Description
The Honu Vest – Classic is a practical, timeless, and cosy layer for your child’s wardrobe.
For a professional fit and finish, great consideration has been given to the drafting and construction of this garment:
- Trust us to hold your hand through sewing with fluffy fabrics with our sewing guide!
- We’ll teach you a professional-tailoring-standard method of sewing together this garment for a perfect finish for all fabric types
- Unique pattern pieces for the lining mean no topstitching is required and no linings poke out.
These considerations will ensure your sewing, even that of beginners, is top quality, and adapted for using medium-heavy weight, and fluffy fabrics.
This sewing pattern is designed for the front to meet in the centre using a hook and eye, button and loop, or tie closure.
Variations include a selection of corners, hems, and lengths so you can really create your own style to suit!
Honu is the Māori name for turtle. Some species can be found in New Zealand’s Northern waters. Pronounce honu like “hoh-new” in English.
Features:
- Instant PDF digital download
- Children’s sizes 1-10 / Tween 8-14
- Short (cropped) and long lengths
- Cornered and curved front variations
- Straight and curved back hem
- Front patch pockets (suitable for long length variation)
- Unique pattern pieces for main and lining fabrics, meaning no top stitching or pesky lining poking out the front!
- Guide for using fluffy fabrics
- PDF Includes: A4 / Letter format to print at home, A0 copy shop version, and specialty Projector File
- Full tutorial, photos and support to help you create this Children’s Vest
- Video Tutorial included
Sewing Level:
Beginners +
Fabric Suggestions:
This garment is for all seasons, but is especially suited to:
Main: Medium-heavy weight fabrics including cotton, linen, corduroy, velvet, wool, fluffy & shaggy fabrics, fleece etc.
Lining: Light-medium weight fabrics including cotton, poly cotton, linen etc.
Fit and Fabric:
This pattern has been created using Standard UK Measurements. The sizing might seem different to what you usually buy in stores. Therefore, use the size the chart says you are to fit the chest, and if required, lengthen or shorten the pattern as needed.
The finished garment will fit a child’s neck, shoulders and arms with the garment landing at waist (short version), or mid-bum (long version).
Measurement Chart:
Additional Notions Required:
- Closure: Hook and eye / button
- Sewing thread.
- Scissors, pins, sewing machine.
What You Get When You Purchase:
PDF Pattern
Digital file emailed and stored in your Below the Kōwhai account for future use. Includes files for pattern to print at home, A0 copy shop pattern, specialty projector file, and instructions.
Downloads are also be available in the “My Account + Downloads” section of this website when you are logged in.
What’s a PDF?
A digital document viewable in Adobe Acrobat Reader (download for free here). You will be able to save, view and print these documents on your computer or device.
Returns and Support:
This is a digital product that can be saved to your computer. Therefore, I am not able to offer returns on any purchase unless at some fault of my own. Please choose carefully and make sure you are purchasing the correct pattern, and you have used a correct email address!
In lieu of returns I offer comprehensive online support to those who are sewing! You can contact me on Facebook, Instagram and email, and you can expect a prompt reply! I will endeavour to help you in any way I can.
Get Sewing!
So, what are you waiting for? Create your own Honu Vest – Classic with this pattern and show off your creations!
This sewing pattern is by Sophie Laughton-Mutu. Sewists and children around the world have tested this pattern. Please leave a review, or pop over to our Facebook VIP Community to show us a photo of your finished Honu Vest!
Martina –
Lovely pattern. Such an easy sew. Very versatile and great for every season.
Frances Paki –
Beautiful pattern. I sewed this in Liberty cord and it’s lovely. My daughter loves the pockets!
Alyssa Viggers –
Love this pattern! It’s such a clean finish without any need for topstitching – very beginner friendly. The options make this a lovely pattern to have on hand for many purposes!
