Tank tops, also called vests and singlets, are sleeveless tops normally made from stretchy knit fabric. They can be tight or relaxed fitting. Today, I’ve rounded up the best on offer for women, men, and kids, including 24 free ones!
If you’re looking for patterns with thinner straps, check out our list of camisole patterns.
Contents list:
- Basic tank tops
- Fitted tank tops
- Cropped tank tops
- Tank tops with unique details
- Spaghetti straps
- V-Neck
- Woven tank tops
- Men’s tanks
- Children’s tanks
- What fabric is used for tank tops?
Basic Tank Tops:
“Swanky Tank” with High Neckline and Floaty Hemline
Download now from Petite Stitchery – FREE
- Sizes: XS – 3XL. Bust: 31.5” – 51” (80 – 130 cm).
- Design: Flared, high-neck tank top. Round neckline. Curved armholes. Mid-hip length with floaty hemline.
- Fabric: Four-way stretch knit with at least 50% stretch and good recovery is recommended, but two-way stretch knits with less stretch can also be used. Examples include cotton spandex, brushed poly, French terry with rayon (stretch), ITY, rayon spandex, and stretch velvet.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF download in US letter or A4 size, A0 copy shop size. Projector files are available. Instructions are included with the download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this would be a great pattern for a beginner wanting to advance their skills with knit fabrics since the style of the tank is simple and minimal fitting is involved.
“Lago” Tank Top with Scoop Neckline
Download now from Itch to Stitch – FREE
- Sizes: US 00-20. Bust: 31” – 46” (79 – 117.5 cm).
- Design: Classic relaxed fit tank top with scoop neckline. High back neckline. Neck and armhole bands. Hip length.
- Fabric: Two or four-way stretch knits with 50-75% recovery. For example, cotton spandex, ITY, or cotton/viscose/poly jerseys.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF download in US letter or A4 size, A0 copy shop size. Instructions are included with the download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this would be a great one for an adventurous beginner to try. Some previous experience sewing with knits might be an advantage but this would also be a good pattern to learn with since it’s such a simple style.
“Key West” A-line Tank Top with Scoop Neck
Download now from Pattern Niche – FREE
- Sizes: 2XS-3XL. Bust: 29”-49” (74 – 124.5 cm).
- Design: Scoop neckline. High back neckline. A-line silhouette with floaty hem. Two back views: classic tank or racerback. Two length options: full or cropped. Two neck and armhole finishes: binding or bands. Patch pocket on the chest.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight knit fabrics with at least 35% stretch. For example, cotton or rayon spandex, cotton lycra, jersey, scuba, and interlock.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF download in US letter or A4 size, A0 copy shop size. Instructions are included with the download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think an adventurous beginner could have a go at this pattern. The design is fairly simple but some previous experience sewing knits might be helpful when attaching the bindings or bands.
Tank Top with Curved Hem and Patch Pocket (+Video)
Download now from Ellie and Mac – FREE
- Sizes: 2XS-6XL. Bust: 29” – 63” (74 – 160 cm).
- Design: Basic tank top with wide straps. Scoop neckline. Curved hem. Patch pocket. Center back seam for shaping.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight four-way stretch knits with at least 50% stretch. For example, cotton spandex, ITY, and cotton/viscose/poly jerseys.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF download in US letter or A4 size, A0 copy shop size. Projector files are available. Instructions are included with the download.
- Instructions: Photo instructions are included within the download and there’s a free video tutorial available to watch here.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think an adventurous beginner could have a go at this pattern. The style is simple but complete beginners may struggle with attaching the arm and neck bands and sewing the curved hem, so some experience with stretch knit fabrics would be advantageous.
“Durango” Tank with Round Neckline and Center Back Seam
Download now from Hey June Handmade – FREE
- Sizes: US 2 – 22. Bust: 34.5” – 46.5” (88 – 118 cm).
- Design: Classic tank top with a high round neckline. Centre back seam. Long, flared hem. Neck and armbands. Wide straps.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight stretch knit fabrics with good recovery. For example, cotton / rayon spandex, triblend, ITY, cotton / viscose / poly jerseys, or bamboo blends.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF download in US letter or A4 size, A0 and US copyshop size. Instructions are included with the download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think an adventurous beginner could have a go at this pattern, the style is simple, but some previous experience with sewing knit fabrics would be an advantage when attaching the neck and arm bands.
