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Waistcoat/Vest

Homesew | Posted in Teach Yourself To Sew on

Hi Guys

I am looking for some help again.  I have been working on a waistcoat for my teenager who wanted it to return to 6th form.

I finished the waistcoat this morning to find that it does not do up.  The waistcoat picture was in silk type fabric and I used a medium weight suiting for the front.

I have thinned out the back seams on back and lining to give a small amount of extra and it is currently edge to edge.

Suggestions to gain the extra needed so that the buttons can close if desired???

I am thinking of adding some material to the sides but not sure how much, how it will affect the sleeve hole etc etc.  This is beyond my skill level.  Help required.

Replies

  1. SewingSis | | #1

    Hi,

    Would it be possible for you to post a picture of it...or the pattern? 

    Thanks!

    1. Homesew | | #3

      I have taken 3 photos hopefully they attach.  The size was XS which should have been 32" my son measures just over 30", yet as you can see over his tee shirt it looks massively too small.

      Hopefully you can think of a way out.

    2. Homesew | | #4

      Photo

      Hi me again images to large to send all together so here is front view

      1. SewingSis | | #5

        After viewing the photos, it is easy to see that it is too small for sure!  Since it looks snug while wearing with the t-shirt, you were right, the best bet would be to add fabric to the side seams.  Open up the side seams, including the lining.  Have him try it on with it buttoned. You will see the amount it gaps on each side and that is the amount needed to be added. (Don't forget to add seam allowance!)  You will need to add the same amount for the lining.  As for your concern about the armhole being too large if you add, it appears pretty snug in the picture so I think it would be better for wearing if it were a bit larger.  I hope this info helps...keep us posted!!

        1. Homesew | | #6

          Waistcoat/vest

          Thank you for your reply

          What a sensible thought I did not consider buttoning up the waistcost to gauge the amount to be increased by.  If successful and I will post photo onto the site.

  2. stillsuesew | | #2

    Could you add a band to each side of the center front - kind of like a waistband, but vertically?

    1. HelgaPataki | | #7

      small cause its too long and narrow

      I think it looks like the vest is too long and narrow and the ties at the back is not corresponding to the waist area.  It would be easier to turn the part of the side seam into a slit rather than add fabric.  but it has to be shortened first.  what do you think, well if I'm not too late, or if the adding extra fabric doesn't work, then making a slit might. 

      1. Homesew | | #8

        Hi Helga

        You are not to late at all.  I am not in a rush, I put the vest to one side as I was too disappointed to look at it.  I will add to the side seam rather than the back, as you saw in the photo I had already opened the seam to gain a few extra ins.   Once I open the side seam I can adjust the belt loops as well.

        I thought about adding extra in material rather than lining, do you think that is a good idea?

        Thanks for the advice.

        1. HelgaPataki | | #9

          adding extra material v. turning seam into slit?

          I think its a great idea however a lot more work and technique required perhaps.  I'm in 40 degree C weather right now so I have a tendency to want to think slight and less is better, hence my idea of a side slit.  how about checking with the one wearing it?

          1. Homesew | | #10

            extra material?

            Hi Helga

            Wow 40 degree C - we in Northern England are less well off it is windy and cool.  If I have to cut extra side pieces any way I could cut in both fabrics and let wearer decide as you suggest.

            If I cut on the bias it may look like a design feature rather than a "Oh dear it's all gone wrong" 

            G

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