A waterfall vest, or draped vest, is flattering on many body types and can be made from a wide variety of fabrics to give completely different looks. A casual knit looks stylish over jeans or shorts while a sheer chiffon vest works well for more formal occasions. No matter what fabric you choose to use, you can easily make your own vest in a few hours with very minimal sewing skills.
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Things You'll Need
1 yard of knit or chiffon fabric
Measuring tape
Sharp scissors
Iron and ironing board
Pins
Sewing machine with a 10/70 ballpoint needle
8 1/2-by-11 inch piece of paper
Washable marking pen
Step 1:
Cut a rectangular piece of knit or chiffon fabric that is 50 inches by 33 inches.
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Tip
This vest works well for many different weights of knits. Consider using a lightweight knit for a summer or spring vest and a heavier knit for a winter or fall vest.
Step 2:
To create a hem on all four sides of the vest, use a steam iron to press all sides under 1/4 inch. Then fold under another 1/4 inch and press again.
Step 3:
Pin the pressed edges on all four sides of the vest.
Step 4:
Use a 10/70 ballpoint needle to sew the folded edges. Be sure to remove the pins as you sew.
Step 5:
Cut a 7-by-5-inch oval from a piece of paper to use as an armhole pattern.
Step 6:
Fold the rectangular piece of fabric in half widthwise. Place the armhole pattern 4 1/2 inches in from the fold and 2 1/2 inches down from the top. Position the pattern piece at a slight angle with the wider edge pointing toward the bottom of the vest.
Step 7:
Trace around the pattern piece with a washable marker.
Step 8:
Cut around the marked lines through both layers of fabric, and then open the vest up.
Step 9:
To finish the edges, use a steam iron to press under 1/4 inch around each armhole. Then fold each armhole under another 1/4 inch and press again.
Step 10:
Pin and then sew the pressed edges in place around each armhole, removing the pins as you sew.
Wear your new waterfall vest over a T-shirt and jeans or a cute dress for a stylish layered look.