“B5999” Sporty Tank Top with High Neckline
Buy now from Simplicity – $9.77
- Sizes: US 8 – 22. Bust: 31.5” – 46” (80 – 117 cm).
- Design: Sporty tank top with high neckline. Bust darts. Three length options. Neck and armhole bindings finished with a twin needle.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight stretch knit fabrics with good recovery. For example, rib knits, cotton/rayon spandex, ITY, or cotton / viscose / poly jerseys.
- Format: Paper pattern. Instructions are included within the pattern envelope.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think an advanced or adventurous beginner could make this pattern but a complete beginner could struggle with attaching the narrow bindings, therefore some previous experience would be helpful.
“Adventure” Tank with Muscle Tank or Racerback Views
Download now from Creative Bug – FREE. Use the free trial to get this pattern for free. Look for the small ‘download’ button just below the video. Click this to start downloading the PDF file.
- Sizes: XS – 2XL. Bust: 32″ – 46″ (81 – 117 cm).
- Design: 2 designs are included: A racer-back tank with low-cut armholes and a scoop neck. A muscle tank with wider shoulders and higher neckline. They both have a slightly flared silhouette and relaxed fit. The necklines and armholes are finished with bands.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight stretchy knit fabric. For example, rib knits, cotton / rayon spandex, ITY, or cotton / viscose / poly jerseys.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF download in US letter or A4 size, A0 copy shop size.
- Instructions: Video instructions are available through a free trial of Creativebug.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think an advanced or adventurous beginner could make this pattern. A complete beginner could struggle with attaching the narrow armhole binding and straps, so some previous experience with knits would be an advantage.
Fitted Tank Tops:
“Sylvan” Classic Fitted Tank with Three Views
Download now from Mood Fabrics – FREE
- Sizes: US 00 – 32. Bust: 31” – 59.5” (79 – 151 cm).
- Design: Classic tank top with rounded neckline. Three views: tank top with a straight hem, cropped tank with a unique hemline, and a tank top dress. Armholes and necklines are finished with bands.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight stretch knit fabrics with at least 60% stretch and good recovery. For example, rib knit, waffle knit, cotton spandex, or bamboo jersey.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF download in US letter or A4 size. Photo instructions are included in the blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? No. I think an advanced beginner with some experience sewing knits would better suit this pattern. The fabrics used are very stretchy and can be difficult to work with. Attaching the neck and armhole bands could be tricky for a complete beginner.
Camisole Style Tank Top with Thin Elastic Straps
Download now from Sozo What Do You Know – FREE
- Sizes: US 6 – 14. Approx. bust measurements: 34” – 44” (86 – 112 cm).
- Design: Camisole or singlet style tank top. Scooped neck. Thin elastic straps. Neckline finished with elastic. Straight back. Full length.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight stretch knit fabrics with at least 60% stretch and good recovery. For example, rib knit, waffle knit, cotton spandex, or bamboo jersey.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF download in US letter or A4 size. Instructions are included as a separate file.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think an advanced or advanced beginner with some experience sewing knits could have a go at this pattern. The style of the tank is very simple but attaching the elastic straps and getting the tension correct could be difficult for a complete beginner.
“Stardust” Tank Top with Paneling Detail
Buy now from Halla Patterns – $9.95 (Free with Facebook group code)
- Sizes: US 00 – 30. Bust: 30” – 55” (76 – 140 cm).
- Design: Fitted tank top. Scoop neckline. Wide straps. Different paneling and colourblocking options including a unique star-shaped panel. Neckline and armholes are finished with bands. Side pocket. Short and long sleeve options included.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight knit fabric with good recovery, like cotton lycra, rayon lycra, french terry, single or double brushed polyester. Cotton lycra blends are recommended for the bands.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF download in US letter or A4 size. Instructions are included with the download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think an adventurous beginner could have a go at this pattern. The tank can be made without the paneling details to make it a simpler sew. Use a more stable fabric such as a cotton blend to make the sewing process easier.
Cropped Tank Tops:
“Luna” Tank Top with Floaty Hemline
Download now from Helen’s Closet – FREE
- Sizes: US 0 – 34. Bust: 29” – 60” (73.5 – 152.5 cm).
- Design: Cropped tank top with a floaty hemline. Scoop neckline. Wide straps. A-line silhouette. Hidden or exposed binding for the neckline and armholes.
