Monday, May 14, 2012

Pattern Review: Wiksten Tank

Eek! I dipped my toe into garment sewing for myself.  Starting with the popular and beginner friendly pattern, Wiksten Tank by Jenny Gordy. After making two this past weekend I can tell you, it's an easy and satisfying pattern. The Wiksten tank is very well written and includes french seams and bias binding for a polished look. Lots of tanks are popping up on flickr and you can see why!  It looks good in any fabric and has a very flattering shape. Here are some of my favorites:


For my first try, I wanted to use nice fabric, but not precious fabric.  I had just enough of this Farmdale print in my stash.  It went pretty well. The binding on the arm holes is a little fiddly and it went much smoother the second time around. I was glad I practiced first.



Then I took a deep breath and bought some Quilt Blocks by Ellen Luckett Baker from The Intrepid Thread.
I love this print!! It looks pretty good right? 




I was a little shocked at the scraps leftover.  Good thing I quilt!!  ; )

TIPS:
  • Try it on after you sew the first seams, but before you finish it to make sure you like the fit.
  • Pin and then pin some more.
  • I found it easier to cut the bias strips using my quilting ruler and rotary cutter. Measure first!
  • If you have to, you can piece your bias strips. I didn't have enough fabric for the long neck strip so I cut two and pieced them together. After it's finished, you can't tell!
  • Don't own a Pressing Ham? Me either. I used a rolled up hand towel and it worked in a pinch.

MATERIALS:
Pattern: Wiksten Tank by Jenny Gordy (I bought the .pdf version)
Fabric #1: Farmdale Blossoms by Alexander Henry
Fabric #2: Quilt Blocks by Ellen Luckett Baker

Up next... the Tova?!

A pretty apple blossom from my yard.

12 comments:

  1. Oh cute! I love the Alexander Henry print for the top! I hope to use my pattern soon to make a tank for myself!

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  2. Congrats! These are just so very pretty and perfect for warm sunny days.

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  3. How cute! We need to see them on you, though...

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  4. Very cute! Especially love the quilt blocks one!
    I had to laugh at your comment on the scraps! I've sewn garments for years & that's how I got into quilting-so many scraps! Of course, now I buy fabric for quilting, but that's beside the point!

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  5. Great shirt! How does it fit in the bust area? I'm breastfeeding and need a bit more room ;)

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    Replies
    1. Here is a size chart from Wiksten: http://www.shopwiksten.com/f-sizing

      On me this tank fits on the top and then goes out.

      Maritza (top-right pic) was experimenting with making a different sizes for the front and back. Here's another look at that: http://www.flickr.com/photos/maritzasoto/7043428849/in/photostream/

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  6. I've been wanting to try this and the Tova, but I'm scared to spend the money because I'm afraid it won't fit. Which size did you make and was it tight around your hips at all?

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    Replies
    1. It's not tight around my hips at all. The shape goes out around the bottom. I made a medium and it fits me well. I read that the bust measurement is the most critical for both the Wiksten and Tova patterns. Here is a link to the size chart http://www.shopwiksten.com/f-sizing

      The look of it depends on the fabric you use too. My Farmdale version is a stiffer quilting cotton and it just goes straight down. My Quilt Blocks version has a little more drape. If you look at the bottom-center picture in the mosaic, that one is made out of Liberty (cotton lawn) fabric and has a lot more drape.

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  7. These are so gorgeous!! I really want one or two.. :)

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  8. oh i love these. did each one really require 2.5 yeards of fabric?

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    Replies
    1. Yeah pretty much. You need about 2 yards of length for the front and back pieces (fabric folded selvage to selvage, and pattern pieces lined up on the fold) and then 1/2 yd - ish for the bias binding. The width of the shirt makes it so you can't cut both the front and back side by side. You do have lots of leftovers though.

      I recommend you buy a fabric you love and you will have plenty of scraps for quilting and other small projects.

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