How to Make a Felt Vest

You can make a simple vest quickly from felt.

Sewing a vest is a simple project that even novice sewers can accomplish, and the great thing about felt is that it does not require hemming. Use any three-piece vest pattern, or create your own from some scrap paper. When you have sewn the vest together, embellish it as you like with fringe, buttons or embroidered patches.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Paper
• Pencil
• 1/2-yd. felt
• Scissors
• Sewing machine or needle and thread
• Trims (optional)

Instructions

1. Measure the width of your shoulders and the length from shoulder to hip. Draw the outline of half of the front of a vest and half of the back of a vest onto a piece of paper. Cut out the pattern pieces along the outline.

2. Fold the felt in half. Place the center line of the vest-back pattern piece along the fold line of the felt. Cut out the shape, maintaining the fold. Unfold it.

3. Place the vest-front pattern piece on a double layer of felt. Cut all the way around the pattern piece, which will give you two separate pieces.

4. Lay the back piece flat. Place one of the front pieces on top of the back, aligning the shoulders and sides. Sew the side seam, using a 1/4-in. seam allowance. Sew the shoulder seam.

5. Repeat with the second front piece, sewing the side and shoulder seams. Flip the vest so that the seams are on the inside. Try on the vest. Trim the fabric around the armholes and neckline as necessary to create a fitted vest that does not pull around the neck or rub the shoulders or arms. Cut the front of the vest so that the neckline gradually tapers in a "V" shape down the front of the vest.

6. Add fringe or decorative edging, pockets or appliques as desired.

References

• Dana Made It: Tutorial and Pattern: Felt Vest