All Love Notions Sewing Patterns are digital downloads, you may print them at home or send to a copy shop. A physical pattern will not be mailed to you.
What’s more basic than a tank top and tank dress? Not much when it comes to summer clothing! The Summer Basics pdf pattern includes three views, all with the same tank top styling– knee length dress, maxi length dress and tank top. All views are fitted in the bust. The dress views have some ease in the waist and hips for easy wearing. The tank is fitted throughout, great for layering! A full bust piece for both the tank and dress lengths is included. A shelf bra option is also included.
Print at home for US letter & A4 paper, trimless format with layers
Large format file for copy shop printing. This file will print on four A0 (33″ x 46″) size sheets. Be sure to instruct your printer to print actual size in black and white on their cheapest paper. We recommend PDFPlotting for printing the large format files.
A projector file is also included for those using projector technology
The Summer Basics Tank and Maxi Dress pdf instant downloadable pdf pattern contains:
The Summer Basics Tank & Dress pdf sewing pattern contains two dress skirt lengths: knee & maxi and tank top and a shelf bra. A full bust piece is also included for both the tank top and dress.
Included is a print chart to only print the pages you need for your style choice.
In addition to the print-at-home file, an A0-sized large format file for copy shop printing is also included
Projector file
1 page to customize the fit
2 pages of inspiration photos from pattern testers
1 video to help with construction
Cutting guide
Bright and clear step by step illustrations
Optimized for most tablets with links to each part of the pattern. Print only the pattern pieces and use a tablet or computer to read the instructions to save on ink and paper!
This pattern has the ability to print just desired size(s) and in addition features trimless pattern assembly! Open the PDF in Adobe, select the layer thumbnail on the left-hand menu and then select the size(s) to print. See this tutorial for more information.
Designed for both letter and A4 paper printing.
Because we value work at home business, feel free to use this pattern in your home sewing businesses.
Size chart & fabric requirements
Line drawing
ERRATA
6/12/2020: Updated to include sizes 4X & 5X as well as a shelf bra option. Sizes XS-3X did not change.
51 reviews for Summer Basics Tank & Dress
Rated 5 out of 5
Nicole (verified owner)–
I just completed my first (but definitely not my last!) SummerBasics Dress. It out of athletic knit from Pinecrest and I added the shelf bra out of power mesh. It’s a replacement for a much loved dress from Title 9 that has sadly gone missing in our move.
Such a wonderful and easily assembled pattern. Thank you!
Rated 5 out of 5
Kelly (verified owner)–
This is the perfect basic tank pattern. I made three this summer – two from rayon lycra and one from bamboo lycra. The scoop is the perfect depth with great bra coverage. The FBA option is greatly appreciated.
Rated 5 out of 5
Susan (verified owner)–
I have made 4 dresses and 2 tanks from this pattern. This is my all-time favorite summer pattern.
Keira Wood (verified owner)–
Yay! This may just be our favorite summer pattern too! So happy to hear how much you love it! ~K
Rated 5 out of 5
Leslie Clanin (verified owner)–
This pattern is really fun and quick to sew. I made 2 in a row and I love both of them! I made the knee length dress and can’t wait to make the tank!
Rated 5 out of 5
Maria Shanley (verified owner)–
Perfect wardrobe essential! I’ve made a couple for layering and a couple for bedtime. Super comfortable and flattering too. I will make many more.
Rated 5 out of 5
Melanie (verified owner)–
This pattern is so great, and easy to make! I was able to make a maxi dress out of 2 yards of fabric! And I’m 5″10″ tall! Maxis are never long enough for me, so I love that I can make my own!
Rated 5 out of 5
tinkershop (verified owner)–
This is a great pattern. I live in the south where summer dresses are a must have.
Rated 5 out of 5
Ronna Plank (verified owner)–
I’ve made several summer basics dresses and I love them! I especially love making them with a gathered skirt. Tessa did a fabulous tutorial showing how to create the gathered skirt and it worked perfectly. I like that these patterns are all so simple to make, but customizable and teach me new skills all the time.
Rated 5 out of 5
Cara (verified owner)–
Such a great pattern, super fast to sew. Could easily make up my whole summer wardrobe.
