Child's Play Vest @ Fiskarscraft

Designer:  Lisa Storms

I have found it difficult to find cute dress-up clothes I like, especially for boys, to encourage imaginative play.  So I decided I'd set out to make some of my own.  Vests are great because they slip right on and can be one-size-fits-all for little kids.  Reversible vests are even better because you have two options in one.  I plan on making a set of vests covering a wide range of themes, from astronaut and robot to sports star and royalty.  I love the thought of a colorful line of vests hanging on hooks in my little guy's room always ready for play.  I put my Fiskars sewing tools to work, especially the 12-in-1 Sewing Multi-Tool while ripping out seams twice while experimenting, and the shape templates made it easy to embellish the costumes simply! 

Difficulty rating

Intermediate

Instructions (Print version)

Creating Vest Pattern:

1.  Using rotary cutter and acrylic ruler on cutting mat, cut butcher paper (or other template material) into two 16" x 19" rectangles, one for front of vest and one for the back.
2.  Fold rectangle in half to 8" x 19" and place 8.25" circle template approximately 7" from top and 3" from open side and trace.  At center point, use ruler to draw line straight to top.  This creates the arm holes on sides as shown below.  Trace onto back template and cut.

3.  For back template, keep folded in half and trace neckline at top by placing 8.25" circle template lined up with center line approximately 7/8" tall and 2.5" wide.  Trace and cut.  This creates a slim semi-circle centered at back neckline 5" wide.
4.  For front template, keep folded in half and align on grid of cutting mat.  At fold line mark 2.5" from center and 6" from top.  Align ruler across both points and cut with rotary cutter.  Unfold and cut from center of newly created "v" to bottom of template to create two even front pieces.  Label all pieces.

Embellishing Vests:

1.  Cut out two sets of fabric, one for each side of vest by pinning on templates.
2.  Set aside back pieces and embellish front pieces as desired for intended theme. 

To create sheriff, iron on fusible interfacing onto yellow and cow fabric.  Add cow fabric to top of both front vest pieces and sew on fringed trim below.  Trace star using shape template and sew onto right side.  Hand sew buttons at each point.

To create fireman, iron on fusible interfacing onto yellow, gray, and brown fabric.  Trim yellow fabric into strips and sew horizontally onto both front vest pieces.  Cut off piece of fringed trim to create strip to hold axe.  Trace flower template pieces to create axe using petal with middle scallop bypassed.  Sew together and add Fray Check to edges.  Feed into "holster".  Glue or sew on felt letters. 

Assembly:

It is very important that these steps are followed in specific order.  I learned this the hard way.

1.  Take each set of fabric pieces separately and sew together at shoulders.
2.  Pin sets to each other, right sides together, and sew arm holes edges, bottom of front pieces, up front center, around neckline, and back down center to other bottom front.  Do not sew bottom of back piece or sides.
3.  Feed vest right side out through shoulders.
4.  Pin sides, right sides together, and sew each color separately. 
5.  Sew bottom of back by folding up fabric into vest and top stitching to complete.  Top stitch entire vest if desired.  Velcro closures can also be added. 

Supply List:

Fiskars Brands: Shape Templates – Super Sized Circles
http://www.fiskarscrafts.com/tools/t_super-sized-circles.aspx

Fiskars Brands:  Shape Template – Flowers
http://www.fiskarscrafts.com/tools/t_ultra-shapexpress-starter-set-2.aspx

Fiskars Brands: Shape Template – Stars
http://www.fiskarscrafts.com/tools/t_shapetemplate-tool-stars-1-wcoloni.aspx

Fiskars Brands: 45 mm Comfort Grip Rotary Cutter
http://www.fiskarscrafts.com/tools/t_45-mm-comfort-grip-rotary-cutter.aspx

Fiskars Brands: 12.5 x 12.5 Acrylic Ruler
http://www.fiskarscrafts.com/tools/t_125-x-125-acrylic-ruler.aspx

Fiskars Brands: 24 Inch x 36 Inch Mat
http://www.fiskarscrafts.com/tools/t_24x36mat.aspx

Fiskars Brands: 12-in-1 Sewing Multi-Tool
http://www.fiskarscrafts.com/tools/t_12-in-1-multi-tool.aspx

Fiskars Brands: Titanium Nitride No. 8 Bent Scissors
http://www.fiskarscrafts.com/tools/t_tiianium-nitride-no-8-bent-scissors.aspx

Other:  fabric, sewing machine/thread, fusible interfacing, fringed trim, pins, buttons, butcher paper

Comments

[Kelly Herring]

I totally agree with you about how difficult it is to find dress up clothes for boys!!! I love this pattern and will be making several vests for my 3 yr old son. Thank you so much for sharing!!