Measurements you need
Tape horizontally across the most prominent points of the bust, at the back — slightly above the shoulder blades, under the arms. In your usual underwear, not pulled tight.Tape horizontally across the most prominent points of the bust, at the back — slightly above the shoulder blades, under the arms. In your usual underwear, not pulled tight.
Usually 31½–51⅛ in.Usually 80–130 cm.Tape horizontal around the fullest part of your buttocks, allowing for the curve of your stomach. Stand straight, feet together.Tape horizontal around the fullest part of your buttocks, allowing for the curve of your stomach. Stand straight, feet together.
Usually 33⅛–51⅛ in.Usually 84–130 cm.Tilt your head: a prominent vertebra can be felt at the base of the neck at the back. Tape from it down along the spine to the waist tape.Tilt your head: a prominent vertebra can be felt at the base of the neck at the back. Tape from it down along the spine to the waist tape.
Usually 14⅝–17⅜ in.Usually 37–44 cm.At the side from the waistline down to the desired hem. For a knee-length skirt — about 23⅝ in, for pants — to the floor or to the ankle bone.At the side from the waistline down to the desired hem. For a knee-length skirt — about 60 cm, for pants — to the floor or to the ankle bone.
Skirt 15¾–39⅜ in, pants 35⅜–43¼ in, shorts 11¾–21⅝ in.Skirt 40–100 cm, pants 90–110 cm, shorts 30–55 cm.How the tank top is drafted
The base is our dart-free block (checked against SCUT), close-fitting: no bust ease in knit fabric, 2⅜ in6 cm in woven fabric. The armhole is dropped by ⅝–¾ in1.5–2 cm, the strap starts 1–1⅛ in2.5–3 cm from the neckline and is the same width on the front and back. The neckline and armhole meet the shoulder at a right angle — once sewn, the edge is clean, with no corner. Below the waist the side seam widens over the hips.
We checked the draft against proven commercial patterns for the same style: the key measurements match.
The pattern maker checks the draft itself: bust, matching side seams and straps, right angles at the shoulder, and the width of the racerback strip. Results appear in the "Draft check" section.
How to print and tape
Download the PDF on Letter or A4 sheets and print at 100%, without "fit to page". The first sheet has the test square: measure it with a ruler. Sheets are taped with an overlap along the ⅜ in1 cm strips; sheet numbers and the assembly guide are on the first page. For a copy shop or plotter, choose "One-sheet PDF".
What you get
Front and back on the fold at full size, with seam allowances on the side and shoulder seams and a hem allowance. The binding is cut in strips — lengths are under the drawing.
FAQ
How is a racerback tank top different from a tank top?
On a racerback tank top the straps are narrower, and at the back the armhole curves in toward the center — leaving a strip about 2¾ in7 cm wide, with the shoulders and shoulder blades exposed. On a tank top the straps are wider (2 in5 cm) and the back is covered.
How do I finish the neckline and armholes?
With binding: in knit fabric, a strip 1⅜ in3.5 cm wide cut across the grain, 15% shorter than the edge (lengths are under the drawing); in woven fabric, bias binding 1⅝ in4 cm wide cut to the length of the edge. There is no seam allowance at the neckline, armholes or top edge — the binding replaces it.
What knit fabric should I use?
Jersey, rib knit, or viscose or cotton knit with lycra — one that stretches well crosswise. In woven fabric (batiste, shirting, silk) the tank top is made looser — choose "Woven" and the ease becomes 2⅜ in6 cm.
How do I make a cropped tank top?
Set the length shorter than the back waist length — you get a crop top. The shortest length is 3⅞ in10 cm below the armhole.