This tank top sewing pattern is my new favorite! And you are probably thinking I say that every time I have a new pattern, you probably are right! I just get sooo excited when I make something that fits great and is fun to wear. This cross back tank has been perfect for the spring and summer so far. This tank top pattern comes in sizes xs-xxl and is a forgiving style for fitting. I hope you will make it and share photos in our FB group here.
Tank Top Sewing Pattern – Womens Cross Back Tank
Here’s what the front looks like… just a great fitting tank… the back is where it looks a bit different, but this tank top could really be dressed up with the right fabric. The neckline is perfect and shoulders fit great. I think this would be super cute with a sweater knit!
Other Tank Top Pdf’s You May Enjoy-
- Womens Tank Top Dress Pattern
- Sports Tank Free Printable PDF pattern
- Racerback tank top sewing pattern
Sewing a Tank Top Pattern –
Let’s get sewing!! I think I need a few more of these and I can’t wait to add some cute text to them as well to really make a cute summer tank. You can use the size chart here or on the pattern pieces to determine your size. As you cans see it’s most fitted in the shoulder/chest area, and the fit is very forgiving. Make sure you have enough room for your bust and then adjust from there…
Head over and download/print the pattern by clicking the photo below. Link has been updated to now go to this pattern in my shop.
Cut and assemble the pattern. It should look like this…
Gather your supplies… you will need 1- 1.5 yards of knit fabric {depending on the width} You can use knit ribbing for the neckline or just more of the fabric you use for the tank. Cut 2 backs, one front on fold and one neckband. 3/8″ seam allowance included.
**NOTE** I’ve made this several times and now feel that the armscye is too high. I would lower it an inch {or more} as shown with the mark in the photo below. **
Finish the long straight edges of the back. Use a cover-stitch or twin needle on your sewing machine to hem the edge. I just turned over about 1/2 inch.
With right sides together pin one shoulder and then overlap the back pieces in the center. You will overlap 4″ for all sizes. Baste this overlap part of the back and sew the 1 shoulder seam.
Fold the neckband in half with the wrong sides together and then stretch and pin evenly around the neckline from the open shoulder around to the other side. Sew around with a serger or stretchy stitch {zig zag or knit stitch}
With right sides together sew the other shoulder seam closed.
Top stitch with cover-stitch or twin needle.
Fold tank with right sides together and sew up the side seams. I also hemmed the bottom here with a 1″ hem, but you can leave that to the end if you want too.
On the back of the tank stitch along the edge of the crossed over side to secure the two backs together. Sew between 4.5″ and 6.5″ depending on your personal preference… the most you stitch the less it will open in the back. Try to pull the crossed part over and straight before you sew.
Finish the arm openings by folding in 3/4″. I didn’t finish my raw edge first, but you can if you want.
Top-stitch to finish the edge. Stitch along the raw folded over edge to finish. I know it seems strange without a facing, but I finished my boys tank like this a few years ago and it works really well and is super easy. Hem the bottom if you haven’t already. And you are done!! I’ve worn this tank a ton since I made it in April and am looking forward to making another… maybe with a print.
Here’s one last link to go grab this free tank top pattern!
Here are some other free tank top sewing patterns for you to enjoy!
Boys free tank pattern
Susan Knight says
Love this and got all excited until I remembered that your sizing stops at XL. I need full bust of 49. And I know there are many others who wish designers would recognize that fluffy people exist and love to sew. Thanks anyway. It’s cute.
S.Hansen says
Can t-shirt fabric be used for this? I really want to make it. TY!
Barbara C. Hardison says
I love this shirt…….wish you would make them and sell them!
Odile Peloquin says
Your site frustrates me. It keeps sending me in circles! How do I get the pdf patterns???!!
I give up.
Elizabeth says
Same!
Andrea Rodriguez says
If you read the post there is always a square that said download pattern here. Then it send you to putting the pattern in the cart and fill the information like if you were buying but is not going to charge is just a formality. Also do you realize this pattern is free right? This designer in particular have lots of patterns for free so you could have nicer in the way you ask for. Politeness is good when asking to be guided
Janice Martinez says
If you would have told me that I only could download one tank top i would not have wasted my time. At seventy-one years old I have no time to waste.
Emily says
hi! I’m not sure I understand? This is the link to a single tank top pattern. I do have more tanks, but each one is a different pattern. Sorry for wasting you time.
Katherine Wagner says
I downloaded several tank tops, printed them and got them ready. I now have 4 tank tops ready to sew.
Each tank top/pattern is an individual pdf file to download.
Katherine Wagner says
Love your patterns.
Thank you
I Trigonis says
Fabulous tank pattern. It will be the basis of an adaptive shirt. Thank you, thank you.
Paola says
so fruSTRATED AFTER A GAZILLION TRIES, STILL COULDNT DOWNLOAD THE DARN PATTERN
C Norg says
Thank you so much for your patterns! I’ve used several and they are easy peasy to download and print. Click the square, addd to cart and check out just like a purchase but FREE!! Doesn’t get much better than this!
Emily says
thank you so much!
Kimberly Stowe says
This is a super cute tank! I don’t wear sleeveless. Do you have any advice on how to add sleeves? Cap or short would be great. TIA
Jennifer Thomas says
Thank you soooo much. I love your patterns. Bless you for them being free, I am 70 yrs old and live on social security. Again, thank you!
Gisele McMillan says
I downloaded the pattern but couldn’t find a printable tutorial so I’ll cut and paste the info. Thanks for the free pattern, Emily.
Wendy Herman says
Not sure if you’re still monitoring this one, but I don’t see the neckband on the pattern…? Help! I just need the measurements to cut, thanks! If I’m missing it, I apologize. Thanks so much for putting this out there for free, I’m excited to make it!
Wendy Herman says
Oh my gosh, I just found the measurements for the neckband, sorry!!!!
Emily says
Glad you ending up finding it!
Ashley says
Really enjoy this pattern. Had no problem with the download. Just followed the on-screen directions and it was pretty simple! Have made two of them so far. Added a zipper to the back seam in order to make one out of a no-stretch fabric. Easy-peasy and very flattering results! Thank you for a great free pattern.