How to Sew a Men's Vest

Vests, or waistcoats, are a sleeveless garment worn by both men and women. The function of the vest varies depending on the material, cut and occasion. Vests can be worn as part of a formal three-piece suit or to keep warm outdoors. A simple vest is not difficult to sew together. Heavily tailored or stylized vests require more work, however. Almost any material can be used to make the vest.

Instructions

1  Measure the torso of the wearer, both front and back. This gives you the man's measurements. Measure the waist, sides, shoulders and around the arms and neck.

2  Use the measurements to sketch a vest pattern on pattern drafting paper. Take in the arms about 2 or 3 inches. This increases mobility. Add extra material on the sides and top so there is enough material to reach and connect to the other side. On a thin male, 3 to 5 inches should be plenty. Cut the pattern from the pattern paper once the sketch is complete. Make two patterns, one for the front and one for the back.

3  Lie the pattern on top of the material for the vest. Cut the material out. Do this for both the front and back pattern.

4  Sew the front and back pieces together using an inside stitch.

5  Cut the opening in the front of the material down the center. Attach a zipper or buttons to it. If buttons are used, the cut edges need to be trimmed and hemmed.