MANISHKA FUR VEST PONCHO

Instructions

Reference the downloadable project sheet for project pattern diagrams.

Step 1: Body measurements

• A - Width of vest - Measure across shoulders to find desired width of vest
• B - Length of vest - Measure front from top of shoulder down over bustline to desired vest length.

Step 2: Making pattern templates

• On calico fabric, draw two rectangles to your body measurements: width A x length B.
• Add 15mm seam allowance to all edges.
• Using the neckline guide template provided, transfer each neckline shape to the top middle of each of the vest patterns. This is just a guide. It can be made wider or deeper depending on personally preference. Cut vest pattern out.
• Baste calico pieces together at the shoulder edges. Place the vest over head. Adjust and trim size and shape of neckline to fit and suit if needed.
• Unpick basting stitching, press flat - this is your vest pattern.

Step 3: Cutting out vest

• Place fur right side down and pin pattern pieces to back of fur. Cut out one front and one back vest piece.
• Note: When cutting Faux fur with a pile, ensure the fur pile is running down top to bottom. Flip faux fur over with the wrong side facing up and only cut the backing fabric by slipping the scissor blades between the fur and backing and snipping carefully.
• From satin fabric, cut out one front and one back piece.

Step 4: Vest construction

• With right sides facing, pin fur pieces together at the shoulders. Sew together.
• With a pin or needle, carefully pull out any fur pile that has been caught up in the seam stitching and smooth downwards in the direction of the pile.
• With a cool iron and pressing cloth, press seam flat.
• Repeat method to make the vest lining with the satin fabric pieces.

Step 5: Constructing neck roll

• Sew running stitch around the neckline of both of the fur and lining vest pieces 15mm in from the neckline edge.
• With a tape measure, measure the length of this stitching line. Add 3cm to this measurement - C. (This will be the length of your neck roll)
• From fur fabric, cut out one piece measuring the width - C x 30cm high.
• Note: This measurement can be made smaller or larger depending on personal preference to make the roll larger or smaller but keeping the width C measurement the same.
• With right sides facing, pin the shorter ends together and sew together forming a loop. Press seam open. Turn right way out and pin long raw edges together. Baste edges together 15mm in from edges or overlock edges together if preferred.

Step 6: Constructing vest body with side ties

• Cut ribbon into 4 x 25cm lengths.
• Pin each ribbon length to the side edges of the lining vest approximately 17cm up from base raw edge. Try lining on and adjust height of side ties to preferred positioning. Baste ribbon to side lining edges.
• With right sides facing, pin the lining and fur vest together with ties facing in towards centre of vest.
• Sew all outer edges together, leaving neckline open. Trim and clip seams.
• Turn vest right way out through neckline opening. With a pin or needle, carefully pull out any fur pile that has been caught up in the seam stitching and smooth downwards in the direction of the pile.
• With a cool iron and pressing cloth, press flat from the satin side.
• Optional: Lining can be understitched to help hold vest's shape.
• Baste layers together at neckline.

Step 7: Attaching Neck Roll

• With the seam of the neck roll at the centre back, pin roll to the vest's neckline edge, on the fur side of vest. Clip neckline to stitching line and stretch to fit if needed.
• Sew roll to vest. Trim and clip seam. Overlock seam to neaten.