• Account
  • Gift Card
  • Affiliate Program
  • Wholesale Accounts
  • FAQ
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • 0 items$0.00
Hey June Handmade

Hey June Handmade

  • Shop
    • Women’s Patterns
    • Tops
    • Bottoms
    • Dresses And Jumpsuits
    • Juniors Patterns
    • Free Patterns
    • All
    • Gift Card
    • Paper Patterns
  • Blog
    • Women’s Patterns
    • Juniors Patterns
    • Kid’s Patterns
    • Free Patterns
    • Other Sewing
  • Tutorials
  • Sew Alongs

July 23, 2018 ·

Durango Tank Dress

Free Patterns· Tutorials· Women's Patterns

Here in the northern hemisphere we’re entering those dog days of summer when we’re all over the heat, over entertaining our kids, and over complicated sewing and dressing.  Luckily Michelle is here with the perfect antidote!  This dress sews up so fast, it will be so comfy, and well, I’ll let her tell you how long it’ll take you to get dressed!

___________

I’m excited to share this free DIY tank dress tutorial because it’s not only easy to make, but it makes getting dressed in the morning so much easier too. Literally, slip it on over your head (15 generous seconds), slide your feet into some comfy sneakers (15 more seconds) and you’re done, level of easy. If you have 20 more seconds to spare then throw a necklace, hat, jacket or cross-body purse on top. That’s still less than a minute. And this look totally works with a top knot, so minute-thirty tops and you are out the door… or don’t go anywhere actually. I wear this all the time at home with my kids to stay cool and look fresh.

Durango Tank Dress

Who this tutorial is for:

  • Beginner sewists wanting to try their hand at knits
  • Beginner sewists wanting to try their hand at simple pattern alterations
  • Everybody who loves well drafted free patterns
  • Anybody who wants to try a Hey June pattern before buying one
  • Intermediate and experienced sewists who like comfortable style

Did I miss anybody?

Durango Tank Dress

Durango Tank Dress

Durango Tank Dress

So are you ready to dive into how easy this is?

Here’s what you need:

  • Free Durango Tank pattern
  • 1.5-2 yards t-shirt knit fabric (See pattern requirements for specifics) I used this rayon spandex jersey from Indiesew.
  • Matching thread

The whole concept of turning this tank into a dress is lengthening the pattern at the hem. The most important consideration for a hack like this is making sure to account for the hips. That is why the Durango Tank is ideal for this hack. The pattern is designed with negative ease at the bust and a couple inches of ease at the hips. Once you pick your size based on your bust and hip measurements and grade at the hips if your measurements require you to do so, you shouldn’t have to add any additional shaping for the hips. Take a look at the finished garment measurements and make sure the hip size is larger than yours and you should be set.

The next thing to consider is how long you want it. I held the pattern up to my body accounting for the shoulder seam allowance and measured how many more inches I would need to add to get to my desired knee length. You can go shorter or longer just remember any longer than the knees and you will likely need to add side seam slits. You don’t need to add any hem allowance because that is already factored into the pattern piece. Err on the long side because you can always take length off prior to hemming.

Now you are ready to redraw your pattern pieces. Simply extend the center fold line of the front piece down from the original hem line the number of inches you determined you needed to add. Extend the side seam line as far down as the center line, but start a little higher so you can smooth out the hip curve. Draw a new hem line at the end of the center fold and seam lines that you just drew. This line is straight across, not curved like the original pattern. Do the same for the back, starting with the center cut line.

That is it! The assembly instructions in the pattern are the same for this dress so you don’t need to alter anything else. I promised this was quick and easy. Don’t forget to tag your makes on social media so we can all see! #durangotank #durangotankdress

Additional design change ideas:

  • Draw a deep curved hem with the back longer than the front for a high low effect. You will need to hem prior to sewing the side seams with this approach.
  • Make a split hem with mitered corners (tutorial here). You can also make the back longer with this look.
  • I omitted my center back seam. To do this you would remove the 3/8″ seam allowance from the center back cut line and cut on the fold instead of a mirrored pair.

Durango Tank Dress

___________

Thanks so much for that quick and easy tutorial, Michelle!  It’s exactly what we all need right now!

 

 

Previous Post: « Tie-Back Trevi Tutorial
Next Post: Tied Sleeve Larkspur »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. fayedoll says

    July 23, 2018 at 5:51 pm

    Thank you!

  2. Nancy Morris says

    July 26, 2018 at 1:37 pm

    It appears as thought the back of you Durango armholes are not cut as deep as the pattern shows. Did you change this also?

