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LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. 
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 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 
 

 VEST CUTTING, 
 
 A MANUAL FOR THE 
 
 Practical Tailor and Cutter 
 
 -by- 
 
 Charles Hecklinger, 
 
 AUTHOR OF 
 
 PROPORTIONATE COAT CUTTING," 
 
 "DRESS AND CLOAK CUTTING," Etc. 
 
 New York, 1883, 
 
6'" 
 
 Enteied according to Act of Coiiyress, in tlii- year 1883, by 
 
 Charles Hecklinger, 
 
 in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington, D. C. 
 
PREFACE 
 
 ^ HE following pages form a text book on the subject of Vest 
 / Cutting. This I have developed clearly and carefully, so 
 that it may be comprehended by the beginner in cutting 
 as readily as those who have cut for years, and it is espec- 
 iidly intended for such who are not satisfied with the sys- 
 tem in use. 
 
 The descriptions given, and the illustrations I have 
 extended as far as convenient, as giving all that is required 
 to make the work valual)le to any one willing to study it. 
 Tu tlie formation of the system, which has been constructed by the slow 
 accumulation of many years, observation and experiments in practical work 
 wherein I always endeavored to keep before my mind, that to be useful to 
 myself in my everyday work, the system must possess such practical points 
 of accuracy and simplicity, as well as adaptation to the diffei'ent build of form 
 measured. 
 
 From the success which attended the use of this system by myself, 
 where I have been called upon to cut some weeks as many as thirty vests and 
 more, and from the good opinions I hear expressed by such who now use it, I 
 am justified in asserting that it is established on a sound basis, and also that 
 it answers for every and all shapes of forms. 
 
 I may remark here, that to my knowledge, it is the only system pub- 
 lished which can be used, and is both a proportionate and an actual measure- 
 ment system. This T have clearly demonstrated, so that both can be studied 
 simultaneously. 
 
 I have felt years ago that the customary way of ciitting vests by sim- 
 ple breast-measure needed very much improving, and this urged me on to 
 these experiments which led to resixlts now in these pages. 
 
 That it will produce as satisfactory a result as eytting coats, may by 
 
drawu from the fact that it virtually is oulv my coat system adapted to the 
 cutting of a vest, with such slight changes as are required for a vest. 
 
 One prominent point about it is that, used as a proportionate system 
 it differs totally from any other. While all authors in this adhere solely to 
 the breast-measure and its divisions, I use also the blade, or the shoulder 
 measure, as an aid to produce a correct result. 
 
 It is found that a division of the breast measure, while proper enough 
 for medium sizes, becomes too large for fat builds and too small on boys— 
 therefore the corresponding blade or shoulder used in addition will so modify 
 the draft, that it will be correct in any and every size, whether large or small. 
 
 The figures and diagrams are as correct as pen and ink can draw them, 
 and I flatter myself that my readers will be amply repaid by the study of this 
 
 ''"^■^- THE AUTHOK. 
 
THE MEASURES 
 
 FIGUKE 1. 
 
 ^RST we take the breast-measure, then the waist ; these can both 
 lie taken somewhat closer than for a coat. 
 
 Next is the length from tlie socket bone to the opening wanted. 
 From the same point to the full length in front, and from the same point to 
 the level of scye, and at side, at the hollow over the hip. This last ought to 
 have more care, for it, to a great extent, gauges the location of the buckle- 
 strap. If this is too high the person will feel verj" uncomfortable bj' the 
 strap pressing on the lower ribs ; if too low, the vest will rise up, so that the 
 strap will rest in the hollow of the natural waist. 
 
 For a proportionate size these measures would be sufficient, but in order 
 to be secure one more measure will be enough to gain a satisfactory result ; 
 and this is either the blade or the lower shoulder measure. 
 
 The blade, as every one knows, is taken from fi-ont of arm to the centre 
 of the back, and this is on medium size is always one-half inch less than two- 
 thirds of the breast. The shoulder measure is taken from a central point 
 between the shoulders, and over the arm, past the front of and under the arm 
 to the same point. 
 
