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.
![finished view of waterfall vest](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/5e3693a6-4a4a-4cb5-947a-b83269e0d0f5.jpg)
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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 for a waterfall vest](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/112e6371-a856-498a-a1cc-25a2d9c7f7ec.jpg)
Step 1:
Cut a rectangular piece of knit or chiffon fabric that is 50 inches by 33 inches.
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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 fabric](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/7f007bac-4e53-414a-a066-42988c1f2b23.jpg)
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.
![press edges](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/bff80882-74ae-48e2-9b5d-57e144d8af1e.jpg)
Step 3:
Pin the pressed edges on all four sides of the vest.
![pin edges](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/f41642a0-20ef-4dc9-97d3-baa126ab3580.jpg)
Step 4:
Use a 10/70 ballpoint needle to sew the folded edges. Be sure to remove the pins as you sew.
![sew folded edges](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/73b2eb0e-8917-44ef-86ed-62e145b6b502.jpg)
Step 5:
Cut a 7-by-5-inch oval from a piece of paper to use as an armhole pattern.
![cut pattern piece](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/5018f3cf-a316-4660-89de-157786f53cc4.jpg)
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.
![place pattern piece](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/ce2dd5b0-7e18-49d2-9051-b9d611a71815.jpg)
Step 7:
Trace around the pattern piece with a washable marker.
![trace pattern piece](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/dd4d9fd8-9409-4cfb-a80c-cbf5e5f6f3c8.jpg)
Step 8:
Cut around the marked lines through both layers of fabric, and then open the vest up.
![cut out armholes](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/da1fbac4-dd52-4aff-9ebc-b4ffe9c00cd2.jpg)
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.
![press armhole edges](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/a08577d3-f245-456c-9ec2-b28046a4afd3.jpg)
Step 10:
Pin and then sew the pressed edges in place around each armhole, removing the pins as you sew.
![pin armhole edges](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/b7a0561a-7b5a-4d30-8e4b-5745209bed90.jpg)
Wear your new waterfall vest over a T-shirt and jeans or a cute dress for a stylish layered look.
![finished view](https://img.ehowcdn.com/375/ppds/fc297dd8-e06a-4948-ac9c-0e03ab58dc47.jpg)