Note: If you’re viewing this post in a language other than English, your browser might be using automatic translation. While that’s helpful, some words or phrases might not come through exactly as intended. Thanks for understanding!
Fresh and undeniably chic, this cropped vest is your new go-to for summer nights out. Featuring a clean, buttonless design that ties at the front and a sleek, contoured fit, it strikes the perfect balance between tailored and relaxed. Fully lined for a refined finish, it pairs beautifully with a matching skirt. A youthful staple for confident makers—ideal for intermediate sewists.
Download the FREE PDF sewing pattern, and sew your own handmade vest now!
1 cm (3/8″) seam allowance included!
Material
- 0.8 m (7/8 yd) lightweight linen, seersucker, lawn or double gauze
- 0.6 m (5/8 yd) Bemberg lining
- 0.6 m (5/8 yd) fusible woven interfacing
- All-purpose thread
- Universal needle
- Loop turner
Important: Fabric requirements are based on a fabric width of 150 cm (59″). If your fabric is narrower, additional yardage may be required.
Download the free PDF sewing pattern…
… and once you’re done, share a photo of you wearing proudly your new handmade vest 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.
Need help completing the project?
Visit our Ko-fi store for printable sewing tutorials, complete with step-by-step instructions, detailed line drawings, a comprehensive sizing guide, and a full list of required materials!
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!
| XS | S | S/M | M | M/L | L | XL | |
| 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 | 94 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
Keep in mind that the final measurements have a bit of ease built in to let you move around freely when you’re wearing the garment.
| XS | S | S/M | M | M/L | L | XL | |
| Top | 87 cm (34 1/2″) | 91 cm (36″) | 95 cm (37 1/2″) | 99 cm (39″) | 103 cm (40 1/2″) | 107 cm (42″) | 111 cm (43 1/2″) |
| Waist | 74 cm (29 1/2″) | 78 cm (31″) | 82 cm (32 1/2″) | 86 cm (34″) | 90 cm (35 1/2″) | 94 cm (37″) | 98 cm (38 1/2″) |
| Length | 48 cm (18 7/8″) | 49 cm (19 1/4″) | 50 cm (19 5/8″) | 51 cm (20″) | 52 cm (20 3/8″) | 53 cm (20 3/4″) | 54 cm (21 1/8″) |
Sewing Notes
Here are some tips we recommend for a successful sewing project:
Fit and style
- First up, choose a size based on your bust. Take a look at the body measurements chart to guide you. If your hips are calling for a different size, widen or narrow down the pattern at the hemline to fit your measurements.
- 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, you can also 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 top is cropped, so the hem should hit at the waist, above the belly button.
- If you want to adapt the length of your garment to your height, check this helpful tutorial here!
Fabrics
- This pattern works only with non-stretch fabrics. Going for a lightweight fabric is a smart move to keep things from getting too bulky. For the ultimate summer vibe, I’d say go for natural fibers like cotton, silk, or linen since they keep you nice and cool.
- For this project, I recommend using Bemberg or viscose lining since it’s light and breathable, making it just right for summer clothes. Also, make sure to pick one that’s machine washable; it’ll be much easier to care for the final piece.
- 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.
- 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 also 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.
- This project is labelled intermediate level, making it an excellent choice for those looking to develop their sewing skills further.
Good luck with your sewing project!
You can support me on Ko-Fi! Every little bit helps cover the costs of pattern-making software, illustration tools, fabrics, threads, and more. If a donation’s not possible, no worries — you can still support the blog by liking, sharing, and commenting on my posts. Thanks so much!
The vest looks like a great project for intermediate sewists. For those with experience, what fabric choices do you think would work best to really show off the design details?