Vests are fun and easy to make. These are suitable sewing projects for novices. Styles range from casual to dressy.
Vest Styles
Select a vest pattern that suits your figure. Vests come in a variety of shapes and styles. They can be loose or tailored. The length can vary greatly from above the waist to below the hips. While some have rounded bottom edges, others form V’s at the front.
Selecting Fabrics for Vests
For best results, choose washable, durable fabrics that will retain their good looks. If the color or print is selected with care, these can remain stylish for years. This isn’t always the case with trendy prints that quickly become outdated.
When making a reversible vest, be sure the fabrics are opaque. This ensures that the seams and color of the inner fabric won’t show through to the outside.
Patterns for Vests
All of the major pattern companies have numerous basic vest patterns from which you can choose. McCall’s 8285 is an easy pattern. This features eight, lined, V-neck vests. The back of each one has buckled belts.
McCall’s Palmer and Pletsch Classic Fit Vest and Jacket Pattern M5558 has two vest versions. One of these is extra long, much like a tunic. These would be suitable for business or casual wear.
Lined and Unlined Vests
Vests can be lined or unlined. With the lined style, you have no hems or raw edges to finish. For the lining, a coordinating fabric is often chosen. When made correctly, a lined vest can be reversible.
The unlined can take more time to sew than the lined ones. These need neck, arm, and front facings, and hems on the bottom.
Back Ties and Belts
Back ties and belts on vests are an optional feature. If a fitted style is desired, by all means add one.
Closures
Tailored vests worn with business wear often have buttons. For other styles, closures are optional. Clasps and frogs can be used instead of buttons and buttonholes.
Patchwork Vests
Patchwork vests are ideal for everyday wear. They can be quilted or unquilted. For a casual vest, just sew squares or rectangles together until the pieced fabric is large enough to fit the pattern pieces.
Crazy patchwork is also an option for vests. This type of piecing is usually done on a foundation fabric.
Once the patchwork is done, the vest pieces are cut out and sewn together as you normally would.
Embellishing Vests
Vests can be decorated using a variety of craft techniques and materials. These include beads, buttons, appliqué, and decorative stitching.
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