Rated 5 out of 5
Lizel S (verified owner)–
Love this pattern I made a maxi version and I wear it so often in Summer got many compliments and people want to know where I bought it. Great pattern and easy to make. !
Rated 5 out of 5
Terrie (verified owner)–
One of my favorites! I’ve made several now. They are comfortable to wear and can be dressed up or down. Works great with the Canyon Cardigan on a cooler Summer day. The instructions are perfect for me.!
Rated 5 out of 5
Nicole Gille (verified owner)–
I have made two of these dresses last year. The dresses fit so well. My favorite feature is the scooped back neckline, it’s low enough to be cool but not so low it shows off bra straps. I live is HOT HOT Texas and practically lived in these dresses last year. The instructions for the pattern are easy to follow. What I really love about Love Notions is the links to video instructions at all the tricky spots. This pattern is also a create base pattern for hacking.
Rated 5 out of 5
chrisptoft (verified owner)–
I have made several of the tank tops and all are great, with quick and easy construction and an FBA piece. I haven’t made them with the shelf bra, just the main pieces. They fit so well, I am very happy with them, normal tanks on me show my bra straps but these cover them perfectly. I am going to make the dress next.
Rated 5 out of 5
Brenda (verified owner)–
Such an easy way to look put together for the hot summer months! The tank dress is easy to dress up or down depending on your accessories. I need more of these!
Rated 5 out of 5
ELiza (verified owner)–
The name Summer Basic is very appropriate. Perfect summer tank to dress up or dress down. Have I mentioned how I LOVE the full bust options on Love Notions patterns?
Rated 5 out of 5
mkbalmert (verified owner)–
I love this pattern I’ve made several of the tanks and the dress as well. The fit amazing well, and are so flattering! I LOVE the built in FBA and projector file. It makes my life so much easier!
Rated 5 out of 5
caci (verified owner)–
Perfect top or dress to complete your summer capsule! It is a staple in mine all year round!
Rated 5 out of 5
Leslie Clanin (verified owner)–
I love the Summer Basics tank and dress! The pattern is really easy to follow. I had so much fun with this pattern! I have made two dresses and I’m waiting on fabric to make some tanks!
Rated 5 out of 5
Toni Stoothoff (verified owner)–
Made this for my teenage daughter in the maxi length with the gathered hack….she absolutely LOVES it!
Rated 5 out of 5
monicakoepfer (verified owner)–
Made the summer tank in less than 2 hours as a new sewist! The patterns are easy to print and I love that you can select your sizes and adjust the patterns to fit your needs. Also, love that there are multiple options in one pattern!
Rated 5 out of 5
Liz (verified owner)–
Pattern is easy to follow & sews up quickly. Will definitely be sewing up more maxi dresses.
Rated 5 out of 5
Elizabeth C. Vesich (verified owner)–
Made the maxi dress and absolutely love it. It was a quick sew and instructions are easy to follow.
Rated 5 out of 5
Heide Fries (verified owner)–
I made a few of the tank tops to wear as summer pajamas … super comfy. Matched with a pair of Allegro shorts and I’m all set!
Rated 5 out of 5
Vicki Mullis (verified owner)–
I absolutely love this pattern! I have made the sleeveless blouse, knee length dress, and the maxi and love them all! The pattern gives you a shapely waist, and fits nicely over the bust and hips. I didn’t have to make a single alteration! This is definitely a winner!!
Rated 5 out of 5
kskemp84 (verified owner)–
I love the fit of this pattern. It’s so flattering and comfortable for hot summer weather. I made four different dresses this past summer and they were on repeat. The directions and construction make it an easy make.
Rated 5 out of 5
Terrie (verified owner)–
I simply love this pattern! It’s great for the Summer, but in cooler temps I just add my Canyon Cardigan. It’s easy to sew and looks fabulous. I’ve made knee length and maxi length dresses and always get compliments when I wear them.
Rated 5 out of 5
Mary –
I struggle in my sewing with needing a full bust adjustment. I’ve sewn for years and when I try to alter a pattern, it just doesn’t look right. I tried this pattern (Summer Basics Tank & Dress) after seeing a Lifting Pins and Needles video about it. I cut a medium and chose the full cup option. This dress fits like a dream. It was easy to sew. I think you need to know to ease in the extra fullness at the bust but it works and it works well. The only problem with making this dress is that now my friends want one too.
