The seasons are changing in Auckland, Spring is finally here. So rain, wind, sunshine…often all on the same day! For me, it means changing up my much loved winter woolies for something lighter, but not too much (It’s 7 C tonight and I have the heat pump on full…)
Tank tops may seem a strange choice, to cold to wear alone now (& not something I would wear on its own in high summer with my pale skin) but I REALLY like a tank under cardigans. It’s fun matching up fabric & patterns , and unlike a tee, no bunching around my generous biceps, and NO Full Bicep Adjustment, yay! I’ve made many woven tanks, but none in a knit, strange since its all the comfort benefits of a tee with no sleeves to worry about.
Enter the Cashmerette Saybrook tank. From the pattern: “Choose from a high scoop neck with a high back or a low scoop neck with a low back and finish the tank with a stylish knot-front hem, a straight hip-length hem, or a cropped hem perfect for pairing with high-waisted bottoms. “
Casmerette have extended their size range and this tank comes in sizes 12-32, C-H cup! This is 40/32/42 to 62/52/62 (102/81/107 to 157/132/157).
Cashmerette is also offering 20% off the Saybrook tank for CSC readers – just use code SAYBROOK20 from now until Nov 23!
Andie
Measurements: I’m 5’3″. Bust 51″, waist 47″, hips 51-53″
Pattern Size: I made a size 22 GH graded to size 28 at the hips. It’s been my go to size with Cashmerette. My hips are smaller than the size 28 now but I like room in the hips just in case since my chronic illness causes inflammation and swelling.
Alterations: None.
Fabric: Both are in cotton lycra with 4 way stretch. The striped version is my first one and the yellow print is my second one.
Fit: I think the fit is good overall. The straps are a bit long on me and need a forward shoulder adjustment but I think those are minor adjustments.
Changes for future version: I will be doing a forward shoulder adjustment and shortening the straps a bit (around an inch).
Final Thoughts: I really like the version with the tie on it and will definitely be making it again. The shorter version in the stripes I like but I think the tie version is the winner.
Jennifer
Measurements: High Bust 46″, Bust 50″, Bra Size 42DD , Waist 44″, Hips 56″, Height 5’6″.
Body shape: Apple (Granny Smith!)
Pattern size used: Size 20E/F, graded to 24 at waist/hip
Alterations: No adjustments for me!
Fabric: A bamboo jersey with 5% spandex
Fit: With my Covid plushness, I should go up a size. But I think this current snug fit is perfect for layering!
Changes for future versions: Aside from bumping up a size, I would love to explore this tank in a variety of fabrics — I think a thicker athletic fabric with a higher spandex count would be a great addition to my exercise wardrobe.
Final thoughts: I really like the directions for the neck and arm bindings — they result in very narrow edges that still are very secure!
Kristina
Measurements: I’m 5.5 “ (166 cm), and am all about the curves, full bust (16DD), a wee tum & generous hips & thighs. My measurements are 45/40/50 (114/101/127)
Pattern Size: I made a size 18 bust, extended to a 22 around the waist & hips. I wanted a comfortable snug fit around the chest, with a more forgiving fit around my waist & hip area (no muffin thanks.) I made the high neckline, high back version, as I like the top to show under a cardigan or jacket. I’m really happy with the fit , especially as it worked in both styles of knit I used
Alterations: Other than grading as detailed above, none, I made both tanks straight out of the packet.
Fabric: The white & blue print is a gorgeous soft viscose knit from The Fabric Store. The blue & grey floral is a slightly thicker stretch cotton also from The Fabric Store.
Fit: I love the fit, it’s snug where it should be around my bust and narrow shoulders, with nice gentle shaping through the rest of the bodice. I like the slightly longer length, perfect under a cropped or longer cardigan.
Changes for future version: I will definitely make again, I had intended to make one of these with a knotted hem, but managed to spectacularly misread the fabric requirements and only brought enough for the cropped version?! Thankfully the knit was extra wide & I could squeeze out a full length top from just .75 m of fabric, incredible good value. I’m actually going to make a couple as Christmas gifts with some beautiful soft Liberty jersey, such a quick sew even for a snail pace sewer like me.
Final thoughts: I found the instructions clear, and the construction quite straightforward (the pattern is labelled Beginner) I sewed the majority on my overlocker/serger, completing the neckline & armhole binding on my machine. I really enjoyed the way the binding is constructed, rather than using twin needles, the pattern uses a zig zag stich on the right side of the neckline and armholes. I thought it might look odd, but I love the effect, and NO wobbly binding! I followed the tutorial on the Cashmerette Instagram page and I’m really pleased with the binding (I showed my Mum & got a “well done, very flat”… high praise around these parts!) As mentioned above, I found the tutorial on the Cashmerette Instagram page really helpful for getting great binding (putting tissue, or in my case swedish tracing paper under the fabric really works!) Cashmerette have also done a sew along on their website.
