Today I bring you a new pattern and related video & photo instructions. It is a 3in1 pattern, according to which you can sew a women's tank top and women's dress in above the knee or maxi length. You can get this pattern here: Women's tank top and above the knee/maxi dress SEASIDE
3in1 sewing pattern
This pattern is available in women’s sizes 32 - 46. When you buy this pattern, you will receive PDF files for printing on a classic home printer in two versions:
- 1st version (one size view) – PDF A4 – pattern in individual sizes with seam allowances outlined
- 2nd version (classic view) – PDF A4 pattern showing all sizes without seam allowances
- And you will also receive a large format pattern (A0, showing all sizes without seam allowances) for printing on a plotter or in a copy center.
It's up to you which version you choose to use. In any case, you will get all three of them. :)
Women’s tank top SEASIDE
Versatile & simple pattern for women's tank in a classic length.
Women's dresses SEASIDE
The smaller variant is above the knee and the longer variant (maxi dress) is ankle length.
If you are taller, I recommend sewing a slit on one side of the maxi dress.
Recommended material
This pattern is designed for thinner knits, such as a cotton knit (ideally with elastane or lycra), or a viscose knit (be careful, working with it is a bit tricky).
I used a viscose knit from the Dumlatek.cz store for the burgundy dress:
For the tank top and maxi dress, I used classic cotton knit with elastane from the Czech manufacturer Moraviatex.cz:
Tips & suggestions
For the garment to fit you well, you need to measure yourself carefully and compare your body dimensions with the size chart (you will find the chart in the product detail and pattern files).
It is quite likely that your body dimensions will not precisely match one specific size in the table. But that’s not a problem. You can easily adjust your pattern for a perfect fit. You can also proportionally scale the pattern up or down. You can find out more about various pattern adjustments here:
How to adjust your pattern for a perfect fit.
If you do not know how to sew elastic fabrics on a classic machine, then I recommend reading this article:
Sewing elastic fabrics with a regular sewing machine - 4 steps to success
Video tutorial
This time I photographed and filmed the whole sewing process. You may want to watch the video tutorial first so you know what to expect. Once you start sewing, I recommend following the photo instructions, which will allow you to proceed step by step/photo by photo.
You can watch the video tutorial on my YouTube channel and right here:
Subscribe to my channel so you don't miss any new videos. :)
Photo instructions
And here is how to sew a women's tank top or dress step by step...
Pattern layout
First, prepare the paper pattern. In the pattern files, you will find pieces for the tank top, above the knee dress, and maxi dress. If you decide to use the pattern view with seam allowances outlined (A4, one size view), then you have to modify the pieces for the tank top and shorter version of the dress.
Find the line that marks the bottom edge of the tank top (or dress) and move it 3 cm (1.2") down. This creates a hem allowance for the lower edge of the tank top/dress. If you draw this hem allowance on your paper pattern, you won’t be able to accidentally cut the pieces without it. :)
Modify the front and back pieces in the same way.
Pattern layout on a striped fabric
If you use a striped fabric like me, you'll probably want to make stripes match up at the seams. You can learn how to do that thanks to this video tutorial:
You can read more about pattern matching in this article: Sewing with stripes - Pattern matching
Prepare:
- 1x front piece (cut on the fold)
- 1x back piece (cut on the fold)
Sewing
Transfer the waistline marks to your fabric pieces.
1 - Shoulder seams
Let’s do the shoulder seams first. Lay the front piece over the back piece (face side to face side) and pin both shoulder seams.
2 - Neckline & armholes
Clean the neckline...
...and both armholes. Pull free ends of all thread chains under the loops when using an overlock machine.
Fold the edges of the armholes 1 cm (3/8") to the reverse side and topstitch them (use some kind of elastic stitch).
You can also use a twin needle.
Finish the neckline in the same way.
3 - First side seam
Now pin one of the side seams. Take care to match up stripes and other prints (unless you have a monochromatic fabric). If you prepared the pieces correctly during the layout phase, it should be a piece of cake.
Sew the side seam. Pull free ends of the thread chain under the loops (when using an overlock machine).
4 - Waistline
Measure the correct length of the elastic band for the waistline - simply wrap it around your body so that it is not too tight or too loose, add 3 cm (1.2 ") to the measured length, and cut the band. I used a classic narrow (0.5 cm / 0.2") elastic band for this tank top. Fold the elastic band in half and mark its center point with a pin.
Align the center point with one of the waistline marks (these marks should have been previously transferred from the paper pattern). Pin the band to the side seam.
Then pin ends of the elastic band to the edges of the front and back piece, which will later form the second side seam (it is not sewn yet). The elastic band should extend about 1.5 cm (5/8 ") beyond the edges on both sides.
Set your sewing machine to a narrow zigzag stitch. My band is 0.5 cm (0,2") wide and I used a 2.75 mm (0,1") wide stitch. I also reduced the presser foot pressure.
Sew the band the waistline. Sew on the inside of the garment so you can see the band. Slightly stretch the band when sewing.
This is what it should look like when you're done:
5 - Second side seam
Fold the tank top/dress face side in and pin the second side seam. Don't forget to match up the stripes again.
Both ends of the elastic should be aligned too.
Sew the side seam. Pull free ends of the thread chain under the loops (when using an overlock machine).
6 - Bottom hem
Clean the bottom cutting edge of your tank top/dress. Pull free ends of thread chain under the loops when using your overlock machine.
Fold the bottom edge 3 cm (1.2") to the reverse side and topstitch it. Use an elastic stitch (or twin needle).
Try to sew at a constant distance from the fold. If your sewing machine has a sewing bed with guidelines or grids, use them.
And that's it, your new tank top (or dress) is ready!
You can also sew your tank top/dress without an elastic band at the waist.
You can get the pattern from today’s article here: 3in1 pattern - Women's tank top/dresses SEASIDE
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PS: Did you know that there are FREE PATTERNS available on my blog?