Circular Vest

One circle of fabric makes a vest that highlights both sides of a special fabric. Choose a fabric that looks good on both sides.

One circle of fabric makes a vest that highlights both sides of a special fabric. Choose a fabric that looks good on both sides.

Photo: Jack Deutsch

To create this vest in less than an hour, you use two measurements to draft a circle and then just cut fabric and the armholes and bind the edges.

For a super-comfy version, choose a thick fabric such as fleece. For a more sweater-like creation, choose a loose knit. Finish the raw edges with strips of ribbed knit; you can shape the knit easily around the curved edges, and it stretches to fit. For a quicker no-sew version, make the vest out of fleece and cut the edges with pinking shears. For a double-sided option, topstitch two layers of fleece together.

Whether you make it in a lightweight fabric or in a cozy knit, this vest is the perfect addition to any wardrobe regardless of the season.

Draft and sew the vest
Start with your measurements to draft the vest pattern, and bind the edges with a coordinating rib knit.

1. Draft the pattern. Measure your bust circumference. Draw a circle with this measurement as the circle’s diameter.

2. Measure for the armholes. Measure across your back from arm to arm to determine how far apart to make the armholes. Determine the armhole depth by measuring from the top of your shoulder to about 3 inches below your armpit.

3. Draw the armholes. Center the armholes vertically on your pattern and mark them your back width apart (as determined in step 2).

4. Cut the fabric. Cut the pattern from your fabric, slashing open the armholes.

5. Cut and press the binding. Cut out 3-inch-wide strips of ribbed knit with the ribs running perpendicular to the strip. Fold the ribbed binding in half with wrong sides together. Align the long edges, and press. Fold the
raw edges towards the fold, and press.

Fold the binding’s raw edges toward the fold, and press.

6. Bind the edges. Sandwich the wrap’s raw edges in the fold of the binding, and topstitch it in place. Turn under any raw ends.

Sandwich the wrap’s raw edges in the fold of the binding.

Topstitch the binding in place.

7. Make the armhole binding. Cut two strips of pre-pressed binding 21⁄2 inches longer than your armhole. Pin them right sides together with the short ends aligned. Draw a 11⁄4-inch-long line centered on each end. Sew 1⁄16 inch around the line through both layers to form one end of the armhole, and cut as shown above. Repeat for the other armhole.

8. Fold the armhole bindings. Turn the binding right-side out, as shown at right. Turn under the short end’s raw edges 1⁄2 inch, and press.

9. Finish the armholes. Pin the bindings to the armholes, sandwiching the raw edges inside the bidning. Edgestitch the binding in place.

Pin the binding to the armhole.

excerpted from Threads magazine
Issue #146, p. 69

Nicole Smith, contributor
Posted on Dec 24th, 2009 in sewing, online extras, garment construction

Comments (52)

maydances writes: I saw a girl today and who was wearing a version of this in a heavy knit fabric with a fringe all around it. The armholes were a lot higher and cut like in a racerback top and they were very nicely finished.. This made the upper part of the circle not exactly a half circle but a bit smaller... as when you wear a round knit shawl, folded not quite in half. The armholes were not right in the center of the circle.... Also, the shawl collar covered her upper arms which made the lower part cling to her back giving it a very feminine, curvaceous look.
I plan on making one out of muslin before I hit the good boiled wool I have been saving for something special. This is it.... can't wait!!
Good luck, let me hear more comments, please.
Posted: 11:00 pm on January 22nd

sewingheaven888 writes: Looks lovely. I will be giving that a try soon.

Thank you.:)
Posted: 6:07 am on November 28th

Zepherine writes: Has anyone actually MADE this following these directions? Because when I made the circle's diameter equal to my bust measurement--36 inches--the fabric barely fit around my shoulders. Had I put armhole slits in the place indicated, I'd have had to be a contortionist to put the garment on, or worn it with my arms pinned behind my back.

I salvaged the project by adding sleeves to the side of the circle.

