A while back I ordered some cotton/silk fabric from the Wiksten Spoonflower shop. I made a Grainline Scout tee (see here). I’ve worn it a lot and had a bit of the fabric left over, so I thought I would try to eke out a tank for summer. I had to add a center seam to the back, but I had just enough!I used the Megan Nielsen Eucalypt tank/dress pattern, which has become a staple for me. I made the dress version with one of her kits, and sewed up a few as summer night gowns also. This was my first tank version and I love it! I have a few more pieces of fabric set aside for more of these, as I think they will be great for summer and even early fall with a jacket or cardigan.
This fabric has zero stretch or even give to it, so I did have some trouble with the curve in the front neckline, and also the hem. Since I’ve made this pattern so many times before I know it was just the fabric…I did manage to wrestle it into submission with clipping and lots of steam 🙂 Victory Patterns has a great tutorial on finishing curved edges (here).
The pattern has a nice curved high/low hem- on my next one I may take a little off the back hem for a more subtle dip (and easier to work with curve!) This pattern is super simple- no darts, which works well with my smaller than average chest…but may not be so great with those that are more well endowed, not sure. I made the XS and took a bit of width from the side seam (about 3/4″ each side). The neckline and armholes are bound with bias strips- I have some cream colored voile that I have been using for ages and it works really well, it is soft and flexible and the color matches a wide range of fabrics.
I am pleased with this top, and am excited to crank out some more. I think there are quite a few good simple tank patterns but this is the only one I’ve tried so far. I’ve seen lots of Tiny Pocket Tanks and Wiksten tanks out there, and I am going to try out the Foxglove tank also, I like that the racer back gives it a bit different look than the others. What’s your go-to tank pattern if you have one?
Wiksten Eucalypt Tank
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