Copy a Vest - AKA Accessorize Your Santa Chaps

If you've seen my Santa Chaps, then you know they really deserve an accessory like a nice vest. Here I'll show you how to take a pattern from a vest and duplicate it.

Step 1: Tools and Materials

Tools

• Scissors
• Measuring tape
• Straight pins
• Sewing machine
• Marking pen

Materials

• Material of your choice (I'm using White faux fur)
• Thread
• Vest that fits you

Step 2: Trace and Cut the Front Panels

Most vests are made of three panels. Working from the back side of the fabric, lay one front panel of the vest onto the fabric and outline the panel. Make the new panel an extra ½" larger than the original (on all sides) so you can hem a nice edge onto it. Both front panels are the same on this vest. I was able to fold to two faces of the fabric together, pin them and cut both front panels at once.

Step 3: Trace and Cut the Back Panel

In the same way you traced the front panels, lay the vest on the back side of the material and trace an outline of the back panel. Again leave an extra ½" on all sides to account for seams and hems.

Step 4: Hem the Sleeves, Neck and Bottom

The shoulders and sides will be joined to the front panels forming a seam. Since I'm using faux fur for the front panels, I'm not going to hem them. This is after all a costume and not everyday clothes. For the back though, I'm using a white cotton fabric. We'll want to hem that around the sleeves, neck and shoulders.

Working from the back side of the fabric, fold over and pin about ½" of fabric along the sleeves, neck and bottom. Sew it.

Step 5: Sew the Panels Together

Pin the panels together at the shoulders and sides so the back side of the fabric is facing out. Sew along the shoulders and sides and turn your vest inside out. It's ready to wear. Happy pub crawling!