 This should be taken over the vest, and close, so as to get a firm actual 
 size. On comparing this measure with the blade or breast, we find on pro- 
 portionate forms that one-half of it is always two-thirds of the breast on 
 medium sizes. 
 
 Both this shoulder and blade measure, however, vary ; and while in good 
 build of any type of form they are equal — in large forms they rate smaller, 
 and in small forms larger to the breast size. 
 
 To make these sizes better known and useful to the cutter, I append the 
 table of three sizes. These will, on consultation, be a great aid in genei-al 
 •work. 
 

Proportion of Sizes. 
 
 BREAST. 
 
 SHOITLDER. 
 
 BLADE. 
 
 30 
 
 22 
 
 m 
 
 31 
 
 22^ 
 
 lOf 
 
 32 
 
 i 23 
 
 i 
 
 1 " 
 
 33 
 
 ' 23^ 
 
 Hi 
 
 34 
 
 24 
 
 ' Hi 
 
 35 
 
 24i 
 
 llf 
 
 36 
 
 25 
 
 12 
 
 37 
 
 25^ 
 
 12i 
 
 38 
 
 26 
 
 12i 
 
 39 
 
 26i 
 
 12f 
 
 40 
 
 27 
 
 18 
 
 41 
 
 27i 
 
 13i 
 
 42 
 
 28 
 
 m 
 
 43 
 
 28i 
 
 13f 
 
 44 
 
 29 
 
 14 
 
 45 
 
 29^ 1 
 
 14i 
 
 46 
 
 30 
 
 14i 
 
 47 
 
 30i 1 
 
 14f 
 
 48 
 
 31 
 
 15 
 
 49 
 
 3H ! 
 
 161 
 
 50 
 
 32 
 
 15^ 
 
 61 
 
 32^ ' 
 
 15f 
 
 52 
 
 33 
 
 16 
 
When the form varies from an average shape, it will be necessary to have 
 the length of back in addition to those already taken. This should be taken 
 fi-om the socket bone down to the natural waist, as near as possible on a 
 level with the front length taken to the hip. 
 
 Thus with these measures we have both the front and back lengths, and 
 the front of arm, and can, therefore, constriict a vest for a stooping or erect 
 form as satisfactorily as any average biiild. 
 
THE DRAFT. 
 
 FIGUEE 2. 
 
 K will draft a size for practice of breast 36, waist 32, length 26, hip 
 length 20, and shoulder measure 25. Now the shoulder measure 
 being 25, we take one-half of it, which is 12^ ; from this take one- 
 half inch which leaves twelve. This is two-thirds of eighteen, or equivalent 
 to a 36 breast. In this case, both sizes are even or 36 — but seldom does this 
 occur ; and in a further article I will show how to use it, when it does not 
 agree with the breast-measure. 
 
 In this case bear in mind that the sum total of all the measures agree 
 with a 36 size breast. 
 
 In commencing first draw the line 0-F. 
 
 From O go down to D, one-quarter of the breast (9 inches). Draw 
 lines across both at O and D at right angles with the back line. 
 
 Between O and D make a point midway, marked A, and from there draw 
 a short line across the back. 
 
 From D, on the line under the arm towards G, is one quarter of breast 
 (9 inches), and 1 inch ; draw a line downwards. 
 
 From D to R is two-thirds (12 inches) and from E to X is three-fourths 
 of an inch. Draw a line up from X. 
 
 From to L is one-eighth of breast. 
 
 From L to J is one-half inch. 
 
 From II to L draw a line, also draw one upwards from C where the lines 
 cross to M and downwards to E, at right angles with line G-A. 
 
 Now, starting at M, draw the curved line for arm-hole about three- 
 fourths inside of C through R, dropping below breast-line at G one-fourth 
 inch. Draw also the curve for the top of the back one-half inch above O to 
 U, and from U parallel with diagonal line L-R, draw another from U to X. 
 
 Xow take the distance from D to X, and place it forward on the top line 
 from L to P. which fixes P. 
 
