Strappy Tank Dress – Sew Spaghetti Strap Dress

Learn to sew spaghetti strap summer dresses perfect for the heat

Please meet my newest favorite sundress. Made in a rayon blend knit, this dress is secret summer pajamas – in fact, it would actually make a good nightgown if I slept in nightgowns (I’m a tank and shorts girl myself).

This dress is actually a lengthened version of the newest pattern in my shop, the Kirei Camisole, which comes in sizes XXS-3X.

Part of what makes this dress my favorite is that the fabric is sooooo soft! I used this rayon spandex floral. 

The rayon makes the fabric breathable and cool for summer too, even on hot Seven Mile Beach where we vacationed this summer.

To modifiy your pattern, place the fitted and swing versions of the pattern fronts together, with the fitted version on top. Line up the necklines. Then draw a line from the armscye point to halfway between where the fitted and swing tank corners are at the hem. Extend lines 12-15 inches (depending on your height and preferences) at the side seam and at center front, then connect in a slight curve. Repeat with back pieces. You could also just extend the lines on the swing version, but that will result in a slightly fuller dress than the one I’m wearing in these pictures. IN either case, make sure the pattern has a little ease at the hipline (approximately where the original swing hemline ends) to skim your hips rather than cling to them. The one I’m wearing has 4 total inches of ease at my hipline.

To sew, follow the pattern directions or watch the video below (the video does not show the optional shelf bra). If the video won’t load or you prefer, you can also watch on YouTube here.

Want to make your own? Besides the Kirei Camisole pattern (that I show you how to modify) you’ll need an extra half yard or so above what the pattern calls for the swing version of the tank.