Make Your Own Knit Cardigan Vest for Only $1

A few weeks ago I shared this tutorial over at Somewhat Simple but have never posted it on our blog. So here it is---my $1 Cardigan Vest Tutorial.



Over the past few months I've noticed women around town wearing long, knit, cardigan style vests...and I wanted one...but I was really pregnant...and anything with a belt wasn't in the cards...until now!

Finally I was able to make myself a copy of what I've been envying.
Here's what it looks like:

And here is how to make it:
#1. Buy a Men's T-shirt 1-2 sizes larger that you would wear in a woman's size. (Example: If you normally wear a woman's medium then buy a men's large or extra large.)
#2. Lay the T-shirt out flat and cut a straight line up the front---from the bottom to the top---right down the middle---so now it opens like a jacket. (Don't cut the back side! Just straight down the middle of the front side.)

#3. Next cut off the ribbing around the neck and the finished edge from around the bottom.

#4. Now cut off the sleeves. (When you cut them off make sure you cut so that you cut the seams off. Don't leave them on or it will look weird.)


#5. Then I cut off an extra two inches at the shoulder and tapered it down into where I had already cut off the sleeve. I did this so so it would fit on my shoulders nicely without hanging out over the edge and giving me wings.
#6. You're done! Try on your vest. Pair it with a great belt, a fitted shirt, and a necklace.


So that's it. Easy huh? There's not even any sewing involved! Oh, and about the $1 part. I bought my T-shirts at the dollar store (they have lots of plain colored T-shirts there) which makes the price just right.

Fast. Easy. Inexpensive. Wearable. It's my kind of project.

Now, if I was only as thin as my mannequin....I forgot how long it takes to lose the baby weight...

***PS-Next week I'll post some photos of this same project done for little girls--it's just as easy and just as cheap and I think maybe even a little bit cuter.