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| Easy tank top |
How to make a tank top
Most of my days are spent in leggings and some type of T-Shirt. In summer it’s a tank top and in winter it’s most likely a tank top and a long sleeved T-Shirt over it.
One thing I dislike about bought tank tops is the narrow
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| Trace pattern from a tank top |
shoulder straps. They don’t lend themselves to sports bras. And I don’t like wearing overly tight or cropped tops to the gym. Which is why I made this tank top.
Cotton knit is so forgiving for novice sewers. You can get away with no
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| Pin pattern to fabric and cut |
hems. A raw edge can actually look cool. This top had exactly four seams. Two side seams and two shoulder seams. I used a summer weight white cotton knight for this top.
I want to try make a looser slouchy version. And I want to make another one with dropped arm holes. Will need to make a bandeau top to wear under a dropped armhole tank. How nice will that be for yoga? My list of things to make never ends.
Here’s how to make this easy tank top.
You need: –
a cotton old tank top that fits you
newspaper
black marker pen
scissors
stretch cotton knit
matching thread
sewing scissors
pins
sewing machine
You do: –
Use your old tank top to make a pattern.
Trace the outline of your tank on the newspaper making sure – very important – you add on about 1.5
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| Cut front of neck lower than back |
centimetres extra for your seam allowance.
Cut out your pattern in paper.
Pin your pattern to your fabric and cut 2 x pieces. A front and a back.
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| Trim front neck even more if required |
Note, I cut the back neck of my tank top a bit shorter. You most likely will want to do the same.
The nice thing is you can trim the back and the front necklines after you have made your tank top to get them exactly as you would like them to be. You may want a plunging neckline and narrow shoulder straps. Or a high neckline and wide shoulder straps.
Stitch sides and shoulders and you’re done. No really! It’s that simple.
Visit the Greenie Galleries at the top of this page to see older DIYs. I’ve shared myriad fashion upgrades from FREE sewing patterns to tutorials for making jewelry from food packaging.
As always, I try to up-cycle or recycle.
I will be back with more next week,
Greenie.
Or maybe even start with this because u can trace a tank top. If it’s to a fold there’s obviously no grain line. That’s what catches me is the grain line because I don’t want my piece to pull cockeye
Hi Julie
The grain line is a huge big deal. Cutting wrong can ruin your garment.
There is a warp (length) and a weft (width). The warp fibres are the firmest. The weft has a tiny bit of give.
The bias (cross grain) has a lot of give. You only use the bias if you want to make something that drapes like a circular skirt or maybe a camisole top.
Don’t forget your choice of fabric can also make or break an outfit. This top won’t work in anything too flimsy or with too much drape such as a jersey or soft knit. A soft cotton or firm jersey will do it.
If in doubt, ask at the shop. They usually give good advice.
All the best,
Greenie.