Inside: sew a tank top from this free sewing pattern pdf. A free gathered back tank with cute shape and easy to sew tutorial. A simple summer sewing project in sizes xs- xxl.
I live in tank tops all summer long. Below you can find a long list of free pdf sewing patterns to make tank tops and today I’ve got a new one for you. I Love the simple shape of the front and the gathered back. This is a pretty quick sewing project as well, so you can make several.
Free Sewing Pattern – PDF Tank Top
Let’s talk about the details and fit of this free tank top pattern. I’ve got a bunch of photos for you below that show how this tank fits… Three tanks, three fits… the only difference? THE FABRIC! I’ll talk more about fabric choice below.
so let’s say the fabric is pretty important for this project… although if you want to play around a bit like I did you may still love what you make. The grey is an upcycled Old Navy Mens Shirts, the green is sweater knit and the yellow is a 4 way stretch from Joann fabric that is TOO stretchy. {saggy}
The back of this tank is what makes it so cute, the fun yoke and gathered back. I’m wearing a cami under this tank in these shots.
Here’s the front.. You can see how the orange looks way bigger.. it’s actually cut from the same pattern pieces! The grey version is a higher neckline. Both are included in the pattern.
You can also see how the stretch of the fabric changes the fit on the side. Too much stretch is too saggy.. At least to wear without something underneath.
Overall I’m super excited about the grey version and sweater knit version of this tank. The fit is a bit different, but they are both wearable for sure.
So to summarize – basic t-shirt knit is the best fabric for this project. Look for thinner weight fabric with 2 way stretch. {only stretchy side to side, not up and down}
More Free Tank Top Sewing Patterns
Ok! Let’s get ready to sew…. Start by downloading the free womens tank pattern using the button below.
Remember as I mentioned above a thin cotton jersey or cotton spandex works best. KNIT FABRIC ONLY. I also used a thin sweater knit that worked well. Fabric with equal FOUR way stretch doesn’t work well. Here are some fabric that would be great for this tank…
How to sew a tank top
Begin by printing and assembling the pattern pieces. Need help with the downloading/printing/assembling? Check out my all about PDF patterns post HERE.
You can use this layout guide to help with your pattern assembly. A 3/8″ seam allowance is included on all pattern pieces. SEW ALL SEAMS WITH A SERGER OR STRETCH STITCH.
Choose your size based on this chart.
Cut out all pieces as directed on pattern pieces. There is a band cutting chart on the sewing pattern and I’m also putting it here if you need. The band lengths are NOT PERFECT… you may need to adjust…every fabric is different, but these will give you a general idea.
In the modeled photo above the grey neckline is the original as from the printed pattern. Want a lower neckline like the green version? Here’s how I lowered it.
Draw a curved line about 2″ down from the original front neck. Your curve should meet the front fold edge at 90 degrees. Cut the new scoop neck. You will need to LENGTHEN the neck band a bit to fit your new neckline.
The grey version of this tank used a large mens shirt for fabric {a shirt upcycle/recycle}. I was able to keep the hem from the shirt, so when I cut the front and back pieces I overlapped the pattern like this to adjust for the reused hem.
Here’s my pattern piece cut out, but keeping the hem from the original shirt.
Start sewing the tank by gathering the back tank piece to match the width of the back yoke. Need help gathering? Check out my Gathering Tips post here. When the width is the same, sew with right sides together.
Sew the front and back tank pieces together at ONE shoulder. Fold the neck band so the wrongs sides are together and the long raw edges are touching. Stretch and sew the neck back to the neckline. You will sew three layers. TWO of the band and ONE of the shirt. Lining up all three raw edges.
Remember the cutting chart I gave you is a guide, you may need to shorted your neck band. Sew together and top-stitch if desired.
Sew the other shoulder seam.
Add the arm hole bands the same way you did the neckband. Top-stitch if desired.
Sew up the side seams.
If you used an old hem like I did for the grey version you are now finished! if you used new fabric you will have to hem a 3/4″ hem on the bottom of the tank. Turn up the hem and sew with a stretch stitch to finish you new tank top.
You did it!! What a fun free sewing pattern. Fun to sew and to wear!! I hope you enjoyed this free pdf sewing pattern womens tank. Check out all my other free sewing pattern here.
And one more link to download the pattern if you need
Dina says
With Craftsy aka Bluprint closing, is there somewhere else we can get your Awesome patterns at?
Emily says
they are all in the shop here on my site now!
Gal Gutman says
Absolutely love it!! Made two for myself and one for my mother in law 😎
Em says
Do you think it would be possible to alter an existing tank this way? I have some that are a little too big and I have been looking for a way to bring them in a little…
Natalie P says
Hi! My sewing machine doesn’t have a stretch stitch. Would using a twin needle and/or a zig zag stitch work? I’m so excited to sew this pattern!
Christine Thériault says
Hi. I did it with an old t-shirt and it worked well and I love my tank. I cant find the info on how many yards I need if I want to start from new fabric, can you help me (for a medium size)
Thanks
Kim Messer says
Did you ever figure out how much fabric? I need to know how much for the XXL.
Emily says
you should be fine with 1- 1.5 yards for this. You can lay the pattern pieces out on a piece of fabric to see.
Mama says
I made this in my measured size with an old T-shirt and a little bit of an old jersey bedsheet. It is much too big. The armscye is huge. I’m going to try sizing down, but could my fabric have contributed to this problem? I thought T-shirt jersey was preferred…
Melinda says
That’s an interesting way to do the bindings that I’ve never seen before! None of that fight-with-it-as-you-go nonsense and pray it comes out right 😛 Thanks!!
Katrina A Villegas says
Super cute pattern. But it was waaaaay too big as another mentioned above. I had to take 2 inches off of each side to get it to fit me correctly. Loved the way you do the bands! I am going to do this on all my patterns from now on!