Patternmaking can feel very intimidating, especially if you've never done it before. Yes, there is a lot of measuring and math involved, but in the end it is so rewarding. Creating a pattern and then something from that pattern is not only amazing, but, also, you won't get a better fitting garment.
Creating a pattern for a shirt seems more advanced than doing a skirt or even pants, but we start things easy and you'll be surprised at how simple it is. Our tutorial shows you not only how to take the measurements needed to make the basic bodice, but then how to use those measurements to create your own draft for a well-fitting bodice. This bodice is for a tank top or t-shirt and should be made with knit fabric. There are no fasteners so you need to use a fabric that will have some stretch to it. You can't get a more basic top than this, but one that is still very versatile.
Check out our basic tank top assembly tutorial to see how to create a tank top from your draft (Coming Soon).
Please note: This draft is for the bodice only. We will, eventually have a tutorial for drafting the sleeves so you can take the basic t-shirt bodice draft and add sleeves for a complete t-shirt.
Yes, you can just place it in the middle, going from top to bottom.
ok nice video the only thing that is confusing me was the grain line i know in the pants pattern u said its suppose to be in the middle of the pants but how do we do the grain line for this tank top do we just draw a straight line
You could try but even if you wanted it fitted, you still need to add a little bit for ease so it’s comfortable to move around in. Using a knit, you don’t have to worry about adding ease because the fabric already stretches to account for it. I would recommend making a muslin (using a cheap but similar type of fabric) to play around with it. good luck! 🙂
I have watched the video from start to finish. I have just bought a french curve and I’m ready to go. I’m going to do this in knit but I was wondering if I could use this for creating a fitted blouse in shirting fabric. I could use a zipper and then create darts? Would that work? I am a total beginner.
You are by far the best internet instructor I’ve seen. Since August 2012, I have been teaching myself to sew, via the internet. This is going to be added to my ever expanding to-do list.
I have taken all types of sewing classes. Each time I have asked the instructor to show me how to make a t shirt pattern based on my measurements. Each time they would explain how difficult and confusing it was to teach or learn how to do this…I’m so dismayed at all the money I have spent to be told it would be to hard for me to learn. I thank you very much for being here and explaining this so clear and plan that I got extremely angry when I recalled all the money I have spent on classes with people who were suppose to be awesome teachers…. This is best $5 a month I have ever spent..
I L*VE that one can take a basic tank top from basic to elegant by the change of your fabric. I can see a sequin tank top 🙂
Thank you, it is very much appreciated.
cgirard
We plan on releasing it in October. 🙂
Thank you for all the precious infos. on drafting a tank top, when can we expect the sleeve drafting.
Keep up the good work.