April 1, 2025

Cashmerette Club: Meet the Hartwell Vest, the Club Pattern for April


When you have big boobs, shopping for beautifully structured pieces—like a classic blazer or a chic vest (aka waistcoat)—can feel nearly impossible. It’s why so many of us end up with closets full of clothing that fits over our bodies but don’t actually fit us. (You know what I mean, right?)

Enter: the Hartwell Vest, the trendy, tailored, curvy & plus size vest sewing pattern you’ve been searching for. Whether you want to finally complete your me-made three-piece suit with the Auburn Blazer and Meriam Trousers, create a totally “now” matching co-ord set with the Calder Pants, or throw it on over your fave band t-shirt and jeans, the Hartwell opens up a world of styling opportunities. Get it for as little as $9 USD when you join Cashmerette Club today!

The Hartwell Vest comes in sizes 0–32 and cup sizes C–H, and it’s exclusively available to Cashmerette Club members. Not a member yet? Join today for as little as $9 a month and download the Hartwell instantly.

Angela is wearing a size 10 E/F graded to a 16 in the waist in a textured viscose linen generously gifted by our friends at Core Fabrics. Her measurements are high bust 37” (94 cm), full bust 39” (99 cm), waist 35” (89 cm) and hip 45” (114 cm), and she’s 5’ 3”.

Rachel is wearing a size 18 G/H in a wool/silk suiting from Stonemountain & Daughter. Her measurements are high bust 43” (109 cm), full bust 48” (122 cm), waist 38” (94 cm), hip 48” (122 cm) and she’s 5’ 5”.

Jenny is wearing a size 18 G/H in a jacquard from Misan Textiles. Her measurements are high bust 43” (109 cm), full bust 48” (121 cm), waist 40” (101 cm), hip 45” (114 cm) and she’s 5’ 6”.

Meet the Hartwell Vest

  • Tailored, sleeveless vest with a pointed front hem
  • Fully lined with facings
  • Armhole princess seams, in cup sizes C–H
  • Traditional back tab with buckle for additional shaping
  • Two front welt pockets, which can be sewn shut or left open

The Hartwell is rated intermediate because of the welt pockets and lining technique, but if you’re a confident beginner, we think you can tackle it—especially with our free video sewalong hosted by Whitney of TomKat Stitchery.

Picking fabric for your Hartwell

The Hartwell can be made from a wide variety of mid-weight woven fabrics. For a more formal, structured look, try out midweight cotton twill, brocades, or suiting. If you’re after a more relaxed, flowy fit, linen or drapey cottons are great options. Find endless incredible options for your Hartwell with a Club member-exclusive 15% off discount at Minerva all month long!

Our friends at Core Fabrics have made it easy to source fabric and notions for your first Hartwell with 3 all-in-one Hartwell kits!

Complete the look

The Hartwell Vest is the ideal way to take a suit to the next level—and if you’re planning to do it, I’ve got good news! This month, Club members get 30% off the Auburn Blazer and Meriam Trousers (with our super-duper secret flex waistband) so you can sew your whole look, and leave friends/family/random strangers aghast at your astonishing sewing skills.

Shown worn inside out:

Fabric requirements for the Hartwell Vest

Finished garment measurements for the Hartwell Vest

More from the Club this month

Take a peek at what we have planned for you this month!

Masterclass: All about grainlines

There’s a line from The Little Prince: “What is essential is invisible to the eye.” So it goes with grainlines. You might not be able to see the grainline on most fabrics, but it’s essential to be able to find them—and know how to use them—to ensure a fantastic fit in your clothes.

Join me in this month’s masterclass as I unlock the mysteries of grainlines, and share tips and tricks to help you get it right, every time.

Want to master more sewing secrets? Get access to our entire library of fitting masterclasses when you join the Club at the Plus or All Access levels.

Live event: Breaking plus-size sewing myths

The world is full of unspoken “rules” for those who exist in curvier bodies—about how much attention we should bring to ourselves, how we should feel about ourselves, even how happy we should be. Unfortunately, this is just as true in the sewing world, where it can often feel like there are limitations around what curvy sewists should—or shouldn’t—make, wear, or even aspire to create. But what is the reality?

Join me as I bust these myths once and for all. Tune in live on Wednesday, April 30th at 3pm EDT (12pm PDT, 8pm BST, and May 1st @ 5am AEST).

Let’s make something beautiful

Waistcoasts are definitely having a fashion moment, and what’s convinced me to try the trend is not only the cool new matching co-ord styling, but the fact that, well, the Hartwell is actually going to *fit* me. Plus, I can recreate my mid 90s outfits for all those awkward family photo recreations—I just have to track down a wide-brimmed hat a la “Blossom” and I’ll be all set.

Me, circa 1992

Are you here for the vest revival? I can’t wait to see what you make! Use #HartwellVest and #CashmeretteClub to share your makes.

Let me know what you think!