How to Make a Western Vest
Whether you just want to update your wardrobe with a few cowgirl pieces, or you have an upcoming special occasion that you are creating it for, learning how to make a western vest out of the clothing you already have is not hard. All it takes is a little time, effort and tapping into your creative side. Though old blue jean material vests work the best for this project, you can transform striped or other patterned ones as well. Just stay away from the florals. You can change out the materials and colors after you get the hang of it. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Jean vests Fabric paint Fabric trim (rope or fringed) Fabric glue Charms Tassels Western iron-on transfer Blank iron-on transfer computer paper (optional) Computer with internet or graphics program (optional) Printer Iron Ironing board or table
Instructions
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Figure out which vests you wish to transform. Pick a few that are more form fitting if you plan on wearing them with your favorite pair of tight jeans or a skirt as your actual top. If you are planning on wearing an undershirt, like a turtleneck or T-shirt during the colder months, make sure to try it on over the shirt first. This way you don't go to all the trouble of learning how to make a western vest just to find out it doesn't fit you correctly.
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Head to the craft store to buy your supplies. Grab some fabric paint in whatever colors you choose. Red and a deeper blue look great against light blue jean material, and red with white looks great against a darker blue material. It gives a touch of Americana to your cowgirl project and both styles work well together. While at the store, buy some fabric rope or fringed trim (you can go with red, white and blue here too, or gold also works well), fabric glue and a few tassels (that match the rope trim) Check out the iron-on stencils they have in stock. You may be able to find one that you like already pre-made. Finally, search for any other small trinkets that you could add like tassels. Check out the small metal charms for horses, cowboys or other objects that remind you of the old west. Don't worry, you will not be using everything you buy, as editing is what keeps your fun and flirty outfit from turning cheesy.
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Go to the office supply store if you weren't able to find an iron-on transfer that appealed to you for learning how to make a western vest. Buy some blank iron-on transfer paper that you can use with your computer. Skip to step 5 if you already have your transfer.
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Search the Internet, or your own graphic software program, for an image that appeals to you. This could be a scene straight out of an old Western film, or something more subtle like a beautiful horse; use whatever you feel fits your cowgirl style best. Follow the instructions on the back of your iron-on computer paper for how to print it out correctly.
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Iron-on the transfer you chose, or made, to the back of your vest, right in the center. Wait the time allotted in the instructions before moving the garment and proceeding with the other steps.
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Paint on whatever suits your style around the transferred image. This could be a simple saying underneath it such as "Giddyup!" or "Ride 'em Cowgirl" or "Cowgirls Ride Longer". You could also add a few stars or other Old West symbols around the picture. Allow it to dry thoroughly according to the paint's instructions.
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Glue on the trim that you chose along the bottom of your garment.
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Turn your attention to the front of the garment and figure out what to add there. Remember that less is more in all styles. Adding too many details will turn your idea from cute, subtly themed outfit to an all-out costume. Add your trinkets first. If you have a zipper, hook on one or two charms. If you have buttons, tie a tassel around each one. Paint on "Cowgirl" across the chest, breaking it up into two words (one for each side: "cow-girl") Add a few tassels underneath the words for a sexy twist. Do not permanently glue anything on until you figure out exactly how you want to make your vest.
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Tips & Warnings
Laying out your design on a large piece of paper or cardboard first allows you to get a preview of the garment, so you do not add too much detail. It also gives you the chance to play around a little with the fabric paint.
