Transform Your High-Neck Tank: Creative Cutting Techniques

Tank tops are a great clothing item to have in your wardrobe, and they can be easily customised to your liking. Whether you want to cut a tank top with wider straps into thin double straps, turn a tank top into a wrap top, or refashion a T-shirt into a tank top, there are many ways to modify an existing tank top or create a new one. This is especially true for high-neck tank tops, which are a trendy and versatile piece that can be dressed up or down.

Cutting wider straps into thin double straps

To cut wider straps into thin double straps, you'll need a ribbed tank top with wide shoulder straps of at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) in width. It's best to choose a tank top with a binding around the armholes and collar, rather than hems.

• Cut a small notch into the shoulder seam, staying within the collar and armhole hems. This will ensure that the shirt stays intact while allowing you to cut the fabric later.
• Cut around the armhole, starting from the notch and following the binding or stitching as a guide. Stop when you reach the same level as the bottom edge of the collar or just below it. Repeat this step for the back of the tank, keeping in mind that the collar in the back will be higher.
• Cut around the collar in a similar manner, but stop just before it curves horizontally. Do this for both the front and back, keeping in mind that the collar in the back will be shallower.
• Cut the strips at an angle in the front and back of the tank to create two thin straps that are intact at the shoulders.
• Use smaller scissors to clean up the cut edges for a neater finish. Cut as close as possible to the fabric wrapped around the collar and armhole edges to create the look of slender spaghetti straps. Repeat the process on the other side to create matching double straps.

Creating a racerback

Choosing the Right T-shirt

Start with a loose-fitting T-shirt, preferably one that is a size bigger than your usual size. Long, baggy T-shirts work great for this project. Make sure the T-shirt is washed and dried, especially if it is new, as fabric tends to shrink after the first wash.

Cutting the Sleeves and Hem

Cut the sleeves off the T-shirt, starting just under the armpits and cutting straight up towards the shoulders. Next, cut the hem off the shirt, following the bottom edge of the stitching. This will give you a large fabric ring. Cut this ring along one of the side seams to create a long fabric strand, which you will use to decorate the back of your racerback tank top.

Creating the Racerback Shape

Turn the shirt over so that the back is facing you. Cut the back armholes wider, leaving a few inches of fabric between them. Make sure to cut the same amount from each side of the shirt to ensure symmetry. Cut the armholes deep, aiming for them to be a few inches apart when you are done.

Adding a Decorative Strand

Find the back centre of the neckline and cut a deep V-shape, keeping the point of the V between the armholes. This will help prevent the fabric from bunching up when you tie it up. Take the fabric strand you created earlier and tie it around the bottom of the V-shape, gathering the fabric between the armholes. Wrap the strand tightly downward, creating a rope-like effect, and stop when you reach the bottom of the armholes. Wrap the strand back towards the top and secure the end by tucking it under the wound fabric or tying it in place with a knot.

Finishing Touches

For a high-low look, cut the front of the shirt shorter than the back. Spread the shirt sideways so you can see the side seam, armhole, and half of the front and back. Measure up a few inches from the folded front side and start cutting downwards towards the back. Your shirt will now be shorter in the front and longer in the back.

And that's it! You can wear your new racerback tank top as-is, as the fabric will not fray. These tank tops are perfect for layering over bandeau tops or for working out.

Hemming for a neat finish

Hemming is a great way to finish off a DIY tank top, giving it a more polished look. It's a simple process that can elevate your whole project. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving a neat finish through hemming:

Preparation:

Before you begin hemming, it's important to prepare your fabric. Cut your fabric with sharp fabric scissors, ensuring the edges are straight and even. If you're working with a stretchy fabric, it's a good idea to use a rotary cutter and a cutting mat to get precise cuts. You can also use a fabric marker to mark the cutting lines.

Step 1: Choose Your Hemming Method:

There are several ways to hem your tank top, each creating a different look and feel. Here are some common methods:

• Zigzag Stitch: This method uses a zigzag stitch on your sewing machine to finish the raw edge of the hem. It's simple and quick, but it's not suitable for projects where the inside of the hem will be visible or for fabrics that unravel easily.
• Double-Folded Hem: This technique, also known as the "best hemming trick," involves running a basting stitch at the point where you want the hem to be turned up. Then, you iron the hem using the basting stitch as a guide and fold the raw edge to the fold. Finally, you sew the hem from the right side, ensuring a straight and even finish.
• Bias Binding: Bias binding is useful for hems with a slight curve or when working with bulky fabric. You can use premade single-fold bias tape or make your own. Simply press up the hem allowance, align the raw edge of the bias tape with the raw edge of the hem allowance, stitch it in place, and then fold and stitch the hem as usual.
• Hem Tape: Hem tape is a quick and professional-looking option, especially for bulky fabrics or textured fabrics that may irritate the skin. Overlap the hem tape along the hem so that the raw edge of the fabric runs down the middle of the tape, then edgestitch along the tape to secure it.
• Lace Hem Tape: For a pretty finish, especially on lightweight fabrics, use lace hem tape. Overlap the lace along the right side of the hem with the raw edge of the fabric running down the middle. Edgestitch to secure, then fold the hem allowance up and stitch along the free edge of the lace.

Step 2: Serge or Trim the Raw Edge:

Before folding and stitching your hem, it's a good idea to serge or trim the raw edge. Serging creates a neat and clean-looking edge, while trimming any loose threads can help prevent the fabric from puckering.

