Wanderer Tank — Pattern Hack

(Friday Pattern Co)

This has to be my favourite hack of a pattern so far. Actually it’s probably only my second hack, and my most creative!

I loved the style as soon as I saw it on Instagram — there were loads of people posting, and I knew I had to try it. The pattern is simple, and the instructions are fantastic. It is also reversible so two tops in one!

However, after several failed attempts, I was about to give up thinking it just wasn’t for me. The fit just wasn’t right. Firstly it hung too low under my armpit, meaning you could see my bra, and secondly the back just didn’t seem to sit right with the eyelets — I felt it was gaping or being dragged down. I even experimented with different types of ties but nothing felt right.

I bought some off-cuts of fabric from a local mill, which cost virtually nothing so I could test out my ideas. I knew I had to do something with the under arm, so I traced new pattern pieces, raising the arm scye by about an inch, for the front and back, making sure they both matched up. I also had the idea of ditching the eyelets, and instead sewing in some ties into the two back bodice pieces. I used the tie pattern piece from the Tilly and the Buttons Stevie top, and cut several out of an old pillow case as it was the only colour I could match up with my off cuts (I didn’t have enough fabric for the ties too!)

It has now become one of my favourite tops! I’m sure next summer I’ll have a go at making more of these.