Hello!
I appear to have been a bit MIA for the best part of April - but thought I'd pop back in for a little post on tank tops! Vest tops? Camis? Whatever you may call them... little useful jersey tops.
The best bit about sewing a tank is that it takes both very little fabric, and very little time! I've been short on the latter so a few scrap busters and palette cleansers have occurred.
Winnats Tank
I'll start with my favourite - The Winnats Tank by Wendy Ward. It's a simple classic and I find the fit stop on. I have lost count of how many of these I have made over the years, in many variations.
The pattern can be found in Wendy's book - A Beginner's Guide to Sewing with Knitted Fabrics - this books seemed to be underrated/not often mentioned in the sew'osphere however it's absolutely brilliant. There's 20 great patterns in there people - and it's only £8!!
This is my most recent version in the prettiest ladybird jersey ever from Beyond the Pink Door. As the tank is a super simple standard, you can hack it each way to Sunday. My version has the neck and arm bands on, and a little strip of elastic at the center front to create a gathered neckline.
For 'cute' overload I went for a little bunny label as I made this at Easter.
Zoey Tank
A new found favourite of mine is now the True Bias- Zoey Tank. I didn't initially buy this pattern as I thought it was very 'skin-tight' in style but I was pleasantly surprised with how it fits. Skims the right bits! (I made a 16/18)
This pattern is a brilliant scrap-buster for leftover pieces of jersey as you don't need to get any shoulder straps in as part of the main bodice. It's 2 small bodice pieces and then some strips for the straps and neckline.
The construction is quite fun as you pop all the neckline and straps on first and then whizz it up the sides to finish. The pattern also comes with a dress version and neckline expansion pack for different looks.
Another in leftover scraps from my Westcliff Dress.
Weiland Tank
Another new-to-me pattern is the Elbe Textiles - Weiland Tank. Also another rogue entry as I really wasn't sure about the 'cropped' nature of this and definitely didnt want my mid-riff hanging out.
I had a little insta-browse and actually it's not a drastic crop at all, it sits just at the top of high waisted jeans. I am so glad I tried this as the pattern is gorgeous and sizing brilliant. There are 2 cup options and a serious of sizes for each. The charts put me at a 'G' and that's what I made with 1" added to the length. It fit, no adjustments or changes needed.
The fabric is Meet Milk Derby Ribbed Tencel Jersey and I cannot tell you how silky soft and beautiful it is. It is pricey but I got the top and lining from 1m and it was totally worth it.
The pattern has a shelf-bra lining option which is great, this folds inside the tank and creates that lovely smooth neckline finish. You can add foam inserts but I didn't bother. You can wear a bra with this as although the back is low, it does still cover straps. That back!
One Shoulder Tank
I'll throw a random curve ball here - a one shoulder tank! I made this as I wanted something to mix and match with skirts, trousers, shorts for a holiday.
The pattern is Pattern Emporium - One Shoulder Tank and in true PE style, there are a million variations and about 300 pages of instructions! Definite value for money.
This was made from bamboo jersey from the stash and may be a little too thin for purpose however it's very cool and comfortable. I started off with a size 16 but did have to reduce it to make sure the sides were secure. I think it's now about a 14.
This pattern also comes with the option of a shelf bra (which due to the thin fabric you can see a bit) - a great addition to make this top more practical if you hate strapless bras. A little flash of the innards here!
The neckline and arm is finished with binding, or bands...or a ruffle... I did say there were choice! I went for a classic binding for an unfussy version.
Many thanks for joining me again today. I you have any favourite stretch tank patterns do let me know in the comments!
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