Step 3: Fold and Press the Hem:

Now, it's time to fold your hem. Use your iron to create a crisp fold along the hem allowance. For a standard hem, fold the fabric up and towards the wrong side of the fabric. If you're using the double-folded hem method, follow the specific instructions outlined above.

Step 4: Pin and Stitch the Hem:

Once your hem is folded and pressed, it's time to secure it in place. Use pins to hold the hem in position, then stitch along the hem line. You can use a straight stitch or a zigzag stitch, depending on the fabric and desired look. Remember to remove the pins as you sew to avoid sewing over them.

Step 5: Finish and Press:

After stitching, carefully trim any loose threads. Finally, give your hem a good press with your iron to set the stitches and create a crisp, finished look.

Using a ribbed tank top

If you're looking to cut a high-neck tank top, you'll need to start with a tank top that has wide shoulder straps. Ideally, opt for a ribbed tank top with a binding around the armholes and collar, rather than hems. This will make the cutting process a lot easier.

Here's a step-by-step guide to cutting a high-neck tank top using a ribbed tank top:

Step 1: Cut a Small Notch

Make a small cut or notch at the shoulder seam, staying within the collar and armhole hems. Be careful not to cut straight across the top of the shoulders, as this could cause the shirt to fall apart.

Step 2: Cut Around the Armhole

Starting at the notch, cut down the front of the tank, following the armhole's binding as a guide. Stop cutting when you reach the bottom edge of the collar, or just below it. Repeat this step for the back of the tank, keeping in mind that the collar in the back will be higher.

Step 3: Cut Around the Collar

Cut around the collar in a similar way as you did for the armhole, but stop just before it starts to curve out horizontally. Remember to do this for both the front and back of the tank. You'll be cutting the collar side of the strap shorter than the armhole side, as you'll be cutting the final piece at an angle.

Step 4: Cut the Strips at an Angle

After cutting around the collar and armhole, you'll have strips of loose fabric in the front and back. Cut these strips at an angle where they connect to the rest of the shirt. This will create two thin straps that remain intact at the shoulder.

Step 5: Clean Up the Cut Edges

Use smaller scissors to clean up the cut edges for a neater finish. Cut as close as possible to the fabric wrapped around the edges of the collar and armholes to create the appearance of slender spaghetti straps. Repeat the entire process on the other side to create symmetrical straps.

With these steps, you can transform a basic ribbed tank top into a stylish high-neck tank top with thin straps.

Cutting a V-neck

To cut a V-neck into a tank top or T-shirt, follow these steps:

Preparation:

• Gather your materials: a crew neck shirt, a ruler or measuring tape, stick pins, a fabric marker, fabric scissors, and a seam ripper. If you want to sew the collar back on, you’ll also need thread that matches your shirt and a sewing machine or needle.
• Measure how deep you want the V-neck to be. You can lay a V-neck shirt that you like over your T-shirt as a guide. Mark the spot where you want the point of the V to go with a pin.

Cutting the V-neck:

• Fold your T-shirt in half vertically so that the front of the collar is on the outside of the fold. Make sure that the neckline, shoulders, and arms match up exactly, and smooth down all the edges until the shirt is free of wrinkles.
• Trace the outline of the V-neck with a fabric marker. Make a diagonal line with your ruler, placing it where the shoulder seam meets the collar down to the middle of your chest. Using your measurements, mark off the point of the V and draw a line between the mark and the point where the shoulder seam meets the collar. Repeat this step on the other side.
• Cut along the V-neck outline, being careful to only cut through the front side of the shirt. Start on one side of the outline and cut towards the point. Repeat this process on the other side.

Sewing the collar (optional):

• If you want to sew the existing collar back onto your shirt, first detach it by removing the stitches around the front collar. Unfold your T-shirt, flip it inside out, and lay it flat with the front side facing you. Use a seam ripper to cut through the threads between the collar and the shirt, from one shoulder seam to the other. Leave the collar attached to the back of the shirt.
• Cut the front of the detached collar in the centre. Lay your T-shirt flat with the front side facing you and use a ruler to measure the length of the collar. Mark the middle with a fabric marker and cut through the collar at this point.
• Stretch each side of the cut collar along the length of your V-neck. Most crew neck T-shirt collars are made of stretchy ribbed fabric, so you should be able to tug and pull each side down to the V point to lengthen the collar.
• Pin the rough edges of the collar to the rough edges of the V-neck. Stretch one side of the collar along the length of the V, placing a pin between the collar and shirt to hold them together. Continue to stretch and pin the collar along the edge of the V, inserting a pin about every 1 inch (2.5 cm). Repeat this process on the other side.
• Sew from the top of the collar to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the V point. Use a sewing machine or needle and thread to sew about ¼ inch (0.6 cm) away from the rough edges of the collar and neckline. Stop sewing when you get about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the point of the V. Make sure the thread matches the colour of your shirt.
• Pull the collar end to the other side of the V and sew the other collar. Move the bottom of the collar to the other side of the V-neck, lining it up against the rough edge at the point of the V. Pin and sew the rest of it to the shirt, then sew down the other side of the collar to 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the V point.
• Sew the ends of the collar together. Align the rough edges of the bottom of the collar to the rough edge of the other collar end that you already sewed down. The ends of the collar should overlap to create a V point. Sew the collar ends together to finish your shirt.

Frequently asked questions