Cambria Duster Easy Vest Hack

If you're looking for a versatile and fun garment to add to your wardrobe this spring, the Cambria Duster created as a vest is a great option for layering. In this blog post, I show you how easy it is to achieve so you will have your own Cambria vest in no time! Continue reading to find out more.

Materials:

• Cambria Duster pattern
• Fabric of your choice (I used a medium weight coating from a London Goldhwak Road Shop)
• All your usual sewing equipment 
• Bias tape (if you want to finish your seams with this - I used my overlocker for this project)
• Ruler / fabric pen or chalk

Pattern Notes / Amendments:

To create the vest, all you need to do is omit the sleeve pattern pieces, but cut everything else out as normal, as per the instructions. 

I shortened the length of the duster by 4 inches, because I wanted it to sit just above my knee and I am 5'3 for reference. 

Instructions:

1. Cut out your pattern pieces as directed by the pattern. Decide if you want to shorten or lengthen the jacket, use the guide lines on the pattern to make the amendments. Don't cut out the sleeves. 
   

2. Follow the pattern instructions to sew the main pieces together. The only difference is that you'll be skipping the sleeve instructions.
   

3. Once you've sewn the vest together, try it on to make sure it fits properly. Once I had sewn mine up, I tried it on and realised the sleeve/arm hole was quite wide on my shoulders. I have quite narrow shoulders but for the vest shape you may also need to remove some bulk from the shoulder. I pinned the shoulder roughly where I wanted to take it in.
   
   
   

4. To remove bulk from the shoulder I laid the vest flat and measured in 2 inches (where I pinned it) and graded from 2 inches down to the underarm/side seam. Using a ruler and fabric pen or chalk, draw on the line you need to cut off. 
5. Cut off this excess of fabric and repeat on both sides.
   

6. Hem the armholes by turning them under to the wrong side 1cm and again another 1cm, stitch all the way around. Give it a good press on the armhole seam and make sure it sits nice and flat.

*You can finish your armhole seam with bias binding if you prefer. If you're finishing your seams, you could match the armhole bias to that for a cute finishing touch. 

And there you have it! With this simple sewing hack, you can create a super cute Cambria vest which is perfect for layering in spring. I'll be styling it over cute sweaters and shirts and mom jeans. How would you wear it?

If you create this hack, make sure to share your creations on Instagram #CambriaDuster

Shop the Cambria Duster Pattern here.