11 
 
 From P downwards draw a liue. From P to S is one-sixth (3 inches) 
 and from P to K is one-sixth. 
 
 From P to A draw a line, and place the width of the back shoulder from 
 P to B, and finish the armhole by drawing from B to E, touching line at 
 front of arm. 
 
 From D forward to T is one-half of breast. 
 
 From T to V is 2 inches. 
 
 From V down draw line to 4, at right angles with breast-line. 
 
 Draw then for centre line from K through V and 4 to 3. 
 
 This line represents the actual centre of the breast, and it is evident that 
 for single or double-breasted, additions must be made. Therefore, on a 
 single-breasted we place one-half inch from Y to I for lap, and the same all 
 along the front. 
 
 Measure from P, deducting the width of back, to 6, the length ; and also 
 the hip at 7. 
 
 As soon as 7 is fixed, draw a line across at waist ; the difference between 
 the breast 36 and the waist 32 is 4 inches ; for every inch difference take one- 
 fourth of an inch, equal in this case to one inch, and place it from F to 1 ; 
 and then draw the back line like the diagram, by stai'ting a little above point 
 D and gradually curving in to 1. 
 
 From 1 to 2 is one-fourth of the waist and 1 inch. 
 
 From line at 4 is one-fourth of the waist and one-half inch to 7. 
 
 Curve lines under the arm. Add 7 to 11 an average of 2^ inches, or 
 enough to correspond to the whole length of the front and shape of the 
 bottom. 
 
 The last is to draw the neck-gorge from P to 14. The latter will be just 
 right for a military, or clergyman's vest, or any other vest desired to button 
 up to the throat. 
 
 The quantity of one-sixth down from point P will always give 14 in the 
 correct place for a vest to close at neck. So I may caution mj- readers to be 
 careful to start from K, which is one-sixth from P in drawing the front line ; 
 as this will rever produce a vest too large at the front line from I up to 14. 
 
 Add on above liue O J inch to U on all medium or small sizes. 
 
LARGE SIZE DRAFT. 
 
 riGUEE 3. 
 
 jT is always found in measuring any large form, that the shoulder 
 or the blade measures are smaller in proportion to the whole breast. 
 So all the lengths from the scye upward vary and give a less dis- 
 tance in comparison to the whole size around. 
 
 Before it is advisable to commence to draft, vfe must reduce these meas- 
 ures in every case to a breast size so as to keep the proportions most suitable 
 for the shape. 
 
 Every cutter who cuts a large, fat man's vest b}' any ordinary breast- 
 measure system, knows that it will be too large when using the divisions in 
 the same nlanuer as in drafting a 36 breast ; and various ways have been sug- 
 gested to modify this, but with little success. 
 
 It is well known that on a size of 36 breast-measure, the lengths and 
 widths are equal ; therefore, in that case it would be immaterial which .size 
 w^as used, as either would produce a draft suitable. 
 
 But on large sizes especially when they reach anything above 43 breast, 
 the same is not the case, for the length and width of shoulders are less in pro- 
 portion to the breast. 
 
 So we find in the case of a breast-measure of 48 inches the shoulders to 
 be 31. (See table of measures.) 
 
 This last size, namely, 31 inches, is found to be only equal to a breast- 
 size of 45 inches. The problem as we work it out, remains the same on all sizes 
 and no change is required in drafting, as the system is elastic and self equal- 
 izing to every measure. 
 
 The shoulder-measure being, in this case, 31 inches, we first halve it 
 which gives 15^ inches. One-half inch is taken ofi", and the remainder, which 
 IS 15 inches, will be fOTind equal to two thirds of 45 breast-measure. 
 
 This last, thou, is the size used to draft the lengths by, and regulates 
 Also the size of the width back of arm-hole. 
 
 In drafting, fll-gt dVaw the line 0-F. 
 
14 
 
 From O to D is one-quarter of 45, equal to 114- inelies. 
 
 Draw a line from O over to P anil from D to V. 
 
