Some of you observant blog readers noticed that there was a certain v-neck top featuring prominently in our Comox Trunks photoshoot a couple months ago:
This top is called the Thetis Tank and will be available in several months through the Sew It All TV show and magazine! The episode I filmed with the Sew It All team in Golden, Colorado, was all about how to sew this super quick and easy project.
In the meantime, while you eagerly anticipate the magazine issue featuring this v-neck pattern, we have ANOTHER sleeveless top pattern for you to sew in time for summer!
Introducing Thread Theory’s first FREE sewing pattern: The Arrowsmith Undershirt.
This pattern is available as a PDF download for free as a big THANK YOU to all you avid menswear sewers who have supported us and our business over the last year! As of today, it has been one year since we launched our very first pattern – the PDF version of the Newcastle Cardigan.
This tank is a super quick and easy project that can be sewn using all manner of knits. The Arrowsmith Undershirt is the perfect sleeveless tank for layering or for hot summer days. The enlarged armholes and deep crew neck give this shirt a very modern appearance and they also make it really easy to sew without a serger (you could even use a straight stitch if you wanted to because the head and arm openings are large enough that they don’t really need to stretch when the shirt is put on or taken off). There is an optional patch pocket that can be sewn in a knit or a woven fabric. The pocket is a great way to add just a little bit of colour and intrigue against a basic background – especially if the recipient isn’t very adventurous with their clothing colour/print choices!
So, please, take our sincere thanks and our free pattern: Head on over to our website to download the Arrowsmith Undershirt and get sewing! By the way, we’d love to see what you sew! Add #Arrowsmith to your photos so we can find them and add them to our Pinterest page!
Thread Theory 
March 10, 2016 at 8:42 am
There is a pdf security password, when trying to open the file with photoshop. Any help?
March 10, 2016 at 9:55 am
I’ve emailed you with more information! We include a security password with all of our PDFs so that they cannot be opened in editing programs without our permission.
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December 5, 2014 at 5:41 am
I was just wondering why the bias for the tank is smaller than the arm hole? This really caused me some problems! I am a beginner, and have been trying to find an easy pattern. Thanks
December 5, 2014 at 8:44 am
Thanks for trying out our patterns! The bias strips for the armhole and neckline are smaller than the openings because the pattern is designed for knit (stretchy) fabrics. When attaching the bias strip to the openings, it is necessary to stretch the strip slightly as you sew. This will result in an armhole and neckline that is nicely shaped rather than baggy because the bias strip is making the hole in the fabric keep its shape. Generally a knit binding should be approximately 80% shorter than the opening you are sewing it to. I hope this helps you! Please feel free to ask any other questions you might have :). Have you finished your tank now or are you currently working on the binding? I hope you were able to conquer it!
December 5, 2014 at 9:05 am
Thanks for that. I am currently working on the binding, but a little confused. I put Right sides together, but it left a rough edge on the other side of the bias…. am i supposed to hem the binding? Thanks
December 5, 2014 at 9:15 am
Here is a tutorial that might help you! It features the exact method I use for the Arrowsmith. You can see that she finishes the seam allowances with a zig zag stitch. This works very well! http://www.made-by-rae.com/2014/02/knit-necklines-part-i-adding-a-neckband-to-a-tee/
May 21, 2014 at 3:17 am
Thank you for this freebie! Between this and the Strathcona t-shirt, it looks like I will have a lot of menswear queued up for the summer! =) Will the Thetis pattern be available outside of the magazine eventually?
May 21, 2014 at 5:34 am
Yes, you’ll be busy! The Thetis Tank will only be available through Sew It All – I believe they’ll be including the instructions in their magazine and will have the pattern as a download online. I’ll post about it once it’s published so that everyone will know where to find it!
May 19, 2014 at 3:16 am
Thank you for this pattern! I think I’d love to make one or more of these undershirts for my boyfriend. I’ll try making them using some of his old tshirts that are stained from deodorants and if I manage well (I have never sewn with knits before) I’ll allow myself to buy fabric to make something a bit more special for him.
May 19, 2014 at 10:59 am
Ooh, that’s a really neat idea! I wonder if you’ll be able to fit all the pieces out of a t-shirt – I bet you will!
May 16, 2014 at 12:49 pm
Thankyou for this pattern. Do you recommend any fabric for it? I’m a beginner 🙂 x
May 16, 2014 at 3:58 pm
I would recommend using a knit with some substance and not too much stretch if you are a beginner :). Try a cotton knit that feels as sturdy as the fabric a basic t-shirt is made out of – they are a lot easier to sew than rib or tissue knits! Here is a link to a good example of this: http://www.britexfabrics.com/fabric/knits/prepared-for-dying-pfd-cotton-jersey-knit-made-in-japan.html. You can find this sort of basic cotton knit at most fabric stores in a variety of colours!
May 17, 2014 at 11:08 am
Thankyou for your advice, I’ll check out the link too 🙂
May 16, 2014 at 9:05 am
An excellent pattern – thank you so much….now to find the fabric!
May 16, 2014 at 9:37 am
Oooh I’m glad you’ll be sewing one of our patterns! I always used to look forward to your projects on The Sew Weekly so I really look forward to seeing what you come up with!
May 16, 2014 at 4:51 am
Oh gosh I can just see this on my boyfriend! I can’t wait to make one…or twelve!
May 16, 2014 at 5:31 am
They’re a quick sew so you shouldn’t have too much trouble making enough for him 😛 Happy sewing!
May 16, 2014 at 1:07 am
Congrats! Thanks for the pattern 🙂
May 16, 2014 at 5:31 am
No problem! Happy sewing!
May 15, 2014 at 3:31 pm
I wish I saw this before I left work!! Need to print, now! I love a good tank. I see many of these in MY future ;o)
May 16, 2014 at 5:30 am
Excellent! I bet you’ll be fabric shopping today…so have fun!!!
May 15, 2014 at 1:13 pm
If only it wasn’t verging on winter in this end of the world *laments the return of warmth*
May 16, 2014 at 5:29 am
Ah well, it’ll be waiting for you for next summer and you can enjoy sewing you peacoat in the meantime :). Last May we pleased the southern hemisphere by releasing a cosy cardigan and now it’s time to please the north lol!
May 15, 2014 at 10:55 am
Hooray! I’ll be buying up some fabric for some on Monday 😀
May 16, 2014 at 5:27 am
Great 🙂 Have fun fabric shopping!
May 15, 2014 at 8:44 am
Omg! This is what I need for my fiancee! This is great!
May 16, 2014 at 5:26 am
Perfect 🙂 I hope he likes his new tanks!
May 15, 2014 at 8:17 am
Thanks so much! I’ll have to find some time to whip one up for my husband–it’ll be perfect for his summer shirts!
May 16, 2014 at 5:26 am
It doesn’t take long to sew (maybe 2 hours absolute tops?) – especially if you do them in batches like I have been…It’s been quite the little assembly line in my studio!
May 15, 2014 at 7:48 am
Hubby has been asking be to make a tank for him! You are awesome. I’m off to find a fabric so that I can surprise him.
May 16, 2014 at 5:25 am
Perfect! Good luck on the fabric hunt, he’s going to love the surprise!
May 15, 2014 at 7:44 am
I think my husband is going to love you for this! What an awesome pattern, thank you!!!! xo
May 16, 2014 at 5:25 am
Glad you both like it 🙂 Anything to get men excited about sewing!