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.

**Tarheel** · 7th March 16, 04:29 PM

Leave the lapels on the ginger vest. I like the offset when worn with the jacket. It adds substance to the look.

**MNlad** · 7th March 16, 05:14 PM

Nicely done and the slight contrast to your jacket looks great. I agree with leaving the collar as it is.

**GrainReaper** · 7th March 16, 06:31 PM

I like scalloped pockets, but not Crazy about the ribs on them, I have an urge to scallop the flaps on my jacket conversion, thought about ribs but think it gets a bit busy... And then I feel that I need to add like 87 superfluous buttons all over the place and it just gets out of control and a bit silly...