How to Make Jeans Into a Men's Vest

Repurpose old jeans to make a men's vest.

An old pair of jeans can make a men's vest. You can recycle worn, old jeans to give them new purpose. Fabric stores offer a variety of vest sewing patterns to choose from. One pair of men's jeans will create a vest. Get ideas from magazines for different vest styles if you're unsure of the look you're going for. A vest pattern requires three pieces of denim; two front pieces and one back piece. This makes sewing a vest an ideal project for beginners.

Things You'll Need

• Vest pattern
• 1 pair of jeans
• Seam ripper
• Scissors
• Thread
• Pins
• Sewing machine
• Heavy duty sewing machine needle

Instructions

1. Refer to your purchased vest pattern instructions. They will state how much fabric is required. Cut out the individual pattern pieces and set them aside.

2. Cut the inside leg seams of the jeans using a seam ripper or scissors. Start at the bottom of one leg and go up and around to the bottom of the other leg. You now have one large piece of denim to work with. Lay the open jeans flat.

3. Lay your vest pattern pieces on the right side of the jean fabric to make the most of the elements in the fabric, such as the seams and pockets. You may wish to include the pockets for the vest front. Include jean seams to create an interesting look. Pin the pattern pieces to the fabric and cut.

4. Insert a heavy duty needle into your sewing machine. Sew the vest pieces right sides together using a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Turn your vest right side out and iron if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Go slow when sewing over denim seams to avoid breaking your needle.

• If you have trouble with thread breakage, try switching to carpet thread.

• Add decorative accents, such as embroidery, for a custom look.

• Always use a heavy duty needle when sewing on denim.

References

• Made Man: How to Make a Vest Out of Jeans
• Wise Bread: Twenty-five Things to Do With Old Jeans

Resources

• Green Eco Services: Top 53 Ways to Reuse Jeans