Posted: 11:50 pm on March 27th

StunningSun writes: I'm thinking maybe a reversible satin/velvet with a piping? Comments?
Posted: 1:51 pm on February 19th

JacquieOK writes: has anyone done this with cotton and quilted it?
I hate binding anything! I hate anything KNIT as well...would love to make this using something else...Dupioni even!
Posted: 7:48 pm on November 26th

annybanny01 writes: I have just received my first edition (#147-March 2010) and I LUV it! I was so excited just walking in from the mailbox.
Very intriqued by the "felted wool jersey" article and the jacket on the cover. I have been searching locally for 'felted wool' and it is hard to locate. I am certainly excited to get started with my sewing so keep the ideas coming. Also, I am making the circle vest and cannot wait to wear it. How would one go about buying the pattern for the jacket on cover of #147 magazine? I am pining for it.....
Posted: 11:54 am on February 9th

deemail writes: My favorite version of this is about 30+ years old. I remember it only because it was such a simple, yet striking idea, then and now. The singer/actress, Edie Adams, (wife of comedian, Ernie Kovacs) wore a white fur version that had the armholes offset and it could be worn both ways. One way produced a nice turn-down collar and the other way, produced a big enough 'collar' that she could pull it up to use as a hood. The circle was much larger, producing a 3/4 length white fur wrap! It was gorgeous and, of course, 3/4 is such a useful length. Better to be 3/4 length with a full length gown than to have those awkward inches showing under a 'not quite long enough coat,' and it is also a great length with pants. I am enthused all over again. How about quilting two pieces of fabric with batting for warmth before cutting the circle? If I draw the circle on the top layer, I can make the quilting follow the shape!
Posted: 10:48 pm on February 8th

nannysgirl writes: I just cut this out of muslin and I made some adjustments. Using the guide given for the back measurement, I found it was tight. I went back and added 1 inch to each side. I want to use a very lighweight, open knitted fabric but not sure what to use on the edges. Any ideas?
Posted: 4:43 pm on February 6th

Rooty_Tooty writes: There is lots of discussion about whether or not to bind. The binding that is suggested is knitted which would be quite flexible. Any stitching around the edge would need to be a stretch stitch or slight zigzag to resist breakage. Also, any trims would probaly need to have some degree of stretch if the fabric is to maintain it's fluidity. Keep in mind that, like the circular skirts of the 50's & early 60's, this vest will be prone to stretching on the bias & losing it's shape but, again, that is part of the charm of this garment.

Also, I think this could make a very pretty wrap for a strapless gown (think proms, brides, holidays) with beading oe sequins along the edge. There is a lot of potential for embellishment and a wide variety of fabrics that could be used for very different but elegant & femine looks --georgette, voile, velvet, velour, satin, charmeuse...
Posted: 1:06 am on January 7th

Rooty_Tooty writes: Leonore -- I love your idea of 3/4 length sleeves! How do you think they were attached? Were the armholes still just slits & the sleeves made of folded squares with the fold at the top of the slit & the seam at the bottom? I suppose you could stitch the sleeve seam to make the sleeves perfetc rectangles for fuller sleeves or you could sew a tapered seam so that you ended up with a narrower edge at the cuff. If you can remeber how this was done or if anyone else has any thoughts on this I'd be interested.
Posted: 12:53 am on January 7th

Feltart writes: I love this and want to try it with nuno felted scarves that I have sewn together. Now my question is how do I create a circle pattern, do I need a very large geometric semi circle gadget?. Do I measure the diameter and make points around it and join them thereby creating a circle.

Posted: 4:32 pm on January 5th

AnieP writes: I too have just the fabric to make this cute vest/jacket. I also that you for the inspiration! AnieP
Posted: 8:38 pm on January 4th

junahbird writes: I agree with stillsuesew, I would like to make this with the armholes higher as well. I think it may be a little more flattering.
Posted: 11:25 am on January 4th

Willuf writes: My daughter treated me to a knitted version a couple of years ago which I love but find it hopeless to wear as it slips off the shoulders all the time. Have tried a tape from armhole to armhole but this shows and is not successful. Any other suggestions how I can overcome this in order to be able to put it to good use? It is a shame to leave it in my wardrobe.
Posted: 4:03 am on January 4th

SonjaLuvs2Sew writes: I DID IT! I used a (what I believe is) double sided Denim that was originally intended as fabric for a sleeping bag. It's been sitting around for years and is NOW my new cape/vest! The next time I make this i will add a couple inches across the back as my very broad shoulders and (slight) extention in my back are usually harder to fit in ALL projects. Other than that, it was GREAT. I trimmed with red fleece that was purchased to make winter scarfs (but my dd crochet's one for me for Christmas). Pics asap!
Posted: 4:02 pm on January 3rd

