How to Make a Vest Pattern

Make your vest with cheaper fabric first to test your pattern.

Vests are fairly simple, sleeveless garments. You can make a basic pattern for yourself. Once you have a basic pattern, you can make a plain and simple or elegant vest, or add extra touches (such as buttons, pockets or lapels) to suit your style. If you don't have paper large enough to make a vest pattern, tape several sheets together.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Large paper
• Pencil
• Scissors
• Straight pins

Make a Vest Pattern Back

1. Measure the widest part of your chest or waist. The measuring tape should be fairly snug, but comfortable.

2. Divide this measurement in half. Add 2 1/2 to 3 inches to this number, for comfort and for seam allowance.

3. Measure from the top of your shoulder to just below your waist, or to the place where you want the lower edge of the vest. Add 1 1/2 inches to this number for seam allowance.

4. Cut a rectangle of paper as wide as the result of Step 2 and as tall as the result of Step 3.

5. Measure from the top of your shoulder to the place under your arm where you would like the top of the armhole. Add 5/8 inch to this number for seam allowance.

6. Fold the rectangle of paper in half vertically. Measure from the top of the paper to the top of the armhole. Mark this distance near the edge of the paper that is opposite the fold.

7. Draw a curved line from this mark to the top of the paper. This will be the armhole of the back of the vest.

8. Mark the width you want the shoulder of the vest at the top of the paper starting from the edge opposite the fold. Make a mark on the folded edge about 2 inches below the top of the paper. Draw a curved line between these two marks to make the neckline for the back of the vest.

9. Cut along both lines and unfold the paper.

Make a Vest Pattern Front

1. Make a pattern for the back of the vest, following the directions above. Fold the pattern in half vertically and place it on a piece of paper. Trace the pattern for the back of the vest.

2. Draw a new curve for the armhole that's slightly farther in than the armhole for the back. This will give your arm more freedom of movement.

3. Draw a neckline for the front of the vest. You may want the front of the vest to be high, cut at a straight angle, low cut or scooped.

4. Add 1 1/2 to 2 or more inches to the front of the vest (the area opposite the armhole), if you want the front pieces of the vest to overlap (essential for button vests).

5. Cut out the pattern for the front of the vest, making sure to use the new lines rather than the tracing lines. Use this same pattern to make the other side of the vest front.

Tips & Warnings

• To see if the patterns fit, pin them together along the sides and shoulders and try them on. Then adjust the patterns as needed. You may want to make a vest from muslin (cheap cotton) to test the patterns again before cutting the real fabric.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish