I know it is a bit early for summer but not for summer sewing. I thought a simple summer tank top using your own measurements was just the thing. This is a beginner garment making project that just about anyone can make. You will have to draw out the pattern but some Dollar Tree brown paper should do the trick. Keep in mind that you should be accurate with your measurements for it fit well. I don't make too many garments on the site but this one is super simple.
Note:Â This post contains affiliate links that if you click on them and make a purchase I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
What you will Need: How to Make a fun summer Tank Top without a Pattern
Step 1: Take your measurements
Start by taking your measurements. You will need several measurements for this top. First, measure from your collar bone to the bottom of the length of the top. I am long waisted so my measurement was a bit longer than yours may be. Wite down that measurement. Next, measure around your waist. You will want this top to be loose fitting for the summer so add about 13″ to your waist measurement. Divide that measurement by 4 to get the width. Measure from your Collar Bone to your shoulder where you want the straps to be. Add 2″ to that measurement for the width of the straps. Finally, measure from the second strap line to under the armpit. Again add a few inces here to keep it loose.
Step 2: Create the Pattern
Use pattern or packaging paper to create the pattern. You will need to draw a rectangle along one side of the paper using the measurements for the length and width. Add the measurements for the straps to the top of the rectangle. Draw a smooth curve toward the fold line for the depth of the neckline you would like. Finally, Use the armpit measurement and draw another smooth line from the second strap line to the rectangle raw edge as shown. Add a 1/2″ seam allowance to all of the measurements.
If you want this to be a crop top you need not add the next step. For a longer version find your waist measurement and transfer it to the pattern. Draw an arc from the armpit to the waist and back down to give the top some definition.
Step 3: Cut out the pattern
Place the pattern onto a folded piece of fabric where you have created the fold line. Pin the pattern to the fabric and cut it out for the front of the top. Repeat for the back of the top but do not cut out the scoop for the neckline. Just cut a straight line from the fold to the first strap mark.
Step 4: Stitch the Top
Start by stitching the straps right sides together using a 1/2″ seam allowance. Next, stitch the sides alsop right sides together. You can try on the top at this point to see if you would like to make any changes.
Step 5: Hem the Top
You will want to either hem the arm holes, neck and bottom by folding the fabric over twice and stitching, doing a rolled hem if your machine wil do that using a rolled hem foot or you can add some bias binding to accentuate the arms, neck and bottom. I added bias binding to my top. This is completely up to you. once the top is hemmed you are finished. Wear this summer and enjoy.
I hope you enjoyed this simple garment project. If you would like more sewing and crafting projects subscribe to our free newsletter and receive access to our free Printables Library.
If you would like video tutorials of some of Sew Very Crafty's most popular posts subscribe to our our YouTube channel here.
