This bundle of boy sewing patterns from Pattern Parcel includes a lot of basics. The other patterns—skinny jeans, a zippy jacket, and a great button-up—are all very wearable, even for active little boys. I will certainly be making the rest after the sale ends tomorrow (Friday, Sept. 5th), but I managed to fit in a tweed Schoolboy Vest this week.

While I was thrift store shopping for the sweatshirts to make the Knight Hoodie, I found this long wool tweed skirt and bought it to make some Schoolboy Vests. The skirt is large and fully lined, so I’ll be able to get two whole, fully-lined vests out of this $3 skirt!

Thrift stores are one of the best places to find fabric for kids clothes. It helps to have a few patterns in mind so you know how much fabric you might need. I went with the Knight Hoodie in mind, but I had also just reviewed the entire bundle of patterns. When I saw the tweed and remembered the vests, I knew it would be perfect!

When you are looking for fabric at the thrift store, look for large items with lots of fabric. Also look for high quality brands that use better fabric so your garments will last longer. Skirts and dresses work really well, and you can find high quality fabric for a fraction of the price. I cut my skirt up the side seam and opened it up. I had about 2 full yards of wool tweed and 2 yards of lining fabric. That’s less than $1 per yard!

The vest pattern has options for a welt pocket, or a faux welt pocket. I made mine with the actual pockets. The directions were clear and easy to follow with lots of detailed photos. The pockets were the most time consuming part of the process, but I think they will go much faster the second time around.

I made a size 4, which fits my two middle boys. I would love to make one for my size 8 bigger boy, but he still needs some convincing that it’s cool enough. It doesn’t matter how many times I point out the older teenage guys at church with cool vests and jeans. The other 10 yr. olds aren’t wearing them, so…

This pattern bundle includes 5 patterns for boys including:

Maxwell Top by Shwin Designs
Zippy Jacket by Blank Slate Patterns
Schoolboy Vest by Sew Much Ado
Small Fry Jeans by Titchy Threads
Jet Pack Bag by Betz White

Pattern Parcel lets you name your own price to support indie designers and an educational charity called Donor’s Choose.The Knight Hoodie is a bonus pattern when you choose to donate more. Check out the website for more details!

About Pattern Parcel:

Here at Perfect Pattern Parcel, we believe in supporting independent pattern designers. It’s our opinion that indie patterns are just, well, better than big box patterns, and we’re pretty sure our customers think so too. So, we allow customers to show their support in naming their own price for each Parcel.  We also encourage customers to allocate part of their Parcel price to the charity Donorschoose.org in order to help classrooms in need. Pattern Parcel donates all profits after expenses from Parcel sales to the charity as well. Together we’ve raised $9,800 towards eliminating educational inequality.

*Pattern Parcel graciously provided these patterns in exchange for helping them spread the word. All opinions about the patterns are my own, and as always, I love to support independent designers and makers.

Parcel #4 Inspiration Tour Schedule:

Friday, August 22
casa crafty || Lulu & Celeste || Keep Calm and Carrion

Saturday, August 23
Max California || Amanda Rose

Sunday, August 24
little betty sews

Monday, August 25
Kadiddlehopper || Radiant Home Studio

Tuesday, August 26
La Pantigana || Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy Crafts || Friends Stitched Together

Wednesday, August 27
Make It Perfect || Modern Handmade || GYCT Designs

Thursday, August 28
Needle and Ted || Mae & K || Mimi’s Mom

Friday, August 29
Pienkel || Once Upon a Sewing Machine || Friends Stitched Together

Saturday, August 30
FABulous Home Sewn || Gray Skies || The Crazy Tailor

Sunday, August 31
Nine Stitches || Max California || Oliver’s Fancy || Friends Stitched Together

Monday, September 1
a happy stitch || lady and the gents ||
Our Family Four || Swoodson Says

Tuesday, September 2
verypurpleperson || Things for Boys || The Crazy Tailor

Wednesday, September 3
Our Family Four || Rebekah Sews || a happy stitch

Thursday, September 4
Sew a Straight Line || la inglesita || Made by Sara || Knot Sew Normal

Friday, September 5
Knot Sew Normal || Gracious Threads || Sofilantjes || Max California