Sewing A Simple Tank Top: A Step-By-Step Guide

Sewing a basic tank top is a simple project that even beginners can tackle with some basic sewing skills and the right materials. You can make your own pattern by tracing around a tank top that fits you well or by taking your own measurements. Once you have your pattern, you can cut out your fabric and sew the pieces together. Finish the tank top by hemming the raw edges and trying it on to ensure a good fit.

Choosing the right fabric

When choosing the right fabric for your tank top, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is recommended to use natural fabrics such as cotton or linen for a breathable and beautiful material. These fabrics are ideal for a comfortable and stylish tank top. Cotton, in particular, is a great choice for its softness and breathability, keeping you cool during the summer months. Additionally, a cotton-linen blend can also be a good option, offering similar benefits.

The type of knit fabric is another important consideration. For this project, look for knit fabric with at least 50% stretch and good recovery. This means that the fabric should be able to stretch to 15" when a 10" long piece is stretched, and then snap back to its original 10" length. Medium-weight fabric is also recommended for a tank top as it provides a nice drape and structure. Rayon spandex blend is another option, but cotton spandex rib knit or cotton spandex jersey are ideal choices for their stretch and recovery properties.

When sourcing your fabric, consider the print and colour. A fun print or a pop of colour can add interest to your tank top, especially if you plan to use woven fabric bias tape trim. You can also finish the tank with knit bands instead of bias tape, creating a more seamless look. Additionally, keep in mind that you will need approximately 2/3 to 1 yard of fabric for the main fabric, depending on the size and style of your tank top.

Lastly, if you are a beginner, it is advisable to choose a fabric that is easy to work with and forgives minor mistakes. Quilting cotton is a great option for bias tape, and you can also use polyester, linen, or cotton for the woven fabric. Remember to pre-wash your fabric before cutting and sewing to avoid any shrinkage issues later on.

Creating a pattern

If you prefer to use an existing tank top as a guide, choose a basic tank top without any darts, pleats, or other accents. Fold the tank top in half vertically and place it on top of drafting paper. Trace around the outline, adding a seam allowance of 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) to the outside. Repeat this process for the back neckline, carefully folding the fabric between the straps before tracing. Cut out both pattern pieces, labelling them "Back" and "Front".

Once you have created your pattern, you can use it to cut out the fabric pieces for your tank top. Place the pattern pieces on the fabric, pin them in place, and use a fabric pencil or chalk to trace the outline. Cut along the traced lines with pinking shears or standard scissors, and then unfold and unpin the fabric pieces. At this point, you are ready to start sewing your tank top!

Cutting the fabric

Now that you have your pattern, it's time to cut the fabric. For this step, you will need your fabric, your pattern, a pair of scissors, and some pins.

Start by folding your fabric in half, right sides together. You want to make sure that the stretch of the fabric goes across the width of your tank top, not the length. This is important, especially if you are using a knit fabric, as you want to make sure that your tank top has enough stretch.

Place your pattern pieces on the fabric, lining up the sides marked "fold" with the actual fold of your fabric. Pin the pattern pieces in place, making sure that they are smooth and flat.

Use a fabric pencil or chalk to carefully trace around the pattern pieces, marking all notches and grainlines. Then, cut out the fabric along the traced lines. Be careful not to cut through the pins, and try to cut as smoothly as possible, as this will affect the final look of your tank top.

Once you have cut out both pieces, remove the pins and unfold your fabric. You should now have two fabric pieces, one for the front and one for the back of your tank top.

Before moving on to the next step, it's a good idea to staystitch the neckline and armhole edges of your fabric pieces. Staystitching is a line of stitching sewn inside the seam allowance that helps to stabilise the fabric and prevent stretching or distortion. Sew your staystitching about 1/8 inch (0.3 cm) from the edge of the fabric, using a straight stitch.

Sewing the pieces together

Now that you have your fabric cut out and ready, it's time to start sewing the pieces together.

First, place the front and back pieces of the tank top with their right sides together, making sure that the straps, armpit area, and side seams are all lined up. Sew a 1/4" seam down both sides and across the top of each strap. You can use a sewing machine for this step, and remember to use a stretch stitch if you're working with a stretchy fabric like knit.

At this point, try on your tank top to check the fit. If any adjustments are needed, such as taking it in at the sides, adjusting the strap length, or changing the neckline, now is the time to do it. If the fit is significantly off, you may need to abort the mission and try again with new pattern pieces. This is why it's a good idea to make a copy of your original pattern piece, so you can easily troubleshoot any fit issues.

Once you're happy with the fit, it's time to finish off all the raw edges. Cut a long strip of fabric that is 1" wide and line it up with the neckline, leaving about 1" of overlap on either side. With the right sides together, sew a very narrow seam with the fabric strip and neckline. Press the strip towards the inside of the tank, fold over the raw edge, and sew all the way around to neatly finish off the neckline and hide the raw edges. If you're not making a button opening in the back, make sure to overlap the strip.

Next, finish the armholes in the same way as the neckline. Attach the fabric strip in a circular fashion, leaving the ends near the side seam and attaching them with the right sides together. Sew a very narrow hem all around the bottom of the tank top, folding the fabric under by about 1/8" and then sewing as you go. You can press the hem if you want a more polished finish. Keep the hem narrow to reduce bulk and allow the fabric to lay better.

Finally, try on your tank top to admire your handiwork! You can now enjoy wearing your new creation, knowing that you made it yourself with your own two hands.

Hemming the edges

Firstly, cut a long strip of fabric that is 1" wide. This will be used to finish the raw edges of the neckline, armholes, and bottom hem. For the neckline, line up the strip with the edge, leaving a 1" overlap on either side. Sew a narrow seam with the fabric strip and neckline, then press the strip towards the inside of the tank. Fold the raw edge of the strip towards the tank, then fold it again so that the raw edges are hidden inside. Sew all the way around the pressed edge and the folded edge. This will neatly finish the neckline.

Next, finish the armholes. Attach the strip in a circular fashion, leaving the ends near the side seam. Sew a narrow hem all around the bottom of the tank top, folding the bottom under by about 1/8" and then another 1/8" as you go. Press the hem if you want to be more precise. Keep the hem narrow to reduce bulk and help the fabric to lie flat.

If you are not using a sewing machine, you can finish the edges without hemming. T-shirt fabric does not fray, so you can simply cut the edges and leave them raw.

Frequently asked questions