Tiered Tank Pattern

Call me old school, but I have visions of tiered tank maxi dresses floating in my head. Nothing fancy, or ‘new’ per say, just a nice flowing bohemian beach style tiered maxi dress that will float around me in the wind.  I ordered my fabric, and finally found the time to sit down and draft my pattern. Which is when I realized something…

I needed WAY more fabric than I had ordered. Ha! I forgot just how much fabric each gathered ruffle needs in order to make a maxi length dress! Not wanting to scrap the whole project, I decided a tank top would still be lovely in this rose linen blend. And let me just tell you, I am so happy with the end result. This shirt looks phenomenal paired with jeans, or even my wide leg chambray pants. It is comfortable, yet airy. Perfect for date night, or when I am just hanging and want to throw it on with shorts. I love, love, love, love, LOVE it.

Normally I would wait to release a new free pattern, let some dust settle between my gathered front raglan DIY from last week…but this one I just couldn’t sit on. It is way too good for Summer!!! And I wanted to make sure everyone had the chance to sew one up before it was too late. You have GOT to make this!

I still have dreams for that tiered maxi, I just need to find 4 yards of the right light-weight fabric to make it! But this tiered tank top pattern is a great starting off point.

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Tiered Tank Pattern

Free women’s tank top sewing pattern, for size 34″ – 36″ bust

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Skill level: Advanced beginner
Time needed: 3-4 hours

 

MATERIALS:

• Click here to download the women’s tiered tank pattern
• 1.75 yards lightweight woven fabric
• Coordinating thread
• Universal regular point needle
• Rotary cutter / fabric scissors
• Pins
• Basic sewing essentials

 

FABRIC SEEN IN ABOVE PHOTOS:

• Kaufman Essex Linen Blend Rose

*Thoughts on fabric used: The fabric is a gorgeous color, like truly truly beautiful. The linen is a bit on the rough side, even after washing. A 55% linen/45% cotton blend, it is a bit heavier on the weight scale for me when it comes to linen. This fabric would be PERFECT for pants or shorts – as there is no need to line the fabric. Although the weight of the fabric works for the shirt I made, I would not use it for the maxi dress I have in my head – as it would ultimately be a heavy garment if this fabric was used. All in all, I like the fabric and would recommend it, for the right mid-weight fabric project.

 

HOW TO SEW THE TIERED TANK:

Step One – Download, print, and cut out pattern pieces as indicated. Be sure to check the test square prior to cutting, to ensure proper size.

* Please note – the neckline and arm binding are both to be cut on the BIAS.

Step Two – Sew a line of gathering stitches along the top edge of your two ruffle pattern pieces. Gently pull the bobbin thread until the ruffle is gathered evenly, and is the same width as the bodice.

Step Three – Place ruffle right sides together with the bottom of the bodice, matching up the raw edges. Pin and sew. Repeat for both front and back bodice. Finish seam and press seam up.

Step Four – Finish all 4 side raw edges of pocket. Fold 2 long side edges 1/4″ towards wrong side and press. Fold the bottom edge 1/2″ towards the wrong side and press. Fold top edge 2 1/4″ towards the RIGHT SIDE and press. Then take the folded top flap and bring it 1 1/4″ back up, with 1/4″ hanging back onto the wrong side of the pocket. This will leave you with a nice 1″ folded upper pocket panel.  Press. Sew a line along the top pocket fold to secure in place. Place pocket where desired on the front bodice, pin and sew around sides and bottom.

Step Five – Place front and back right sides together, matching up side seams. Pin and sew. Finish seams with either a serger, zigzag stitch, or pinking shears.

Step Six – Make double fold bias tape with the neckline binding pattern pieces. Sew neckline binding bias tape to front and back neckline. (For an in-depth bias tape tutorial, click HERE.)

Step Seven – Make double fold bias tape with the arm binding pattern pieces. Unfold the arm binding bias tape at the short raw side edges, and place right sides together. Pin and sew to create a loop. Refold bias tape and press. Repeat for both arm binding pattern pieces. Sew arm binding pattern pieces to the armsyce of the tank top, with the top of the loop creating the tank top straps. Sew around bias tape close bias tape and finish strap.

And you are finished!

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Thanks so much for stopping by, and until next time…

Happy sewing!