 From D to G is one-quarter, and 1 inch. 
 
 From D to R is two-thirds, or equal to 15 inches. 
 
 From D to T is oue-lialf of the whole Ijreast-measure, or 24 inches. 
 
 From K to N is three-fouths of an inch. 
 
 From O to L is one-eighth of 45, and to J is one-half inch. 
 
 Above O j^lace only a seam and curve to U which is three-fourths inch 
 above J. 
 
 Draw a line from L to 11. 
 
 Halve the distance 0-D which gives A, and from this draw a line over 
 to C. 
 
 From C, where the diagonal line crosses, draw one up to M. 
 
 Starting at M curve the scye line past X to about three-fourths inch in- 
 side of C to (t, directly on line and not dropped below it. 
 
 Draw a line from U parallel with diagonal line to X. 
 
 Take the distance D to N and place, it from L forward on toji line, whicli 
 produces P. 
 
 From 10 on the breast-line up to P is |^ of full breast or 12 inches, and 
 from there to A draw a line for height of shoulder. 
 
 From P to S is one-sixth of full breast, and the same from P to K. 
 
 Draw neck from P to 14. 
 
 Make the width of the front shoulder the same as the back from U to X, 
 and finish arndiole by drawing from B to G. 
 
 From T forward to Y is IJ inches on all sizes above 43. Draw a line 
 down from Y. 
 
 Measure the length from P down, taking into account the top of back, 
 and fix the length on the straight line near 3. Also apply the side length to 
 7, and when it is located draw waist line, and the depth of scj^e. 
 
 We will now use a waist of 4.S inches. The waist being equal to breast, 
 there will be no cut to come out. This is also the case when the waist is 
 larger. Therefore start from F and place forward one-quarter of the waist, 
 and one inch to 2, and from 2 forward to 4 is also one-quarter and one-half 
 inch. 
 
 Then draw the front line from K through 14-Y and 4 to 3. 
 
 Draw also the bottom line, and finish by adding on the lap in front for a 
 single or a double breasted. 
 
 The diagram (fig 3), shows lap for a single breasted. 
 
 Draw also c\irve under arm and shape the bottom. 
 
15 
 
 It must be borne in mind that (see Fig. 2) on the toj) of back above dot- 
 ted line, there is one-half added; and to make the shoulder even the same 
 amount is added on that. 
 
 The blade-measure, as given on our table, has already one-half inch 
 added to it ; but when using the same measure as is taken on the body, we 
 must add to it one-half inch to bring the full size required. This is needed ; 
 because in taking this measure it will close in so firmly to the arm-hole, and 
 be too small if used jiist as taken. 
 
 The mode of iising it is the same as the shoulder-measure ; that is, re- 
 ducing it to a breast-size. For example : suppose we have a blade of 12|-, we 
 add to it one-half inch making 12f. Now, 12f is equal to two-thirds of 38 ; 
 and, therefore, the heights and widths of the back portion of the vest are 
 drafted by a proportion of a 38 size. 
 
 These calculations are readily found on any square, and, therefore, need 
 cause no trouble to any one. 
 
 At the front of Diagram 3 is found a cut. This is put in only on firm 
 goods that will not bear any shrinking. 
 
 The same ettect however can be gained by cutting in from 7 tlirough 
 the pocket, and taking out a cut of one-half inch between 7 and 4; but in 
 this case, the same amount must be added at the bottom of side from 11 for- 
 ward to keep the original shape. 
 
 In the foregoing, the draft is so far prodiiced only proportionately, with 
 the addition of the shoulder or the blade measure; but we have also the 
 length from socket bone to the depth of scye and to the hip. 
 
 In applying these, when the back line is drawn (see fig. 2), point O fixed, 
 and everything drawn, to point D, we apply the measure from D to F — for 
 example, the front measure may be 12 inches to depth of arm, and 21 to hip. 
 Place 12 on D, and measure to F 21, which makes the distance from D to F 
 9 inches ; then from 7, or a little in front of it, measure up to above P 21 
 inches, and come down from last point to P, less the width of the back, and 
 finish the draft like the foregoing. 
 