Sierra
Measurements: High bust: 49.5″, full bust 54″, waist 44″, hips 54″, height 5’7″
Pattern Size: I used the size 24 G/H, which is my usual Cashmerette size.
Alterations: I did not make any alterations.
Fabric: For my cropped version I used athletic mesh and activewear knit from TailorMade. For my tie version I used a scrap of rayon jersey from my stash.
Fit: I am really pleased with the fit. Admittedly, I have worn my Saybrook several days in a row at home. I like that I can layer it with some of my cardigans and jackets. I paired it with my Alice Alexander Co jacket and Cashmerette Holyoke skirt.
Changes for future version: If I make the cropped version again I may lengthen it a little bit or add elastic to keep it in place. I still want it to be cropped, but most of my breast tissue is lower on my chest. I also may look at adjusting the shoulders to accommodate different bras. I could also make it again without alterations and be just fine.
Final thoughts: I am really into this pattern. It filled a hole in my wardrobe that I didn’t realize I had. I look forward to making this in a variety of fabrics and colors moving forward. I also have a decent amount of ITY that I think would be cute as a Saybrook dress.
Tegan
Measurements: 60 Bust, 49 Waist, 59 Hips
Pattern Size: 22 shoulders graded to 28G/H from the bust down
Alterations: The only alterations I made were to grade between sizes and add 2” of length (I’m 5’9” and prefer layering tanks to be longer in general).
Fabric: Pictured is a poly/cotton rib knit – I didn’t realize when I bought it that it has no spandex in it, which means it grows a bit throughout the day. I’ve also made ones with cotton/modal/spandex jersey and cotton/spandex rib.
Fit: AMAZING!! You can’t see my bra! And the curve of the side seam keeps the negative ease really consistent through the whole bodice, even in this rib knit you can see it’s not stretched more over my bust or my hips like RTW tanks are.
Changes for future versions: Well, I’ll definitely not use another knit without spandex. To be fair, the pattern very clearly states to make sure your fabric has at least 5% spandex, and it was my fault I didn’t double check this rib knit before I ordered it. I might also add another inch or so of length, just for additional butt coverage. But other than that it’s pretty much perfect.
Final Thoughts: The outside pictures are shown with my latest Fuller cardigan which I really really love! I can see this being a frequent fall outfit for me. I’m so happy to have the Saybrook as an option now, I wear knit tanks as a base layer under sheer tops all the time and I’ve been just dealing with RTW up until now. I know I can always reach for a Cashmerette pattern when I want a wardrobe staple with an excellent fit.
Thanks so much for this series. I am a new sewist (only started in September) but jumped in and this tank top became a go-to pattern for me to develop my skills. After sewing for a few months, I am starting to be a bit pickier about the fit. I have had a few fit issues that I hope you more experienced sewists can help me with. My measurements are high bust 38 / bust 42 / waist 32 / hips 42. I sewed the 12 G/H and while I like the close fit, there is a flap of fabric under my arms and pooling in the small of my back. I have tried researching what adjustments are needed with the pattern but am lost. Would going up a size in the bust and shoulders help solve it? Is it my bust not having enough fabric? I would be so appreciative of any suggestions.
If you have facebook (I actually created a sewing-only facebook account), you can post photos on the curvy sewing collective group and the cashmerette group and get fitting help from group members. Did you put your measurements into the size calculator on the Cashmerette website?
Thank you for the reply! I tried making a facebook account and posting on the Curvy Sewing Collective page, but they flagged my account and I can’tuse it currently. I used the calculator and got 14 c/d, but made a mockup for 14 e/f because of pulling across my chest. I still am getting tons of fabric pooling across my back and diagonal lines across front with a fabric flap under my arms. Hopefully I will be able to use my facebook account soon as I have some beautiful fabric I can’t wait to use for my perfected tank pattern.
Love these posts, thanks so much for putting this together!
I am so happy to be reading a new post and I especially enjoy the same pattern different body posts. Thank you to all the ladies who contributed to the article- now I need to head over to the Cashmerette site and buy this pattern.
I am so happy to read a new post here! Thank to the bloggers for this interesting comparison!
Thank you so much to the bloggers for the honesty and thoughtfulness!
I’m not Jennifer, but they look like Cashmerette Calder pants to me (?). I’ve made them 3 times and I really like the Calders.
Thanks!
I love this series. It’s so great to see how a pattern looks on so many different people.
Jennifer, instead of looking at your tank, I immediately focused on your pants. They look so great on you and your body type is similar to mine, so I have to ask, what pattern did you use to make them? I assume you made them because they seem to fit you perfectly.
You are correct — they are Calders! (Note that I made a 24, but graded down to a 20 below the thigh since they were a bit too voluminous as a straight size.)