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🌿 No-Bind Sleeves – A Simple Tulip Vest Sewing Hack

Updated: Jul 12

If you love the look of the Tulip Vest but prefer a softer finish (or just want to skip the bias binding), this easy sewing hack is for you.

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Instead of binding the armholes, we’ll turn the edges to the inside and topstitch for a clean, rolled finish. It’s a beginner-friendly alternative that still looks polished and feels comfortable to wear.


If you're short on binding or just in the mood for a quicker make, the no-bind sleeve method is a great option to try!



Follow the sewing instructions in the Tulip Vest booklet up to step 13 where we finish making the ties. (The vest I have made below hasn't got the pockets or wadding as it is a lightweight version, but this technique does work on thicker vests too. Make sure your vest is quilted and pockets are sewn before carrying on.)


  1. With right sides together, align the front and back vest pieces at the shoulder seams. Pin in place and sew the shoulder seams.

Fabric with a geometric pattern in shades of beige and brown, folded, set against a black background for contrast.

  1. Repeat with the lining pieces.

    Brown fabric vest laid flat on a white background. Simple design with visible seams and clean lines. No text or additional patterns.

  1. Open out the lining and outer vest pieces flat on your surface. Place them with right sides together and align the armhole curves carefully. Pin them in place. Sew only around the armholes, leaving the rest of the edges open.

    Patterned brown and beige fabric cut into irregular shapes on a black background, showcasing a geometric design.

Tip: Carefully clip into the seam allowance around the curve - this will help the seam lie smoothly when you turn the vest right side out next.


  1. Turn the vest right side out so the lining sits neatly inside the outer fabric. Gently roll the armhole seams between your fingers to shape them, then press them flat for a smooth finish.

    Patterned beige fabric vest with diamond designs lies on a plain brown background. Loose threads visible. Simple, rustic appearance.

  2. Turn the vest inside out again so the raw side seams are visible. Match up the side seams of the outer fabric and the lining, placing them right sides together. Make sure the underarm seams line up neatly. Use clips or pins to hold everything in place.

    Brown fabric with a geometric pattern is clipped together. Red clips line the edges on a black background, creating a crafting setup.

  3. Sew the seams. Then turn the vest right side out and press.

    Top stitch around the armholes to neaten.

    Patterned beige and brown vest laid on a black background. It features a geometric design with a diamond pattern and star details.

Now you can sew the bias binding around the raw edges of the vest to finish! Remember to attach your ties before doing so. Take your time around the curves and corners, and enjoy seeing your vest come together!

Patterned vest with brown edges on a plain background. Features a geometric star design in beige and black.

🌷 That’s a Wrap!

Whether you went for the classic bound edge or tried the no-bind sleeve hack, I hope you love your finished make. It’s the kind of piece that works year-round and shows off your fabric choices beautifully.


If you haven’t got the pattern yet, you can find it right here 👉


Happy sewing - and don’t forget to share your make if you're on socials using #TulipVestSewingPattern so I can see!


Kym x


Fabric used - Diamond Flowers Floral Cotton Fabric (affiliate link)

 
 
 
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