You can use a scarf in any color or fabric. Keep in mind that softer fabrics, such as cashmere or silk, will create a looser, flowing vest. If you’d like a stiffer vest that holds its shape, use a cotton or wool scarf.
This should be similar to folding a beach towel. Try to line up the corners perfectly so your vest will drape evenly.
Keep your knot small so the vest is comfortable to wear. The knot should be near the end of the corners so the armholes are large enough to slide your arms into.
The front of the scarf should drape down loosely like a vest.
The longer the scarf is, the longer your belted vest will be. For a cropped vest style, choose a short scarf that won’t hang down very long.
If you used a scarf like a belt, you could slide its knot to your side instead of leaving it in the center.
You won’t need to keep the buckle or rings for your scarf.
For example, if your scarf measures 52 inches (130 cm) long and the belt measures 40 inches (100 cm) long, line them up so the scarf extends the belt by 6 inches (15 cm) on both ends. Use any size or style rectangular scarf you like. Keep in mind that a wider scarf will give you looser armholes than a narrower scarf.
This will become the back of the neck for your vest, so if you’d like it narrower, simply measure around 4 inches (10 cm) across instead of 6 inches (15 cm).
If your scarf has a pattern on both sides, it won’t matter which side you sew to the belt. You can take the pins out once you’ve stitched the belt in place.
For example, you might leave a 9 in (23 cm) gap from the vest’s neck to the end of the belt.
Consider stitching on fringe, bows, or flowers, to personalize your vest.
