The Tabitha Tank has quickly become my tried and true, favorite tank pattern. The pattern is free when you sign up for the Anna Zoe newsletter and has sizes up to a 49″ bust & 51.5″ hip. After I made my first one, I knew I wanted to make more–and definitely a dress version. This pattern is so quick to whip up, so I’ve already made 2 more tanks and this dress which is perfect for the summer heat!
SIZING:
I had a hard time deciding which size to make the first time, and after wearing that one, I noticed I had a lot of extra fabric pooling above the bust. When I scoured the internet trying to figure out why, I came to the conclusion that I just needed to size down.
I have a 37″ high bust and a 39″ bust when I’m wearing a wire bra, but if I wear a more comfortable bra, I have a 38″ bust. Originally, I made the size 12 for a 38″ HB and 40″ B, but making the size 10 for 36.5″ HB and 38.5″ B was a much better option. So, if you’re a little in-between sizes, I would go with the one you’re closest to in bust measurements. The pattern has an A-line design, so your waist and hip measurements shouldn’t matter as much.
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ADJUSTMENTS:
Along with making the correct size, the first adjustment I made was to scoop about ~.5″ from the front of the armscye. I wanted the front to not be quite as wide between the shoulders, and both of those changes helped to minimize the extra fabric I had above the bust.
Next, I used the Union St Tee pattern to make the V-neck, but you can use any knit pattern that has a V-neck option. I also changed the length of the neckband because the Union St Tee is meant for fabrics with more stretch. (I’ve had issues before with puckering when I’ve used more stable knits.) The Tabitha Tank has a neckband is about 90% of the neckline, so I calculated the same after measuring the Union St neckline. It worked really well, as you can tell!
The last and easiest change was to lengthen it to be a dress. I made sure to keep the angle of the pattern until I got past the hip area and made a line straight down to the length I preferred.
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I bought this rib knit fabric from Soul Fabrics in Lisbon, and it worked really nicely for this dress. It’s so soft and comfortable.
This pattern has worked so well for me, and I found it easy to adjust. But if you’re looking for another really great pattern that has a similar design and a wider size range, check out the Pony Tank by Chalk and Notch (sizes up to a 59″ bust and 58″ hip). I haven’t made it before, but it’s very popular and Chalk and Notch makes really great patterns.
After Me Made May, I realize there were a few things missing from my wardrobe for summer. This tank dress was one of those things, but also a few other tanks and shorts. So, stay tuned for those posts in the near future.
Thank you for reading my blog today, and happy sewing! xoxo
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