Racerback tank tops are a great item to wear under blouses or on their own. They are usually made out of cotton jersey, and you can even make your own from scratch. All you need is a sewing machine, jersey fabric, fabric marker or chalk, and some pins. First, draw out a racerback shape onto your fabric with the marker or chalk. Then, cut about half an inch beyond the lines you drew, as this will be your seam allowance. Sew along the pinned edge with a zigzag stitch or a double needle, and repeat this process with the other armhole. Now, make a little band to pull the back into a racerback shape. Cut a rectangle out of the leftover material from the sleeves, fold it in half with the right sides together, and sew the ends together to form a tube. Turn the tube right sides out, and wrap this loop around the fabric at the back of the shirt, sewing the ends together. Finally, twist the loop so that the seam is towards the inside of the shirt. And there you have it—your very own DIY racerback tank top!
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Fabric | Cotton Jersey |
Tools | Fabric marker or chalk, sewing machine, jersey knit/ballpoint pins, zigzag stitch or double needle |
Steps | Draw racerback shape, cut, pin and sew armholes, make and sew band, hem the bottom |
What You'll Learn
Racerback Tank Top Sewing Pattern
Racerback tank tops are a great item to wear under blouses or on their own. In this guide, we will show you how to create your own racerback tank top from scratch.
Materials
- 1 yard of jersey knit fabric
- Knife Edge Dressmaker's Shears - 8"
- 75 Long Ball Point Pins - Size 24
- Fine Line Permanent Fabric Pen - Black
- Non-Slip Ruler 2-1/2 inch X 12-1/2 inch
- Ball Point Machine Needles - Size 9/11
- Dual Duty XP Thread - Ming Teal, 250 Yards
- Bias Tape Maker - 1" & 1/2"
Step 1: Pin and Cut the Pattern
With the jersey fabric folded in half, pin the center front pattern to the fold line, and along the sides. Do the same for the back pattern. Using fabric scissors, cut out the pattern. Once they are cut, remove the pins from the front and back.
Step 2: Sew the Sides and Straps
With both front and back facing each other, pin the sides and shoulders. Sew the sides and shoulders using a zigzag stitch on the half-inch seam allowance using a ballpoint needle. When finished, trim the edges.
Step 3: Finish the Outer Edges
Turn the tank top right side out. Make 1/4 inch snips along the front and back neckline and armholes. Fold the fabric over a 1/2 inch, pin, and stitch along the armholes and neckline for the front and back. Trim off the seam allowance on the inside.
Step 4: Make the Bias Tape
The bias lies at a 45-degree angle between the selvage and the width of the fabric. Measure and cut one 2-inch by 24-inch strip and two 2″ by 30″ strips. Insert the strips into the bias tape maker, using the seam ripper to help guide it through. Iron the fabric as it’s coming out of the bias tape maker. Continue this until you’ve reached the end of the strip.
Step 5: Sew the Bias Tape
Fold the tape over along the edge and pin. Once you’ve reached the end, leave a half-inch seam allowance and stitch the two sides together. Do this for both the armholes and neckline. Last, iron the bias tape once it’s finished.
Step 6: Hem the Bottom
Fold the hem over 1″ on the inside, pin, and stitch. Do this on both sides. Iron the hem for a polished finish, and your tank top is now complete.
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Racerback Tank Top Fabric
Racerback tank tops are a great option for those looking for unrestricted movement and definitive style. The unique design of the racerback, with its open back, provides wearers with an excellent range of motion. This style of tank top is not only great for athletic wear but can also be a fashionable choice for everyday wear.
When choosing a racerback tank top, there are a variety of materials to consider. Tri-blend fabrics, such as polyester, cotton, and rayon blends, offer benefits like enhanced moisture-wicking, a softer feel, and extra durability. For those looking for a traditional style, the Next Level Apparel 1533 Women's Ideal Racerback Tank Top is a great option. If you're seeking a more fitted silhouette, the Bella + Canvas 8800 Women's Flowy Racerback Tank Top is a stylish choice.
When it comes to racerback tank tops, there is something for everyone. Whether you're hitting the gym or just enjoying a hot summer day, a racerback tank top is a versatile and comfortable option.
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Racerback Tank Top Cutting
Racerback tank tops are a great item to wear under blouses or on their own. You can make your own racerback tank top from scratch with these simple steps.
Firstly, you will need to gather your materials. For this DIY project, you will need: fabric, scissors, a sewing machine, pins, a fabric pen or chalk, and a ruler. You can use an old T-shirt or purchase new fabric, such as cotton jersey.
Next, you will need to create the pattern. Fold your fabric in half and pin the centre front pattern to the fold line, as well as along the sides. Do the same for the back pattern. Cut out the pattern and remove the pins.
Now, you can start sewing! With the front and back pieces facing each other, pin the sides and shoulders. Sew along the pinned edges using a zigzag stitch and a ballpoint needle. Remember to leave a seam allowance and trim the edges when you're done.
