Welcome Friends, I’m excited to share with you all the process of creating my denim utility vest. The vest is fully lined with a total of 7 pockets. Although they’re a lot of tricky parts in this sewing project, follow along and I’m sure you’ll get the confidence to sew your very own. Learning to sew is a fun and engaging activity. Join me on this fun journey to learn to make your own clothes and wear.
I bought this denim fabric from Shepherd’s Bush for £6.50 per meter. I did the acid wash myself using varying levels of concentrated bleach to achieve different shades of blue. Afterwards I popped the denim in the wash. Once it dried the denim became very creased so I ironed it before cutting.
At first I wasn’t really a big fan of sketching out my designs before making my garments but I now find that it helps me to focus my ideas and not change my mind half way through the project
Tammy's Supplies
1.5 meters denim fabric
1 meter cotton lining
2 meters webbing
Side release buckle
Metal snap fasteners
8″ blue zip (2)
12″ chunky zip
This pattern I drafted myself using basic pattern blocks and adjusting it to my measurements.
The fabric is on the fold because I will need two of every pattern piece.
Sew the two back pieces together and top stitch.
I will be topstitching all my seams in this project – it’ll make the seams look neat and flat.
Attach the webbing to the buckle, then topstitch the webbing unto the back bodice.
I positioned the webbing 4″ from the armhole.
Cargo pockets
These are my two large pockets that I’ll place at the bottom half of the vest.
On my pockets I’ve marked with pink chalk where I will place my smaller pockets.
I cut a long strip of fabric 2″ wide which I will sew around the pockets to give it that 3D effect.
When you reach the corners, cut 1/2″ into the corner which will allow you to sew around the edge a lot easier.
Turn in the hem of the pocket.
I used 1.5″ for my hem allowance
Topstitching here is important because it will give the pocket definition and strength.
Checking my markings match the size of the pocket
Sew the smaller pockets unto the bigger pocket.
Pocket flap with 1″ of webbing.
Sew the flap directly above the pocket.
Topstitch the pocket flat to help it remain flat.
Measure the rise of your pockets and mark the area of your vest.
Sew the pocket unto the vest.
Topstitch the webbing above the pocket.
Right we’re getting there!
Bottom pockets are down with the metal snaps attached. I’ve also attached the zipper and I’ll cut it off later when I’m attaching the lining.
Mark the area for the top pocket.
Use the same process I showed you earlier to create the top pocket.
This non-functional pocket is so very cute.
Sew the pocket unto the marked area.
Front Utility Vest
Front vest complete. If you’ve come this far you my friend have done very well.
Back Utility Vest
Just to note – I used lightweight interfacing and iron it unto the wrong side of the fabric. This will give additional strength to the vest. Don’t worry, the interfacing will be concealed when the lining is attached.
Utility Vest Lining
Front lining pattern pieces
Sew together
Press the seams flat
Back lining pattern pieces
Sew together
Press the seams flat
For the lining: sew the front and back shoulders together.
Then attach the neckline of the main fabric with the neckline of the lining fabric – right sides together.
Topstitch the the seam making the seam allowance is facing the lining. Then press.
Finished neckline.
Attach the arm hole on the fabric to the arm hole of the lining. Check out this tutorial by Painted Layers if you need help.
Ok nearly there!
I sewed the hem of the lining with the hem of the vest (right sides together).
I left an opening of about 8″ so I can turn the vest the right way.
To finish the vest you can either hand stitch the hem or just top stitch the hem close (I did the latter).
Thank you for Reading!
I hope this tutorial has given you the confidence to sew your version of a utility vest. The techniques I’ve shown you will defo come in handy during your other projects as well.
What do you guys think? Drop me a comment below.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact me through my email tammysilverclothing@hotmail.com or reach out on Instagram at tammy_silver
