A Double-Fronted Hunting Vest Pattern and Sewing Instructions

By Charlotte Heron
Published on September 1, 1983
1 / 9

The special double-fronted design allows for extra pockets for all the hunter's necessary supplies.
The special double-fronted design allows for extra pockets for all the hunter's necessary supplies.
2 / 9

The outer,
The outer, "Front B" pieces accommodate two large outside pockets with flaps and an optional small pocket, all on the right side of the fabric.
3 / 9

With specially-sized pockets, the right duck call is always at your fingertips.
With specially-sized pockets, the right duck call is always at your fingertips.
4 / 9

Remember that you'll have to prepare patterns for two sets of vest fronts, since the vest is to be double-layered.
Remember that you'll have to prepare patterns for two sets of vest fronts, since the vest is to be double-layered.
5 / 9

The inner,
The inner, "Front A" pieces incorporate the duck- and goose-call pockets and shotgun-shell holders.
6 / 9

The outer set,
The outer set, "Front B," has two inside pockets on the wrong side of the fabric.
7 / 9

The back of the vest supports the single large game pouch.
The back of the vest supports the single large game pouch.
8 / 9

Rolled hem.
Rolled hem.
9 / 9

Flat-fell seam.
Flat-fell seam.

If you (or someone you know) have fruitlessly searched the racks of your local sporting goods stores (and the pages of catalogs!) for a hunting vest that’s designed to carry all of the items an outdoorsperson needs, don’t despair! My husband had the same problem, and the custom-tailored, double-fronted garment I designed for him may be just what you’ve been looking for, too. What’s more, it will likely cost less than would a (probably unsatisfactory) store-bought version.

When my man took up duck hunting in earnest, he began to realize the need for a vest that would afford a place for everything and would keep everything in its place. His dream garment–he told me–would have not only the standard large game pouch in back, but would also feature individual pockets to hold nearly two boxes of shotgun shells for easy and quick reloading, similar pouches for his duck and goose calls, and several other pockets for miscellaneous hunting paraphernalia. And after vainly trying to scout up a commercial vest that could meet his requirements, my mate asked me to make him one.

So, keeping that dream vest in mind, I created a garment with two layers in front, each with multiple pockets, some specialized and some general-purpose. Easy access to all of these was provided for by cutting the outer layer in such a way as to leave a wider opening in the center than the inner vest has, and by attaching a zipper only to the bottom 9 inches of the outer layer.

Furthermore, you don’t need to be an expert seamstress or tailor to put together a more-than-serviceable hunting vest following my method! The cost of materials should be in the neighborhood of $25 (mine cost a total of $19.88, but I already had a pattern and a few of the other necessary items on hand).

Gather the Materials

You’ll need the following equipment to make the hunting vest:

Comments (0) Join others in the discussion!
    Online Store Logo
    Need Help? Call 1-800-234-3368