Simple waistcoat – Free sewing pattern download PDF #UP1038

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Refresh your button-up shirts with this fun and simple waistcoat. It features an open front, a cropped length, and a fully lined interior for a beautifully finished garment. Boasting a plain design, it can be easily dressed up or down, making it a versatile addition to your wardrobe.

Download the FREE PDF sewing pattern, and sew your own handmade waistcoat now!

1 cm (3/8″) seam allowance included!

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Download the free PDF sewing pattern…

… and once you’re done, share a photo of you wearing proudly your new handmade waistcoat with #unfetteredpatterns or tag us @unfetteredpatterns!

Need help to print your pattern? Check our detailed tutorial here! Also, find out how you can customize your pattern for A0 printers and projectors here.

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Sizing Guide

This pattern is drafted according to the following body measurements. Standard height is 1.64 m (5.4 ft). Check this tutorial if you want to add sizes to your pattern!

	XXS	XS	S	M	L	XL	XXL
Bust	85 cm (33 1/2″)	89 cm (35″)	93 cm (36 1/2″)	97 cm (38″)	101 cm (39 1/2″)	105 cm (41″)	109 cm (42 1/2″)
Waist	64 cm (25 1/2″)	68 cm (27″)	72 cm (28 1/2″)	76 cm (30″)	80 cm (31 1/2″)	84 cm (33″)	88 cm (34 1/2″)
Hips	92 cm (36 1/2″)	96 cm (38″)	100 cm (39 1/2″)	104 cm (41″)	108 cm (42 1/2″)	112 cm (44″)	116 cm (45 1/2″)

Finished garment measurements

Ease is included in the measurements below to make the garment larger than the body.

	XS	S	S/M	M	M/L	L	XL
Bust	93 cm (36 1/2″)	97 cm (38″)	101 cm (39 1/2″)	105 cm (41″)	109 cm (42 1/2″)	113 cm (44″)	117 cm (45 1/2″)
Shoulder	34 cm (13 1/4″)	35.2 cm (13 3/4″)	36.4 cm (14 1/4″)	37.4 cm (14 3/4″)	38.8 cm (15 1/4″)	40 cm (15 3/4″)	41.2 cm (16 1/4″)
Length	50.5 cm (19 7/8″)	51.5 cm (20 1/4″)	52.5 cm (20 5/8″)	53.5 cm (21″)	54.5 cm (21 3/8″)	55.5 cm (21 3/4″)	56.5 cm (22 1/8″)

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Sewing Notes

Here are some tips we recommend for a successful sewing project:

Fit and style

• Choose a size based on your bust. Take a look at the body measurements chart to guide you.
• To get your bust size, measure around the fullest part of your chest. Take a nice deep breath before you check the number. Just to make sure the measuring tape isn’t too tight. You want it snug, but not squeezing you.
• On the finished garment measurements chart, see how long the garment is and if it’ll work for your height. It’s a good idea to compare the length with something similar you already own. Just keep in mind this vest is cropped, so the hem should hit slightly below the waist, below the belly button.
• If you want to adapt the length of your garment to your height, check this helpful tutorial here!

Fabrics

• When you’re picking out a fabric, go for something that has a little stiffness to it to get that structured look. Steer clear of flowy materials! Also, going for a
  medium-weight fabric is a smart move to keep things from getting too bulky.
• Try to choose a fabric and lining with similar fiber content. That makes it easier to wash and care for later. For example, if you’re using 100% cotton denim, stick with a 100% cotton lining.
• Choose a lightweight interfacing so it doesn’t add bulk to the fabric. Also, grab a color that’ll blend right in with light-colored fabric!

Cutting out

• Before you start cutting your fabrics, wash and dry them like you’d do for the finished piece. Keep in mind the fabric type and what it’s made of so you choose the right cleaning method (like how hot the water should be or what kind of cycle to use…). Plus, the dyes used on certain fabrics tend to bleed when washed, so wash yours separately, or with similar colors.
• After you wash and dry the fabric, give it a good press to get rid of any creases. Just make sure your iron is set to the right temperature for the fabric. Generally, synthetic fibers like acrylic, spandex, or polyester should be pressed on low heat, while natural fibers like cotton, wool, or linen can handle higher heat.
• When you’re set to cut the fabric, just fold it lengthwise right sides together. Make sure the fold is straight and doesn’t twist up. If it does, unfold it and refold until it’s nice and flat. Then, lay out the pattern pieces so the grainline runs parallel to the selvages.
• When you’re set to cut the fabric, place it on your work surface right side up, unfolded. Then, lay out the pattern pieces, printed side up, so the grainline runs parallel to the selvages.
• Make sure you don’t cut the notches too long; aim for them to be around 0.3-0.4 cm long (1/8″). Also, be sure to trace all the pattern markings on the fabrics with a tailor’s chalk or a fabric marker.

Sewing

• Before you start sewing, grab a scrap piece of fabric and try out a few stitches to see how the tension and stitch length look. If the seam isn’t turning out great, try re-threading your machine first. Still not working? Then go ahead and adjust the tension. As for stitch length, thicker fabric usually needs longer stitches, so adjust that as needed. And if your stitches are skipping, switch to a new needle or to a bigger one.

Good luck with your sewing project!

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