Primary Sidebar

Welcome to Hey June! I'm so glad you're here. Whether you're an experienced sewist or a beginner, I aim to provide simple, modern sewing patterns that are as fun to sew as they are to wear. Read More…

Never miss a post, sale, or new pattern!

Categories

  • Free Patterns
  • Juniors Patterns
  • Kid's Patterns
  • Other Sewing
  • Sew Alongs
  • Tutorials
  • Women's Patterns

looking for something?

Disclaimer: Amazon Affiliate links are sometimes used in blog posts.

heyjunehandmade

After five different iterations, I've settled on w After five different iterations, I've settled on what I believe to be the easiest and most guaranteed successful way to sew convex and concave "V"s. (Spoiler: simple is almost always best!). Luckily this one didn't take too much experimentation.  I can remember a few tricky techniques where I ended up using paper towels because I was tired of using up so much muslin 🙈⁣
⁣
Everything is figureoutable!  That's my mantra, and it's always my goal to find ways to make sewing up HJ patterns as easy as possible for you.
⁣
Excited to get this pattern out to you in the next month or so. It's been my cozy winter lockdown outfit all week ☺️⁣
⁣
#SitkaSweatshirt #HeyJunePatterns #sew #sewist #seweveryday #handmadewardrobe #handmade #sewistsofinstagram #sewistsgonnasew #sewcialists #diyfashion #memadeeveryday #memadewardrobe #imakemyclothes #isew #isewmyclothes #sewingpattern #sewingtutorial #sewingblogger #instasew #slowfashion #modernsewist
I do believe this is the first year my favorite th I do believe this is the first year my favorite thing has been in my top 9!! (Albeit last, but victory nonetheless!!🧡) Just wanted to say thank you all for being here and for your support throughout the year.  I hope you are all safe and well.  Cheers to 2021 🥂⁣
⁣
Patterns featured by row:⁣
⁣
- #AllspiceApron ⁣
- #VeroBeachSet ⁣
- #SeaforthPants ⁣
⁣
- #GreerJumpsuit ⁣
- #UnionStTee colorblock tutorial⁣
- #WheatonWindbreaker ⁣
⁣
- bottoms hacked from #SanibelDressandRomper, top self drafted⁣
- #UnionStTee dress⁣
- modified #BrunswickPullover (aka: the best one 😁)
Faux fur blankets are everywhere this year and the Faux fur blankets are everywhere this year and they make a great gift, but they are $$$. Make your own for a fraction of the price with super soft (non-sheddy!) faux fur from @fabricwholesaledirect and the tutorial on the blog today!⁣
⁣
hot holiday tip for procrastinators: you can sew this up in minutes the night before 😉⁣🎁
⁣
#fauxfurthrow #fauxfur #sewingtutorial #HeyJunePatterns #sew #sewist #seweveryday #handmade #sewistsofinstagram #sewistsgonnasew #sewcialists #diy #memadeeveryday #isew #sewingblogger #instasew #slowfashion #modernsewist
Are you sewing any handmade gifts this year? I de Are you sewing any handmade gifts this year?  I designed the free Allspice Apron pattern just for you!  It is multi-sized, uses minimal fabric, and only has 2 pattern pieces!  This crossover apron style is my favorite and works for everyone, especially in a beautiful wrinkly linen.  Pair it with a new kitchen gadget (ideas in the post!) or some yummy baked goods for the perfect gift this season or any time!⁣
⁣
Grab the free pattern and see the instructions in the blog post today!⁣
⁣
#AllspiceApron #HeyJunePatterns #sew #sewist #seweveryday #handmadewardrobe #handmade #sewistsofinstagram #sewistsgonnasew #sewcialists #diyfashion #memadeeveryday #memadewardrobe #imakemyclothes #isew #isewmyclothes #sewingpattern #sewingtutorial #sewingblogger #instasew #slowfashion #modernsewist
A mini video series of sewalongs for the Wheaton w A mini video series of sewalongs for the Wheaton welt pocket is on the blog today!  I split these videos up to make it easier to find the exact step you need if you're having a little trouble.  Overall, this pocket is really straightforward and simple if you take it one step at a time!  I love the wider channel-stitched welt lips and I made mine extra cozy by using flannel for the pocket bags! ⁣
⁣
The sitewide sale is still going strong too, including the new Wheaton Windbreaker!  Save 20% through Nov 30 with code "Thanks20".⁣
⁣
#WheatonWindbreaker #HeyJunePatterns #sewalong #SewingTutorial #WeltPocket #WeltPocketTutorial #ithaspockets #indiepattern #sewingpattern
All of the testers' Wheaton Windbreakers are on th All of the testers' Wheaton Windbreakers are on the blog today!  Take a break today with a beverage and a scroll for some serious inspiration!  They used so many different substrates and colors, like this beautiful rust version from @teridodds1 ❤️. Thank you to all of my testers for doing such amazing, creative work and inspiring all of us!⁣
⁣
#WheatonWindbreaker #HeyJunePatterns #sew #sewist #seweveryday #handmadewardrobe #handmade #sewistsofinstagram #sewistsgonnasew #sewcialists #diyfashion #memadeeveryday #memadewardrobe #imakemyclothes #isew #isewmyclothes #sewingpattern #sewingtutorial #sewingblogger #instasew #slowfashion #modernsewist
Introducing the Wheaton Windbreaker! Wheaton is a Introducing the Wheaton Windbreaker!  Wheaton is a lightweight cropped jacket with a center zipper and 3 piece hood.  It features welt pockets and a separate waistband with decorative stitching, long dolman sleeves, and an elasticated wrist.  Wheaton is available in sizes 0-30 and can be made in almost any apparel weight woven!⁣
⁣
Wheaton is included in the semi-annual sitewide sale starting today and going through Nov 30! Use code "thanks20" for 20% off all regularly priced pdf and paper patterns!!⁣

