23.11.10

Ruffle Tank

I am ridiculously pleased with how this turned out. It is just a tank top after all.

Mostly I am happy with the fit.  It doesn't gape at the bust or roll up at the hips.  I started with a Jalie t-shirt pattern.  Size T for the top half, although a U across the upper back.  I graded to a size W at the waist line.  I made a gradual transition from T to W, rather than closely following the body line.  I drew in the strap width and neckline.  Next time, I think I could make the upper back a tad wider, the armholes lower and cut in the armholes some more.


The fabric was a remnant piece of unknown composition.  I didn't have much of it, so I cut the tank on the cross grain.  The fabric is pretty stretchy so this doesn't seem to matter.  For the binding I used a lighter weight fabric from another remnant.  This remnant was marked as cotton-spandex, by hand, but it smells like silk to me.  This fabric was one of those crazy curling knits, so I cut the binding strip wider than I needed.  I was going to trim the excess width, but before I could do that, it curled itself nicely, bringing the raw edge back out past the neckline.  I quite like this effect, so I am going to leave it untrimmed.


The skirt in the top photo is reviewed in an earlier post.

11 comments:

Kristy Chan said...

I've been trying to get that curled edge finish on a knit tee and failed, and yet here you managed it accidentally! It looks great though, so I might try a different fabric and see if it 'just' happens for me....

Mary Nanna said...

Nice work - you are getting yourself together a wardrobe of interesting tank options- no doubt perfect for the weather you are having. If one cannot go round naked with a cold fan, interesting tanks would be the next best thing.

Gail said...

I'm more than a bit partial to ruffles too. Did you use an overlocked rolled hem on the ruffles? I like the extra trim at the neck too.

Sew-4-Fun said...

Nice! Can't beat a simple ruffle tank top. I wear mine all the time.

Bernice said...

Hey cute tank. The fit and ruffles look fabulous. The neckline is pretty groovy too. I'm a little suspicious though - I thought you didn't wear white?

Angela said...

I can see why you're so pleased! It looks great!!

kbenco said...

Beautifully fitting simple clothes are totally satisfying, and you can wear them every day. Excellent tank top. I would be thrilled too.

gwensews said...

That's a very stylish top. Very feminine and looks terrific on you.

Carolyn said...

This is such a cute tank top. I love how the fabric has curled naturally to look just the way you wanted! So serendipitous!

WW said...

Very pretty top. I love the idea of spicing up a plain old tank with ruffles to give it a very stylish look.

Carolyn said...

Thankyou for your comment on the shirt I made my husband! In answer to your question;
The diagonal buttonholes were not more difficult to do, but I spent some time measuring up super carefully first; the stripes made this easier! And yes, the buttonhole band and the button band strips are both interfaced with lightweight fusible interfacing, as are the cuffs, sleeve plackets, collar and collar stand.

And I still adore this tank! Have a great weekend.