This tank top is a custom pattern I made for myself. I wanted a full coverage tank top that wasn’t going to lose its shape after a few washes. This style is comfortable, simple, and great for casual wear. Below are the construction steps, along with additional information about the making this garment.
Garment information
Fabric: Has decent stretch horizontally, slight stretch vertically, with ribs vertical. Specifically used: Ribbed knit from Hobby Lobby.
Fabric amount: 3/4 yd. of 59” width. This includes enough for bindings.
Pattern: Self-drafted from knit block.
Serger settings:
- All tension: 4
- Differential: 1.8
- Stitch width: 2-2.5
- Stitch length: 6
Sewing machine settings for topstitch: Triple straight stitch 6 (best) or a regular 7 zig-zag stitch
Additional notes: Doubling the front adds modesty and protection from sweat showing. Adding 1/4” plastic swimwear elastic to the neckline, shoulder seams, and armholes adds some bulk and potential rolling, but also stability against long-term wear and sagging.
Construction
- Cut out pieces.
- Cut 2 front pieces if doubling the front. Make 1 front piece 1/2” shorter on the bottom to avoid fold-over bulk.
- Serge shoulder seams together. Optional: include 1/4” swimwear elastic when serging.
- Order of layers if doubling the front:
- Long front (outer)—RS up
- Back—WS up
- Short front (inner)—WS up
- Order of layers if doubling the front:
- Serge side seams.
- Cut binding pieces. Add 1/2” seam allowance to length for connecting.
- 17” x 1 1/4” for armholes. Cut 2.
- 26” x 1 1/4” for neckline. Cut 1.
- Bind armholes and neckline. Optional: include 1/4” swimwear elastic when serging.
- Serge ends of binding together. Pin RS of binding to RS of tank top evenly around armhole and neckline. Serge around each perimeter.
- Fold binding over, leaving excess out. Topstitch next to fold.
- Trim excess fabric.
- Finish hem.
- Fold up 1/2” and topstitch. Trim excess fabric.
