the world is hard.

A fabric spell of protection and something to remind you of safety — to give you the courage to keep on keeping on. A reminder to stay soft, stay open, and stay tender while stoking the flames of your sacred rage and to fight like hell for a better world.

  • This pattern is kind of like a bib or vest with a solid front and back, open sides, and snaps under the arms.

  • It has a slightly cropped, swinging fit with an option of including a hood or not.

  • It can be made from pre-quilted fabric, a thrifted quilt, or self-quilted and pieced fabric.

  • Great for ambitious beginners to advanced sewists

The Soft Armor Pattern includes sizes XXS - 5X (fits chests/busts that are ~31-62.5”)

This is a PDF sewing pattern, available to download immediately after purchase. Once downloaded, you will be able to print the pattern either at home or at a copy shop. Instructions and options for printing the pattern are laid out in the pattern instructions PDF.

The instructions also include a video sew-along for you visual learners - the link to the video is on the second page of the instructions :D

Find info on fit, sizing, fabric requirements, and more below!

Check out this blog post for helpful resources, a sewing playlist, and more tester images!

Pairs well with

Skill Level

The Soft Armor Pattern is suitable for ambitious beginners to seasoned sewists. It can be made as simple or complex as you like, depending on if you are quilting your own fabric, adding appliqué, and embroidering it. The construction of the garment itself is relatively simple, the bias binding is the trickiest part.

Sizing + Fit Info

This pattern goes over your head, sits on your shoulders, and snaps under your armpits. Sizing is pretty flexible and is determined mainly by your bust/chest circumference. It is meant to have 0.5-3” (1.3-7.6 cm) of ease around the bust/chest. If you plan on wearing it over chunky sweaters or know you prefer more ease, I recommend sizing up. This pattern is drafted for a 5’7” person and is meant to be slightly cropped — if you are much shorter or taller, you may want to adjust the length. The hood is meant to be quite roomy and oversized.

Body Measurements

Finished Garment Measurements

Fabric Needs

This pattern is meant to be made with quilted fabric. You can choose to use pre-quilted fabric, quilt your own fabric, or use a pre-made quilt. The choice is yours! Have fun with it and make it truly unique to you, your style, and your vision <3.

How much will you need?

The fabric amounts are based on using pre-quilted fabric. If you are quilting your own fabric, you will need the required amount of material for your garment for each of the layers: main fabric, batting, and lining. When selecting your fabric, you may need more to account for shrinkage and if there is a directional pattern.

You will also need fabric to make your own bias tape or 6-8 yards of pre-made 2” bias tape (1/2” double fold bias tape)

P.S. Check out the Soft Armor Playlist!