How to Make a Biker Vest

biker girl image by antonio harrison from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Leather garments can save a biker's life when riding a motorcycle by protecting the body from extreme lacerations or road burn, should their bike tip over for any reason. Also, wearing leather is a fashion choice of men and women of all ages and walks of life all over the world. The leather biker vest is an essential piece to any biker or wishful biker's wardrobe. Of course, you can purchase them in stores or online. However, making one is simple and adds to the personality of the vest itself.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Vest pattern
Leather shears
Leather material
Stitching awl
Sewing needle
Thread for stitching leather garments

Step 1

Cut vest shape using a pattern found at sewing supply stores or online. However, you can also cut up a T-shirt to fashion a vest and use the cut-up fabric as your template for the leather vest.

Step 2

Cut the leather material to shape. The back of the vest will all be one piece; however, the front consists of 2 pieces.

Step 3

Sew it together using your stitching awl to make stitching with the needle and thread easier. Sew the portions of material intended for the back and the front together, at the shoulder side's locations.

Step 4

Tie off the thread. Leaving the arm holes open, move down to what would be the sides of the vest, under the arm holes and stitch that portion together. Once you reach the corner of the sides and bottom of the vest, tie off the thread.

Step 5

Customize your vest by adding patches, buttons and string to your liking. This step gives your vest personality, bringing it to life and giving it more of a biker image. Look for patches at flea markets, biker meets and anywhere online. Generally, bikers support the military, local emergency services and other biker groups. Add other patches that you like that more clearly define your personality.

Tips & Warnings

If cutting and sewing a vest from scratch is too much work, you could also purchase a leather vest and customize it with patches and pins that you like.

Wear a thick pair of work gloves with all but the little finger cut off to protect you from puncturing wounds.

Resources

Leather Craft Tools

Article Written By Marie Scribe

Marie Scribe has been writing for more than 10 years. Her specialties include copywriting, advertising and editing. She has a journalism degree and extensive experience with business and technical writing. She has been published on Trails.com and eHow.

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