MarMax writes: I made the circular vest, too. It was so much fun, and that "ah...ha" when I tried it on was priceless. It worked and looks great out of fleece. Incredible. So much imagination and creativity in this magazine. Am intrigued enough by the article on "Felted Wool Jersey" to get up the courage to try it! 2010 is going to be a great sewing year!
Posted: 2:30 pm on January 3rd

kymsmum writes: I love whoever figured this out. I am on a pension & look after my mother, with Alzheimer. I saw this cape at a local shopping centre. It was made in silk & cost (wait for it) $60.00 Australian. There are a few ways you can wear this item. I will try to remember & will post it up here. I tried to figure this out myself, but did not have the creative juice left in me. Thank you so much. Also a detachable sleeve could be made for this. I can figure that out now, & I will post here as soon as possible.
Posted: 11:05 pm on December 31st

JomustSew writes: Love this idea!! I'm a fullsome woman and I can still make this because of it's simple design -- I think I'd like to try making it with some fake fur for a fall weather topper
Posted: 3:00 pm on December 31st

helenj writes: i love this too!!! I would love to see the pics of all your efforts! anyone brave enough ?
Posted: 11:06 pm on December 30th

Love_it writes: Give us more. What a great and "GREEN" idea. Thank you.
Posted: 11:49 am on December 30th

crafrisma writes: I love this circular vest pattern, it's so simple to make. You could use any type of fabric to dress it up or down.
Posted: 11:13 am on December 30th

mpiel writes: what a creative mind. I would have never thought of it.
keep the creative juices flowing and giving us great garments
to wear. thank for the know-how.
Posted: 10:50 am on December 30th

stillsuesew writes: Instead of cutting the armhole slits in the middle, I would cut them a little higher. This way the cape can be worn in either direction. Worn with the slits higher will make for a smaller collar and longer over the hips. Worn with the slits lower will make a shorter version with a bigger collar. Something to play with in a muslin.
Posted: 3:21 pm on December 29th

Boblynn writes: I think the collar is just asking for machine embroidery or even ribbon embroidery! Great project!
Posted: 1:59 pm on December 29th

Suesewingsue writes: Thanks! I'm excited! This is pretty close to a $16 pattern that was featured at the November Sewing Expo's Fashion Show that I was too frugal to purchase while unemployed! (A brand that never goes on sale & is sealed so you can't examine and absorb the overall idea before buying...) Theirs has a little more of a flouncey ruffle because it was made of lightweight material, and the sleeve holes are not centered heightwise, so that there's a choice of volume of ruffle, depending on how much fabric is above or below the armholes. I'll have to play with that idea also....
Posted: 1:44 pm on December 29th

RAGNBONE writes: My mom made me a grey wool cape with slits like this in the late 60's trimmed in black fringe that I LOVED. I'd like to try it again, thanks for the reminder!
Posted: 12:49 pm on December 29th

rr528 writes: The hip measurement doesn't matter, because the vest would hit above the low hip (unless the wearer is very short) and because the vest doesn't fasten at that point. Also consider that this is a cutaway style, which is also more forgiving hip-wise.

You could also move the "armholes" lower - which would shorten the overall length (bringing it above the hip) in favor of a longer shoulder drape.

At any rate, if one is very short or very broad (or both), a muslin mightn't be a bad idea.
Posted: 11:24 am on December 29th

nbrowns writes: love this but am truly confused about the armshole binding, how can you turn under the short end raw edges when you have sewed around the 1 1/4 inch line centered on each end?

Perhaps a clearer graphic would help. Can't wait to try this one, it is ageless.
Posted: 10:15 am on December 29th

pandasmom writes: Does this need to be made from a substantial fabric (wool, knit, etc)? What happens if one uses dupioni silk. Perhaps a little extra fabric for more drape, and put the armholes on the bias? Looks intriguing.

Another thought - what if one cut a slightly oval shape to give a bit more drape at the top and bottom - with armholes on the bias. It would take more fabric, but might give an interesting look?