Rated 5 out of 5
DebM (verified owner)–
I know this pattern will be a success for me, so rated it at 5! No longer a newbie, but still a beginner. Great to have the “Lifting Pins and Needles” (how to add sleeves) video and the LN blog post on adding/changing sleeves. It’s nice to have clothing options – a first for me. This is a great partnership between Ambassador and Brand.
Rated 5 out of 5
S A Hobbs (verified owner)–
It’s taken me a while to get round to trying the tank pattern as I’ve been trying to make a pattern from another company work for me. I use tanks as layering pieces and as a pyjama top with shorts or PJ trousers. Could have saved myself an awful lot of time and trouble if I’d used this pattern sooner or first. . Fitted with no adjustments and was exactly the wider strap style vest/tank that I prefer. I often buy the feature Friday pattern but don’t always get round to sewing them right away….note to self, sew the patterns sooner as they don’t disappoint.
Rated 5 out of 5
Aimee Villwock (verified owner)–
A pretty simple sew that fits just right – shapely but not excessive. I love being able to make quick themed tanks for holidays/fun events instead of searching around to not find anything RTW that fits.
Rated 5 out of 5
Diane Kinney (verified owner)–
My go-to for tank tops, great for leftovers from other projects.
Rated 5 out of 5
laurak4035 (verified owner)–
I love the tank with shelf bra, no more trying to find a bra that does not show under tank tops! Plus the fit is wonderful, fitted yet not too fitted. This tank with bra is a summer wardrobe staple.
Rated 5 out of 5
sherrillpiazza (verified owner)–
I love this pattern! I needed a dress to go out to a dinner on the spur of the moment and I had this done in an hour and I
Got so many compliments!
Rated 5 out of 5
kbenert (verified owner)–
This is very easy to assemble and quick to sew! Plan to make several for our HOT summers!
Rated 5 out of 5
Vicki Mullis (verified owner)–
The tank is one of my go to patterns when I just gotta sew! I also love how the dress curves to my figure. Great pattern!
Rated 5 out of 5
janelleemsley (verified owner)–
I made myself a maxi length tank in a cute print for our Aussie summer. I only got to wear it a coupe of times before the weather cooled but I will definitely be making more for next summer. A very quick and easy sew and super comfy.
Rated 5 out of 5
odyjimg (verified owner)–
I made the summer basic maxi for my oldest daughter when she went to Mexico last winter on vacation. I was amazed how fast it was to sew, and what a great fit it had. I love the fact you can make this dress, or top out of fun wild fabrics for summer. I have a diagonal knit waiting to make one for me now and some other fabric for another one for her. This is a great TNT pattern.
Rated 5 out of 5
Nicole Martin-Schallhorn (verified owner)–
Easy pattern for a wardrobe staple! I use this as a swim top for my daughter (with the shelf bra) and it gives her the coverage she wants.
Rated 5 out of 5
Cathy Urbanski (verified owner)–
This is my favorite summer dress pattern because it’s fitted enough to give shape, but not so much it’s tight or clingy Make it very casual or really dressy. Very easy to follow the directions, even if adding a shelf bra.
Rated 5 out of 5
Melanie (verified owner)–
I have made 4-5 dresses and about 10 tanks from Thai pattern! I love it so much. It’s a staple in my summer wardrobe!
Rated 5 out of 5
laurak4035 (verified owner)–
I have been looking for the perfect summer tank pattern for years now with no luck until I tried this pattern, this is THE summer tank top pattern. It is the perfect fit, not too loose yet not too tight and with great bra coverage.
Rated 5 out of 5
Kathy Garnett (verified owner)–
I’ve made this many times – nighties, maxi dress and knee length dresses. Easy to sew!
Rated 5 out of 5
christeldeann (verified owner)–
I upcycled two knit skirts that the teenager had outgrown using the Summer Tank. Super easy and perfect fit. Made both in just a couple of hours. There will be more in my wardrobe soon!
Rated 5 out of 5
robine_30 (verified owner)–
The tanks I’ve made from this pattern are the first I grab from my drawer when I want comfort! Now that I think of it, I should make more!
