Harold upcycled waistcoat (PDF)

When I envisioned this sleeveless vest, I had Annie Hall in mind—her unmistakable style, that effortless blend of ease and elegance that transcends time. The idea was to reinterpret the classic tailored vest, giving it a freer, more relaxed spirit while playing with fabrics and textures.  

The front stays true to tradition with clean lines and a refined detail: faux welt pockets. But the back is where everything shifts—a knitted back panel, made from ribbing or even an old sweater you love too much to part with. The result? A piece that combines structure and comfort, perfect layered over a loose t-shirt or a boxy shirt for a laid-back yet intentional look. It’s the kind of garment you throw on without a second thought, but that instantly elevates any outfit. 

This inclusive pattern ranges from sizes 0 to 32 and is available in multiple cup sizes: Range 1 (A/B and C/D) and Range 2 (C/D and E/F).

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FABRIC:

• The front of this vest works beautifully with a variety of fabrics, letting you shape the style you envision: tencel twill for a fluid, modern look, wool or tartan for timeless elegance, lightweight denim for a laid-back vibe, or linen for an effortless summer version. Let your creativity run wild!

• For the back, you’ll need an old sweater with a ribbed hem. No pre-loved sweater to upcycle? Try hunting for good quality second-hand cashmere sweaters—those with small holes or stains on the front or back are often very affordable. As long as one side is in good condition, you have everything you need to create a one-of-a-kind vest.

• If you’re opting for a store-bought knit, consider tubular ribbing, milano jersey, jacquard knit, or textured waffle knit for added depth and character.

FRONT BODICE FABRIC REQUIEREMENTS FOR 145 CM WIDTH:

• Range 1: 110 cm

• Range 2: 140 cm

BACK BODICE FABRIC REQUIEREMENTS FOR 145 CM WIDTH:

• Range 1: 70 cm

• Range 2: 90 cm

For the upcycled version, go for a sweater that's about two sizes larger than your usual or choose an oversized style. Make sure the hem is finished with ribbing.

SUPPLIES:

• 5 buttons, 12 mm in diameter.

•  2 meters of bias tape matching your fabric.

•  30 cm of very lightweight fusible interfacing.

PDF Sewing Pattern :

• Size layers: Yes

• A4 format: Yes

• US Letter format: Yes

• A0 format: Yes

• Projector format: Yes