Introducing the Leyton Knit Tank + Dress sewing pattern! This is a wardrobe essential that I’ve always wanted to add to our pattern line-up. I don’t know about you, but I think a tank is a great basic piece for lots of outfits, no matter the time of year. Whether you wear it alone, under a jacket, layered with a button-down shirt, or as an extra layer of insulation during cooler weather, I imagine you’ll wear this style again and again. I reach for my white and black tanks more often than almost anything else, especially in the summer.
I also really wanted a dress version of this style, because what could be easier to wear than a tank dress? It’s practically the definition of pull on and go! This summer you can wear it with sneakers for errands, with flats or sandals for a casual day out, and with heels and some interesting jewelry for a night out. And a jacket or layer a button-down shirt over it, there are so many ways to wear this style. I’ll show you some styling inspiration and talk about fabric ideas soon.
I like the Leyton Tank because it’s not too revealing and not too covered up, either. The back and front neckline are moderate, so it’s an easy style to wear because I think it shows just the right amount of skin. The straps are wide enough to cover bra straps (I hate it so much when they show–is it just me?) and it fits nicely across the bust while giving a little more ease through the waist.
And of course we included cup sizes for this one to help you get a good fit. You’ve told us you like this, and I’m always so thrilled that we can do this for you.
This pattern requires very little fabric, and because knits fabrics are usually quite wide it’s requires minimal yardage. Obviously it’s perfect for cotton jersey, which is easy to sew and to wear. This year I got my hands on some bamboo jersey, which is really drapey and elegant, and I’m a little obsessed with it. Also, linen jersey! If you can find it, try it. It’s amazing: slubby, drapey, and comfortable to wear, especially in the summer. The texture of linen really adds a lot to such a simple style. I’ll talk more about fabric in my post about styling.
I also included a unique binding construction technique for the neckline and armholes that’s easier than the usual binding, and it’s also less bulky. I think it gives really nice results. Once you know how it’s done you’ll be able to include it in some of your other knit sewing projects too.
I think there are so many directions you can take this style, and I’ll be back to show you some of them, as well as how our testers sewed this pattern. In the meantime, you can pick up your own copy of the Leyton Tank sewing pattern in digital and in paper format. Obviously I love to see what you make from our patterns, so I hope you’ll tag us #lieslandco and #leytontank in your posts.
Happy sewing!
This pattern looks very nice to me and I would like to buy it but… my bust is 39 inches, equals size 12 (Geneva Blouse).
It offers medium size 37 1/2 or large, 40 1/2.
I have done at first the Geneva blouse size 14 but find out that the blouse was way too large at shoulders, so I sew another one size 12 which fits perfectly. It seems to me a wide gap between the M and L size.
Our size grading is fairly typical of the industry, but I understand your concern. I would suggest cutting the larger size and basting the side seams so you can adjust if necessary. That’s the best way to sew knits in my experience. That way you can “take in” a little if necessary. I hope that helps!
I’ve been eagerly awaiting your spring patterns and I finally checked my email today and its like Christmas morning! This tank pattern is exactly what I’ve been looking for. Fitted through the bust and nice ease through the waist. Thank you Liesl for putting out three more classy patterns!
Oh, that’s so nice to hear! Thanks very much.