Free Sewing Pattern Review - 2 tanks

What with the warm weather hitting the UK this week, I decided that a couple of Tank tops would be a perfect addition to my wardrobe. I settled on a couple of free patterns to try and decided to use up the fabric I had in my stash, which mostly meant off cuts and required some careful cutting.

I have had mixed results - so here we go...

First up is the Gathered Back Tank by Life Sew Savory. I was drawn to the relative high neckline and the cute gathers on the back of this pattern. The pattern is easy to download and print and according to the size guide I cut a M. I went straight in and cut two of these tops out as I was certain I was going to love it. The first was a very stretchy sports type fabric - too stretchy for this pattern, probably more suitable for leggings - but I'm not going to wear white based leggings - ever! It turned out too big and has been gifted.

The construction was super simple to follow and the only alteration I made was to turn the back and arm bands over to create a binding rather than a band. After deciding that this version was too big - which I put down to the fabric. I started on another version, using Rico cotton jersey.

I've made a t-shirt in this that I wear all the time (worn with my Burnside bibs here), but there was very little left over and once cut out I realised that the fabric was upside down. Not put off, I sewed it up anyway, thinking that it might make decent loungewear.

On this version the bands really did stretch out. I knew that they were not perfect and it can depend on the fabric choice as to what length to cut. But I went with the instructions and it just didn't work. I think if I'm honest the armholes are too low for my liking. I also found there to be too much fabric in the gathers at the back. In a knit I think this needs to be a lot less. I won't be wearing this and I'll turn it into underwear.

So for me this pattern is a fail. However it could be redeemable. I think that it would work perfectly well in a lightweight woven and actually be quite cute. If you are going to try this I strongly advise sizing down and reducing the gathers at the back.

Secondly I tried the Lago Tank by Itch to Stitch. I had more success with this one; this could be down to fabric choice though. I used a remnant of viscose jersey that I had made a top from last year. There was very little left and it did require careful cutting. I actually cut the whole top in one piece, which means I omited the waist shaping and kept straight side seams - this was just so I could squeeze the top out of the small amount of fabric I had left. It's a super quick sew. Side seams and shoulders then the neckband and arm bands were sewn in the round. I misjudged the back and got a few puckers, but not enough to unpick and do it again. I didn't bother matching notches, I just pinned at half and quarter marks and stretched to fit.

I sewed and topstitched with a narrow zigzag on my Bernina and used a jersey needle. I had completely forgotted I'd bought at stretch twin needed for top stitching like this, but remembered in time to try it on the hem and it worked perfectly.

I've already worn this top twice this week - so it's definately on the winners list.

Do you have a free pattern that is an absolute go to?

The Tunic: Free Pattern

I don't know about you, but I love a freebie.

I've lost count of the free patterns I have downloaded from the internet. and it was a free pattern that got me started on my sewing journey back in 2011. so I thought it was time to give a little back.
You can download the pattern and instructions here

Let me introduce you to The Tunic. I drafted and made this for myself about 3 years ago. I had been given some beautiful pink baby cord and was needing a relaxed fit tunic to layer in the winter months and see me through from autumn to spring. I didn't know at the time just how much wear I'd get out of this, but it has been in heavy rotation over the last 3 years!!!! - washed and worn and washed and worn.

It's designed to have a comfort fit, easy to wear and it looks fab with a sweater and boots. The deep pockets are great for holding keys or a phone. The back does not have any darts but is shaped to allow for slight waist shaping. I originally included a zip, but quite often this just gets pulled on over my head with the zip still fastened, so you could omit it.

I used some self-coloured topstitching on my version. I think it would look great in a dark denim with contrast topstitching, especially along the front seams and the neck and hem bands.

I'm thinking of making a lightweight version of this for the summer, perhaps as a beach coverup. I might lengthen it just a bit though as I prefer long dresses when I'm not wearing tights or leggings under them.

So if you're looking for something relaxed and comfy this might just be the pattern to try.

It's a single size - women's medium  approx  UK 10/12  US 6/8  EUR 38/40

Please share your makes - I'd love to see them #R&Gthetunic

Do be aware. I digitally drafted this a couple of years ago from scans of my original pattern pieces before I used illustrator for my designs. Hence this is un tested. I suggest making a toile to check fit before cutting into any precious fabric.

This pattern is offered free for personal use only and should not be sold,  or garments made from it should not be sold for profit without my written permission.

Second Sorbetto

I made a second Sorbetto, it's such a lovely FREE pattern from Collette Patterns that I can't believe I haven't made it before now! It's so quick to sew and easy too. I remember seeing Lauren wearing one on The Great British Sewing Bee earlier this year and I realised I've been missing out.

I downloaded the pattern last week to use up some cotton I had left after making a dress. However I wanted to make an eyelet cotton version with a Peter Pan collar, my inspiration coming from Boden's Macey top that I've seen in their recent catalogues.

Boden's Macey Top

The Sewing Box in Morpeth didn't have the eyelet cotton that I wanted so I bought some Broidery Anglaise. I was going to make a cap sleeve, but hadn't bought quite enough fabric for that, although I did make it longer.

Bias facing on the neck edge

I also bought ready made Bias binding, but it was a bit wide and not quite the same shade as my fabric, so I decided to turn it into a bias facing along the neck and armhole edges, whip stitching it in place. I'll probably wear this for work this week.

Bias facing from the right side on the armhole

What are your thoughts about the Sorbetto top - do you love it or loathe it?