Are you dreaming of watching your clothing line make its way down the runway? Or perhaps it’s…
by Polina K
With flexible approach and extensive eco certified supplier list, we can help you find the right dressmaking fabrics for your collection.
With flexible approach and extensive eco certified supplier list, we can help you find the right dressmaking fabrics for your collection.
We’ve been dreaming of laid-back tailoring this summer. In particular, our days and nights have been filled with thoughts of the epitome of summertime chic: the women’s waistcoat.
Worn with a pair of flowy trousers, it’s the perfect ensemble for sipping a glass of chilled rosé by the Thames or wandering through a countryside garden in full bloom. It’s elegant, relaxed, and a minimal-effort outfit that oozes high-end style.
If you’re just as smitten with this summery trend as we are, we’ve got you covered. The Good Fabric team has put together a collection of our favourite waistcoat sewing patterns to make all of your laid-back tailoring daydreams come true.
Before diving headfirst into all of our gorgeous waistcoats, we, of course, wanted to mention fabrics. Would it be a Good Fabric blog if we didn’t?
For your waistcoat sewing pattern, we recommend something light to match that relaxed vibe, with just a little bit of weight and structure to hold the shape.
Soft and breathable linen fabric is our go-to choice, making that easy-breezy look so effortless with its wonderful drape. You can also switch things up and try a viscose-linen blend for a slightly smoother handle.
Linen ticks all of our boxes as a summer fabric. It’s lightweight, breathable, and one of the coolest fabrics to wear on a hot day. Made from flaxseed, it’s also completely natural and a wonderful option for our sustainable sewists.
You’re going to need some super cute sustainable buttons to finish your waistcoat sewing pattern, too. We’re head over heels for the Pigeon Wishes range at the moment. How amazing are these Solstice Buttons made from a bio-resin of wood and cotton? Don’t even get us started on the Barbiecore Buttons, either. We’re actually in love.
Now, fabrics and buttons aside, it’s time to jump into our favourite waistcoat sewing patterns for the summer. Some of these may look similar on the surface, but the devil is always in the details.
Join the mailing list for sewing blogs, fabric drops, promotions and a juicy 10% off your first Good Fabric order.
Puff and Pencil’s Waistcoat sewing pattern is all about creating a beautiful silhouette. The adjustable belt on the back of the waistcoat allows you to tighten the top around your curves for a shape that’s tailored to your body.
Merchant and Mills never let us down. The Miller Waistcoat is a pattern that’s gorgeous in its simplicity, with clean lines and a slightly boxier fit working in perfect harmony. A higher neck provides plenty of coverage, and the pattern features two welt pockets and a back belt.
The Liliana Vest by Viki Sews veers towards the smarter side of smart-casual tailoring. The neat lines follow the curves of the body, with bust darts and tabs on the back that fasten to create a more prominent waist. Double welt pockets pull together the neat, minimal look.
Oh, we do love a freebie. With a lining, pockets, and back belt, the Pompon Waistcoat pattern is a brilliant choice for getting to grips with the basics of waistcoat sewing without spending any money.
You can even use leftover fabric to make this a zero-spend project!
The Bennie Vest is a go-to waistcoat sewing pattern for our team. With slanted double jetted pockets and front princess seams, it’s a clean look that emphasises the subtle beauty of good tailoring. A slightly longer front hem gives it a little jazzy touch.
Ikatee is giving creative-queen vibes and we’re here for it! The Rabat Vest is somewhere between a waistcoat and a sleeveless jacket, with plenty of choice to play around. Choose from different necklines, closures, lengths, optional pockets and belts.
The Veronica Vest is one for our classic and classy gals, with a sharp-angled hem and traditional tailoring seams making this a summer staple. We see this with a pair of smart trousers, layered jewellery, and some simple pumps for a go-to outfit.
The waistcoat is already a classic look, but we love that this round-neck pattern by Grasser makes it somehow even more chic. With buttons from top to bottom, princess seams and darts, and back tabs for a cinched waist, this might be the most elegant pattern on our list.
Looking for something a little looser? We recommend the Viviene Waistcoat sewing pattern. With no tie-up tabs or belts, it gives a relaxed fit that’s undeniably Parisian and effortlessly cool. Little pockets and neat seams keep the look tailored, for that model-off-duty chic.
For an oversized style, we simply love the Pipit Vest. You can sew this as a normal waistcoat length or opt for a longer, flowy look - did someone say boho-chic? Add sleeves, switch up your sustainable buttons, and work with different linens for a really versatile pattern.
Never sewn a waistcoat before? With the Joy Woven Vest, you don’t have to worry. Style Arc has a fab step-by-step tutorial that takes the anxiety out of your first waistcoat sewing pattern project. A simple, loose fit and faux pockets make this a simpler make for beginners, too.
The Everyday Waistcoat waves goodbye to buttons and pockets for a really simple, super cute look. Binding on the edges adds a little structure and lets your fabric choice shine, while optional ties are perfect for a cottagecore aesthetic. Oh, she’s sweet!
Now you’ve got all the waistcoat sewing patterns you’re ever going to need (you’re welcome!) it’s time to start thinking about styling. We love a matchy-matchy set so sewing a pair of flowy trousers in the same linen is always going to be a killer look. There’s also the trend of pairing your waistcoat with jeans and nothing else - well, aside from maybe a bra, but only if you feel like it. #freethenipple right ladies?
Really, though, waistcoats are super easy to style with pretty much any trouser choice. The key is to choose a look you feel comfortable with and a waistcoat sewing pattern you love. Once you’ve created your go-to summer ensemble, show it off on Instagram.
You can share all of your looks with us over at @good_fabric_store and join our super-duper sustainable sewing community. We can’t wait to see you there!
Subscribe to the Good Fabric mailing list for more sewing blogs, just-dropped sustainable fabrics, juicy promotions and 10% off your next order.
You don’t have to make the choice between a beautiful, colourful, or a sustainable fabric.
Enjoy a guilt free fabric shopping experience, without compromising on quality, choice or price :)
Join the mailing list for sustainable fabric drops, sewing inspiration, promotions and a lovely 10% off your first order.
Good Fabric LTD is a limited company registered in England and Wales. Registered number: 12634891.
Sign up to the Good Fabric mailing list and we’ll send you proper good stuff, like:
We use cookies to manage your Good Fabric experience, track visits so we can keep making improvements, and show ads on third-party websites like Facebook. Find out more →