How to Make a Polar Fleece Vest Without a Pattern

I love my polar fleece vest. My friend bought it for me and over the last couple of years, I’ve almost worn it out. I decided to make my own after checking out the price of vests on the market.

Not only do commercial prices deter me, the prices/colors/styles/sizes of the rack vests put me off. I’m not into some of the colors, the size availability and the embellishments may make me want to run from the store while I’m tearing my hair out.

The answer was simple. I always have a stash of fabric in my sewing room. I gathered leftover polar fleece from projects past and discovered I had more than enough to make my own vest.

I challenged myself to spend as little as possible on this project. At the end, I spent a whopping $4.85 on a zipper. Everything else was in my stash. Hey, if you sew, you’ll accumulate “stuff.” Ask any sewer.

This article assumes the reader has knowledge of sewing. Classes, friends, online training and books are available for training.

You will need:

• · Pattern paper or scrap fabric
• · Measuring tape, marking tools and notepad
• · Polar fleece
• · Zipper, buttons, hook and loop tape (Depending on how you want to close your vest. Not entirely necessary.)
• · Buttons for pockets (optional)
• · Binding fabric (optional)
• · General sewing equipment
• · Ribbing for waistband/wristband/neckband if desired

Step One:

You’ll need your measurements. They are:

• · Measure around the largest part of your chest, waist or hips, whichever is larger. Add four to six inches for ease. If the vest will be worn under a coat, choose the lesser of the two.
• · Measure around your neck.
• · Measure from your shoulder to the bottom of your collarbone in front (vertical measurement).
• · Measure the distance from the top of your shoulder to your waist or hips, wherever you want the vest to fall.

Note: If you have not made a “T-top” before, use scrap fabric/pattern fabric/paper to practice on. This will help you make neck and armholes that fit you perfectly and you can use the pattern on your fashion fabric.

Step Two:

Take your fabric and fold it over lengthwise and then across the width. You should have a rectangle. For fun, piece together different colored pieces to create a colorful vest. Block colors are popular now; this can help you use more fabric and save more money.

Armed with your neck measurement, go to the inside corner at the top of the rectangle. Divide the neck measurement in half and measure & mark that distance from the center of the folds.

Lightly mark the fabric along the fold lines on top. The side marks should be prominent. Open the fabric. Measure one to one and a half inches to the back along the center line and mark. This is the back of the neck. Do the same to the front, as much as two inches. Use a gentle curve to create your neck opening. Cut out.

Note- if you are using pattern fabric or paper, this is a great way to create the neckline you want. You can always tape a piece of paper back and try again.

Step Three:

One of the nice things about polar fleece is the fact that you do not need to finish seams.

To create a collar (if desired), lay a piece of pattern fabric on top of your neck opening. Trace around the main cut. Decide how tall you want your collar to be and trace a second circle inside the second that distance from your original circle. Do not forget to include a seam allowance. Mark the fold lines and the marks where your neck markings appear on your main fabric. These will be your alignment marks for your collar. You can leave the collar square, taper or round the edges or any shape you prefer. Make an overlapping collar and close it with a button or snap.

Attach your collar.

Step Four:

Attach your zipper to the front. All you have to do now is zip your vest closed. You’re done.

You can embellish the edges with binding fabric, attach pockets or anything you wish.

Notes:

• · Instead of one piece of fabric, use three- one for the back and two for the sides. Pin the shoulder pieces together to match yours and sew.
• · Create sleeves for your vest and attach ribbing to the wrists and waistband.
• · Draw a hood instead of a collar for a polar fleece hoodie.
• · Draw both a hood and collar. Attach the hood using a zipper, snaps or buttons.
• · Attach any type of pocket can be attached to your vest. Have fun.
• · Line your vest with lightweight fabric.
• · Make an outer shell for your vest and you’ll have outdoor wear you can wear all year long.

This vest makes a wonderful, inexpensive gift for friends and family. Give them any time of year. Make several for yourself.

Source: The author of this article has over 40 years of experience in diverse forms of DIY, home improvement and repair, crafting, designing, and building furniture, outdoor projects, RV’ing and more.