Let’s start sewing our Pony tanks! In this post, we’ll demonstrate how to sew the shoulder seams and attach the neckband. We are demonstrating by sewing the crop length, but these steps apply to all three views of the Pony Tank.

SEAM ALLOWANCES & OPTIONAL FUSIBLE

Unless noted, the seam allowance included is 3/8” (1 cm) for joined seams and all joined seams should be sewn with a
stretch stitch. Clip or mark the notches indicated by “T” marks and “triangles”. You can apply a piece of tricot fusible or clear elastic to the wrong side of the shoulder seam to prevent excess stretching. With the right sides together, sew the shoulder seams. Finish and press seams towards the back.

The Pony Tank bodice pieces are shown pinned at the shoulder seams.
The Pony Tank bodice pieces are shown sewn at the shoulder seams.

SEW NECKBAND V

With the right sides together, sew the neckband’s V shaped seam. Clip the V without cutting through the stitch line. Press seam open.

The Pony Tank neckband piece is shown pinned at the notched center front.
The Pony Tank neckband piece is shown sewn at the notched center front.
A pair of scissors snips into the seam allowance at the center front of the Pony Tank neckband.
An iron presses the Pony Tank neckband.

FOLD & PRESS NECKBAND

Fold the neckband in half with the wrong sides together and press.

The Pony Tank neckband piece is shown pressed in half and sewn at center front.

SEW STITCH GUIDE ON NECKBAND & TRIM

Lengthen your stitch length; you will remove these stitches later so you don’t want them too tight. Sew a stitch guide at 3/8” (1 cm) on your neckband with a straight stitch, extending 1” (2.5 cm) on either side of the V. You can trim the triangles off at the point. Set aside for now.

A close up of the Pony Tank shows a line of stitching at center front.

SEW STITCH GUIDE ON FRONT NECKLINE

Make sure your stitch length is still lengthened. Sew a stitch guide at 3/8” (1 cm) on your bodice front with a straight stitch, extending 1” (2.5 cm) on either side of the V.

A close up of the neckline on the Pony Tank shows stitching at the center front.

CLIP V

Clip the center front V without cutting into the seam.

A close up of the Pony Tank neckline shows scissors snipping into the seam allowance at center front.

PIN V & PIVOT BODICE

Pin the neckband to the bodice, matching the center front and stitch guide lines. Pivot the bodice and pin the neckband to the bodice on either side for about 1” (2.5 cm).

A pin is placed at the center front of the Pony Tank and holds the neckband to the bodice.
Three pins hold the neckband of the Pony Tank pinned at center front.

FLIP OVER & SEW V

Flip the bodice over and stitch right on top of your stitch guides to sew the center front V with a straight stitch (use the
standard stitch length). Check your V-neck to make sure you are satisfied before moving on.

A sewing machine stitches the center front 'v' of the Pony Tank.
A close up of the Pony Tank neckband sewn at center front.

PIN & SEW NECKBAND

Now you can pin the rest of the neckband around the neckline, matching the notches, while evenly stretching the neckband slightly to fit the neckline. Do not stretch the garment neckline while attaching the neckband. Stitch with a stretch stitch or overlock. Flip the tank right side out. Remove any visible V stitch guides. Finish seam and press seam allowance down.

The remaining neckband is pinned to the Pony Tank at center front.
The remaining neckband is sewn to the Pony Tank at center front.

Next, we’ll be sewing the side seams and adding the armhole bands. Then we’ll finish our Pony tank by sewing the hem.

Pony Tank Sew Along Posts: Getting Started | Sew Shoulder Seams and Attach the Neckband | Sew Side Seams, Armhole Bands, and Hem