Posted: 11:26 pm on December 28th

creativewench writes: I just love this and can't wait to go fabric shopping for double sided wool. I can see this being awesome with jeans and a nice white blouse.
Posted: 9:55 pm on December 28th

CraftyRose writes: I notice that your model, although very attrractive, has NO hips at all. Does your yardage calculation allow for women whose hips may be, say 50"?
Posted: 8:39 pm on December 28th

adrisgram writes: Leonore - can you give us more information about your pattern from the 60s? This is a "hafta-do" but I want sleeves!
Posted: 7:53 pm on December 28th

79tarheel writes: To Georgia_red: I believe the instructions to turn under the "short ends" means to turn under the short side -- you have basically a rectangle of binding and the "ends" of the strip would be the short side of the rectangle. So you are turning under the raw edge on the ends of the binding...Hope this helps. Good luck!
Posted: 6:46 pm on December 28th

lukehead writes: Remember, if you want to fringe the edges, the edge is not straight but curved. Can be done but it is not necessarily fast. You have to work to keep the fringe even around the circumference.
Posted: 6:27 pm on December 28th

lukehead writes: Remember, if you want to fringe the edges, it is not straight edged but curved. Can be done but is not necessarily fast. You have to work to keep the fringe length even on the circumference.
Posted: 6:24 pm on December 28th

Georgia_Red writes: I have the perfect fabric for this - upholstery fabric that is reversible, so it can be a reversible vest. However, I am confused about the instructions for the binding of the armholes. There are references to the "shorter end" I'm not sure what that means. Can someone help me out - I am an experienced sewer (at least I thought I was...).

Posted: 6:18 pm on December 28th

weeroo writes: My mother knitted me something like this and I use it all the time as a bed jacket. I have two colorways of a handwoven from Guatemala that I may put together for this with 3/4 sleeves, also a loose throw like fabric for another bed jacket, they are easy to throw on and off with hot flashes!
Posted: 5:51 pm on December 28th

Leonore writes: This is a great idea for a vest. In the early 60's I made a circle cape that was like this but had sleeves attached to the armseye slits. It was either a 54 or 60 in circle and the armseye slits was deeper. I believe the sleeves were 3/4 in length. All I remember is that the circle was cut to the width of the wool fabric. Mine was a heather wool on one side and a plaid wool on the other. I might still have the pattern! At any rate, I'm going to make the cape again for a toasty cover-up. Thanks for the memory jog and inspiration!
Posted: 5:37 pm on December 28th

grmacary writes: This is the sweetest thing!! I have a loose knit fabric I have been saving for a long time for just the right garment, and THIS IS IT! Thank you so much for the idea and all the information!
Posted: 5:31 pm on December 28th

abiddy writes: This is a great look and I'm excited to try it out this week. I already have some ideas to vary the look. Like by adding a toggle or button closure, maybe a frayed edge. Thank you for the idea and simple instructions!
Posted: 5:26 pm on December 28th

beckyc4u writes: The yardage required will depend on your size. If your bust is 36 inches, then you need a 36 inch circle, so 1 yard of fabric. If your bust measures 40 inches, then you will need 40 inches of fabric, etc. I would get an extra inch or so to be sure that you get the entire circle to fit on it, in case the ends are cut incorrectly, etc.
I hope this helps those of you who needed yardage requirements. I'm looking forward to trying this. It's really cute. I might try something with a bit of bling for New Years...
Posted: 5:20 pm on December 28th

rr528 writes: For those asking for yardage, simply buy a length of fabric equal to your bust measurement, plus a few inches. It's a circle, so the length equals the width.

For example, if your bust measures 38 inches, buy...say...1-1/8 yards (36 inches plus 4-1/2 inches). And make sure the fabric is at least that wide.
Posted: 5:16 pm on December 28th

CarolfromJnO writes: This is the most awesome thing I've seen in awhile. Thinking about it with fleece too!
Thanks!
Posted: 4:23 pm on December 28th

srtd64 writes: pls post yardage if you recieve it...I like this also...I wil serge the edges.
Posted: 4:22 pm on December 28th

mannebanana writes: This could work as a light weight jacket if you added a frog or other closure
Posted: 4:18 pm on December 28th

HUNGRYmama writes: I love this! :D
Posted: 4:06 pm on December 28th

learner56 writes: I love this simple classic look. How much fabric should I purchase?
Posted: 3:55 pm on December 28th

seweasycreations writes: I love this and will make it for sure. It's so simple but so cute. Thanks for the instructions.
Posted: 3:46 pm on December 28th

rr528 writes: Love this idea! Make it out of double-faced wool and you have two looks.

Not sure I'd bother with the binding around the circumference, though. With boiled wool or fleece (for example), there's no need for it - and the binding keeps the fabric from draping softly around the shoulders. Just stitch 3/8" from the edge and call it done. I'm more inclined to make this out of a woven fabric and simply fray the edges.

I do see the wisdom of binding the armholes, of course.
Posted: 3:42 pm on December 28th

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