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You know those fall mornings when it’s too chilly for just a sweater, but you’re not quite ready to pull out your winter coat? That’s exactly why we love a good vest! And with so many vest patterns available, making your own is a fun way to add another layer to your handmade wardrobe.
If you love sewing your own vest, there are plenty of styles worth trying. Beginners can start with simple designs or free patterns, while more experienced sewists can take on quilted vests or styles with extra details.
To help you pick your next project, we’ve gathered 10 vest patterns for perfect fall style. But first, let’s talk about the benefits of sewing your own vest.
Why Sew Your Own Vest
One of the best things about sewing your own vest is how much freedom you have to make it your style. You can choose a cosy fleece for extra warmth, try quilted fabric for a more structured look, or go for something playful like Pink Panther Faux Fur if you love a little colour and texture. Plus, vests are great for layering over sweaters and long-sleeved tops without adding too much bulk.
Vests can also be a fun project for building your sewing skills. Many beginner-friendly patterns have simple shapes and fewer pieces, while more detailed designs give you a chance to practise adding linings, buttons, or pockets. Some styles even use less fabric than other clothing projects, making them a good option for using up leftover fabric.
And since you're making it yourself, you can adjust the length and fit to suit how you like to wear your layers. It's a practical fall sewing project you'll want to reach for whenever the weather gets chilly.
10 Best Vest Sewing Patterns to Try This Fall
Ready to sew your own vest but not sure where to start? We’ve rounded up 10 of the best vest sewing patterns in different styles and designs! Plus, we’ve also added some of our personal fabric suggestions from Fabric + Flow to help you get started on your next fall sewing project!
1. Vapor Vest and Jacket Pattern by Greenstyle
Love a modern, sporty look? The Vapor Vest and Jacket Pattern by Greenstyle is a great pick for layering over your workout gear or favourite fall outfits. It features a front zipper, handy chest and side pockets, and your choice of a hood or collar. You can also choose between two lengths and add an optional back vent, making it a practical piece for outdoor adventures or everyday wear.
- Pattern Style: Sporty zip-up vest with optional hood, collar, back vent, and two length options.
- Skill Level: Intermediate.
- Cost: Paid pattern ($12.95 USD)
- Best Fabric Pairing: Try Athletic Woven in Charcoal from Fabric + Flow. This water-repellent nylon-spandex woven has moderate stretch and a durable feel, making it a good match for the pattern's recommended performance woven fabrics. Its versatile charcoal colour also works beautifully for a sporty fall vest.
Shop Fabric + Flow's Athletic Woven in Charcoal →
2. Oakley Vest Pattern by Love Notions
The Oakley Vest Pattern by Love Notions comes with three different styles, so you can make anything from a cosy open-front layer to a sporty zip-up vest. Depending on the look you're going for, you can add a hood or collar, choose your preferred pockets, and adjust the fit with the full bust option. It's a practical pattern for everyday layering, especially over long-sleeved tops and sweaters during fall.
- Pattern Style: Open-front or zip-up vest with three body styles, pocket options, and an optional hood or collar.
- Skill Level: Intermediate.
- Cost: Paid pattern ($12.50 USD for the digital version).
- Best Fabric Pairing: Try Ivory Snow Sherpa Suede from Fabric + Flow. This heavyweight 400 GSM knit has a plush sherpa surface and soft sueded backing, making it a cosy option for the pattern's open-front View A, which works well with faux fur and other fluffy fabrics. Its creamy ivory colour also gives your handmade vest a soft, neutral look that's easy to pair with your favourite fall outfits.
Shop Fabric + Flow's Ivory Snow Sherpa Suede →
3. Quilted Vest Pattern by Purl Soho
If you enjoy quilting, here's a project that lets you turn those skills into something wearable! The Quilted Vest Pattern by Purl Soho features a simple, open-front design with clean lines, a gently shaped collar, and horizontal quilting that gives it a lovely handmade look. The batting adds a light layer of warmth, making it great for those in-between fall days. It's also a fun way to practise quilting and bias binding techniques.
