Model wearing handmade side tie tank top styled with jean skirt.

Side Tie Tank Top Sewing for Beginners | Free Pattern in 9 Sizes

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30 June 2024

In this post, you will learn how to sew side tie tank top with free sewing pattern in 9 sizes.

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Welcome to my easy sewing tutorial on creating a stylish side tie tank top for summer days ! Whether you’re new to sewing or looking for a fun and quick project, this tutorial is perfect for you. I’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of sewing this trendy top, complete with a video tutorial for visual guidance. Plus, I’m offering a free printable PDF pattern available in 9 sizes, so you can customize it to fit perfectly. Get ready to start your sewing journey and add a chic, versatile piece to your wardrobe that you can make yourself! With beginner-friendly sewing patterns and easy sewing projects, this is a great way to develop your sewing skills at your own pace.

Model wearing handmade side tie tank top styled with jean skirt.

What is Side Tie Tank Top

Side tie up tank top fashion illustration.

A side tie tank top is a sleeveless garment featuring a unique design element: ties or bows on the sides. These ties can be functional, allowing you to adjust the fit of the top, or purely decorative, adding a stylish and playful touch. The top typically has an open or slit side seam where the ties are integrated, giving it a distinctive look that can range from casual to chic depending on the fabric and styling. It’s a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down and is often appreciated for its customizable fit and trendy appearance.

Materials & Tools Needed:

sewing tools
Fabrics:
Materials:
  • Thread: Matching or contrasting color – for sewing the seams and finishing edges.Learn more on threads
  • Sewing Pattern: Free printable pattern in 9 sizes – to cut the fabric pieces accurately.
  • Pins or Clips: To hold fabric pieces together while sewing.
  • Measuring Tape: To ensure accurate measurements and fit.
Tools:
  • Sewing Machine: For stitching the fabric pieces together.
  • Scissors or Rotary Cutter: For cutting fabric and trimming excess.Learn more on using scissors.
  • Iron and Ironing Board: To press seams and ensure a professional finish.
  • Seam Ripper: To correct any mistakes.
magnetic seam guide for better sewing.

You will also need a magnetic seam guide or a magnet to help you sew evenly.

Having these materials and tools ready will ensure a smooth and successful sewing experience as you create your side tie tank top.

Best Fabrics for Sewing a Side Tie Tank Top

When making a side tie up top, the type and amount of fabric needed will vary based on the pattern and your size. Here are some general tips:

Fabric for side tie up top
Best Fabrics
  • Cotton: Lightweight fabrics and breathable, perfect for everyday wear. Easy to sew and handle.
  • Linen: Great for a casual, summery look. Offers excellent breathability and a slightly textured appearance.
  • Jersey Knit: Provides stretch and comfort, ideal for a more fitted style.
  • Rayon or Viscose: Flowy and drapes beautifully, suitable for a dressier version of the tank top.
Fabric Quantity Needed:
  • XS – S: 1 yard (36 inches)
  • M – L: 1.25 yards (45 inches)
  • XL – XXL: 1.5 yards (54 inches)
  • XXXL and above: 2 yards (72 inches)
Note:

The exact amount of fabric may vary depending on the pattern layout and fabric width (usually 44-60 inches wide). Always check the pattern instructions for specific fabric requirements.

Sizing Instructions

Tools and materials you need for measuring yourself
  • A measuring tape
  • A notebook and a pencil
  • A mirror
  • A friend or a helper (optional, but recommended)
To choose the best size , you need to measure your :
  • Bust: Measure around the fullest part of your chest.
A mannequinn and measuring tape around bust part.

You may now utilize the size chart provided below to compare your measurements and choose the most suitable option. In case your measurement falls between two sizes, you have the flexibility to select the fit that suits your preference, whether it be slightly loose or fitted. Additionally, if necessary, you can make adjustments to the pattern to ensure it aligns with your true size.

Size Chart

According to your measurements, you can check the size chart to find the best size for you.

size chart

Free Sewing Pattern For Side Tie Tank Top

sewing pattern that’s completely free for my subscribers! It’s at the end of the post

Printing and Assembling Instructions

Check out my detailed posts on how to print, cut-out, and assemble PDF patterns.

How to print and assemble free PDF patterns

How to cut out sewing patterns with tips and tools

Seam Allowance

I suggest including an additional 1 cm | 0.4 in of seam allowance to the edges of the top pattern pieces for this project. This extra allowance will provide ample space for sewing the seams without affecting the overall fit.

You may utilize a ruler or a tape measure to indicate the seam allowance on your fabric. Another option is to use a seam gauge, a handy sewing tool with various markings for different seam allowances.

Incorporating seam allowance is a crucial yet straightforward process in sewing. It guarantees that your top will be the correct size and shape when completed.

