TRANSFORM Old Jeans Into a VEST!

Hi! I'm going to show you how to Transform old jeans into a cute Vest.

To start, you'll need:

• Some old jeans (I used the bottoms of a pair of women's plus size jeans)
• Scissors
• Utility Blade/ X-acto Knife
• Sewing Pins (I didn't have sewing pins, so I used Safety pins, instead)
• Sewing Machine Thread (whichever color you like, I used white)
• Tailor chalk (don't have any? Use color pencil)
• Ruler

First cut the seam from the outside of the pants.

Once finished, cut the zig-zag stitch from the inside, cleaning as you go.

This took a few minutes to do, and helps to have that little bit of extra fabric to be used for sewing.

For the Back:

I used a vest that was the perfect size for me as a guide. There are two ways to do this.

• Step 1A: Mark one side from the middle seam, then copy to the other side.
• Step 1B: Mark one side, then fold over to the other side and pin down on each side of the markings.
• Step 2: Then cut along the line and you'll get the back side of the vest.

For the Sides:

Majority of vests in the market have a separate section for the side. Use the leftover pieces to create the sides. I used the vest from earlier as a guide.

TIP: ALWAYS CUT 1/2 in ( 1CM) FROM THE EDGE OF YOUR MARKINGS.

Step 1 : I used the vest as a guide for the side and arm hole.

Step 2: Then I used the width to mark the other side.

Step 3: Use a ruler to mark straight up.

Step 4: Create the neck portion on how you want it.

Step 5: Cut it out, then transfer to the other side, pin it, and cut it.

Step 1: Pin the sides of the vest to the back piece and sew it along the line.

Step 2: Then pin the side front peice and sew it place. Repeat on the other side.

Step 3: Pin the top pieces together and sew it.

Step 4: Optional, but reccommended. Sew a zig-zag stitch along the seams to reinforce it.

Step 1: Pin about 1/2 inch (1 cm) around (make sure to use enough pins).

Step 2: Sew a double stitch along the seam, one stitch at a time or use a double stitch needle.

Step 1: Measure 2 inches from the top and the bottom and mark.

Step 2: Fold it in half, then fold over to the 2 inch mark. Pin in place.

Step 3: Fold the top corner in. Pin in place.

Step 4: Sew a double stitch from the top of the vest to the very bottom.

Step 1: Use the leftover piece used to create the front of the vest.

Step 2: Sew the other side to match the seam.

Step 3: Mark the halfway point above the seam.

Step 4: Fold over and pin.

Step 5: Lay the collar onto the neck portion, having the right side on top of the wrong side. Pin it place.

Step 6: Sew it

Step 7: Fold the collar over, showing the seam. Sew the seam down to prevent it from moving. I sew it 1 inch on the back, on the sides, and the front. DON'T sew along the WHOLE collar.

This part is optional, but it brings more flair to the vest. I did two fake pockets and two real pockets.

Fake Pockets:

Use two small pieces that measure about 2" x 3". Fold over the small sides, iron it to keep the folds down. Sew it place. Fold over the long sides in thirds. Iron it to keep it folded. Sew one side. Then place the pockets on the vest and sew another side along its length and with. Giving the illusion of "real" pockets.

Real Pockets:

Can be any shape you like. I did a pentagon shape. Cut two pieces out. Fold the edges in and pin in place (Have the top part [the opening] fold over the sides). Iron down the pieces to keep the folds in place. Sew the top part with a double stitch. Then pin the pockets onto the vest and double stitch along the length. DON'T sew along the opening!

Now you can rock out with your own homemade vest! You can add other embellishment, like bottons, rhinestones, embroidary, etc. The possibility are endless!

Hoped you enjoyed this! (Also, I had very little waste, as pictured above ^^^)