Nice Tri Tank PDF Pattern

Nice try! No, really.

Whether you’re here for the wordplay or the wild neckline, you’ve found a tank pattern that’s trying its hardest—and succeeding—in doing something totally different.

At first glance, the Nice Tri Tank looks like your favorite fitted tank or knit dress… but wait—what’s that extra strap doing? This clever little twist turns an ordinary tank into a wearable puzzle that feels like a magic trick (but with instructions). It’s a 3D infinity loop of fabric sorcery—designed to make people ask, “Wait… how does that even work?”

SKILLS

• Learning to sew with knits
• Overlock/serger stitch
• Zig-zag stitch
• Edgestitch
• Quartering method
• Binding knits

PATTERN DETAILS

• Purchase includes a digital pattern file with sizes XXS-1X B-Block size range and XXL-8X D-Block size range
• Skill level: Intermediate
• PDF pattern includes illustrated instruction document, A0 copy shop files, print at home files prepared for A4 & letter size paper, and projector files.
• Virtual Sewing Workshop available here

MATERIALS NEEDED

• Self fabric (your main fabric)
• Matching all-purpose thread to your fabric
  

Optional:

• Wooly nylon thread - For upper and lower loopers on a serger/overlock sewing machine (can also be used in the bobbin of a regular home sewing machine to increase elasticity of stitches)
  
• Heat & Bond - For ease of hemming knits Heat & Bond Soft Stretch Lite or Ultra fusible web adhesive is highly recommended! It adheres like regular fusible interfacing, but it keeps the stretchability of your knit fabrics. Keeps your hem flat, not bulky, and reduces any waviness.

FABRIC REQUIREMENTS

The Nice Tri Tank is designed for stretch knit fabrics, especially rib knits. The fabric should have a minimum stretch percentage of 50% crossgrain (selvedge to selvedge). Rib knit fabrics often have a much higher stretch percentage. A variety of knit fabrics will work for this pattern, from cotton/spandex rib knit to viscose/nylon/spandex ponte jersey. Rib knits are a favorite pairing for this pattern as they work perfectly for the body as well as the bindings!

It is recommended to use a fabric with a small amount of spandex or elastane to help the recovery after wearing, basically it will help to retain the correct shape! You can use a fabric without spandex or elastane but just be aware that the fabric may stretch out throughout the day and you may wish to wash and re-shape the garment each wear. Sweater knits can be a beautiful option if you wish for a more relaxed fitting garment. They tend to be bulkier and have a bit more drape, but also typically do not hold their shape as well - which can be used to your advantage if you prefer a less fitted style. Knits without any spandex or elastane will probably need the straps shortened at the designated point in the sewing process. You may also choose to pair a sweater knit with a standard 2x1 or 1x1 cotton spandex rib for the binding pieces! This will help to hold the style lines of the straps, while letting the rest of the garment fall as it wishes. 

If you choose to use a heavyweight knit, like a double knit ponte, the garment may feel tighter around the body. If you choose to use a lightweight knit, like a plain jersey, the garment may feel looser around the body. You can choose your size according to the weight and stretch percentage of your fabric. Heavyweight = size up, lightweight = size down.

FIT RECOMMENDATIONS

The Nice Tri Tank is intended to be a very fitted garment. Overall, due to the nature of the design, the fit is forgiving because it relies heavily on the stretch in the fabric to wrap snuggly around the body. The shoulder straps are intended to cover a standard bra strap, if applicable. The horizontal third strap is intended to wrap across the mid-to-upper chest with the bottom edge of the strap hitting at about the armpit crease. More exact adjustments for the straps will be made during the sewing construction process, so don’t worry too much about nailing those measurements in the size selection! The bottom edge of the center front cutout should land at about mid sternum height. The center back cutout falls a bit higher up on the body and is a slightly smaller hole. The shaping of the garment all comes from the center front and center back seams. These seams can easily be adjusted as you sew up your garment! Although going smaller as you sew it up is much easier than going bigger, so err on the side of caution if you’re worried about wanting the garment less fitted. You might choose to size up and take it in from there.

Your fabric choice will play a huge part in how the final garment fits, so you may end up needing different adjustments for different fabrics. Focus on the overall circumference measurements to get the right fit. The pattern is drafted with negative ease: roughly 8-9” (20-22cm) at the bust, 1-2” (2-5cm) at the waist, and 8-10” (20-25cm) at the hip. The exact amount of ease varies depending on your personal measurements within the range of each size. If you prefer your garments to fit tighter, choose more negative ease (go smaller). If you prefer your garments to fit looser, choose less negative ease (go bigger). If you are between sizes, size up or down according to your desired amount of negative ease. See fabric recommendations for more info on how fabric affects the fit.

SIZE GUIDE

Choose your size based on your full bust measurement. The Nice Tri Tank is designed to be a fitted garment, although the tightness will vary depending on fabrication. To achieve the intended fit, make sure to select the size closest to your personal measurements and size up if you are between sizes. The full bust measurement is the most crucial point of reference because the intricate detailing of the straps relies on the chest area being close fit to the body. There are designated points throughout the instructions to double check the strap lengths as you put your tank together, so don’t worry too much about strap length! Rather focus on garment circumference for size selection.

Compare your personal measurements to the finished garment measurements to determine your desired amount of ease. The intended fit is figure-hugging, which translates to negative ease. The difference in your personal measurements and the garment measurements is made up by the stretch factor in your chosen material.

See additional fit recommendations.

TECHNICAL SKETCH