How to make a kids' tank top

1. Materials & tools

Materials (size 110 cm)

• Main fabric (jersey, interlock or double gauze) — about 100 × 60 cm (39 × 24 in)
• Bias tape for the neckline and armholes — about 130 cm (51 in)
• Ballpoint machine needle and stretch thread if using knit

Tools

• Sewing machine (or needle and thread)
• Fabric marker or pencil
• Ruler and scissors
• Iron
• Pins or clips

2. Make the pattern (auto-generated in Katagami)

With the Katagami pattern tool, you just enter the finished size and it drafts a seam-allowance-included pattern, tiled to print at actual size on Letter or A4.

1. Open the tool
   Open the pattern tool and choose “Kids' clothes” → “Kids' tank top” from the tabs at the top.
2. Enter the size
   Enter chest, length, strap width and spacing, armhole depth and ease. Presets cover 90–130 cm.
3. Set the seam allowance
   Use the slider at the bottom (beginners: 1.0–1.5 cm / about 3/8–5/8 in).
4. Print
   Press “Print (actual size)”, then in the print dialog set Scale = 100% and turn “Fit to page” OFF. Check the 50 mm calibration box on the first guide sheet with a ruler.

3. Cutting the fabric

1. Trace the pattern
   Trace the front and back — the front neckline is cut lower than the back.
2. Cut
   Cut one front and one back, each with the center on the fold.
3. Finish the edges
   Zigzag or serge the shoulder and side allowances if the fabric frays.

4. Sewing

4-1. Sew the shoulders and sides

1. Sew both shoulder seams — they are short, so backstitch at both ends.
2. Sew both side seams and press the allowances open.

4-2. Bind the neckline and armholes

1. Sew bias tape around the neckline, following the curve without pulling.
2. Bind both armholes the same way. Sew slowly around the tight underarm curve.

4-3. Hem

1. Turn the hem under twice and stitch.

✏️ Check the neckline goes over the child's head before you bind it. The straps are narrow here, so it is easy to end up with an opening that looks fine flat but will not pass a head.

5. Tips & variations

• Contrast binding: bias tape in a different colour turns a plain tank into something deliberate.
• As an undershirt: in soft double gauze it works as a base layer under everything.
• Make several: it uses very little fabric and sews up in under an hour.