Kira Tank and Dress
The Pattern
Tank tops really are a go to top for me in the summer. They are comfortable, go with just about any outfit, and are super quick to sew. The Kira Tank is no exception. This was also the first time taking photos of my makes where I am able to see the hard work I’ve been putting in at the gym and my diet! Double win! Actually a triple win with this being my K pattern for the #ABCPatternstashchallenge!
Options
This pattern just screams summer. I am a huge fan of racerback shirts and this pattern gives you a racerback shirt and two dress options.
Lengths: Tank, Dress (knee length) and Maxi
Bands or Bindings
Scoop neckline
Side slits for the Maxi dress option.
Sizing
The sizing for the Kira ranges from 00 – 30. I find that Sonia Estep Design patterns fit me very well based on my measurements. Sometimes I fall between sizes and when that happens I size up. This tank happened to fall on me perfectly at a size 8 with my waist at 30.5 inches and hips at 37 inches.
Both my Tank and maxi dress with the scoop neckline were size 8.
To be honest I am not usually a Maxi dress fan. But when I saw the dress made by other people with those double side slits… I just had to make one. I also can always use a basic tank any day so I made these two options.
The Fabric
This pattern requires fabric with a minimum 30% horizontal and 10% vertical stretch. These requirements will fit a majority of knit fabrics so it is really up to you what you want to use!
Some recommended fabrics include: ITY | Bamboo | DBP | Modal | Rayon Spandex | Modal Ponte
For my tank version I used a grey Rayon Spandex from Surge Fabric Shop.
My Maxi dress was made with ITY from So Sew English. Both fabrics have excellent drape and were great to work with. I did find I really needed to use clips to keep all the edges aligned but overall easy to work with.
I did NOT hem my tank version as I preffered the length as it was and liked how it fell. Why fix something that I already like!
Feedback and Final Thoughts
One thing that is very consistent with Sonia Estep Design patterns is how easy the instructions are to follow. I am a very visual person, and each step is paired with an image showing exactly what to do. This tank top pattern like most tank tops out there is a very easy and straight forward pattern that would be excellent for beginners.
My only dislike with this pattern is the lack of guidance for the slit placement. I ended up measuring from the bottom of my armpit down about 27 inches on both sides for my placement, and think I could have gotten away with 24 or 25. I do somewhat understand why it is not included though, as it really would depend on the person where they prefer the slit to start, and also how tall/long their legs are.
Any Modifications?
The only “modification” I made to the tank top specifically was choosing not to hem the top. For two reasons. 1. I actually really liked the length as it was. If I were to make it again, I would add at least an inch or two to the whole length so that I could hem it and have it at this same length. 2. I like how flowy Rayon Spandex is, and personally didn’t want to have it weighed down with an additional hem. I certainly won’t complain as that is less work for me and I still end up with a great top!
Would I make this again?
I fully intend on making this top again. If I were to make the Maxi again though, I would probably move the slits up higher on my legs for a bit easier movement.
Get the Look!
Pattern: The Kira Tank and Dress from Sonia Estep Designs
Fabric: Rayon Spandex from Surge Fabric Shop and ITY from So Sew English
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