Yardage For A Tank Top: How Little Is Too Little?

Tank tops are a great beginner project for those who are new to sewing. You can make a tank top with as little as one yard of fabric, although the amount of fabric you need will depend on the width of the fabric and the size of the tank top. If you're using a pattern, refer to the chart provided to determine how much fabric you'll need. If you're drafting your own pattern, you'll need to take measurements of your bust/chest, armhole depth, neck depth, neck width, and desired length. Once you have your fabric and pattern, you can cut out the pieces, pin them together, and stitch the edges together. Don't forget to hem the raw edges!

Choosing the right fabric

Fabric Type

First, consider the type of fabric you want to work with. Natural fibres such as cotton, linen, and blends are ideal for tank tops as they are breathable and comfortable. Cotton is a great option for beginners as it is easy to sew and care for. Other natural fibres like viscose and linen are also good choices, offering breathability and a cool feel.

Fabric Weight and Drape

The weight and drape of the fabric are important considerations. For a summer tank top, lightweight or medium-weight fabrics are ideal as they will be more comfortable in warm weather. Consider the drape of the fabric as well—does it hang fluidly or is it stiffer? A fabric that drapes nicely will work well for a loose-fitting tank top, while a stiffer fabric may be better suited for a more structured style.

Print and Colour

The print and colour of the fabric will also impact the overall look of your tank top. If you want the print to be the highlight of the garment, opt for a bold or large print. If you prefer a more subtle look, a small print or solid colour may be a better choice. Consider how the colour or print will coordinate with other items in your wardrobe, creating a cohesive look.

Stretch

Another key consideration is the stretch of the fabric. If your tank top pattern requires stretch, be sure to choose a fabric with enough elasticity. Knit fabrics, for example, are stretchier than woven fabrics, so they are ideal for form-fitting garments. If you are using a non-stretch fabric, you may need to add extra ease to your pattern to ensure a comfortable fit.

Sewing Level

Finally, be mindful of your sewing skill level when choosing a fabric. Some fabrics are easier to work with than others. If you are a beginner, it is best to start with simple fabrics like cotton and progress to more challenging options like silk or satin as your skills improve.

Remember to consider the width of the fabric as well, as this will impact the amount of fabric you need to buy. Choosing the right fabric for your tank top involves considering these various factors to ensure the final garment meets your desired look and fit.

How much fabric is needed

The amount of fabric you need for a tank top depends on the dimensions of your finished garment, the width of your fabric, and the pattern of the cloth.

The standard width for project fabric is 54 inches, and a yard of fabric will typically measure 54 inches by 36 inches. To calculate the amount of fabric you need for a tank top, you need to consider the width and length of the finished garment. For example, if you want to make a tank top with a width of 12 inches and a length of 24 inches, you would need a minimum of 1.5 yards of fabric.

If you are using a pattern, refer to the chart provided to determine the recommended amount of fabric. The pattern chart will specify the amount of fabric needed based on the size and style of the garment. If you don't have a pattern, you can estimate the amount of fabric needed based on the type of garment you want to make. For a tank top, you will typically need 1 yard of fabric.

It is important to consider any additional fabric that may be required for seam allowances, hems, or other design elements. If you are a novice sewer, it is recommended to allow for extra fabric to account for any mistakes or adjustments.

Additionally, the width of the fabric can impact the amount you need. Wider fabric will require less length, and it is generally recommended to choose a wider fabric if possible, as it offers better value for money.

In summary, to sew a tank top, you will typically need a minimum of 1 yard of fabric, but it is recommended to allow for extra fabric to account for seam allowances, hems, and any potential mistakes, especially if you are a beginner.

Drafting the pattern

The first step to making a tank top is to draft the pattern. You can do this by either using an existing tank top as a guide or by taking your own measurements.

If you're using an existing tank top, fold the tank top in half along its vertical centre and place it on top of a large sheet of paper. Trace around the entire outline of the tank top, then draw a second outline 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) outside of the first. This extra 1/2 inch will be your seam allowance. Cut out the pattern piece and label it "Back".

For the front pattern piece, carefully fold the back neckline between the straps and trace around the outline again, adding a 1/2 inch seam allowance. Cut out the pattern piece and label it "Front".

