How to make a kids' vest

1. Materials & tools

Materials (child vest)

• Fabric (quilted, fleece or cotton) — 110 cm wide × 50–70 cm
• Bias tape for the neckline, front edges and armholes (~150 cm), or 2–3 buttons

Tools

• Sewing machine (or needle and thread)
• Fabric marker or pencil
• Ruler and scissors
• Iron
• Pins or clips

2. Make the pattern (auto-generated in Katagami)

With the Katagami pattern tool, you just enter the finished size and it drafts a seam-allowance-included pattern, tiled to print at actual size on Letter or A4.

1. Open the tool
   Open the pattern tool and choose “Kids' clothes” → “Kids' vest” from the tabs at the top.
2. Enter the size
   Start from a height preset. Bind the edges or add buttons to close.
3. Set the seam allowance
   Use the slider at the bottom (beginners: 1.0–1.5 cm / about 3/8–5/8 in).
4. Print
   Press “Print (actual size)”, then in the print dialog set Scale = 100% and turn “Fit to page” OFF. Check the 50 mm calibration box on the first guide sheet with a ruler.

3. Cutting the fabric

1. Cut the back
   Place the center-back on the fold and cut 1.
2. Cut the fronts
   Cut 2 mirror-image fronts (the center fronts are the opening).
3. Finish the edges
   Zigzag or serge the edges.

4. Sewing

4-1. Sew the shoulders

1. Sew the fronts and back at the shoulders; press open.

4-2. Bind the neckline and front edges

1. Bind from the neckline down the front edges with bias tape, or use a facing.
2. For buttons, add buttonholes and buttons at the front edges.

4-3. Bind the armholes

1. Bind both armholes with bias tape.

4-4. Sew the sides and hem

1. Sew the side seams right sides together.
2. Double-fold and topstitch the hem; press.

5. Tips & variations

• Reversible: line it to make it wearable both ways.
• Warm version: fleece or quilted fabric adds warmth.
• Snaps: snaps are easy for little ones to fasten.