Project # 12      A Fun Racer Back Tank Top!

 Pattern: Jalie 2565

Fabric: Weekender cotton knit in Melon

also  thread   and a small amount of fusible interfacing

Techniques to learn: Matching stripes, using a double needle, attaching bands

Weekender knit in melon $15.95/yd.

A couple of weeks ago, Rachel and I ordered a bunch of patterns from  Jalie, a Canadian pattern company. We were intrigued by the huge range of sizes in each pattern. We had been frustrated trying to find cute patterns from the major pattern companies for her to sew because of  their limited availability in junior sizes. This particular Jalie  pattern is sized from Girls age 2, to Women size 50 chest. And the  patterns are nice! The company had offered a deal where if you bought  3  you could get one free.

"Because Jalie patterns come in so many sizes and are on thicker paper  than most patterns, it is best to trace off your size. You can use  Swedish Tracing Paper, specifically made for this purpose, a wide roll  of Parchment paper, or, if you can get your hands on it, a fresh roll  of doctor's examination table paper. Be sure to use a ruler for the  long, straight sections, and label the pieces with all the pattern  information. Try to stay on the lines, but don't be a perfectionist.  As long as it is close to the general shape and is legible, use it.  It's much more fun to wear the finished product than to sit there for  hours trying to perfectly trace the pattern," Rachel said.

 Rachel traced off her size in the racer back tank and we laid out the  fabric, carefully matching the notches on the front and back to the stripes in the fabric. For example, we lined up the points of the notches with the large light orange stripe in the fabric. Then she stabilized the shoulder seams with a bit of lightweight fusible   interfacing. She sewed the side and shoulder seams with a zig zag  stitch to allow for stretch with the knit fabric.  "When you're laying out the pattern pieces and pinning together the  sides, really do take the time to line up the stripe. It makes the  finished tank look very professional," Rachel said.

 The pattern directions have written instructions and drawings. We used  both to help with applying the armhole and neck line bands. The went  on  smoothly and Rachel learned how to stretch the band to the opening as she sewed. She did a great job. Then she put in the stretch double  needle and topstitched the bands in place. She stitched the hem with the double needle also. 

Rachel said that  "It was a very cool experience to use the double needle. It made the  top look really good. First, make sure you read your sewing machine's  manual- with 2 threads, you may need to thread the machine  differently. You also want to make sure that your needle says  "Stretch Twin" on the package- that way it will work with the knit  fabric. Before sewing on the garment, cut a scrap and fold it into  two or three layers to practice on. You'll need to go slowly, because  it's hard for a machine that normally runs on 2 threads to work in a  third,".

 We started the top about 4 p.m. and Rachel ate dinner in it the same night. The top is so cute! The energetic Melon Weekender fabric is  just perfect for this tank top.

~zigzagger

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