Transforming Short Sleeves: Diy Tank Top Makeover

It is possible to turn a short-sleeved T-shirt into a tank top. This can be done by cutting the sleeves off the T-shirt, as well as cutting the neckline and backside. The back of the shirt can then be tied together to create a racerback style tank top. This process can be done without sewing, although a sewing machine can be used for a neater finish.

Racerback tank tops

To make a racerback tank top, start by cutting the sleeves off a T-shirt, cutting straight up from the armpits to the shoulders. Next, cut off the bottom hem of the shirt and snip it to create a long strand of fabric. This strand will be used to decorate the back of the tank top. Trim the back armholes into a racerback shape, being careful not to cut the front armholes. Cut the armholes deep, leaving only a few inches of fabric between them.

To add a decorative touch, cut a deep V-shape into the back centre of the neckline, being mindful not to cut the front of the shirt. Take the fabric strand and tie one end to the bottom of the V-shape, gathering the fabric between the armholes. Wrap the strand tightly downward and then back up towards the top of the shirt, securing the end by tucking it under the wound fabric or knotting it.

For a unique look, consider trimming the bottom of the tank top to create a high-low effect, with the front shorter than the back. Racerback tank tops do not require hemming, as T-shirt fabric does not fray. This makes the transformation from T-shirt to tank top quick and easy.

Sewing a basic tank top

Materials and Preparation:

Firstly, gather your materials. You will need:

• A basic sewing kit (scissors, pins, thread, sewing machine)
• 2/3 to 1 yard of knit fabric for the main body of the tank top (cotton spandex rib knit or cotton spandex jersey are good choices)
• 1/2" wide double-fold bias tape (or you can make your own)
• An existing tank top that fits you well, to use as a template

Cutting the Fabric:

• Place your existing tank top on top of the fabric, aligning the shoulders.
• Pin the tank top to the fabric to keep it from moving.
• Cut the fabric, using the template's armholes and neckline as a guide. Leave a 1/2-inch seam allowance if you want a finished hem.
• If you don't have a tank top to use as a template, you can cut the sleeves and collar off of a T-shirt and adjust as needed.

Sewing the Tank Top:

• Fold down the cut edges by 1/2 inch and press them flat with an iron.
• Stitch the folded edges. You can sew by hand or use a sewing machine for more durable stitches.
• Remove the pins and turn the tank top right side out.
• Try it on and adjust as needed. You can adjust the strap length, neckline, and curve around the bottom.

Finishing Touches:

• Finish all the raw edges by cutting a 1-inch wide strip of fabric and lining it up with the neckline and armholes. Sew with a very narrow seam.
• Create a button loop by folding a 3-inch portion of the 1-inch strip and sewing it in place.
• Finish the armholes in the same way as the neckline, attaching the fabric strips in a circular fashion.
• Sew a narrow hem (about 1/8 inch) around the bottom of the tank top.

And there you have it! Your very own basic tank top, perfect for a hot summer day or as a layering piece in cooler weather.

Cutting the sleeves off

To get started, find a tank top that fits you well and use it as a template. If you don't have one, you can still proceed without a template. Choose a T-shirt that you are happy to cut up and turn it inside out. It is best to wash and dry the T-shirt first, as fabric tends to shrink after the first wash. Iron the T-shirt to remove any wrinkles and make it easier to work with.

If you are using a template, place the tank top over the T-shirt, aligning the shoulders, and pin them together to keep them from moving. Cut the sleeves off the T-shirt, using the tank top's armholes as a guide. If you don't have a template, you can cut the sleeves off freehand, starting from just under the armpits and cutting straight up towards the shoulders.

If you want a finished hem, fold the cut edges down by 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) and secure them with pins. Press the folds flat with an iron. You can then stitch the folded edges down by hand or with a sewing machine. If you are using a sewing machine, use a stitch intended for knit fabrics.

And that's it! You can now try on your new tank top. Enjoy the comfort and style of your DIY tank top, perfect for the warmer months or for layering under other garments.

Cutting the neckline

To cut the neckline of a T-shirt, you will need a pair of sharp fabric scissors. It is also recommended to use a tank top or another T-shirt as a template. Here is a step-by-step guide:

• Place the T-shirt on a flat surface and smooth out any creases or wrinkles.
• If you are using a tank top or another T-shirt as a template, place it on top of your T-shirt, aligning the shoulders.
• Secure the template to the T-shirt with pins.
• Cut along the template's neckline, following its shape. If you are not using a template, you can draw the desired neckline shape on the T-shirt with chalk or a washable pen before cutting.
• Remove the template and cut the front neckline slightly wider, if desired.
• Fold and pin the cut edges, then press them with an iron to create a neat finish.
• Stitch the folded edges, either by hand or using a sewing machine.

You can also create different types of necklines, such as a scoop neck, V-neck, or choker V-neck. Here is a brief overview of how to create these necklines:

• Scoop Neck: Fold the T-shirt to align the shoulder seams at the neckline. Measure 1 inch (2.5 cm) or more below the bottom of the collar and mark this spot. Using your scissors, cut the fabric in a curve following the shape of the collar. Make sure to cut through both layers of the shirt to avoid a crooked neckline.
• V-Neck: Similar to the scoop neck, start by folding the T-shirt and measuring where you want the neckline to be. Mark this spot, then cut in a straight line up to the shoulder seams, through the collar. Again, ensure you are cutting through both layers of the shirt.
• Choker V-Neck: This style involves cutting a V-shape into the front of the shirt while leaving the collar intact. First, fold the shirt to align the shoulder seams at the collar. Mark where you want the bottom point of the V-shape to hit, usually 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) from the center crease. Cut a straight line from this point to the collar, then trim just below the collar to create a triangle cut-out. Gently pull on the fabric to roll the edges and hide any jagged cuts.

Cutting the backside

Turning a short-sleeve T-shirt into a tank top is a great way to upcycle old clothing. This process involves cutting the sleeves off and trimming the neckline, but the specific steps depend on the style of tank top you want to create. This guide will focus on the steps for cutting the backside of the T-shirt when making a tank top.

First, decide how low you want the back of your tank top to be. If you want a low-cut back, you will need to cut more of the fabric away. Use a ruler or measuring tape to mark the desired length on the back of the shirt, making sure that your markings are symmetrical.

Next, cut along the markings to remove the fabric from the back of the shirt. If you want a racerback style, you will need to cut a deep V-shape into the back of the shirt. Again, ensure that your cuts are straight and symmetrical.

If you want to create a more secure racerback, you can add fabric ties to the back of your tank top. To do this, cut a strip of fabric from the sleeves of the T-shirt. The strip should be about 0.5–1 inch wide and long enough to tie a knot in the centre of the racerback.

Grab the back of the tank top and bunch it together where you want the racerback to begin. Tie the fabric strip tightly around this point, leaving a longer end to the tie. Begin winding the long piece of fabric downwards, tucking the short end underneath as you go to hide the excess fabric. When you reach the bottom of the racerback, tie another knot to secure the fabric in place.

Finishing Touches

Now you can make any desired adjustments to the length or fit of your new tank top. You can also add embellishments, such as bedazzling, if desired. Remember that the cuts will get softer with washing, so don't worry if they appear too harsh at first.

Frequently asked questions