How to Make a Sheepskin Vest

Sheepskins make warm and stylish vests. Whether you use real or faux sheepskin, you can create a fashionable open vest using a simple purchased pattern. You won't have to worry about hemming any edges because the sheepskin won't fray. You'll need to take preliminary measurements to ensure you get the right size pattern.

Clear off a clean, flat working surface and lay out the sheepskin material, pile side down. Set the pattern on top of the smooth hide side of the sheepskin.

Pin the pattern to the hide side using straight pins. Make sure to lay out the pattern so the fabric grain runs the same direction for pieces that will be sewn together.

Cut the pattern sections using sharpened scissors. Press the material onto the table with one hand while cutting with the other. Try to get clean, straight lines, not jagged ones. Straight cuts can be easily matched together and sewn together without bunching up in the process.

Sew the backside of the vest together first. Make sure that all the pile is tucked into the inside of the garment and doesn't show through to the hide side. Use your fingers to smooth out the pile away from the seam and as you sew.

Attach the two front sections to the back piece first at the shoulders and then at the sides. Keep the pile away from the seams as above.

Fluff out the fleece on the inside of the vest. Rub vigorously to add volume to the pile and to fluff it up around the seams to hide them.

Cut out extra fabric to create one or two pockets on the front. Allow the pile to show and overflow on all sides of the pocket for a rustic appearance. Tuck the pile in for a more tailored look. Stitch around the sides and bottom of the pockets.