Graph paper...never thought of that! Thanks for the tip!

I don't remember where I learned this, but...when using fusible interfacing, I use the interfacing to finish the edges of my facings. Sew the interfacing to the fabric (right sides together) along the edges that are to be finished in a 1/4" inch seam. Trim to 1/8", then turn the interfacing to the wrong side (carefully!) and fuse. Voilà! Finished facings - with all raw edges secure and concealed.

Thanks for this - and for the comment about using it on a faced waist. I always have trouble with that seam "growing" on me.

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.

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.

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.

What an amazing idea! It looks wonderful on the fur...but I could see using it on the outside seam or pocket edges of a pair of pants - or on the seams or edges of a tweedy jacket. Thank you for sharing!

Very pretty! The next time I have an extra week to spend on a project, I'll try it!