3-button vest - fabric requirements

[SlackerDrummer]

I have the Folkwear pattern for a Prince Charlie coatie and vest and it lists the fabric requirements for the vest as 3/4 yard. I have 37" of double-width tartan. Is that enough to make this vest cut on the bias? Anyone have experience with this?

[Highland Logan]

I have 37" of double-width tartan. Is that enough to make this vest cut on the bias? Anyone have experience with this?

Check with Matt Newsome. He has one, and I think I seen a thread where he is planning to offer these.

Frank

[piperdbh]

Trace your vest front pattern onto poster board. You can then position the original pattern and the poster board one around on the fabric until you get the stripes arranged the way you want them.

But, to answer your question, yes, a yard of double width should do the job. Just remember, though, that you might have to cut one of your vest fronts "backwards" which would make the twill lines run in opposite directions, like a herringbone weave.

[Dixiecat]

I'd say the answer is 'maybe'. It depends first on the size of the sett, the stripe of the tartan you chose as the dominant and then if you can match it in the opposite direction.

The only way to tell is do the layout as suggested by piperdbh but, I use tissue paper for the layout instead of poster board. You can see the tartan through it.

[Chas]

Give Robert (Ancienne Alliance) a PM. His wife makes them:

http://www.lady-chrystel-kilts.com/

Regards

Chas

[SlackerDrummer]

Trace your vest front pattern onto poster board. You can then position the original pattern and the poster board one around on the fabric until you get the stripes arranged the way you want them.

But, to answer your question, yes, a yard of double width should do the job. Just remember, though, that you might have to cut one of your vest fronts "backwards" which would make the twill lines run in opposite directions, like a herringbone weave.

I'd say the answer is 'maybe'. It depends first on the size of the sett, the stripe of the tartan you chose as the dominant and then if you can match it in the opposite direction.

The only way to tell is do the layout as suggested by piperdbh but, I use tissue paper for the layout instead of poster board. You can see the tartan through it.

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I have both types of paper on hand!

[davidg]

In most cases this is a simple mathematical problem. Given the pattern instructions I would expect the distance from the vest shoulder to bottom of the front to be no more than 27" (3/4 of a yard) otherwise you would need more fabric for cutting on the straight grain. So, as long as you have at least twice that (54") width of fabric then the front panels can be rotated anything up to 180 degrees and still fit on the fabric (and you will only need to rotate about 40-45 degrees)

Without seeing the pattern it is impossible for me to say whether you need extra fabric for pocket flaps or collars etc but you should, at the very least, get two basic vest fronts cut out on the bias and that is really all you need. The lining and the backs (outer and lining) can all be made in satin lining fabric and even if there's not enough tartan for pocket flaps there should be plenty enough left over for simple welt pockets