- Fabric: Lightweight knit fabric with at least 20% 4-way stretch and good drape, like bamboo jersey, rayon jersey, modal jersey, lightweight cotton jersey, ITY, or rib knits. It can also be made using lightweight, drapey woven fabric like viscose, linen, rayon, challis, or crepe by following the tutorial on this blog post.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF download in US letter or A4 size, A0 copy shop size. Illustrated instructions are included with the download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. The style of the tank is very simple. Some sewing experience could be an advantage when sewing the floaty hemline and neck and arm bands. Helen’s Closet patterns come with very detailed instructions designed for beginners so this would be a great project for those who are new to sewing knits.
Tank Tops with Unique Details:
“N6461” Cropped Tank with Side Slits and Ties
Buy now from Simplicity – $3.99
- Sizes: US 6 – 18. Bust: 30.5” – 40” (78 – 102 cm).
- Design: Cropped tank top with deep side slits and ties. Bust darts. High, round neckline. Options for high-low or cropped hemline. Bias-bound neck and armholes.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight woven or knit fabrics like cotton blends, crepe, linen, or viscose for woven fabrics; or interlock, double knit, or ponte for knits.
- Format: Paper pattern. An instruction booklet is included in the pattern envelope.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think an adventurous beginner with some garment sewing experience could have a go at this pattern. Some experience might be an advantage when it comes to bias binding the neck and armholes.
“Racer” Tank with Crossover Back Detail
Buy now from Lowland Kids – $10
- Sizes: 2XS – 5XL. Bust: 31” – 67” (79 – 170 cm).
- Design: Tank top with scoop neckline. Different back views: racerback or open, cross-over back with ties. Curved hemline. Neck and armhole bands.
- Fabric: Lightweight drapey knit fabric with at least 20% stretch. For example, viscose, rayon, bamboo or Tencel blend knits. Rib knits are recommended for the bands.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF download in US letter or A4 size, and A0 copyshop size. Projector files available. Instructions are included with the download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think an adventurous beginner with some garment sewing experience could have a go at this pattern. A stable knit fabric such as a cotton blend could be used to make the sewing process easier. The racerback view would be easier to sew for a beginner.
Drapey Tank Top with Cross-Over Back
Download now from Life Sew Savory – FREE
- Sizes: XS – 2XL. Bust: 30” – 44” (76 – 112 cm).
- Design: Drapey tank top. High round neck. Wide straps. Cross-over, open back detail. Neck and armhole binding.
- Fabric: Lightweight knit fabric with drape. For example, viscose, rayon, banboo or Tencel blend knits. Rib knit is recommended for the binding.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF download in US letter or A4 size. Photo instructions are available on the blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think an adventurous beginner with some garment sewing experience could have a go at this pattern. The instructions are clear and well-illustrated but some experience sewing with stretch and knit fabrics would be an advantage when attaching the neck and armhole binding.
“Geo” Tank with Square Cut Armholes
Buy now from Misusu – €8 (approx. $8) (FREE for Facebook group members)
- Sizes: EU 34 – 52. Bust: 34” – 52” (86 – 132 cm).
- Design: Classic tank top. Two neckline options: high round neck or scoop neck. Hip-length or cropped with a straight hem. Square cut armbands with 3 different styles. Full bust adjustment tutorial included.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight knit fabrics with at least 50% stretch and good recovery, like jerseys with lycra or elastane blends.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF download in US letter or A4 size, A0 copyshop size. Projector files available. Instructions are included with the download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think an adventurous beginner with some garment sewing experience could have a go at this pattern. Some experience sewing with stretch and knit fabrics would be an advantage when attaching the square set armbands as these would require accuracy. The pattern comes with extensive instructions that would be helpful for a beginner.
Spaghetti Strap Tank Tops / Camisoles:
Simple Tank Top with Thin Spaghetti Straps
Download now from Small Dream Factory – FREE
- Sizes: US 4– 12. Exact bust measurements aren’t included.
- Design: Cami or singlet-style tank top. Spaghetti straps. Round neckline. Straight back. Straight hem.
