Go-to Pleated Knit Tank Top

Itch-to-Stitch.com

Skill Level:

For a beginner sewing with knits. The instructions are detailed, well diagrammed, and include many tips. They cover the options to use a regular sewing machine, a serger, and/or a cover-stitch machine. If using a sewing machine, our tester suggests clipping and grading seam allowances to reduce bulk, as needed and depending on the fabric weight.

Size Range and Fitting:

The pattern includes separate pattern pieces for regular and full busts. Sized 00 to 40 for regular busts 31 inches to 60 inches and full busts 34-1/4 inches to 63 inches. It has a slight negative ease through the upper bust, then falls with a more relaxed fit through the body. The length, reaching the high hip, can be worn tucked or untucked. The design was planned for wearers with a height of 5 feet 6 inches.

Fabrics:

Use a lightweight knit fabric with good recovery and 50 percent horizontal stretch, such as jersey, double-brushed polyester knits, or viscose French terry. To reduce bulk, choose a lightweight coordinating fabric for the facings.

Style and Sewing Details:

This sleeveless knit tank top has an asymmetrical angled neckline. It features three diagonal pleats across the front and an all-in-one-facing. It is bound to become a summer staple with jeans and shorts, or a base layer under jackets or cardigans.

• The pattern uses the “burrito” method for attaching the all-in-one facing to the armhole. The instructions make the process clear. For a demonstration of this technique, watch the video “Attach an All-in-one Facing to Sleeveless Garments” at ThreadsMagazine.com.
• To determine if you need the regular or full-bust pattern versions, measure your full bust and your overbust circumference. If the difference is 3 inches or less, work with the regular bust pattern in your size. If the difference is greater than 3 inches, use the full-bust version of the pattern in your size.
• Our tester found the instructions some of the best she has seen. It is a well-drafted pattern as well, with matching seamlines and no inaccuracies noted.
• Make your tank one of a kind with piping inserted into the neckline and armhole seams.
• Achieve perfectly topstitched pleats by using an edgestitching foot, along with an offset needle position.
• Lengthen the design into a summer dress style.
• Create a long-sleeved version by drafting a sleeve pattern and a new neckline facing pattern.

This review was originally published in Threads #221, Spring 2023. Have you made this pattern? If so, be sure to share pictures in our Readers Closet gallery.

Photos: Jack Deutsch. Illustrations: Cassandra Bernier.

Threads Recommended Products

Threads receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Vogue 1642

Pattern A has pleated patch pockets with flaps. Pattern B has side seam zippers. This Vogue sewing pattern kit was designed and printed in the United States and comes with sewing templates, instructions, fabric recommendations, pattern pieces, and sizing guides for (2) shirts and (1) pair of pants. Women's clothing patterns can be made to fit sizes 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and 14.

Buy at Amazon

Butterick, Misses’ Shirts and Shorts 6946 and 6947

This pattern makes fitted shirts with collar, sleeve, and cuff options, plus pleated shorts with a front zipper. Includes styles with rolled sleeves, turn-back cuffs, or a stitched hem. Sized for misses 4–12.

Buy at Amazon

Style Arc, Hendrix Coat

The Hendrix coat sewing pattern from Style Arc is an unlined, panelled design with long two-piece sleeves, a button or snap front, and optional top-stitching. It features binding along the neck, hem, and sleeves, along with angled patch pockets and dropped shoulders. Recommended fabrics include wool, linen, faux fur, or velvet, with fabric estimates and trim details provided for sizes 4-30.

Buy at Amazon