Amy Field –
Love this pattern. It’s a simple, quick sew, I used a poncho fabric. The simple shape makes it a great option for a fabulous fabric. Really liked how the lining pieces are slightly smaller, so you don’t need to worry about it showing from the outside, makes it easy to get a nice, clean finish.
I will definitely be making more of these!
Naomi Radunovic –
Another beautiful BTK pattern. Well drafted, perfect fit and professional finishings. Great wardrobe staple.
lizmedlin92 –
This is a really quick sew and is great for layering. I used a Ponte knit, it had very little stretch, for the outside and a quilting cotton for the lining. It went together well (instructions are comprehensive and easy to follow). My grandaughter loves the pockets!
Angeline Topia –
Very simple, quick sew. I used a fluffy polyester outer/100% cotton lining. I love the length and the rounded hem option. A really easy, fun pattern to give the fluff/Fur type fabrics a go.
Sharaine Talip –
This is a great beginner pattern and lots of adaptability for different makes and materials. I sewed mine in a printed pinwhale corduroy which gave it a lovely texture and warmth for cooler Autumn days. The construction steps were well considered and the final product looked really professional.
avril_nicolle –
The Honu Vest is a fantastic, fun, unisex wardrobe staple! The detailed instructions within this vest pattern, which include a step-by-step video, make this pattern achievable for all sewing levels!
Sophie McLagan –
A wardrobe staple that gets Miss 7s tick of approval. A lovely simple and quick sew with a number of style variations. Using repurposed curtains I made the Honu vest with the long length, a tie front and patch pockets.
Vicki Reid –
Great pattern, versatile, quick sew, and ideal for using up remnants!
Charlotte Bayliss –
I repurposed a gorgeous woollen blanket to make the Honu Vest and it worked so well. I used the curved edges and the curved back and the button loop for closure. It was a fast and easy sew and very satisfying. In less than an hour I had a finished product that is a highly functional piece for my daughters wardrobe.
anna.jem.smith –
I really enjoyed this sew, was so much quicker than I thought, and so easy! Also, with such fun lining my daughter could personalise it without it ending up too mad!
Jess (verified owner) –
This vest is such a sweet and simple way to elevate an outfit. I love the multiple options for closures, different lengths and shapes and how beautifully it comes together.
Laura (verified owner) –
I love this vest pattern. I made one using a Vintage wool blanket that I only had small pieces for (not enough for a coat). I lined with a cotton/linen fabric it’s a nice added warmth layer for the cooler mornings we’ve been having.
Thanks again for a nice and detailed pattern! Will try a fluffy one next for my daughter.
Laura Akers –
A simple, yet very clever pattern. The instructions walk you through how to sew a beautiful Vest with a professional finish.
I made one for my 16 month old daughter using wool coating, lined with cotton.
We will be getting tonnes of use out of this beautiful Vest, with another planned!
kylie.rick (verified owner) –
A really sweet pattern! I love how the lining sits neatly inside the vest, and I learned a new technique for sewing up the sides, very clever!
Femke Siebesma (verified owner) –
It looks like a very simple pattern, and in a way it is. However, what you don’t see in the pictures are the detailed instructions, the video that guides you through the trickiest parts of the construction, the practical projector file, and how well-thought every part of this pattern is. Following the instructions, you will end-up with a professional looking garment. I would highly recommend this pattern if you are looking for a vest pattern.
sarah grant (verified owner) –
A good pattern to level up your sewing skills, clear instructions and the video tutorial saved my skin! The finished vest has a good amount of ease – my full-figured 18 month old was able to comfortably wear 2 layers under the vest, and there’s room in the length to grow too. I also LOVE that, at least for size 2, I could use my “precious” fabric (y’know, the really beautiful ones that you can only afford 0.5m of haha!) and make something to showcase every cent-worth!
Emma Salis (verified owner) –
Great pattern! Quick and easy sew and lots of fun! I used an old woollen blanket for the main fabric and cotton for the lining. I chose the longer rounded version and used two buttons, my six year old daughter loves it and wore it to school the next day!