- Fabric: Lightweight knit fabric with good recovery, like jerseys with spandex or elastane content. Ribbing for the neckband and straps.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF download in US letter or A4 size. Instructions are included on the blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? No. I think an intermediate sewist would better suit this pattern. Although the tank is simple in style, handling the thin ribbing for the neckline and straps would be tricky for a complete beginner. The instructions are quite minimal too, so some previous garment sewing experience would be an advantage.
V-neck Tank Tops:
Semi-Fitted V-neck Tank Top
Buy now from Winter Wear Designs – $7.95 (FREE to Facebook group members)
- Sizes: US 00 – 24. Bust: 28” – 50” (71 – 127 cm).
- Design: Semi-fitted V-neck tank top. Wide straps. High back neckline. Neck and armhole bands. Optional curved or straight hemline.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight knit fabric with some structure and good recovery like cotton jersey with spandex or elastane content.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF download in US letter or A4 size. Instructions are included with the download.
- Suitable for beginners? No. I think an advanced to intermediate sewist would better suit this pattern. V-necklines can be difficult to sew accurately and a beginner could find it difficult to attach the binding to the neckline.
Tank Tops using Woven Non-Stretch Fabric:
“Sorbetto” Tank Top with Center Front Box Pleat Detail
Download now from Seamwork – FREE
- Sizes: US 0 – 26. Bust: 33” – 54” (84 – 137 cm).
- Design: Classic tank top with a twist. Box pleat on the center front. Bust darts. Modest scoop neckline with bias binding finish. No closures. Optional tunic length included.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight woven fabrics with some drape like cotton lawn or voile, linen, rayon, viscose, silk, or crepe.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF download in US letter or A4 size, A0 copy shop size. Instructions are included with the download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think an advanced beginner with some previous garment sewing experience could make this pattern. The style of the tank is simple but a complete beginner could struggle with attaching the bias tape to the arm and neck openings and sewing the box pleat.
Simple Tank Top with Peplum Detail
Download now from Peppermint Mag – FREE with Newsletter Signup
- Sizes: A – K. Bust: 30” – 51.5” (76 – 131 cm).
- Design: Simple pull-on tank top. Scoop neckline. Wide straps. Gathered peplum detail at the waist.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight woven fabrics with some drape like cotton lawn or voile, linen, rayon/viscose, silk, or crepe.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF download in US letter or A4 size, A0 copy shop size. Instructions are included as a separate download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this would be a good pattern for an adventurous beginner with some sewing experience to try. The tank is simple with no fastenings and the peplum skirt would be a great way to practice gathering.
“Polly” Tank Top with Contrast Panel Detail (+Video)
Download now from By Hand London – FREE
- Sizes: US 2 – 16. Bust: 32” – 45” (81 – 114 cm).
- Design: Classic pull-on tank top. Scoop neckline with wide straps. Curved panel on the front for shaping and color-blocking.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight woven or knit fabrics like cotton lawn, quilting, voile, shirting, poplin, batiste, broderie, flannel, lace; drapey fabrics such as silk crepe de chine, silk charmeuse, rayon, wool crepe; and knits such as ponte, double knit and viscose jersey.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF download in US letter or A4 size, A0 copy shop size.
- Instructions: Instructions are included with the download. There’s also a free instructional video available here.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this would be a good pattern for an adventurous beginner with some sewing experience to try. The style of the tank is simple but the contrast panel provides some added interest and a great opportunity to practice sewing and pressing curved lines.
“N6483” Simple Tank Top with Variations
Buy now from Simplicity – $3.99
- Sizes: US 6 – 16. Bust: 30.5” – 38” (78 – 97 cm).
- Design: Simple tank top. Round or scoop necklines. Options for wide or thin straps. Bust darts. Side slits. Centre back seam. Single button closure on the back.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight woven fabrics like gingham, laundered cottons, silk, sandwashed silk, viscose, or linen.
- Format: Paper pattern. Instructions are included in the pattern envelope.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this would be a good pattern for a beginner to try. The tank is simple in construction and includes some basic dressmaking techniques to learn and practice. Use a stable fabric such as cotton or linen to make the sewing process easier.
“Phoebe” Minimalist Tank Top
Download now from Fabrics Store – FREE
- Sizes: US 0 – 30. Bust: 33” – 56” (84 – 142 cm).
- Design: Simple woven tank top. High, rounded neckline with wide straps. Straight silhouette with no darts.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight woven fabrics like linen, cotton, viscose, or silk.
- File format: Print-at-home PDF download in US letter or A4 size.
