Make a pattern and sew a hooded vest

Step 2 Starting your pattern

Start with the big simple pieces, first the back piece. Lay your garment down and flatten it so all the seams are at the edges. Pin it in place or use some weights to keep it from shifting. Start tracing at the straight forward spots, shoulders and side seams. If you are able to fold your final fabric in half, you only have to trace half of the piece.

When you get to the bottom, just turn up the bottom band to copy the lines.

For the arm holes and neck scoop you’ll need to be a little careful and creative. Starting with the arm holes and making sure not to shift the garment out of place, first mark where your shoulder and side seam end and the arm holes begin. Then slowly lift the arms out of your way and trace the curve you see there. You’ll want to sort of spin the arms out of the way so that the seam stays flat on your fabric/paper so you can trace it.

Now do the same with the hood for your neck scoop. Remember that the back of the neck scoop will be shallow as it usually rests in line with your shoulders right where your neck joins your back.

Don’t forget to mark where your center line is, as it will be important later on when you get to sewing. Now you’ll want to add your seam allowance, I use 1/2” you can use whatever you’re comfortable with. Anything between 3/8” and 5/8” is fairly standard with this type of garment. Take your original off your pattern piece and trace around your marks using your seam allowance measure, I usually use a compass for this. I just set it to 1/2” and trace around. This extra fabric will be eaten up when you sew it together if this is your first garment.

Good job, your first piece is done! Now follow the same idea with the front piece. With this one, the neck scoop will be deeper. You’ll only need to trace one of these as you can just flip the piece over to create the other side.