Okay, so I have been receiving requests by a newbie sewist who insists that I share a basic, fool proof pattern for a tank top – and I am more than happy to provide! I know some of the more experienced sewers on my blog will find this a bit too simple for them, but let’s help the less experienced improve their sewing skills. Also, you can not be wrong with this quick project, like making a bunch of them in just an afternoon – just like how I did with my home wear!
What could be more pleasing than when you find a nice print pattern and create a piece of garment from it. Now let’s look at some example of the prints and textures that can be used for this pattern:
As usual, my pattern is made in 10 sizes from XXS to 5XL, so you will find yourself a suitable size. You can also lengthen or shorten the hemline to get your desired length – you can even make a maxi skirt from this pattern.
The pattern is made using layered PDF, please check for your desired size before printing so you won’t waste your paper. I have included a first page with many details about sizing and printing, so please first read the first page and make sure you know what size you need! If you still do not know how to print a layered PDF, please check for the printing instruction in this post: PRINTING GUIDE.
You can print this using your home printer and A4/Letter paper. I calculated the printing area so that you will be able to use either type of paper to print the pattern out perfectly. Always print the first page first and check with the test square if you are printing at the right scale before you print out the whole pattern – avoid waste of ink and waste of paper, save the earth!
Some PC may print smaller than actual size even when you choose 100% scale – I don’t know why this problem exist, but my HP laptop cannot print true to size. I have to scale up to 103% to get the right size. You may need to check with your PC to see if it prints true to size, if not, scale up a bit.
SEWING INSTRUCTION
You will need
- Fabric of your choice
- Some stretch knit strip for binding openings (about 1 inch/2.5 centimeters width and as long as possible – you can cut off the excess length)
- Scissors, pencil or fabric marker, ruler, pins
- Sewing machine/Serger or needle and thread
- Printed pattern
What fabric can be used for this project? This design is made for knit fabric ONLY! Do not use with woven fabric – you won’t be able to put yourself in.
How much fabric do you need for this piece of garment? This design requires only about one yard of your fabric.
For this pattern, you will need to use a sewing machine that has the function to sew stretch fabric (zig zag stitch for example), or use a serger which is designed to sew stretch fabric nicely.
Cutting instruction:
After printing out and taping all the 30 pattern pages together, you will get something similar to this image:
You will see that there are 2 sets of lines on each pattern size. The inner lines are sewing line (and you sew along these lines), and the outer lines are cutting lines (you cut the fabric along these lines, remember the folding lines where you have to fold the fabric before cutting). The distance between sewing line and cutting line is seam allowance, and it varies from point to point. For example, the side seam allowance is about 1/2 inch (1.2cm), and seam allowance at hemline is 1 inch (2.5cm). This is the reason why I do not remove the sewing lines from the pattern. Please use it as a guide to know how much seam allowance you need to give at each seam.
Fabric will be cut into following pieces:
- Front: cut 1 pc on the fold
- Back: cut 1 pc on the fold
- Neckline and armhole bindings: 1in/2.5cm stretch knit strip cut across fabric (from selvage to selvage)
Make sure to mark all notches and other design features such as darts, pleats etc. from the pattern pieces onto your fabric. When sewing the garment, pay attention to notches, they must match up.
Sewing instruction:
Because this is made with stretch fabric, make sure you use appropriate needle and stitch. You can refer to this post to know how to sew stretch fabric: https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/knits-and-stretchy-fabric-2978470
1. Place Front and Back right side facing. Sew to join shoulder and side seams.
2. Use binding strips to bind the neckline and armhole.
3. Hem the tank top.
And here is the download link:
BASIC SLEEVELESS TANK TOP (SIZE XXS – 5XL)
Happy sewing! And don’t forget to share your project on my Facebook page: Tiana’s Closet Sewing Patterns
Tiana