- Instructions: Photo instructions are available on this blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think an advanced or adventurous beginner could make this pattern but a complete beginner could struggle to attach the thin armhole binding and straps, so some previous experience could be an advantage.
Men’s Tank Tops:
“Andy” Basic Men’s Tank with Style Variations
Buy now from 5 out of 4 Patterns – $10
- Sizes: XS – 6XL. Chest: 30” – 69” (76 – 175 cm).
- Design: Simple, semi-fitted men’s tank top. High or lower scoop necklines. Two armhole cuts with more or less coverage. Two lengths.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight knit fabrics with at least 25% 2-way or 4-way stretch, like poly-cotton blends, brushed poly, bamboo lycra or spandex blends. The neckline and armhole bands require fabric with at least 50% stretch and good recovery.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF download in US letter or A4 size, A0 copy shop size. Projector files available. Instructions are included with the download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. The pattern and instructions are designed with beginners in mind so this would be a good pattern for an adventurous beginner. Some experience sewing with stretch and knit fabrics might be an advantage when it comes to attaching the neckline and armhole bands as these can be fiddly to sew.
Classic Men’s Tank Top
Buy now from Wardrobe by Me – €8 (approx. $8)
- Sizes: 2XS – 4XL. Chest: 28.5” – 48” (72 – 122 cm).
- Design: Slim-fit classic tank top. Straight body. Scoop neckline. Neck and armhole binding.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight knit fabrics with good recovery like cotton jersey blends, rib knit, viscose, rayon, bamboo, or Tencel jersey.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF download in US letter or A4 size, A0 copy shop size. Instructions are included with the download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this would be a good one for a confident beginner to try. Some experience sewing with stretch and knit fabrics might be an advantage when it comes to attaching the neckline and armhole binding.
“Rocky” Semi-Fitted Men’s Tank with Panel Detail
Buy now from Sinclair Patterns- $9.99
- Sizes: XS – 2XL. Chest: 34.5” – 49” (88 – 124 cm). Regular, short, and tall sizes.
- Design: Classic tank top. Straight body. Scoop neck. Optional paneling detail at the sides. Hip length. Two armhole options. Optional hood.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight stable knit fabrics with at least 30-50% stretch. For example, cotton jersey blends, rib knit, or French terry.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF download in US letter or A4 size, A0 copy shop size. Projector files are available. Instructions are included with the download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think this would be a good one for a confident beginner to try. The style of the tank is simple and a stable knit fabric may be used to make the sewing process easier. The view without the panels or the hood would be the easiest to sew.
“Arrowsmith” Men’s Undershirt with Patch Pocket
Download now from Thread Theory Patterns- FREE
- Sizes: XS – 2XL. Chest: 35” – 47.5” (89 – 121 cm).
- Design: Classic tank top. Deep crew neck and large armholes finished with binding. Patch pocket on the chest.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight knit fabrics with moderate stretch. For example, cotton jersey blends, rib knit, or French terry.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF download in US letter or A4 size, A0 and US copyshop size. Detailed instructions are included with the download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. The style of the tank is simple and a stable knit fabric like a t-shirting jersey can be used to make the sewing process easier.
Children’s Tank Tops:
“Key West” Kids’ Tank with Variations
Download now from Pattern Niche – FREE
- Sizes: Ages 1 – 16. Chest: 19 ¾” – 33” (50 – 84 cm).
- Design: Classic tank top. Semi-fitted body. Slim-fit or flared views. Tank or cropped length options. Options for standard or racerback. Option for binding or bands to finish arm and neck openings.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight knit fabrics with at least 35% stretch. For example, cotton jersey lycra, interlock, Ponte, scuba, rayon, or spandex.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF download in US letter or A4 size, A0 copy shop size. Instructions are included with the download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think an advanced beginner could have a go at this pattern. The tank is simple, a stable cotton jersey can be used to make the sewing process easier. This pattern would be a great way to practice and advance your skills in sewing with knit fabrics.
“Sunny” Kids’ Tank Top with Hem Variations
Buy now from Lowland Kids – $9
- Sizes: Newborn – 5 years. Chest: 15” – 24” (38 – 61 cm).
