Weighted Vest Sew-Along Day 1

Hi everyone, and welcome to the Sew-Along!  I am so excited to get started and to see what you all come up with.  To share photos of your vests, ask detailed questions, etc, please join my facebook group, Ladybug Bend Patterns: https://www.facebook.com/groups/465490190211553/

 

Today is the last day the weighted vest pattern is on sale for $5!  Remember that all money earned from this sale goes to SPD Foundation.  Here is the link to the pattern: http://www.craftsy.com/pattern/sewing/clothing/weighted-vest-sizes-18-months---12/72489

 

 

 

Okay, now let's get started!  First, you need all of your supplies.  You will need fabric for the outer vest and the lining, cotton batting, 3-4 buttons, coordinating thread, and the correct amount of weights.  Amounts of all of these items are listed in the pattern.  I decided to make some extra weights for the little guy I am donating to just in case his OT feels he needs more, and also so he can add more as he gets bigger.  As stated in the pattern, there is not a set weight that is recommended.  It depends on the child, and the weight stated in the pattern is only meant to be a guideline and a good starting point.  If possible, please consult the child's OT when deciding on how much weight to use.  These vests should be used under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist.

 

I have had a lot of questions about whether you can use something besides washers to weight your vest.  The answer: of course!  You can also use rice or poly beads.  These things will make your vest much more bulky, and you will have to adjust the size of your pockets and weight pouches.  That being said, I promise that the washers are the best things I have tried!  They are small and compact, yet still provide the weight needed.  With the batting surrounding them, they are not any more hard than poly beads or rice would be.

 

Next, you will cut out your fabric.  You will end up with 2 back vest pieces, 4 front vest pieces, one large pocket piece, and 2 flap or ruffle pocket pieces.  Also cut a ruffle if you are making the ruffle version of the pattern.  We will cut the weight pouches, Velcro and batting later. 

 

That's all for today!  Tomorrow we will start constructing our vests (steps 1-7).  We will also have a guest tutorial by Natalie of The Sassy Pumpkin on adding fidgets to our vests.  Fidgets are great for keeping those little hands busy!  Here is a list of extra supplies needed for the fidgets:

Supplies:
7 inch zipper
1 package of snap tape (approx 4 snaps worth)
1 package of sew on Velcro (approx 2”)
Rotary Cutter/matt and/or scissors
Thread
Fray Check
Scrap piece of fabric 9.5” x 5”