17 
 
 Single-Breasted No Collar 
 
 riGUEE 4. 
 
 VEK do^n from A the length of opening wanted to H, and from 
 tliis latter point to A draw the breali-line. Add from A upwards 
 the width of top of back to E. 
 From the straight line L go over to E one inch, and draw from E to 
 shoulder. This shovild be one- 
 quarter inch from point at A, 
 thus adding a seam for the back 
 to be felled on. 
 
 From E to I is one inch. 
 
 From A to P is three-quarters 
 of an inch. 
 
 Now draw the edge from I past 
 P to H, keeping the line a seam's 
 width outside of break line, as 
 the amount in turning in, requires ! 
 this. 
 
 Always add in front of dotted 
 line, which represents the centre 
 of breast ; the amount of button 
 stand, three-quarters for a single 
 breasted, and from 2 to 3 inches 
 for a double-breasted. 
 
 In placing the buttons, have 
 them just back of the original 
 centre line. 
 
 Our biitton spacer, which we 
 have sent to every tailor in the 
 counhy, will be found the most ingenious and economical instrument that can 
 be found on the cutting counter. 
 
 If any one does not receive such a one, lot him write to us and enclose a 
 three cent stamp, and we will forward one bv mail. 
 
19 
 
 Single-Breasted Notch Collar. 
 
 FIGUEE 5. 
 
 shoulder 
 Cnrv 
 
 HEX the front is drawn out :ind the hip for button stand added, 
 then measure (hiwn and establish the length of opening. 
 
 A is, in this case, where the collar cuds ; from this point to the 
 point draw a line to D. 
 e the neck from N past I to L, which last may be for a short notch 
 
 2.^ inches above A. Sometimes the seam of the collar is drawh nearer to A, 
 and in this case the notch cut into the collar. 
 
 From N to D is the width of the back. 
 
 From D to P is the stand three-qnartcr inch. 
 
 From D to E is 1^ inches. 
 
 Shape the cellar like the diagram: 
 
21 
 
 Single-Breasted Curved Collar 
 
 FIGURE (). 
 
 ISTABLISH first the length of opening where yon wish the vest to 
 open. Then draw a line past shoulder point from A to L. 
 
 Fix the length from P to L, the same as the width of the back, 
 and drop the break below L one inch. Then shape the outside edge one- 
 quarter above line at L, past Y to A. 
 
 From H which is three-quarters of an inch bcloW the break to D, an-^ 
 curve the seam to S. 
 
23 
 
 Single-Breasted Open Cut. 
 
 FIGUEE 7. 
 
 HIS illustration represents a modern dress vest, cut very open with- 
 out a collar. To give it that neatness so essential, it must contain 
 one condition which should be strictly attended to. 
 First, the length of the front must be governed and regulated li\- the 
 coat, as it should in no case 
 show below the bottom of the 
 coat. 
 
 The edge of the opening over 
 the breast must set close to the 
 figure, whether in a standing 
 or a sitting position, neither 
 should it bulge out or break. 
 All this can be obviated bj- 
 careful attention to working in 
 of the front edge. 
 
 The diagram shows almost a 
 straight line, but this will when 
 made properly and drawn in to 
 the form, appear more curved. 
 
 Locate the opening point A. 
 Add from shoulder point H, 
 the stand similar to a vest as 
 illustrated on Figure 4. 
 
 Go up from D to N 1 inch, 
 and draw the line to within 
 one-quarter of an inch to H. 
 
 Add the width of stand to L, 
 and draw from L through P 
 the edge to I. The distance from A to I is 2 inches. 
 
 Insert a V at side under the pocket and on firm goods, which does not 
 allow of stretching; insert in a small piece at neck, as ahown on diagram, to 
 give spring to the neck band. 
 
25 
 
 Long Roll Dress Vest. 
 
 FIGURE 8. 
 iUAW tlie break line from the openiug to the shoulder point. 
 
