In preparation for the Moxi shorts Sew-Along (join me HERE on 7/23/18) I thought I’d make a few more tanks to match and motivate myself on my new workout routine (killer abs here I come!).
I chose the Lille tank from Greenstyle- I’ve made it before as a dress here, and as a tank here for my Fit Capsule. After making a series of small changes for my body and preferred fit, I’ve gotten it just about perfect, but the binding was always a pain.
Sewing, unpicking, re-sewing, more unpicking…you know how it goes. They say that doing something over and over again and expecting the same result is considered insanity, and I didn’t want to go crazy with a seam ripper in my hand , so I decided to try something new. And hooray! It worked so well, I thought I’d put it together in a little tutorial for you.
What doesn’t work for me….
Before I get started in on the tutorial, I thought I’d share what I’ve done in the past that doesn’t work out for me:
- Sewing my binding in flat. This is a great technique if you can nail the perfect stretch every time, get those pesky seams to line up just right after binding, or if you’re using a binding attachment for your cover stitch. Since I’m not able to do any of these things, I needed a different method.
- Measuring my binding at 90-95%. This turns out to be too long for a deeply scooped tank like the Lille- it was always gaping.
- Double folding my binding. This is a great technique and necessary for making straps, but seemed like overkill for the inside of an athletic tank. Also, thinner fabrics are especially finicky about staying double folded, and always seemed to be shifting out of whack.
What DOES work! Video Tutorial:
I changed up a few of these things, and breathed a HUGE sigh of relief at how easy my new binding method was! I’ll let the video explain in more depth:
Photo Tutorial:
I also thought I’d offer up a few photos of the sequence, if you’re like me and usually watching these things while getting your kids to sleep. I’d love to hear which tutorial method you prefer in the comments (video or photos)!
Step 1: Start wtih tank sewn at shoulders nad side seams.
Cut binding strips with the stretch, 1.25″ wide. Sew binding together in a loop (using a sewing machine), and quarter both the binding and the opening.
Step 2: Serge Binding to tank, right sides together, with 3/8″ seam allowance.
Step 3: Press seam allowance UP toward binding, and fold binding over the seam allowance to the back.
Step 4: Top stitch the binding with a coverstitch or a double needle.
Step 5: Trim away any excess. Enjoy!
Well, that’s it! Pretty simple, right?
Is this how you already do it? I’m well aware I didn’t invent this method- but I’m so pleased to have perfected it!
I’m always down to learn something new, so if you have a hot tip related to binding, please leave it in the comments below, and as always, feel free to use the “share” button to share this link with friends!
Note: This post contains affiliate links- they help cover the cost of my sewing habit and the coffee it takes to keep me going! If you enjoyed this post, you can find all my sewing tutorials HERE on YouTube, or at the top of my blog under the “Sewing Tutorials” link (subscribe HERE).