- Pattern Style: Open-front quilted vest with a shaped collar, lightweight batting, and bias-bound edges.
- Skill Level: Confident beginner to intermediate, especially if you're new to quilting garments.
- Cost: Free pattern
- Best Fabric Pairing: Try Vintage Bluebell Quilted Coating from Fabric + Flow. This light- to mid-weight quilted chambray denim features a soft floral print with a faded blue finish. Its cotton fabric and built-in polyester batting add gentle warmth and structure, making it a lovely choice for a fall vest. Since it's already quilted, you can skip the quilting step, though you'll need to adjust the pattern's construction instructions accordingly.
Shop Fabric + Flow's Vintage Bluebell Quilted Coating →
4. Clayton Vest Pattern by Styla Patterns
For those who like having plenty of design options, the Clayton Vest Pattern by Styla Patterns has lots to work with. This fully lined vest comes in three lengths, from hip to knee, with options for a regular or removable hood, a front zipper or snaps, and different pocket styles. You can keep it simple for everyday layering or add extra details like drawstrings and side zippers. It's especially handy for making a longer, cosy vest for chilly fall days.
- Pattern Style: Fully lined vest with three length options, optional hood, zipper or snap closures, and welt or zippered pockets.
- Skill Level: Intermediate, depending on the options chosen.
- Cost: Paid pattern ($11.95 USD).
- Best Fabric Pairing: Try Burberry Look Beige Quilted Coating from Fabric + Flow. This medium- to heavyweight woven fabric has a soft brushed surface and quilted construction that adds warmth and structure. It's a good match for the pattern's recommended medium- to heavyweight woven fabrics, while the classic beige plaid gives your vest a cosy fall look.
Shop Fabric + Flow's Burberry Look Beige Quilted Coating →
5. Harold Vest Pattern by Ready to Sew
The Harold Vest Pattern by Ready to Sew puts a relaxed spin on the classic button-up waistcoat. It features a V-neckline, faux welt pockets, and a knitted back panel that you can make using ribbing or even an old sweater. That mix of woven and knit fabrics gives it a lovely vintage-inspired look, perfect for layering over a loose t-shirt or your favourite fall basics.
- Pattern Style: Relaxed, button-front waistcoat with a V-neckline, faux welt pockets, and a knitted back panel.
- Skill Level: Confident beginner to intermediate.
- Cost: Paid pattern ($16.00 USD).
- Best Fabric Pairing: Try Rose Blush Wool Touch Coating from Fabric + Flow for the front panels. This 370 GSM woven fabric has a soft, wool-like feel with enough structure to give the waistcoat a polished look. Its muted blush colour is also lovely for fall. For the back, pair it with a ribbed knit or repurpose an old sweater, as the pattern recommends.
Shop Fabric + Flow's Rose Blush Wool Touch Coating →
6. Winona Vest Pattern by Daisy Chain Patterns
Western-inspired details give the Winona Vest Pattern by Daisy Chain Patterns a fun, outdoorsy feel. It has a relaxed, straight fit that's roomy enough for layering, plus two neckline options and different yoke designs. You can also play around with the pockets, from saddlebag styles to pleated pockets with flaps, and finish it with buttons or snaps. Make it quilted with bias-bound edges or fully lined for a different look.
- Pattern Style: Western-inspired utility vest with optional collar, two yoke variations, three pocket styles, and button or snap closures.
- Skill Level: Intermediate and above.
- Cost: Paid pattern ($16.00 USD).
- Best Fabric Pairing: Try Army Green Quilted Corduroy from Fabric + Flow. This heavyweight 625 GSM woven fabric features plush quilted corduroy with a soft sherpa backing and batting for extra warmth. Its army green colour works beautifully with the Winona Vest's outdoorsy, utility-inspired design.
