How To Sew A Vest With Lining – Everything You Need To Know

Want to sew your very first vest with lining but don’t know how to go about it. Don’t worry we got you covered. Here is everything you need to know about sewing a vest.

If you’re new to sewing, then starting with a project like sewing a vest is extremely hard to do in your first time.  Unless you have a step by step method to go about it.

And that’s where this blog comes into the picture. In this guide, we’ll cover entire process from selecting the fabric and stitching the final seams.

Sounds good? Let’s begin

1. Tools and other preparations

Let’s begin by covering the basics so we can begin at the same page. Sewing process of vest requires these materials and tools. 

Here’s a list to get you started:

1.1 Tools

Let begin with all the listing all the tools;

• Sewing machine
• Scissors
• Pins
• Measuring tape
• Iron and ironing board
• Seam ripper (for any mistakes or alterations)
• Pattern paper (for tracing and customizing your pattern)

1.2. Choosing Your Fabric and Pattern

Now, let’s go over steps to preparing your patterns.

First of all, you wanna begin by selecting the right fabric and pattern. Needless to say, it’s most crucial for your sewing project’s success. 

For many beginners, opting for fabrics that are easy to work with are the most recommended. Materials that are forgiving and will help you learn the basics of sewing this art of vest without frustration.

So, what are the materials? These are cotton or linen. 

Protip: when choosing a quality pattern for your vest, look for a vest design with minimal seams and darts as it is where many newbies find themselves stuck the most. 

Also You can get free or paid vest patterns online if you don’t have quality sewing books. just make sure to read the pattern instructions carefully. 

2. How to sew a vest for beginners – step by step

2.1. Preparing Your Fabric and Pattern

Once you are done with selecting your fabric and pattern, it’s time to jump in the actual process.  It begins with properly preparing them for cutting and sewing.

First of all, even before you begin, start by washing and drying it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.  This is a crucial step that prevents your vest from shrinking after you’ve finished sewing.

Now, it is time to begin the cutting process. 

First carefully cut out your vest pattern along the designated lines while keeping in mind that If your pattern includes multiple sizes for different sections then remember to make sure to cut the correct size. Any mistake here will force you to restart the process again. 

Also, If you’re using a printed pattern remember to trace it onto pattern paper to preserve the original.

Now, to finish this first step in the process, fold your fabric in half with the right sides facing each other properly. 

Similar to the above step, place your pattern pieces on the fabric and pin them in place. Then use your scissors to cut around the pattern pieces while ensuring accuracy and precision according to the design.

2.2 Sew the Shoulder Seams

The second step is to begin sewing the shoulder seams. 

To do this; First place the front and back vest pieces with their right sides together. Make sure to align the shoulder seams properly. 

Next up is pinning them. Once It’s placed and sew a straight stitch along the shoulder seams. Here you wanna you use only ⅝-inch seam allowance unless it goes against your design..

To finish this step, double check backstitch at the beginning and end to secure your seams.

2.3 Press and sew

Onto the third step of pressing and sewing to secure. 

Begin here by pressing the shoulder seams open (also, lining seams, if applicable).It should create a neat finish and help your vest lay flat.

Now turn your vest inside out then align the side seams. Make sure that it matches the right sides together. 

Here just pin the side seams from the bottom edge up to the armholes. Now, to finish this step, Sew a straight stitch along the side seams using a ⅝-inch seam allowance. Once again, don’t forget to backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam in the vest.

2.4 Turn Your Vest Right Side Out

Alright, on to the fourth step! 

This step may require some patience for some. Begin by gently turning your vest right side out through the bottom opening. 

Since here you are dealing with thicker fabrics you should  use a pointed object, such as a pen, to help push out the corners and achieve clean edges in your piece.

2.5 Press and Finish

Fifth and final step! Once your vest is right side out, press it with your iron to smooth out any wrinkles properly and do the same to create crisp edges. Just fold and press the bottom opening to the inside of the vest, creating a clean edge.

Also, pay special attention to the seams and edges to achieve a professional finish look as they are the most notable to the public. 

If you are having trouble with this section there are plenty of YouTube videos on the internet you can rely on.

Closing Thoughts

Hopefully, you are now rocking your new self-made lined vest with confidence, but before celebrating, first, give it a final check.

Pay attention sew shoulder seams,lining side and fashion fabric once again so you can ensure blend of your chosen lining fabric with the outer design properly.

So, even it’s a fleece vest take a moment to inspect harmony with your lining fabrics.

By fine-tuning seam allowances, aligning vest lining, or perfecting waist darts, each project bring you expertise and soon you be crafting lining pieces with excellence in your lining layers.

And remember to always press seams open for a neat and professional finish.