Rated 5 out of 5
Maria Martinez (verified owner)–
Yet another versatile dress and tank, easy to sew
Rated 5 out of 5
Bridgid Alexander (verified owner)–
This has become my go-to tank pattern. I’ve lost count of how many I’ve made. I had to shorten the bodice and the shelf bra is too long for my shape but those are easy adjustments. Great pattern!
Rated 5 out of 5
Jamie Edwards (verified owner)–
This is a fantastic pattern! So far I’ve made 2 dresses and 3 tanks, and the end result so nice looking. And it’s a quick sew!
Rated 5 out of 5
marshadimond (verified owner)–
The LDT was my favorite pattern until I found Summer Basics tank & dress. In winter I live in southern Florida so I wear a lot of tanks. This one fits extremely well, I just do a slight sway back adjustment. I made one dress, which I thought I would not like because it is a little too bare for my comfort level, but I absolutely love it. It is a simple sew with great instructions. Thanks, LN!
Rated 5 out of 5
ANNA VELLVE (verified owner)–
I made the dress version in a cute floral cotton jersey as a night gown and I love it! So comfy and flattering with the shelf bra, I also can wear it in the summer around the house.
Rated 5 out of 5
Hannah Keller (verified owner)–
I love this pattern! I’m not usually a maxi girl because of my short stature, but I sewed up one and now have fabric for 2 more sitting on my shelf!!❤️ Such a flattering and easy make!
Rated 5 out of 5
Elizabeth Rosenberg (verified owner)–
I’ve make two tanks and one dress with this pattern. They came out great! Each of them were worn in heavy rotation last summer. The tanks, especially, were so great for the hot, humid month of August that we spent in Thailand. The fabulous knit fabrics that I purchased in Bangkok will make fantastic tanks and dresses for summers at home on Long Island! ❤️ love this pattern!
Only logged in customers who have purchased this product may leave a review.
Nicole (verified owner) –
I just completed my first (but definitely not my last!) SummerBasics Dress. It out of athletic knit from Pinecrest and I added the shelf bra out of power mesh. It’s a replacement for a much loved dress from Title 9 that has sadly gone missing in our move.
Such a wonderful and easily assembled pattern. Thank you!
Kelly (verified owner) –
This is the perfect basic tank pattern. I made three this summer – two from rayon lycra and one from bamboo lycra. The scoop is the perfect depth with great bra coverage. The FBA option is greatly appreciated.
Susan (verified owner) –
I have made 4 dresses and 2 tanks from this pattern. This is my all-time favorite summer pattern.
Keira Wood (verified owner) –
Yay! This may just be our favorite summer pattern too! So happy to hear how much you love it! ~K
Leslie Clanin (verified owner) –
This pattern is really fun and quick to sew. I made 2 in a row and I love both of them! I made the knee length dress and can’t wait to make the tank!
Maria Shanley (verified owner) –
Perfect wardrobe essential! I’ve made a couple for layering and a couple for bedtime. Super comfortable and flattering too. I will make many more.
Melanie (verified owner) –
This pattern is so great, and easy to make! I was able to make a maxi dress out of 2 yards of fabric! And I’m 5″10″ tall! Maxis are never long enough for me, so I love that I can make my own!
tinkershop (verified owner) –
This is a great pattern. I live in the south where summer dresses are a must have.
Ronna Plank (verified owner) –
I’ve made several summer basics dresses and I love them! I especially love making them with a gathered skirt. Tessa did a fabulous tutorial showing how to create the gathered skirt and it worked perfectly. I like that these patterns are all so simple to make, but customizable and teach me new skills all the time.
Cara (verified owner) –
Such a great pattern, super fast to sew. Could easily make up my whole summer wardrobe.
Lizel S (verified owner) –
Love this pattern I made a maxi version and I wear it so often in Summer got many compliments and people want to know where I bought it. Great pattern and easy to make. !
Terrie (verified owner) –
One of my favorites! I’ve made several now. They are comfortable to wear and can be dressed up or down. Works great with the Canyon Cardigan on a cooler Summer day. The instructions are perfect for me.!
