Harris Tweed waistcoat DIY

**IsaacW** · 7th March 16, 08:36 AM

Last fall I was able to purchase (for an inexpensive price) two pieces of vintage Harris Tweed fabric. The patterned piece was a single width of about 2.5 metres. The solid ginger tweed is almost 5 metres of single width.

I have been contemplating this fabric a lot prior to digging in and cutting it. I decided that about half of the smaller piece would make a nice waistcoat. I decided to go with an older vintage style and did scalloped pocket flaps on the lower pockets and to have larger lapels. Overall, the waistcoat turned out quite nice. I do think I may redo the lapels a bit smaller and perhaps shift the pocket flaps a bit more to the side (as much as the pockets will allow). Otherwise, it is a nice waistcoat to add to my attire! NOW... to figure forward my plans for the large piece of tweed.

**McMurdo** · 7th March 16, 09:48 AM

Well done, personally I would leave the lapels as they are, I really like the look of them the way they are.

**ASinclair** · 7th March 16, 10:46 AM

Very nice Isaac. I agree with Glen that the lapels look good as they are. I have to say, I'm not keen on the scalloped pocket flaps (but that's just me).

**IsaacW** · 7th March 16, 10:55 AM

Originally Posted by ASinclair

I have to say, I'm not keen on the scalloped pocket flaps (but that's just me).

Indeed it is a different look. I have recently seen a number of older waistcoats with this feature (some of the flaps were even false with pocket access from above (and the flap even being a sort of "patch" pocket). Anyway, I like that it is a feature that is not common today. Likely the next waistcoat (I believe the other piece of tweed will be jacket and waistcoat) will be more of a "normal" pocket.

IW

**jhockin** · 7th March 16, 12:34 PM

did you make your own sewing pattern, or use/adjust a commercial pattern (#?)?

**Dughlas mor** · 7th March 16, 01:04 PM

Very nice work!

**IsaacW** · 7th March 16, 01:29 PM

Originally Posted by jhockin

did you make your own sewing pattern, or use/adjust a commercial pattern (#?)?

Drafted my own pattern.

**Todd Bradshaw** · 7th March 16, 01:49 PM

Looks great Isaac! As for pocket flaps, the typical pocket flap is cut the width of the pocket's slot. As a result, you can build convertible flaps if you desire. When you don't feel like having the flaps, they simply tuck into the pockets and basically disappear. With a flap consisting of an interfaced wool outer layer with a satin back and even the rather bulky antler-style buttons, I can tuck the flaps into the pocket if I want and nobody knows they're even there.