Learn more:

How to add seam allowance in sewing

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Sew a Side Tie Tank Top

Preparing the Fabric

Pre-washing fabric to prepare for sewing side tie tank top.
  • Pre-Wash the Fabric: Wash and iron your fabric to pre-shrink it and remove any wrinkles. This step ensures your side tie tank top maintains its shape after future washes.
  • Staystitching: To prevent stretching, staystitch around the neckline and armholes of the front and back pieces.
Cutting the Fabric
  • Lay your fabric on a flat surface and pin your pattern pieces to it.
  • Use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter to cut out the pieces.
  • Remember to transfer any markings or notches from the pattern to the fabric.
Guide how to Cut the Fabric:
Front and back pieces of side tie tank top cut from fabric
  • Front: Cut 1 on fold
  • Front Lining: Cut 1 on fold
  • Back: Cut 1 on fold
  • Back Lining: Cut 1 on fold
  • Ties: Cut 8 strips (each 50 cm long and 4 cm wide)

Sewing the Top

Assemble the Main Pieces:
  • With right sides together, pin the front and back pieces of the tank top at the shoulders.
Laying out and pinning pattern pieces on fabric for side tie tank top
  • Sew the shoulder seams.
  • Repeat this step for the lining pieces.
Pinning and sewing lining to neckline of side tie tank top
Attach the Lining:
  • With right sides together, pin the lining and the main tank top at the neckline.
  • Sew around the neckline.
Pinning and sewing lining to neckline of side tie tank top
  • Cut small notches in the seam allowance to help the neckline lay flat.
  • Turn the top right side out and iron the neckline.
Cutting notches in seam allowance of neckline for side tie tank top
Sew the Armholes:
  • Lay the top flat with the right side facing down and the lining on top.
  • Roll one side of the garment towards the opposite shoulder seam.
  • Peel back the lining, fold it over the rolled part, and align the edges with right sides facing.
Rolling and sewing armholes of side tie tank top for clean finish
  • Stitch around the armhole curve, leaving the side seams open.
  • Pull the garment through to the right side.
Rolling and sewing armholes of side tie tank top for clean finish
  • Repeat for the other armhole.
Rolling and sewing armholes of side tie tank top for clean finish
  • Press all seams flat.
Turning side tie tank top right side out and ironing neckline
Prepare the Ties:
  • Fold each of the 8 strips in half lengthwise with right sides together.
  • Pin and sew along the long edge.
  • Turn the strips right side out and press.
Sewing fabric strips to create ties for side tie tank top

Watch the video tutorial for detailed sewing technique instructions on making the ties.

Attach the Ties:
  • With right sides together, pin 4 ties on each side of the tank top, placing them evenly along the side seams.
Pinning and sewing ties to side seams of side tie tank top
  • Sew the ties in place.
Pinning and sewing ties to side seams of side tie tank top
  • Turn the tank top right side out.
Finish the Hem:
  • Fold the hem inward between the lining and the outer fabric.
  • Sew the hem in place.
Folding and sewing hem of side tie tank top for professional finish
  • Press the hem flat.

Final Touches:

  • Tie the straps on the side to create the side tie detail.
  • Give the entire tank top a final press for a professional finish.
Completed side tie tank top with side ties and hem finished

By following these simple steps, you’ll have a beautiful side tie tank top that fits perfectly and looks stylish. Enjoy your new handmade addition to your wardrobe! For a visual guide, don’t forget to watch our video tutorial.

Watch the Video Tutorial

Check out my YouTube channel to see the step-by-step tutorial on how I created this incredible side tie tank top! I’ll guide you through the process of sewing a side tie up top and also provide you with some new skills. Don’t miss out!

You can watch the video here.

Make sure to give a thumbs up, leave a comment, and hit that subscribe button on my channel to get more sewing tutorials. Don’t forget to share your results with me on Instagram or Facebook. I’m really excited to see what you come up with!

How to Style a Side Tie Tank Top

It’s always much fun to style a side tie tank top, as it can suit different occasions. Let me show you how you can effortlessly style a side tie up top for various settings:

Casual Chic:
Office Ready:
Summer Vibes:
Evening Out:
Layered Look:

By mixing and matching these elements, you can create versatile and fashionable outfits with your side tie tank top for various occasions.

Ready Side Tie Tank Top !

Congratulations! You’ve just completed your own side tie tank top. I hope you found this sewing tutorial easy to follow and that you’re thrilled with your new creation. Don’t forget to share your finished projects with me in the comments or on social media using the hashtag #sparrowrefashion. If you enjoyed this tutorial, be sure to check out my other beginner-friendly sewing projects. This is a great place to start for those looking to create their own clothing. By exploring different fabrics and pattern pieces, and practicing key skills like managing seam allowance and thread tension, you’re well on your way to mastering the basics of sewing clothing. For those ready to take the next step, consider an online course or workshop to further enhance your skills. Happy sewing and enjoy your new handmade piece!

In this post, you have learned how to sew side tie tank top with free sewing pattern in 9 different sizes.

Free Side Tie Top Sewing Pattern

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I create sewing patterns, refashion projects, and practical tutorials designed to make sewing feel less intimidating and more creative. Most of what you see here starts with something I wanted to wear, remake, or figure out for myself, then I turn the process into a tutorial you can try too.

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