Nicole Gille (verified owner) –
I have made two of these dresses last year. The dresses fit so well. My favorite feature is the scooped back neckline, it’s low enough to be cool but not so low it shows off bra straps. I live is HOT HOT Texas and practically lived in these dresses last year. The instructions for the pattern are easy to follow. What I really love about Love Notions is the links to video instructions at all the tricky spots. This pattern is also a create base pattern for hacking.
chrisptoft (verified owner) –
I have made several of the tank tops and all are great, with quick and easy construction and an FBA piece. I haven’t made them with the shelf bra, just the main pieces. They fit so well, I am very happy with them, normal tanks on me show my bra straps but these cover them perfectly. I am going to make the dress next.
Brenda (verified owner) –
Such an easy way to look put together for the hot summer months! The tank dress is easy to dress up or down depending on your accessories. I need more of these!
ELiza (verified owner) –
The name Summer Basic is very appropriate. Perfect summer tank to dress up or dress down. Have I mentioned how I LOVE the full bust options on Love Notions patterns?
mkbalmert (verified owner) –
I love this pattern I’ve made several of the tanks and the dress as well. The fit amazing well, and are so flattering! I LOVE the built in FBA and projector file. It makes my life so much easier!
caci (verified owner) –
Perfect top or dress to complete your summer capsule! It is a staple in mine all year round!
Leslie Clanin (verified owner) –
I love the Summer Basics tank and dress! The pattern is really easy to follow. I had so much fun with this pattern! I have made two dresses and I’m waiting on fabric to make some tanks!
Toni Stoothoff (verified owner) –
Made this for my teenage daughter in the maxi length with the gathered hack….she absolutely LOVES it!
monicakoepfer (verified owner) –
Made the summer tank in less than 2 hours as a new sewist! The patterns are easy to print and I love that you can select your sizes and adjust the patterns to fit your needs. Also, love that there are multiple options in one pattern!
Liz (verified owner) –
Pattern is easy to follow & sews up quickly. Will definitely be sewing up more maxi dresses.
Elizabeth C. Vesich (verified owner) –
Made the maxi dress and absolutely love it. It was a quick sew and instructions are easy to follow.
Heide Fries (verified owner) –
I made a few of the tank tops to wear as summer pajamas … super comfy. Matched with a pair of Allegro shorts and I’m all set!
Vicki Mullis (verified owner) –
I absolutely love this pattern! I have made the sleeveless blouse, knee length dress, and the maxi and love them all! The pattern gives you a shapely waist, and fits nicely over the bust and hips. I didn’t have to make a single alteration! This is definitely a winner!!
kskemp84 (verified owner) –
I love the fit of this pattern. It’s so flattering and comfortable for hot summer weather. I made four different dresses this past summer and they were on repeat. The directions and construction make it an easy make.
Terrie (verified owner) –
I simply love this pattern! It’s great for the Summer, but in cooler temps I just add my Canyon Cardigan. It’s easy to sew and looks fabulous. I’ve made knee length and maxi length dresses and always get compliments when I wear them.
Mary –
I struggle in my sewing with needing a full bust adjustment. I’ve sewn for years and when I try to alter a pattern, it just doesn’t look right. I tried this pattern (Summer Basics Tank & Dress) after seeing a Lifting Pins and Needles video about it. I cut a medium and chose the full cup option. This dress fits like a dream. It was easy to sew. I think you need to know to ease in the extra fullness at the bust but it works and it works well. The only problem with making this dress is that now my friends want one too.
DebM (verified owner) –
I know this pattern will be a success for me, so rated it at 5! No longer a newbie, but still a beginner. Great to have the “Lifting Pins and Needles” (how to add sleeves) video and the LN blog post on adding/changing sleeves. It’s nice to have clothing options – a first for me. This is a great partnership between Ambassador and Brand.
S A Hobbs (verified owner) –
It’s taken me a while to get round to trying the tank pattern as I’ve been trying to make a pattern from another company work for me. I use tanks as layering pieces and as a pyjama top with shorts or PJ trousers. Could have saved myself an awful lot of time and trouble if I’d used this pattern sooner or first. . Fitted with no adjustments and was exactly the wider strap style vest/tank that I prefer. I often buy the feature Friday pattern but don’t always get round to sewing them right away….note to self, sew the patterns sooner as they don’t disappoint.
Aimee Villwock (verified owner) –
A pretty simple sew that fits just right – shapely but not excessive. I love being able to make quick themed tanks for holidays/fun events instead of searching around to not find anything RTW that fits.
