The Kila Tank is a clean, modern staple designed to fit easily into everyday dressing. With a close fit and a subtle racerback shape, it has just enough detail to feel considered while still staying simple and wearable.
It’s a versatile piece that works in lots of ways. We love it tucked into high-waisted trousers or skirts, layered under jumpsuits, or worn on its own as a straightforward base layer. Sewn in gorgeous stretchy fabrics, it also works beautifully as a workout top or a lightweight pyjama option.
Each kit includes enough fabric to make two tank tops, giving you the chance to practise sewing with knits and come away with two useful wardrobe pieces. The fabric is soft and comfortable with good stretch and recovery, so the finished tops feel supportive and easy to wear throughout the day. The scoop neckline and armholes are finished with a neat, low-bulk binding method that creates a really clean finish.
There’s plenty of learning built into this kit. In Lauren’s Top Tips video, she shows you two different ways to attach the bindings, helping you choose the finish that suits you best. She also demonstrates how to use Stretchfix to make sewing hems and bindings simpler, and talks you through sewing jersey on a standard sewing machine, so there’s no need for specialist equipment.
The straps are designed to offer good coverage, but if you’d like to make changes, Lauren also shows you how to adjust them. She guides you through widening the straps and adding a little more coverage at the back, explaining each step clearly so you can adapt the pattern with confidence.
This is a great project if you’d like to build your stretch fabric skills while making something you’ll love to wear. Two useful tanks, clear guidance, and a top you can wear all year round.
The fabric for this kit is available in two pairings: navy & cream or caramel & steel blue
For this kit we’ve sourced a gorgeous, stretchy ribbed cotton jersey. This fabric is knitted with a pronounced rib design, which gives it a great amount of stretch and makes it ideal for the Kila Tank.
Its weight of 200 gsm means that it’s light enough for layering, without being see-through, so it can easily be worn by itself once the sunshine returns. With a composition of 95% cotton and 5% elastane your tank will keep its shape throughout the day and won’t bag out with wear.
To see the fabrics close up check out the video in the main gallery above.
This pattern is available in two size ranges: US sizes 0-18 (B Cup) and US sizes 12-30 (D Cup):
Sizes 0-18: Bust 32 - 43.5" (81.3 - 110.5cm), waist 26 - 37.5” (66 - 95.3cm), hip 35 - 46.5” (88.9 - 118cm)
Sizes 12-30: Bust 40.5- 57.5" (102.9 - 146.1cm), waist 32.5 - 49.5” (82.6 - 125.7cm), hip 42.5 - 59.5” (108 - 151cm)
The full size charts, including finished measurements, can be viewed in the gallery above.
If you are unsure about what dressmakers cup size you are, please check out this article and note that it is different to what bra size you might wear.
If you'd like to see how the Kila Tank looks on many different bodies, check out the Instagram hashtag, here.
- The PDF digital files for the Allie Olson Kila Tank. The link to the PDF instruction booklet and digital files for all sizes will be contained in your order confirmation email and are available to access when logged into the g&g website.
- A0 print out of the Allie Olson Kila Tank pattern. Choose between sizes ranges US 0-18 (B-cup) OR US 12-30 (D-cup) from the drop down menu above.
- Main fabric*: as described above. Size 0-18 kits include two 1.2m lengths of fabric. Size 12-30 kits include two 1.8m lengths of fabric.
- Stretchfix: Size 0-18 kits contain 50cm and size 12-30 kits contain 60cm.
- Thread: 2 x reels Gutermann Sew All thread in shades 802 & 339 (cream & navy) or 448 & 112 (caramel & steel blue)
- Sewing Machine Needles: Schmetz jersey needles, mixed pack
- Label: 2 x Sew in Yay / Me Made woven label
- Video: access to Lauren’s top tips video, as described below
- Free UK shipping!
*Each kit contains enough fabric to make two vest tops - one in each duo colour.
Please note the threads included in the kit are Gutermann Sew All thread. Maraflex thread matches for the fabric are the same colour codes as given above for the Sew All thread.
A physical print out of the instruction booklet will NOT be included. You can view the instruction booklet on your device at home, print it out at home, or add the 'printed pattern instructions' product (see link below) to your order and we will print it for you.
In her exclusive video tutorial, Lauren shows you how to:
- confidently cut out ribbed knit fabrics
- adjust the pattern for more coverage at the back and on the straps
- adjust your binding pieces to match
- sew knit fabrics on your regular machine
- choose the right stitch for your seam
- attach the bindings using two different methods
- use Stretchfix to attach the bindings and sew the hems with ease!
With Lauren's guidance you'll have the skills to produce two professional looking vest tops which will become staple items in your wardrobe. As well as techniques to take forward to any future knit project!
The video has over 34 minutes of footage, sectioned out with time stamps/chapters for easy reference and navigation.
The link to the video will be contained in your order confirmation email along with the pdf files, please file this safely for future reference.
Allie Olson recommends this pattern for beginner dressmakers who have some experience of working with knit fabrics already.
Techniques include cutting and sewing knit fabrics, attaching bindings and sewing hems.
To complete this project successfully you'll need a regular sewing machine along with Lauren's essential recommended sewing tools.
You can see some of the tools most used by Lauren in her top tips video in the Related Products section above.
If you would like a printed copy of the instructions sent out with your kit, in addition to the PDF copy that you will receive, please see the related products below and add it to your cart as a separate product.
Your kit will be wrapped in tissue and beautifully presented in recyclable packaging.
We will aim to dispatch all kits as soon as possible after orders are placed and aim to have all kits shipped out by Friday 20th February.
As Sewing Society kits are processed and shipped from a different location to the shop, we are unable to group together kit orders with past or subsequent orders or combine orders retrospectively. Please click here for the full g&g Sewing Society shipping terms.