Shop Fabric + Flow's Army Green Quilted Corduroy →
7. Burda Style 5714 Vest Pattern by Simplicity
If you're ready for a more challenging sewing project, the Burda Style 5714 Vest Pattern has two stylish designs to try. The first has a biker-inspired look with an asymmetrical front zipper, zippered pockets, and a belted waist. The second takes a more polished approach with shaped seams and welt pockets. Both are great for dressing up your fall outfits, whether you're heading to the office or going out for the weekend.
- Pattern Style: Two structured vest designs, including a biker-style vest with an asymmetrical zipper and belt, and a polished version with welt pockets.
- Skill Level: Advanced.
- Cost: Paid pattern ($22.95 USD).
- Best Fabric Pairing: Try Camel Wool Touch Coating from Fabric + Flow. This substantial woven fabric has a soft, wool-like finish and enough body to hold the pattern's structured shape. Its warm camel colour also works beautifully for a classic fall vest, especially if you're making the more polished version.
Shop Fabric + Flow's Camel Wool Touch Coating →
8. Wool Long Waistcoat Pattern by Burda Style
For a more polished fall look, the Wool Long Waistcoat Pattern by Burda Style is worth trying. This mid-length vest has a clean, open-front design with no buttons or zippers, making it easy to throw over a sweater knit or long-sleeved top. The simple silhouette also features leather-look accents that add a little character without making the design too busy.
- Pattern Style: Mid-length, open-front wool waistcoat with clean lines and leather-look accents.
- Skill Level: Beginner to confident beginner.
- Cost: Paid pattern ($11.99 USD).
- Best Fabric Pairing: Try Heathered Charcoal Wool Coating from Fabric + Flow. This wool coating is a suitable option for the pattern's recommended woollen fabrics, giving the long vest a cosy feel and a classic fall look. Its heathered charcoal colour also makes it easy to pair with other pieces in your minimalist wardrobe.
Shop Fabric + Flow's Heathered Charcoal Wool Coating →
9. Veronica Vest Pattern by Just Patterns
A classic waistcoat can make even a simple outfit feel a little more put together. The Veronica Vest Pattern by Just Patterns has a semi-fitted silhouette with front and back waist darts, functional welt pockets, and an adjustable back strap for a more personalised fit. It's fully lined and includes a second version with an asymmetrical button closure and raised V-neckline.
- Pattern Style: Semi-fitted, fully lined waistcoat with waist darts, welt pockets, an adjustable back strap, and two front variations.
- Skill Level: Intermediate, especially for sewists comfortable with lining and welt pockets.
- Cost: Paid pattern ($16.00 USD).
- Best Fabric Pairing: Try Brushed Woven Twill in Olive from Fabric + Flow. This medium-weight woven fabric has a soft brushed finish and enough structure for a neat waistcoat silhouette. Its earthy olive colour also suits fall outfits. At 290 GSM, it's heavier than traditional wool suiting, so expect a slightly more structured look and consider making a test garment first.
Shop Fabric + Flow's Brushed Woven Twill in Olive →
10. Andrea Woven Vest Pattern by Style Arc
A longer vest can be a lovely alternative to a lightweight fall quilted jacket, especially if you prefer a more polished look. The Andrea Woven Vest Pattern by Style Arc features a longline silhouette with a shawl collar, button-front closure, and a back vent for easier movement. You can also add optional in-seam pockets for a practical touch. Wear it over a fitted sweater or pair it with trousers for a smart, everyday outfit.
- Pattern Style: Longline, unlined woven vest with a shawl collar, button closure, back vent, and optional in-seam pockets.
- Skill Level: Intermediate.
- Cost: Paid pattern (PDF version starts at $17.41 USD).
- Best Fabric Pairing: Try Flax Linen Herringbone from Fabric + Flow. This medium-weight woven fabric features a subtle herringbone texture with a blend of cotton, polyester, and linen. At 240 GSM, it offers enough structure to hold the vest's longline silhouette while remaining comfortable for layering. Its natural flax colour also gives the Andrea Vest a timeless look that works beautifully with fall wardrobe staples.