Diane Kinney (verified owner) –
My go-to for tank tops, great for leftovers from other projects.
laurak4035 (verified owner) –
I love the tank with shelf bra, no more trying to find a bra that does not show under tank tops! Plus the fit is wonderful, fitted yet not too fitted. This tank with bra is a summer wardrobe staple.
sherrillpiazza (verified owner) –
I love this pattern! I needed a dress to go out to a dinner on the spur of the moment and I had this done in an hour and I
Got so many compliments!
kbenert (verified owner) –
This is very easy to assemble and quick to sew! Plan to make several for our HOT summers!
Vicki Mullis (verified owner) –
The tank is one of my go to patterns when I just gotta sew! I also love how the dress curves to my figure. Great pattern!
janelleemsley (verified owner) –
I made myself a maxi length tank in a cute print for our Aussie summer. I only got to wear it a coupe of times before the weather cooled but I will definitely be making more for next summer. A very quick and easy sew and super comfy.
odyjimg (verified owner) –
I made the summer basic maxi for my oldest daughter when she went to Mexico last winter on vacation. I was amazed how fast it was to sew, and what a great fit it had. I love the fact you can make this dress, or top out of fun wild fabrics for summer. I have a diagonal knit waiting to make one for me now and some other fabric for another one for her. This is a great TNT pattern.
Nicole Martin-Schallhorn (verified owner) –
Easy pattern for a wardrobe staple! I use this as a swim top for my daughter (with the shelf bra) and it gives her the coverage she wants.
Cathy Urbanski (verified owner) –
This is my favorite summer dress pattern because it’s fitted enough to give shape, but not so much it’s tight or clingy Make it very casual or really dressy. Very easy to follow the directions, even if adding a shelf bra.
Melanie (verified owner) –
I have made 4-5 dresses and about 10 tanks from Thai pattern! I love it so much. It’s a staple in my summer wardrobe!
laurak4035 (verified owner) –
I have been looking for the perfect summer tank pattern for years now with no luck until I tried this pattern, this is THE summer tank top pattern. It is the perfect fit, not too loose yet not too tight and with great bra coverage.
Kathy Garnett (verified owner) –
I’ve made this many times – nighties, maxi dress and knee length dresses. Easy to sew!
christeldeann (verified owner) –
I upcycled two knit skirts that the teenager had outgrown using the Summer Tank. Super easy and perfect fit. Made both in just a couple of hours. There will be more in my wardrobe soon!
robine_30 (verified owner) –
The tanks I’ve made from this pattern are the first I grab from my drawer when I want comfort! Now that I think of it, I should make more!
Maria Martinez (verified owner) –
Yet another versatile dress and tank, easy to sew
Bridgid Alexander (verified owner) –
This has become my go-to tank pattern. I’ve lost count of how many I’ve made. I had to shorten the bodice and the shelf bra is too long for my shape but those are easy adjustments. Great pattern!
Jamie Edwards (verified owner) –
This is a fantastic pattern! So far I’ve made 2 dresses and 3 tanks, and the end result so nice looking. And it’s a quick sew!
marshadimond (verified owner) –
The LDT was my favorite pattern until I found Summer Basics tank & dress. In winter I live in southern Florida so I wear a lot of tanks. This one fits extremely well, I just do a slight sway back adjustment. I made one dress, which I thought I would not like because it is a little too bare for my comfort level, but I absolutely love it. It is a simple sew with great instructions. Thanks, LN!
ANNA VELLVE (verified owner) –
I made the dress version in a cute floral cotton jersey as a night gown and I love it! So comfy and flattering with the shelf bra, I also can wear it in the summer around the house.
Hannah Keller (verified owner) –
I love this pattern! I’m not usually a maxi girl because of my short stature, but I sewed up one and now have fabric for 2 more sitting on my shelf!!❤️ Such a flattering and easy make!
Elizabeth Rosenberg (verified owner) –
I’ve make two tanks and one dress with this pattern. They came out great! Each of them were worn in heavy rotation last summer. The tanks, especially, were so great for the hot, humid month of August that we spent in Thailand. The fabulous knit fabrics that I purchased in Bangkok will make fantastic tanks and dresses for summers at home on Long Island! ❤️ love this pattern!