 Go below the line fioni E to L 1^ incli, and tlien fix also point 
 P three-quartei- inch l)elow L. 
 From L to D re-draw the break line. 
 
 Now curve the seam of collar from H-D to I, which hwt i* made one 
 or more inches above A. 
 
 Curve the outside line from E to A and finish. On such long roll it is 
 
 judicious to put in a Y or two, but in doing this one thing must be attended 
 to • V's tend to hollow an edge, therefore when put into a collar seam on a 
 veJt like the one under consideration, the line from U to I should be much 
 straighter than when no V is put in. The curve of the collar, however, must 
 remain as drawn on our diagrani. If this is not done, as soon as the V is 
 sewed up there will be a space between collar and front across the V, and 
 the collai- would not go oh naturally or fairly, but would requll'O forcing. 
 
27 
 
 Double-Breasted Vest. 
 
 FIGUEE 9. 
 
 HE fronts of all doiible-breastod are drawn as described by figure 
 2, and therefore the front line 0-A and B is the same as the line 
 li-V and 4 on Figure 2. 
 In this vest a separate lapel is added. Draw a straight line like C~D. 
 This must be the same length 
 from D up to C as the front edge 
 of the forepart. 
 
 Go into a cirrve from C three- 
 quarters of an inch. Make it any 
 size to taste, 2 inches at bottom 
 is about right, and 3 at J, 2J at 
 top. Then draw the outside 
 curve from G through J to I. 
 
 Space the buttons and button- 
 holes. To get the line of liutton ^S> 
 row take the distance from front 
 of hole to inside edge of lapel 
 and place the same back from the 
 fiont edge of vest, which will give 
 the place they should be put. 
 
 From O to H draw a line for 
 collar break, add the length of 
 back from H to L, drop below L 
 14 inches to E, and curve the 
 break line, add the stand to D, 
 and curve seam from D to O. 
 Add also the lay-down and draw 
 the oirtside edge. 
 
 This vest is very much desired by sucl 
 for comfort more than style. 
 
 len whose age or pursuits call 
 
29 
 
 Double-Breasted Vest. 
 
 FIGURE 10. 
 
 |!N adding to the front for lap there is no seam lost, so less addition 
 will do. I have always found the majority of cutters to make the 
 lap on these vests too great, and the consequence was a long open 
 roll, gaping away from the breast. 
 
 Add on at bottom from I forward 2 inches and 2| to P. 
 
 Draw the front edge and extend it np in such sliape as appears suitable for 
 
 the style wanted ; place the bottous and holes, and form the collar by the 
 same methods as already sufficiently described. 
 
 For a cut-away, curve what is desired, and lengthen the front more. 
 
 A short cut-awav would not b(> a desirable vest to wear. 
 
31 
 
 Footman's Vest. 
 
 FIGUKE 11. 
 
 FIESE vests are made generally extra long, to cover the hip well. 
 Like livery-coats theybntton up high, and must fit neat and clear, 
 not only about the shoulders, but in the back also. 
 They are also often worn with sleeves : and in that case the armhole will 
 require to be made somewhat smaller, and an ordinary coat-sleeve set in. 
 
 A turn-down collar and pointed flaps are customary finish for these gar- 
 ments. 
 
 That they may fit better over the hips, when made very long, it is much 
 
 superior work to cut them across as shown on the diagram, and in such a 
 case a cut is taken out one-half inch in size at N, thus creating a spring over 
 
 the hips. 
 
 The diagram also shows the extra lap for button-stand, added on in 
 front which should be on every single-breasted vest of whatever style. 
 
33 
 
 Clergymen's Vest. 
 
 FIGUKE 1-2. 
 
 HIS form of vest is entirelj- confined to priests or clergymen of the 
 several denominations. 
 
 They are difficult to cut, especially in the hands of the inex- 
 perienced cutter. 
 
 We have illustrated three different styles, namely : the single-breasted, 
 
 which has ali-eady been explained. The double-breasted, and the full front. 
 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
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