Ideal basic vest top pattern

I have been looking for a pattern for a basic knit vest top to wear as a pyjama top and the Kila tank by Allie Olson Patterns really fit the bill.

The Kila tank has a lovely shape to it and I particularly like the subtle racerback detail.  The pattern also uses binding to finish the neckline and armholes, which I thought was a lovely detail and would give a really smart finish.

The pattern specifies that the tank should be sewn using knit fabrics with at least 60% stretch and good recovery.  It adds that you should size up if using knit fabric with a lower stretch percentage.  I used a basic cotton jersey with a lower stretch percentage so I did size up.  I also wanted the tank to be fairly loose fitting anyway as it was intended as sleepwear.  So I sized up 4 sizes (From size 0/2 to size 8/10).  I’m glad I did as even with this increase in sizing, the fit isn’t very loose.  This pattern definitely has a large amount of negative ease built in.

Overall this was an enjoyable and fairly straightforward sew.   The only slightly fiddly bit was attaching the knit binding.

It is a great basic vest top and I will definitely be making more.  It would work well as a pj top, as a summery vest top or as an activewear top too.