The Grainline Studio Willow
Tank tops are a versatile wardrobe staple perfect for layering. The Grainline Studio Willow Tank is the perfect tank top with a simple and classic silhouette and I find it to be a consistent go-to in my closet. I’ve made a few different versions of the pattern over the past few years and have been consistently pleased with the results. When I decided to make a faux jumpsuit, I knew that the grainline willow would be the perfect pattern for the top piece because I wanted something that I would also be inclined to wear as a separate.
Fabric
This version of the Grainline Studio Willow Tank is made with Blackbird Fabrics ecovero viscose. Typically, when I’ve made this top in the past I’ve used fabrics with a lot of structure. This fabric is more lighteight and has a much more fluid drape. I wasn’t quite sure how it would work with pattern, but it actually worked out great! Most woven fabrics will work well, but I tend to use structured fabrics (linen, crepe, cotton blends) because it fits the silhouette of the pattern best.
Pattern & sizing
Grainline Studio is one of my favorite indie pattern companies. The patterns are always very approachable and well drafted. The Willow Tank pattern is no exception – it’s so easy and quick to make! I’ve made both the tank and the dress and found them both to be quite straightforward.
In general, I find that patterns by Grainline Studio are true to size or run slightly large. Becasue this top has a loose, boxy fit I chose to size down a size.
Sewing the Grainline Studio Willow Pattern
The willow tank pattern has 4 primary pattern pieces: front, back, neckline facing, and armhole facings. If you’re making the dress version, there are additional skirt pieces. If you’re an experienced sewer, you’ll probably find this to be super a fast sew. It’s essentially just sewing together front + back and then attaching facings.
If you’re a beginner, the most complex part of the pattern is doing flat bias facings. If you’ve never done this before or struggle with it, check out this helpful post on Grainline Studios blog. There is also an entire sew-a-long on their blog that could be super helpful to beginners.
Final thoughts
Overall, I love the Grainline Studio Willow pattern. Not only is it a great wardrobe staple, but it’s also so quick and easy to make. If you’re like me and love having simple layering pieces to choose from, you will love this pattern. Its a great option for anyone who is trying to build a capsule wardrobe.
[…] For the top piece of the jumpsuit, I wanted a tank-top style top that would be versatile enough to wear on its own, but also easy to tuck into pants to give it a jumpsuit look. I initially planned an ogden cami, but ended up going with a grainline willow tank instead. I wanted a boxy look so that the top could drape over the pants when tucked in without drawing too much attention to the pants waistline. This helps give the set a fluid jumpsuit look. The grainline willow tank is such a simple sew and its a great layering piece. I wrote up a full post about the tank top, which you can find here. […]