newbie question - how much "room" to leave

I'm sewing my son a very simple felt vest to go with his "captain feathersword" (wiggles character) hat - I'm stupidly trying to make my own pattern . I've measured his chest around and want to know how much bigger the vest should be than his chest? 2 inches? four inches?

Thanks in advance,

BethInAK Mother Of The Monk (human child) and The Tok.(dog)

Reply to
BethInAK
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The amount is more or less relative... 2" on an adult would be a very close fit, but 2" on a child with a 15" chest is huge.

Suggestion: Find a shirt that fits over whatever it is he'll have under the vest. See how tight it looks over the base shirt. Measure. Add more ease for growing room and if it just looks like he needs more.

Costume-y vests are usually not very fitted, especially if made of felt, which will pull apart if stressed too much.

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Reply to
Kay Lancaster

How rapidly does your son grow? I'd allow for ease (the difference between fabric and skin) plus growing room, and make it bigger rather than smaller. 2" is very little ease (think 'close fitting') and has no growth room. I'd say between 4" and 6", depending on the size he is now, his growth pattern, and how long he'll want to use this. Remember to make it longer than he really needs now, too!

Reply to
Kate XXXXXX

Yes, this is pretty unfitted - although I bought flannel instead of felt, figuring it would be less hot (he's a hot child). I think using an existing shirt as a reference is a great idea - for armholes also since I have no idea how to do that! Thanks!

Reply to
BethInAK

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