Tutorial: Layer With Love or How To Make A Quilted Vest for Valentines (or All Seasons)
If you’ve ever stepped away from a sewing project and given yourself a little pat on the back or a mental high five because you were so proud of the project, then you understand why I’m smiling! I am in love with this project and feel inspired to make a few more variations for future projects. You could easily wear this quilted vest almost any time of the year. If you live in a warm climate, you can wear this vest alone, and if you’re in a cooler climate, you use your vest as a layer to add an extra warm hug to your day. Whether it’s a V-neck or scoop neck, this adorable vest can be made with linen or cotton fabric – the options go on and on. The vest can be as elaborate or as simple as you’d like! It can be quilted, color-blocked, appliquéd, or hand-embroidered. This one can even be made reversible for additional outfit options!
The quilted vest is not a new concept. You can even find a great tutorial here on the blog. This will help you confidently make the vest and know where to start for the shape, size and structure of the project.
The sweetheart quilt square definitely adds an extra layer of interest as well as an even larger outlet for creativity, like choosing a different quilt block pattern. Sarah’s original tutorial allows for some variations. She mentions that pre-washing your linen is optional, but if you follow me, you know that’s a crucial step for me. I always pre-wash, dry, and press ALL my fabrics first to avoid shrinking after making the garment. Sarah also shares that if you don’t have a vest pattern, you can use a shirt pattern that you already have. Simply leave off the sleeves and adjust the length and shoulder width to your preference. The front of the “shirt” will be cut straight up the middle for the vest.
Materials
1 yd Bleached signature finish 5.3oz
1 yd Sahara Rose signature finish 5.3oz
¼ yd Marsala signature finish 5.3oz
¼ yd Juniper softened 7.1oz
Coordinating Thread
Sewing Machine
Double fold bias tape made from fabric
Small amount of single fold bias tape for the inside of the vest and optional ties
Natural Quilt batting (crib size is enough)
Steps
The back of my Sweetheart vest was created by making the quilt square and then adding fabric, first to both sides and trimming for a straight rectangle and then to the top and bottom to form a solid piece of fabric large enough to cut out the back of the vest. If you would like the sweetheart quilt square, I found it here. I also created some little triangle squares to add to the front before cutting out those pieces as well. The fabric you piece together just needs to be large enough to fit your vest pattern pieces. The inner seams are covered with single fold bias tape and the outer edges are all finished with double fold bias tape all made from the fabric used for the project.
I’m delighted with how this turned out and am already working on my next one. I hope sewing this is a joyful process for you too. Happy Valentines day! Share your vests here on Fabrics-store and tag me on Instagram @ ma.ma.osa.
About Author
Alisha Cooke
Ma Ma Osa is a handmade clothing brand that offers heirloom quality garments and patterns, hand-made by a mother. We celebrate the cherished craft of sewing and seek to honor the art of slow fashion in all our practices as a brand.Leave a comment
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7 Comments
Alexa Tawadrous
Wow, you are so talented and this is so beautiful. Maybe I just missed it in your post, which pattern did you use for the vest pieces?
Debbie Weekes
That is very nice. Looks like a lot of work.?
Alisha Cooke
Hi Debbie. It was and it wasn’t. I had everything laid out and ready to put together so it only took me two days but I also sew as my primary job. 🙂 It was such a fun project, I hope many of the readers try it!
Vicki Lang
What a cute vest. Love the heart design on the back. Something to make in the future.
Alisha Cooke
Thank you. And yes, do make one!
Sylvia Oshiro
Why does the pdf only show partial photos and articles? Re-sizing each photo is extremely time consuming? Is there an easier way to get the full article with full photos? HELP!
Alisha Cooke
Hello Sylvia, I am not the best person to help with tech issues but what are you saying isn’t working? I can see the entire article as well as the photos here on my laptop. Are you using a tablet or phone or is one of the links in the article not working? Hope we can help.