How to Make a Waterfall Vest

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

A waterfall vest, or draped vest, is flattering on many body types and can be made from a wide variety of fabrics to give completely different looks. A casual knit looks stylish over jeans or shorts while a sheer chiffon vest works well for more formal occasions. No matter what fabric you choose to use, you can easily make your own vest in a few hours with very minimal sewing skills.

Advertisement

Finished view of the waterfall vest.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Video of the Day

Things You'll Need

  • 1 yard of knit or chiffon fabric

  • Measuring tape

  • Sharp scissors

  • Iron and ironing board

  • Pins

  • Sewing machine with a 10/70 ballpoint needle

  • 8 1/2-by-11 inch piece of paper

  • Washable marking pen

Materials needed to make a waterfall vest.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Step 1:

Cut a rectangular piece of knit or chiffon fabric that is 50 inches by 33 inches.

Video of the Day

Tip

This vest works well for many different weights of knits. Consider using a lightweight knit for a summer or spring vest and a heavier knit for a winter or fall vest.

Cut a piece of 50-by-33-inch fabric.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Step 2:

To create a hem on all four sides of the vest, use a steam iron to press all sides under 1/4 inch. Then fold under another 1/4 inch and press again.

Advertisement

Press all of the raw edges under twice.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Step 3:

Pin the pressed edges on all four sides of the vest.

Advertisement

Pin all of the folded edges.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Step 4:

Use a 10/70 ballpoint needle to sew the folded edges. Be sure to remove the pins as you sew.

Advertisement

Sew all of the folded edges.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Step 5:

Cut a 7-by-5-inch oval from a piece of paper to use as an armhole pattern.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Cut out the armhole pattern piece.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Step 6:

Fold the rectangular piece of fabric in half widthwise. Place the armhole pattern 4 1/2 inches in from the fold and 2 1/2 inches down from the top. Position the pattern piece at a slight angle with the wider edge pointing toward the bottom of the vest.

Advertisement

Place the pattern piece on fabric.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Step 7:

Trace around the pattern piece with a washable marker.

Advertisement

Trace around the pattern piece with a washable marker.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Step 8:

Cut around the marked lines through both layers of fabric, and then open the vest up.

Cut out both armholes.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Step 9:

To finish the edges, use a steam iron to press under 1/4 inch around each armhole. Then fold each armhole under another 1/4 inch and press again.

Advertisement

Press the armhole edges under twice.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Step 10:

Pin and then sew the pressed edges in place around each armhole, removing the pins as you sew.

Pin around the armhole edges.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Wear your new waterfall vest over a T-shirt and jeans or a cute dress for a stylish layered look.

Finished view of a waterfall vest.
Image Credit: Beth Huntington

Advertisement