Free Sewing Patterns: Transform a Sweatshirt into a Sleeveless Vest
by Twila Lenoir
If you have some sewing ability, and know how to work with seam binding, you'll find it easy to transform a sweatshirt into a snazzy sleeveless vest!
Sweatshirt to Vest
Supplies:
sweatshirt, new or used
seam binding, store bought or make your own
Findings - optional decorations such as studs, iron ons, appliques or whatever your imagination creates
Sew a Vest from a Sweatshirt
Instructions:
Make sure the sweatshirt has a seam going around the arm holes. Cut the sleeves off just outside the seam, on the arm side, not the body side. Cut the ribbing off of the bottom.
Press the shell in half to make a line, and cut down the middle of the front. Put a tea plate at the bottom and draw around the edge to create a rounded corner. Do the same for the top collar.
Now take the seam binding and sew around all the raw edges of the vest. You can either leave the vest plain, or add decorative details such as sequins, studs, buttons or fabric paint.
This really is great, the opportunities for embellishment are really endless, depending on the type of fabric or sweatshirt used it can be adapted to a bolero or many other styles for men or women, fringed, frog closures for front. Very inspiring, time to go shopping at the thrift store.
Rachel Skelly – St. Johns, AZ
Apr 21, 2009 - 00:31
Thanks for the idea. Now I can make all those vests that I have been wanting. Looks like you could add pockets too.
jenny – Australia
Mar 10, 2009 - 04:47
Thanks so much I can make this for my grandson and so cheap too.
Rev.Ja'Cori Smith – Birmingham,Alabama
Jan 22, 2009 - 18:16
awesome pattern
Vivian – OK
Jul 10, 2008 - 09:27
I'm asuming you remove the neck binding too? looks that way from the pic.
Gotta try this project.
Viv
Jinx – Yuma, Az
Mar 18, 2008 - 12:52
Thanks so much, neat and easy.
MARIE E TODD – BRIDGETON, NEW JERSEY
Mar 13, 2008 - 12:41
WHAT A GREAT IDEA, JUST WHAT I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR. I WILL BE RECYLING
THOSE OLD SWEATSHIRTS I HAVE BEEN WONDERING WHAT TO DO WITH.
THANK YOU, SO MUCH SO MUCH SO MUCH.
Now take the seam binding and sew around all the raw edges of the vest. You can either leave the vest plain, or add decorative details such as sequins, studs, buttons or fabric paint. 
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