If you're drafting the pattern from scratch, you'll need to take the following measurements: bust/chest, armhole depth, neck depth, neck width, and desired length. Draw a rectangle with a height matching your desired length and a width matching half your bust/chest size. You'll draft the front and back pattern pieces within this rectangle, adding seam allowances and using your measurements to create the neck and armhole openings.

Cutting the fabric

Once you have your pattern pieces, you can begin cutting your fabric. Fold your fabric in half and place the pattern pieces on the same side of the fabric, lining up the sides marked "fold" with the actual fold of the fabric. Trace the outline of the pattern pieces onto the fabric and then cut them out using pinking shears or standard scissors.

Sewing the tank top

Now it's time to start sewing! First, fold and press the raw edges of the fabric. Fold the bottom hem and the armhole and neckline openings 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) and then fold them over again by another 1/4 inch so that the raw edge is trapped inside. Pin and iron press the folds in place.

Next, lay the front piece of the tank top face-up and place the back piece face-down on top of it, aligning the perimeters and pinning the two pieces together. Machine stitch along the upper part of the shoulder straps and side edges, using a seam allowance of no more than 1/4 inch (0.6 cm).

Finally, hem the remaining raw edges. Machine stitch along the open bottom, neckline, and armholes, using a seam allowance of no more than 1/4 inch (0.6 cm). And that's it! Your tank top is now complete and ready to be worn.

Sewing the pieces together

Now that you have your pattern, fabric, and sewing machine 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. Make sure that the straps, armpit area, and side seams are all lined up. Sew a 1/4" seam down both sides and at the top of each strap.

At this point, try on the tank top to ensure it is fitting correctly. If adjustments are needed, it is still possible to take it in on the sides, adjust the length, or create a deeper plunge in the front neckline. You can also try adjusting the strap length, neckline, and curve around the bottom. If the fit is significantly off, you may need to abort the mission and try again with new pattern pieces.

Once you are happy with the fit, it's time to finish off all the raw edges. Cut a long strip of fabric that is 1" wide. Line up this fabric strip 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 the raw edge of the strip in towards the tank, and then fold it again so that the raw edges are hidden inside. Sew all the way around the pressed edge and the folded edge to neatly finish off the neckline.

Next, finish the armholes in the same way as you did the neckline. Just like with the neckline, you will attach the fabric strip in a circular fashion. Leave the ends near the side seam and attach them with the right sides together. Sew a very narrow hem all around the bottom of the tank top.

And that's it! You have now sewn your tank top together and can admire your handiwork.

Hemming the raw edges

First, you'll want to fold and press the raw edge of the fabric towards the wrong side of the fabric. The width of this fold can vary depending on the desired finish and the weight of your fabric. For a lightweight fabric, a narrower hem of about 1/4 inch is suitable, while for a more structured or heavier fabric, a wider hem of up to 1/2 inch may be preferred. Use an iron to press this fold in place, ensuring a sharp, crisp edge.

Next, you'll fold and press this hem again, encasing the raw edge within the fold. The width of this second fold will depend on the first fold, but it should be slightly narrower. For instance, if your first fold was 1/4 inch, you'd reduce this second fold to around 1/8 inch. This narrow fold ensures that the hem is not too bulky and lies flat against the fabric. Again, use your iron to press this fold, creating a neat finish.

Now it's time to stitch the hem in place. You can choose to stitch close to the inner edge of the fold, ensuring that the stitching catches the encased raw edge. This method creates a secure hem and is ideal for lighter fabrics or when you want a nearly invisible finish from the right side of the fabric. Alternatively, you can stitch slightly further from the edge, creating a decorative topstitch effect. This method adds a design element to your tank top and is often used with thicker or more structured fabrics.

If you're using a sewing machine, a straight stitch is the most common choice for hems, but you can also experiment with other stitch types, such as a zigzag stitch, depending on the fabric and desired effect. For a delicate or stretchy fabric, a zigzag stitch can provide some additional flexibility and help prevent the hem from breaking or puckering.

Remember to always test your stitch and hem settings on a scrap piece of fabric first to ensure that you're happy with the result and that the fabric feeds smoothly through your machine without any puckering or bunching.

With these steps, your tank top will have neatly finished edges, and you'll be well on your way to a polished, ready-to-wear garment.

Frequently asked questions