The Ava top is has fast become one of my best selling patterns, and to make it even more wearable, I'm going to show you how to turn the top into a tank top.
BODICE ADJUSTMENT
1. Start by drawing the seam line on the shoulder and side seam on the front and back piece, 1 cm (3/8") away from the edge.
2. Mark 3 cm (1 3/16") from the lower shoulder point and 5 cm (2") down on the side seam.
3. Draw the new armscye seams.
4. On the back piece, mark a part of the armscye seam at the side seam on back of the paper pattern. Fold away the 1 cm seam allowance and match up with the seam line on the front piece.
Make sure that the curve has a smooth transition from back to front. If it doesn't, redraw the armscye seam on the front piece.
5. Measure the new seam lines on the front and back. Record measurement. On my pattern the front armscye is 24,5 cm (9 5/8") and the back armscye is 24,8 cm (9 3/4").
6. Add a 1 cm (3/8") seam allowance to the front and back armscye. Cut away the excess paper.
ARMSCYE BAND
7. Since I used the same width of the neckband for the armscye band, I marked the armscye length on the neckband piece (this way I didn't have to make another paper pattern).
Add your front and back armscye length and multiply it by 0,85.
Mine is 24,5 + 24,8 = 49,3 cm * 0,85 = 41,9 cm (9 5/8" + 9 3/4" = 19 3/8" * 0.85 = 16.5").
Measure and mark 41,9 cm (16.5") on the neckband.
As you will cut out 2 armscye pieces, you will need to add a 2 cm seam allowance since you will sew each armscye piece together (1+1=2).
CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS
Front: cut 2, mirrored
Back: cut 1 on fold
Neckband: cut 1 on fold
Armscye band: cut 2, mirrored
If you try this hack, please tag me on Instagram (@michelledesignco). I look forward to seeing your sleeveless Ava top hack!