Thank you to @popofneutral for modeling!!
⁣
#WheatonWindbreaker #HeyJunePatterns #sew #sewist #seweveryday #handmadewardrobe #handmade #sewistsofinstagram #sewistsgonnasew #sewcialists #diyfashion #memadeeveryday #memadewardrobe #imakemyclothes #isew #isewmyclothes #sewingpattern #sewingtutorial #sewingblogger #instasew #slowfashion #modernsewist
Nothing scarier than hearing the serger running in Nothing scarier than hearing the serger running in your sewing room when you're not in your sewing room 😱. But this girl decided to get up and make herself a Nikko Top and I'm so proud 🙌. I haven't really taught my kids to sew, but I'm happy they're getting into it on their own anyway.  I'll be here to nurture their interest and attach arm bindings when they ask though!  How are you approaching this skill with the next generation?⁣
⁣
#NikkoTop #truebiaspatterns #sew #sewist #seweveryday #handmadewardrobe #handmade #sewistsofinstagram #sewistsgonnasew #sewcialists #diyfashion #memadeeveryday #memadewardrobe #imakemyclothes #isew #isewmyclothes #sewingpattern #sewingtutorial #sewingblogger #instasew #slowfashion #modernsewist
Sharing a giant sneak peek of our next pattern tod Sharing a giant sneak peek of our next pattern today because the fabric I used and loved is on sale!⁣
⁣
@raspberrycreekfabrics is starting their black Friday sale early so you can have your holiday fabrics in hand and start sewing now! ⁣
⁣
@littlebitco and I both used their linen rayon for this project and it works fabulously - highly recommend!  Plus, it comes in several gorgeous colors.  I used rust, naturally 💁🏼‍♀️🧡⁣
⁣
Swipe to see the fabric recs and reqs for this pattern and keep an eye out for it in a few weeks!!⁣
⁣
#comingsoon #HeyJunePatterns #sew #sewist #seweveryday #handmadewardrobe #handmade #sewistsofinstagram #sewistsgonnasew #sewcialists #diyfashion #memadeeveryday #memadewardrobe #imakemyclothes #isew #isewmyclothes #sewingpattern #sewingtutorial #sewingblogger #instasew #slowfashion #modernsewist
Grabbed all* my supplies to sit in bed, watch a mo Grabbed all* my supplies to sit in bed, watch a movie, and sew buttons on my two new button-ups.  Can you tell what I'm missing? This is what happens to a chronically anti-hand-sewing person 🤦🏼‍♀️⁣
⁣
*All =/= all ⁣
⁣
#CheyenneTunic #AmherstShirt #HeyJunePatterns #sew #sewist #seweveryday #handmadewardrobe #handmade #sewistsofinstagram #sewistsgonnasew #sewcialists #diyfashion #memadeeveryday #memadewardrobe #imakemyclothes #isew #isewmyclothes #sewingpattern #sewingtutorial #sewingblogger #instasew #slowfashion #modernsewist
Load More Follow on Instagram
  • About
  • Contact
  • FAQ
  • Policies
  • Positions

Copyright Hey June Handmade © 2021 · Log in