To finish the outer edges, turn the tank top right side out and make small snips along the front and back neckline and armholes. Fold the fabric over and stitch along these edges, then trim the seam allowance on the inside.
To create the bias tape, cut strips of fabric at a 45-degree angle between the selvage and the width of the fabric. You will need one 2-inch by 24-inch strip and two 2-inch by 30-inch strips. Use a bias tape maker to create the tape, ironing the fabric as you go.
Fold the bias tape over the armholes and neckline, pinning it in place. Stitch the two sides of the tape together, leaving a seam allowance. Iron the bias tape when finished.
Finally, hem the bottom of the tank top. Fold the hem over, pin it, and stitch. Iron the hem for a polished finish. And there you have it—your very own DIY racerback tank top!
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Racerback Tank Top Sewing
Racerback tank tops are a great item to wear under blouses or on their own. They are usually made out of cotton jersey. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make your own racerback tank top:
Materials:
- 1 yard of jersey knit fabric
- Knife Edge Dressmaker's Shears - 8"
- 75 Long Ball Point Pins - Size 24
- Fine Line Permanent Fabric Pen - Black
- Non-Slip Ruler 2-1/2 inch X 12-1/2 inch
- Ball Point Machine Needles - Size 9/11
- Dual Duty XP Thread - Ming Teal, 250 Yards
- Bias Tape Maker - 1" & 1/2"
Step 1: Pin and cut the pattern
With the jersey fabric folded in half, pin the center front pattern to the fold line, and along the sides. Do the same for the back pattern. Using fabric scissors, cut out the pattern. Once they are cut, remove the pins from the front and back.
Step 2: Sew the sides and straps
With both front and back facing each other, pin the sides and shoulders. Sew the sides and shoulders using a zigzag stitch on the half-inch seam allowance using a ballpoint needle. When finished, trim the edges.
Step 3: Finish the outer edges
Turn the tank top right side out. Make 1/4 inch snips along the front and back neckline and armholes. Fold the fabric over a 1/2 inch pin and stitch along the armholes and neckline for the front and back. Trim off the seam allowance on the inside.
Step 4: Make the bias tape
The bias lies at a 45-degree angle between the selvage and the width of the fabric. Measure and cut one 2-inch by 24-inch strip and two 2″ by 30″ strips. Insert the strips into the bias tape maker using the seam ripper to help guide it through. Iron the fabric as it’s coming out of the bias tape maker. Continue this until you’ve reached the end of the strip.
Step 5: Sew the bias tape
Fold the tape over along the edge and pin. Once you’ve reached the end, leave a half-inch seam allowance and stitch the two sides together. Do this for both the armholes and neckline. Last, iron the bias tape once it’s finished.
Step 6: Hem the bottom
Fold the hem over 1″ on the inside, pin, and stitch. Do this on both sides. Iron the hem for a polished finish, and your tank top is now complete.
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Racerback Tank Top Finishing
Step 1: Pin and cut the pattern
With your chosen jersey fabric folded in half, pin the centre front pattern to the fold line, and along the sides. Do the same for the back pattern. Using fabric scissors, cut out the pattern. Once they are cut, remove the pins from the front and back.
Step 2: Sew the sides and straps
With both front and back facing each other, pin the sides and shoulders. Sew the sides and shoulders using a zigzag stitch on the half-inch seam allowance using a ballpoint needle. When finished, trim the edges.
Step 3: Finish the outer edges
Turn the tank top right side out. Make 1/4 inch snips along the front and back neckline and armholes. Fold the fabric over a 1/2 inch pin and stitch along the armholes and neckline for the front and back. Trim off the seam allowance on the inside.
Step 4: Make the bias tape
The bias lies at a 45-degree angle between the selvage and the width of the fabric. Measure and cut one 2-inch by 24-inch strip and two 2″ by 30″ strips. Insert the strips into the bias tape maker, using the seam ripper to help guide it through. Iron the fabric as it’s coming out of the bias tape maker. Continue this until you’ve reached the end of the strip.
Step 5: Sew the bias tape
Fold the tape over along the edge and pin. Once you’ve reached the end, leave a half-inch seam allowance and stitch the two sides together. Do this for both the armholes and neckline. Last, iron the bias tape once it’s finished.
Step 6: Hem the bottom
Fold the hem over 1″ on the inside, pin, and stitch. Do this on both sides. Iron the hem for a polished finish, and your tank top is now complete.
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Frequently asked questions
The easiest way to make a racerback tank top is to upcycle an old T-shirt. Draw a racerback shape on the T-shirt, cut it out, and sew the armholes.
The essential tools for making a racerback tank top are a fabric marker or chalk, a sewing machine, jersey knit, and ballpoint pins.
The best fabric for making a racerback tank top is cotton jersey.
The steps to make a racerback tank top are: cut the pattern, sew the sides and straps, finish the outer edges, make and sew the bias tape, and hem the bottom.
A good pattern for a racerback tank top is the Althea Racerback Tank Top by Copper Creek Patterns. It is a comfortable and flattering design with many options, including a tulip back, a hood, and a kangaroo pocket.