How to make a vest from a plaid shirt

comments (9) March 8th, 2013

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Nicole Smith, contributor

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Transform an everyday shirt into a chic vest.

Marc Jacobs looked to plaids in vibrant shades for his Fall 2009 Marc by Marc Jacobs collection.

The skirt before. Dont forget to pre-wash it before you start sewing, just in case it shrinks later.

Transform an everyday shirt into a chic vest.

Photo: Sloan Howard

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Come on, admit it: You've got an old flannel shirt in your closet collecting dust right now. Well, shake it off and get sewing-turn that shirt into a cute vest. Here, I'll show you how to do it. I cut the collar and the sleeves, created new patch pockets, and added rows of pretty tucks to take in the extra bulk.

Before you begin, wash the shirt, and try it on. Measure how much you want to take in on each side seam. Here, new patch pockets were applied, but you could just sew the old pockets back on to save a little time and effort. The vest edges here were left raw for a rustic look, but feel free to finish them with bias tape or other trim for even more contrast.

What You'll Need:

• Hand needle

• Ruler

• Scissors

• Seam ripper

• Sewing machine

• Shirt, plaid flannel with back yoke, oversize

• Tailor's chalk

• Thread

First, take the shirt apart

When you cut the shirt, be sure to save the pieces you cut off: You add the leftover buttons to the collar, and the sleeves provide extra fabric for pockets.

1. Take off the pockets. With a seam ripper, carefully remove the pockets and pocket flaps. If the shirt has manufacturer registration markings from under the pocket, remove them.

2. Remove the arms. Use scissors to cut off the sleeves, leaving the seam behind. The seam will prevent the vest from fraying too much after washing.

3. Cut off the top. Remove the top of the shirt, just below the back yoke. Use the lines in the plaid to help you cut a straight line across the back and front.

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posted in: sewstylish feature, SewStylish, restyle, sewstylish technique, vest, boyfriend, remake, plaid, menswear

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Comments (9)

nansews writes: Thanks for sharing this great idea. I love recycling or upcycling. I am fairly certain my daughter will love this. I will have to show it to her and see if she would like me to make her one.
Posted: 9:38 pm on April 9th

EchoLin writes: nice shirt, thanks for sharing this to us. i will have a try.
Posted: 1:47 am on March 11th

ustabahippie writes: I made this years ago when it first appeared in the magazine. I made 2 of them for examples for a recycling class I was teaching at the time. Everyone loved it and I had to make copies of the article for at least 10 people! Still have mine.
Posted: 2:55 pm on March 8th

stylist58 writes: So cute. Great recycling project. Hope I can do it
Posted: 10:03 pm on January 30th

Stile writes: Late to the party, but posting comment anyway because I am excited about this project. Hubby awarded me all the shirts he can no longer fit into and this project is perfect for refashioning some of those shirts.
Posted: 12:23 pm on January 17th

BellaPerlaJewelry writes: i love cutting up of my fiances clothes.lol, hes gonna hate me now
Posted: 1:18 pm on November 23rd

mrobinson111 writes: I love this idea, but...how long to you make the pin tucks and...the arm holes are now way to small. The shirt is an XL and I only wear a women's medium.

Thanks!
Posted: 5:40 pm on November 21st

rebelrose1941 writes: Great idea for all those xlarge flannel shirt that are no longer needed. Kudoes to you. Thank you for ideas on recycling. The plans are easy to follow. The only thing I have recyled is the hospital growns worn home my son. I made me night gowns from those. Works great.
Thanks
Posted: 12:34 pm on October 30th

Guyton writes: Love, love, love. This is such a great recon project for all of those shirts we have in our closets. I know my husband has a few that he wouldn't miss:) Great job on the pictures.

Mrs. G. (allthingsimaginative.com)
Posted: 12:50 pm on October 15th

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