In this blog we’ll be making an easy quilted vest. First we’ll use an oversized t-shirt as a template to make a pattern. We’ll use French seams will create neat and tidy seams without using a serger. Lastly, bias tape will finish the edges of the vest and result in an elevated look that is simple to achieve. Supplies Quilt Oversized t-shirt Coats & Clark Dual Duty XP All Purpose Thread Scissors Bias Tape Paper Pencil Create Vest Pattern From T-Shirt 1. Choose an oversized t-shirt. Fold the t-shirt in half lengthwise. Place on a large piece of paper (if you don’t have a large enough piece of paper, tape a few pieces together). 2. Determine front length of the vest by measuring from the base of your neck to where you want the vest to end around the top of your jeans. Fold the bottom of the t-shirt to match the desired front length of the vest. 3. Measure how deep you want the front V of your vest to be. Fold t-shirt as shown, from center front to just outside of the neck opening 4. Fold in t-shirt sleeves along the sleeve seams 5. Trace around t-shirt with a pencil. 6. With a ruler, straighten lines. Add curve to pattern at bottom front of pattern. 7. Cut out front pattern piece. 8. To make the back pattern, trace the front pattern and add to the center back as shown. The back pattern is cut on the fold. Cut out vest from quilt 9. Place the front pattern on the quilt and pin into place. Cut around piece, adding ½” seam allowances to side and shoulder seams. Repeat for the second front piece, making sure to flip the pattern piece over so you get two mirroring fronts 10. Fold quilt in half and pin back pattern piece into place along fold. Cut back pattern, being, sure to add ½” seam allowances to side seams and shoulder seams. Sew Vest 11. To sew a French seam, pin the wrong sides of Front and Back together along sides and shoulders. Sew using a ¼” seam allowance. 12. Trim down seam allowance to ⅛”. 13. Press open and fold the fabric so the right sides are together. Sew a second seam using a ¼” seam allowance to enclose the first seam. Press. Add Bias Tape 14. Open bias tape and sew to the right side of the vest along the fold. 15. Fold bias tape over the edge of the quilt and stitch-in-the-ditch on the right side. 16. Add Pocket. I made one quilt vest and couldn’t wait to make a second version. This is a simple project with beautiful results. Enjoy! Amber Groen is a fashion designer located in Toronto, Canada. She loves to knit and mend clothing. She is a graduate of Parsons School of Design.
