Welcome to my monthly 'Free Pattern Friday' feature, where I road test a free sewing pattern or tutorial: sometimes a children's one, sometimes an adult's one. I try to publish these posts every first Friday of the month, timed to provide inspiration for those who plan to get their sew on over the weekend. I firmly believe that, if you pick your projects carefully, sewing doesn't have to be a crazy-expensive way to clothe yourself and your family. Thanks to all the amazing pattern designers who have offered up their hard work for us to enjoy for free.
So I'm describing this pattern as the worst vest/camisole/singlet pattern because in many ways it is. It's got a ridiculously limited size range, there's no proper size chart to speak of, and the instructions are poor. But it's the best because I wear one of these almost every single day of the year. I wear them as an additional layer basically October to June, and I wear them to sleep in during the summer months. Who created this dichotomy of a sewing pattern? ME! I drafted and released this free pattern back in 2012, before I even became a mum. And because shortly after I became a mum, I never found the time to improve it. But it's here if you want it!
Pattern type:
As you can see, the SoZo Vest is a close fitting jersey vest/camisole/singlet that uses fold over elastic to finish the upper edges and form the straps.
Sizing info:
I didn't feel very confident with grading when I drafted this pattern (to be honest I still don't) so I kept the size range small: roughtly UK sizes 8 - 16, which is US sizes 6 -14, Euro sizes 36 - 44. Obviously, time has moved on since 2012 and producing such a size-exclusive pattern isn't cool these days. So apologies to those who don't fit within this range. I hope that, if you wish to, you can use it as a basis from which to grade to the sizing you require.
Because I didn't include a proper size chart, I'd recommend you lay the pattern over a close fitting jersey top to work out what size might be for you. If you can't decided between two sizes, cut the bigger of the two, stitch up the side seams and then try it on to see how it fits.
Fabric info:
I'd recommend using a jersey that is blended with elastane/Lycra/spandex for stretch and comfort, like cotton/Lycra or bamboo/spandex etc. This is a great pattern for using up smaller amount of knits that you might have left over from previous projects. You can also use this pattern to make vests out of T-shirts, I wrote a post about that here, but you might need to size up if you're using a 100% cotton T-shirt due to the relative lack of stretch content.
Findings:
I'm the first to admit that this pattern is very much lacking, particularly compared to the expectations we have of even basic sewing patterns these days. But the actual pattern, I feel, is pretty good: well drafted and easy to use, thanks in part to my lovely friend Claire who digitised it for me back in the day.
As I say, I find these garments incredibly useful. I'm wearing one now because of course I am. I like to have one in a light colour and a black one for wearing under various garments. They're great to wear under tops that otherwise might feel a bit revealing.
Would I make this again?
Yes of course! I just did: the white one you see in these pictures. I have another black one I need to finish also as my previous black one is almost more hole than vest at this point.
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