Summer of T-Shirts Event: Date Night Tank Top
This week's post is from Vatsla of Fashion By The Seams. She is also one of our Fabricistas!
HI Fashionistas!
I'll be showing you how I hacked this basic t-shirt pattern to get something a lot more dressy! I used the McCalls Palmer/Pletsch 6964 view A and modified it to my liking.
Typically I do not trace off patterns, but a pattern with minimal markings makes for an easy to follow visual aid.. so I traced off the front bodice onto pattern paper. There are 2 types of pattern paper I typically use:
If you are going for a fitted tank like mine, remember to take negative ease into account ( the pattern needs to be smaller than your measurements). I used a rib knit, so I know how it will behave. If you are not sure what size to cut, its a good idea to find a tank top in your wardrobe and take some flat measurements from it. Then use a similar fabric. When in doubt, start with a bigger size and take it in as needed. Since you are converting a t-shirt pattern into a tank top, don't be surprised if you have to take in the side seams and shoulder seams, unless you proactively cut a smaller size.
HI Fashionistas!
I am so excited to be participating in the Summer of T-Shirt Event. Can I just tell you that tees and tanks are my favorite? I am a stay at home mom for the most part, and I teach and freelance part time. A lot of my work happens from my home studio. I practically live in jeans. But I still want to be stylish! So I always try to dress up my look with something a little more interesting than a basic tee or tank. Here is my version of a dressy tank paired with casual white jeans!
I'll be showing you how I hacked this basic t-shirt pattern to get something a lot more dressy! I used the McCalls Palmer/Pletsch 6964 view A and modified it to my liking.
Here is my sketch.
1. Medical exam paper (typically for my working patterns)
2. Banner paper , typically for my production patterns. I like using banner paper the most, because it is sturdy, easily accessible (Office supply stores like Staples and even Walmart carry them.)
Here is the front bodice piece. I made the following markings on the pattern.
- The green is the stitch line marked, which is 5/8 from the pink line, which is the original cut line.
- The only alteration I made is the neckline, I squared off 1/2 inch from the centre front, to convert the V neck to a scoop neck. The squaring off is important to prevent a pointy shape. Then I drew a scoop neck as desired. This is drawn in purple. I did not lower the neckline.
If you are going for a fitted tank like mine, remember to take negative ease into account ( the pattern needs to be smaller than your measurements). I used a rib knit, so I know how it will behave. If you are not sure what size to cut, its a good idea to find a tank top in your wardrobe and take some flat measurements from it. Then use a similar fabric. When in doubt, start with a bigger size and take it in as needed. Since you are converting a t-shirt pattern into a tank top, don't be surprised if you have to take in the side seams and shoulder seams, unless you proactively cut a smaller size.
There is nothing special about the back of the tank. Its pretty basic. While I did not alter the armhole on the pattern, I did end up lowering the armhole by about 1/2 an inch after I did my 1st fitting.
I did end up creating a centre back seam after I did my initial fitting. It is not part of the pattern but it can give you a better fit if your knits has moderate stretch like the pattern calls for.
Here is a close up of the lace. I sewed it such a way that it looks like a cap sleeve. The chains are from the beading section of Joann Fabrics. I hand stitched them down on the shoulder seam of each shoulder, catching the stitches in the seam allowance of the shoulder seams.
Here is a close up of the ruffle. To create the ruffle, I used one long strip of chiffon, folded it lengthwise, and stitched it to create a tube. Then flipped it right side out, and created some loose box pleats on it. I wanted voluminous ruffle, very unstructured... and I was able to accomplish that with the chiffon. I love chiffon!
I can best describe this tank as romantic. I love this look. The black look is dressy, I would love to pair this with a dark blue skinny jean. If you make this in a lighter color like blush or ivory, it would be perfect for brunch or shopping with the girls!
I am in the middle of sewing about 5 more things! I hope you are doing well and sewing away! If you liked this tutorial, please check out the rest of my tutorials HERE.
Thanks again to Vatsla for helping us think outside the box with embellishment for tanks and tees!
Did you miss our previous posts on t-shirt pattern hacks? Check out our Summer of T-shirts Event Page.
We've also put together a t-shirt inspiration board on Pinterest. Check it out HERE.
Don't forget you can sew along with us at home. Share you t-shirt pattern hacks (new ideas you have and ideas that we have shared with you) on Facebook and Instagram using #FMSummerofTshirts. At the end of the summer, we will compile all the people that used the hashtag and you will be entered into a random drawing for $75 gift certificate to Fabric Mart!
See you soon!
XO-
Vatsla from Fashion Behind The Seams
Thanks again to Vatsla for helping us think outside the box with embellishment for tanks and tees!
Did you miss our previous posts on t-shirt pattern hacks? Check out our Summer of T-shirts Event Page.
We've also put together a t-shirt inspiration board on Pinterest. Check it out HERE.
Don't forget you can sew along with us at home. Share you t-shirt pattern hacks (new ideas you have and ideas that we have shared with you) on Facebook and Instagram using #FMSummerofTshirts. At the end of the summer, we will compile all the people that used the hashtag and you will be entered into a random drawing for $75 gift certificate to Fabric Mart!
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Posted on July 25 2016
THis is so cute!!!!
Absolutely fabulous!!
What a simple, modern, elegantly beautiful idea!
Thank you!
Thank you Kisha!
Nice additions to make the simple t-shirt simply fabulous!
Thank you!
Thanks Michelle! Girl – did I tell you I went out and bought black rose trim after seeing your jumpsuit? So chic!
How did you finish the neckline? Did you use a stabilizer at all? It looks so perfect!