Sewing a Tank Top From Scratch

I've had this lovely crepe-like fabric I bought from a garage sale years ago and I finally had the time and the right idea to make something out of it! I chose to make a pretty tank top that I could wear to work and school for the summer. My decision was influenced by the fact that I had less than a yard and I even had to use some scraps for the straps!

I didn't take any pictures of myself wearing the top, except this one my boyfriend took this blurry one of me at a museum the day I finished it...

Let's get started, shall we?

Sewing a garment from scratch is easiest if you own a similar garment made of a similar fabric. Whenever I try to create a paper pattern based on measurements, I fail! So this is a good option for beginners.

I had an idea in my head of what I wanted this top to look like and a reference photo as well. To be honest, I just did a lot of guessing on this project. With the fabric doubled, I cut out 2 front and back pieces. (Leave plenty of room for seam allowance!)

I actually made use of the dressform I bought in 5th grade by draping my top pieces onto it.

Looking good!


Utilizing the VERY last scraps of my fabric, I cut out 4 pieces (2 sets of 2) for my neckline facing. The goal is to trace the top outline of your shirt onto another piece of fabric; it doesn't really matter how the bottom of the shape looks. 2-3 inches in length is sufficient. Iron on a lightweight interfacing  to the wrong side now if you please!

I pinned the interfacing pieces on right sides together before moving along with the top!

This is what it should look like! Iron the facing and the seam allowance away from your top & press.

Trim any extra seam allowance to prevent bulk. 

Now for the straps!

I actually did not have enough fabric for the straps so I used some scrap black fabric of a similar textile! I wanted thin-almost-spaghetti straps, so I cut a strip about 1.5" wide & 15" long. My final strap length ended up around 12".

Fold your strap in half lengthwise, with right sides together. Sew along the edge & backstitch! Turn tube right side out, here I used the safety pin method.

Gorgeous!

With your top & interfacing with right sides facing together, place your straps in between the layers like a sandwich! Pin them into place. Sew across, using the outermost edge of the top as your guide. Make sure the straps lay flat and don't slip out of place.

After completing sewing the straps to one side, make sure they line up & look nice!

Turn your facing and seam allowance away once again and press. This time, sew through the seam allowance (NOT the shirt front) and the facing. This will make sure it lies flat while you wear your garment. It will be difficult if your top has a v-neck like mine, go slowly!

Try your top on for size and figure out how long your straps need to be! This is important because you will sew the other sides of your straps to the back piece next.

Lay it out on the ground to make it easier! 

Making sure the straps aren't twisted, feed them through the back piece & its own facing and sew shut! Repeat the pressing and topstitching. The process is exactly the same as the front, or whichever side you completed first!

Probably the most difficult part!
Now, you make choose to hem your shirt, add a trim such as pom-poms or fringe, or leave a raw edge like I did! (Not a good idea for cotton fabrics or lightweight sheer fabrics).

Here it is! My finished product. A top I sewed that I will actually wear!

Happy making,

--Courtney