Circular Drape Waistcoat

This super-simple project is perfect for beginners or for experienced dressmakers looking for a quick and easy make that looks great. Created from a circle of fabric and strips of bias binding, the drape of the fabric falls beautifully to create a cascading waterfall effect. Make in lined denim or floaty chiffon according to the event.

Essentials

Fabric: any, 1m Lining (optional):
contrasting, 1m Bias
binding: 4.5m

Cutting guide

This waistcoat is created from a 1m diameter circle.
To cut the shape accurately: Fold the fabric in half lengthways, again (widthways), and once more to create eight layers. Pin them together.
Measure 50cm outwards from the central corner point, along the folded edges, and mark with a vanishing pen.
Continue to measure 50cm out from the corner point across the fabric, and an arc should begin to appear.
Once the arc is well-drawn, cut along the marks. Unfold the fabric to reveal a perfect circle. If lining the wrap in a contrasting fabric, repeat to create two identical circles or pin the fabrics together and cut as one.

Dimensions List

This project is custom sized

Make a waterfall wrap

Create a 1m circle of fabric using the instructions in the cutting guide, and place to one side. Lay out and carefully press the bias binding in half lengthways, matching together the folded edges to neaten. Slot the folded binding over the raw edge of the fabric circle, sandwiching it in between. Pin into place.
Using a machine top stitch, sew the binding into place, working slowly around the circle to attach it in small sections at a time. As the bound edge is nearing completion, measure out how much binding will be needed to meet (and slightly overlap) the end of the seam and cut off the excess. Fold in the short raw edge of the binding and carry on stitching, laying the folded end over the beginning of the bound seam.
Place the armholes. To estimate the measured difference between the slits, lay out a cardigan or jacket that fits you comfortably. Measure and note down the distance between the sleeves or armholes, across the back of the garment. Repeat in several places to be sure of an accurate result. Using the diagram, draw the armhole slits onto the fabric using a removable ink pen.
Cut the armhole slits using a rotary cutter or sharp dressmaker’s shears, being careful not to go over the lines. Cut four 25cm long strips of bias binding and, as before, fold and press each in half lengthways. Slot a strip of binding to each side of the armhole edge, and stitch into place using a machine top stitch. Neaten and reinforce the ends of the armholes by working a small, tight zig zag stitch across the edges, covering the raw ends of the binding.