With all of the great basic knit sewing patterns that indie designers are putting out, I’ve had a much easier time making maternity clothes for myself this time around. A couple of weeks ago I made a Lodo Dress (which has gotten a lot of wear!). But these Rumi Tanks for maternity are the easiest thing I’ve made so far!
The Rumi Tank is a basic racerback style tank with quick and easy binding. It comes with both a tank and dress length pattern. The dress pattern is wider so that it flows out around the hips. It turns out that the width is also perfect for covering a pregnant belly!
![Rumi Tank for Maternity | Maternity Sewing | Radiant Home Studio](https://radianthomestudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/rumi-tank-maternity-4-681x1024.jpg)
I didn’t make any modifications except for adjusting the length and adding some elastic to the side seam. I measured my bust at a size 10 and then cut a size 10 dress. The dress pattern has a band at the bottom, which can be eliminated completely for a maternity tank. I cut my tanks at the size 0 hemline on the main pattern piece. I also had to adjust the length of the straps. The neckline and armholes were both too low, so I cut the strap length around a size 2-4.
The tank could have worked without the side elastic, but it felt a little shapeless. I added about 6″ of clear elastic (stretched) to the side seams by zigzagging it in the seam allowance.
![Rumi Tank for Maternity | Maternity Sewing | Radiant Home Studio](https://radianthomestudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/rumi-tank-maternity-683x1024.jpg)
I’m nearing the end of my pregnancy at this point (about 30 weeks…) and these will easily fit until the end. For earlier pregnancy, you can probably eliminate a couple more inches. You could make a maternity dress, slightly longer than recommended, which I’m sure that would work as well! Not only that, a dress would be a nice transition piece that would fit early in pregnancy and after birth.
![Rumi Tank for Maternity | Maternity Sewing | Radiant Home Studio](https://radianthomestudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/rumi-tank-maternity-2-683x1024.jpg)
I used two lightweight knit fabrics (both from Girl Charlee). The striped fabric is a cotton/poly combo, and the boho patterned fabric is a rayon knit with a lot of stretch (so much so that I could have gone a size smaller…). I have very few maternity stores nearby, so I’m left with a bunch of solid-colored plain tees from Target. These fabrics were just what I needed to add some color and pattern to my wardrobe.
![Rumi Tank for Maternity | Maternity Sewing | Radiant Home Studio](https://radianthomestudio.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/rumi-tank-maternity-3-681x1024.jpg)
Overall, this is perfect as a basic summer maternity tank! I’m looking forward to making more after pregnancy and trying the full-length dress later on.
What? You are pregnant now? You look beautiful! Such cute clothing pieces!! You’re so talented! Congratulations!!
Yes! #7…did I catch up to you? Thanks!
Both tanks look lovely, such great fabric choices. I hope you get a restful last few weeks before your baby is here.
Thank you! I’m getting plenty of rest. This pregnancy has been more physically taxing, so if anything, I’m fighting boredom. š
Look how cute you are! Great top. I wish there were such good maternity patterns when I was making babies!
Really though! Even 5 years ago when I was sewing some maternity clothes, there just weren’t a lot of patterns to work with. Indie designers are killing it with all the options!