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 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.

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:

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.

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 S ummer 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!