How to Make a Manual Cooling Vest

Making the Vest

• 1

  Lay T-shirt flat and cut off both sleeves. Mark a chalk line from the center of the neckline to the center of the hemline and cut to create the vest opening.

• 2

  Stitch each shirt sleeve closed along the edge you cut in the previous step to create two pockets. Sew each pocket to the inside vest walls, near the nipple line. Stitch a line from top to bottom of the pocket 1 inch in from each side in order to convert one pocket to a large pocket with a narrow pocket on either side. Repeat for the second pocket.

• 3

  Measure 1/2-inch in from the edge of the cotton square on all sides and mark with seamstress chalk. Fold across lines and iron. Stitch across one line to close the hem. Center the square on the inside back of the vest with the folded edges against the T-shirt and the sewn hem closest to the neck tag. Sew the pocket to the vest.

• 4

  Measure in three inches from each side of the back pocket and stitch a line running from top to bottom to divide the pocket into three sections.

• 5

  Cut the PVC pipe to a 10-inch section using a handsaw. Insert the funnel in one end of the pipe and place the other end of the pipe into one of the 3-inch side sections on the large back vest pocket.

• 6

  Pour 1 Tbsp. of water absorption granules into the funnel and empty into the pocket. Remove the pipe and funnel before sewing the pocket shut. Repeat for the other 3-inch pocket.

• 7

  Discard the PVC pipe and insert the funnel directly into one of the side panels on a front vest pocket. Add 1 tsp. of granules to the pocket and stitch shut. Repeat for the other three side pockets on the chest area.

• 8

  Fill two quart freezer bags and 1-gallon freezer bag halfway with water. Add 1 Tbsp. of rubbing alcohol to the gallon bag and 1/2 Tbsp. to each quart bag. Compress to remove any air before sealing and lay flat in the freezer to store.

Using the Vest

• 9

  Soak the shirt in warm water for 20 minutes.

• 10

  Remove from water and pat dry to evenly disperse water absorption granules through pockets.

• 11

  Insert freezer bags in pockets and put on vest.

• 12

  Submerge in cool water when the vest warms to body temperature.

• 13

  Remove the freezer bags and wash the vest in dishwashing soap after each use. Rinse and allow to soak overnight in a mixture of room-temperature water and 1 Tbsp. of rubbing alcohol to purge impurities from granules and prevent mildew.