Shop Fabric + Flow's Flax Linen Herringbone →
Vest Sewing Tips: Working with Thicker Fabrics for Vest
Fall coating fabrics like fleece-back sherpa, quilted plaids, and sherpa-back corduroy can take your vest game to a whole new level—but they do come with a few quirks.
Here’s how to set yourself up for success:
- Use the Right Needle: Thicker fabrics = heavier needle. A 90/14 or 100/16 universal or denim needle usually does the trick. For layered seams, even consider a walking foot to help things glide through smoothly.
- Reduce Bulk Where You Can: Trim seam allowances and grade them to reduce thickness. Clipping curves and corners will help your finished vest look clean and professional.
- Test Stitches First: Always test your stitch settings on a fabric scrap first. Adjust your tension and stitch length (a longer stitch—around 3.0—works well on thick fabrics).
- Pin or Clip Strategically: Thicker materials can shift, so use lots of clips or long pins to keep your seams aligned.
Make It Simple (or Go All Out!)
One of the best things about sewing your own vest? You can make it as simple or as detailed as you like. Want something quick and cozy? Stick to a clean silhouette and let your fabric do the talking. Feeling adventurous? Add zippers, pockets, linings, and fancy topstitching—test every skill in your sewing toolbox!
Whether you’re after instant gratification or ready to dive into a slow-sew project, you’ve got options. And if you’re in the mood for a little sewing envy (or inspiration), check out our blog post on this amazing puffer vest Karen made using our Alphamania coating:
👉 Crafting the Puffer Vest – A Journey of Collaboration and Creativity
Frequently Asked Questions About Vest Sewing Patterns
How many yards of fabric do I need to make a vest?
Most adult vest sewing patterns require around 1-2 yards (0.9-1.8 metres) of fabric, depending on the size, length, and design. A simple vest may need less, while a longer or fully lined vest will usually require more. If you're adding a hood or large pockets, you might need extra fabric. Always check your pattern's fabric requirements before buying, especially if you're working with prints that need matching.
How hard is it to sew a vest?
Sewing a vest can be fairly easy, especially if you choose a beginner-friendly pattern with a simple shape and minimal details. An unlined, open-front vest is a great starting point if you're still learning. More advanced patterns with zippers, welt pockets, or linings take extra time and skill. If you're new to sewing, start with a basic design and work your way up as you get more comfortable.
Can I use denim for a fall vest?
Absolutely! Denim is a great choice for a fall vest because it's durable, holds its shape well, and pairs easily with everyday outfits. When choosing between different denim weights, lightweight denim (4-8 oz) works well for casual, softer vests, while medium-weight denim (9-12 oz) offers more structure without feeling too bulky. Heavyweight denim (13 oz and above) can also work for sturdy, utility-style vests, though it's harder to sew through multiple layers.
Just make sure your pattern is suitable for woven fabrics, and use a denim needle when working with thicker materials.
What is the difference between a vest vs waistcoat?
A vest and a waistcoat can refer to the same sleeveless garment, but the terms are often used differently. In Canada, "vest" is a broader term that includes casual fleece vests, quilted layers, and formal button-up styles. A waistcoat usually refers to a more fitted, structured garment with buttons down the front, often worn over a shirt or under a suit jacket. In British English, "waistcoat" is the usual term for what is commonly called a formal vest.
Wrap It Up & Bundle Up: Sew The Perfect Vest!
There you have it! 10 vest patterns to keep you busy at your sewing machine this fall. Whether you're starting with a simple quilted vest or challenging yourself with a more structured waistcoat, there's plenty of room to get creative. Just remember to choose a pattern that matches your skill level and a fabric that works with its requirements.
Speaking of fabrics, the right one can make all the difference in how your finished vest looks and feels. At Fabric + Flow, we've got plenty of cosy options, from soft sherpa and quilted coatings to textured wovens, to help bring your next fall sewing project to life.
Ready to pick your fabric? Browse our collection and find something you'll love turning into your next handmade layer.
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