- Design: Classic tank top. Fitted upper body. Option for a split hem, or a swing hem. Options for standard or racer back. Armhole and neck binding.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight knit fabrics such as cotton lycra, jersey, rib knit, and slub.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF download in US letter or A4 size, A0 copy shop size. Projector files are available. Instructions are included with the download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes, I think an adventurous beginner could have a go at this pattern. The tank is simple, but some experience sewing with knit fabrics might be an advantage when attaching the neck and arm bands.
Simple Kids’ Tank Top
Download now from Small Dream Factory – FREE
- Sizes: Ages 6 months – 2 years. Exact chest measurements aren’t given.
- Design: Classic tank top. Straight body. Round neckline. Wide straps. Sleeve and neck binding.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight knit fabrics with good recovery like cotton/lycra jersey, rib knit, interlock, Ponte, scuba, rayon, or spandex.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF download in US letter or A4 size. Instructions are included on the blog post.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. I think an advanced beginner with some previous experience could have a go at this pattern. The tank is simple, but the instructions are quite sparse so some prior knowledge would be helpful.
“Happy” Tank with Braided Racerback Detail
Download Now from Hey June Handmade – FREE
- Sizes: Ages 2 – 14. Exact chest measurements aren’t given.
- Design: Kids’ tank top with scoop neck. Wide straps. Braided, racer back detail, A-line shape.
- Fabric: Ligh to medium-weight knit fabrics like cotton jersey, viscose jersey, rib knit, interlock, or scuba.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF download in US letter or A4 size.
- Instructions: Instructions are included in a separate blog post here.
- Suitable for beginners? No. I think this pattern would better suit an intermediate sewist with some experience sewing knit fabrics. The braided racerback will be fiddly to sew and require some precision.
“Cami’s” Ruffle Flounce Tank Top
Buy now from The Simple Life Company – $5 (FREE for Facebook group members)
- Sizes: Ages 2 – 12. Chest: 20.5” – 30” (52 – 76 cm).
- Design: Cami-style tank top. Thin straps made out of binding. Flounce ruffle detail at the neckline. Straight body.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight knit fabrics with good recovery like cotton/lycra jersey, rib knit, interlock, Ponte, scuba, or spandex.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF download in US letter or A4 size, A0 copy shop size. Instructions are included with the download.
- Suitable for beginners? No. This pattern is better suited to a sewist with some experience sewing knit fabrics. I think a complete beginner might struggle with attaching the ruffle into the binding and using the thin binding to make the straps.
“Amber” Simple Kids’ Tank Top
Download now from Waves and Wild – FREE
- Sizes: Prem – Age 12. Chest: 14” – 29.5” (35 – 75 cm).
- Design: Simple kids’s tank top / singlet / vest. High round neckline and armholes finished with ribbed bands.
- Fabric: Light to medium-weight knit fabrics with moderate stretch, like cotton/lycra jersey. Ribbing with good recovery for the neck and arm bands.
- Format: Print-at-home PDF download in US letter or A4 size, A0 copy shop size. Projector files available. Instructions are included with the download.
- Suitable for beginners? Yes. The style of the tank is very simple, and finishing the armholes and neckline with bands is a relatively easier method. Some experience with knit fabric would be helpful.
What fabric is used for tank tops?
The most commonly used fabrics when making tank tops are light to medium-weight knit fabrics with good recovery (recovery means that when the fabric is stretched out, it will spring back to its original shape and size quickly once relaxed). These types of fabric are commonly used because tank tops often fit tightly to the body and need to be stretched out to get on and off. Fabrics with some percentage of lycra or elastane will give a good amount of stretch and recovery. Some examples of fabrics that work well for knit tank tops are cotton-blend jersey, rib knit, lycra, and spandex. Think about how you want your tank to look and feel when you’re wearing it. If drape is required, bamboo and Tencel blend knit fabrics can work well.
Some tank tops can also be sewn from woven fabrics, and in this case, a fabric with some drape works well like viscose, rayon, challis, crepe, or viscose/linen.
What to read next:
- 32 Tank Top Sewing Patterns
- 35 Gorgeous Free Sewing Patterns for Tops
- 11 Easy Top Sewing Patterns for Beginners
This article was written by Sally Gauntlett, and edited by Nisan Aktürk.
Sally Gauntlett (author)
Sally started sewing as a child. In 2008, she started a handmade business selling personalized gifts and homeware. She then became a sewing content creator, sharing her makes on Youtube and Instagram. Read more…