Transforming Tank Tops: Diy Tube Top Tricks And Tips

There are many ways to cut and style a tank top, including cutting wider straps into thin double straps, turning a tank top into a wrap top, or refashioning it into a T-shirt. This article will focus on the first option: cutting wider straps into thin double straps. To do this, start by getting a ribbed tank top with wide shoulder straps. Cut a small notch into the shoulder seam within the collar and armhole hems, being careful not to cut past these hems. Then, cut around the armhole, stopping just below the collar level, and repeat on the back of the tank. Cut around the collar in a similar fashion but stop just before it curves, and repeat for the back. Finally, cut the strips of loose fabric at an angle in the front and back of the tank, and clean up the cut edges with smaller scissors for a neater finish.

Cut a ribbed tank top's wider straps into thin double straps

To cut a ribbed tank top's wider straps into thin double straps, follow these steps:

Firstly, get a ribbed tank top with wide shoulder straps. The exact width of the shoulder straps is not important, but aim for at least 1 inch (2.5 cm). For the best results, choose a tank top with binding around the armholes and collar, rather than hems.

Next, cut a small notch into the shoulder seam, being careful not to cut past the hems on the armhole or collar. Try to make the notch go across the entire shoulder, staying within the hems.

Now, cut around the armhole, starting at the notch and cutting down the front of the tank, using the armhole's binding as a guide. Stop cutting 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 up.

Then, cut around the collar in a similar way, but stop just before it curves. Start at the top of the collar, at the shoulder notch, and finish at the bottom, just before the curve. Repeat this step for the back of the tank, as the collar will be shallower. You are cutting the collar side shorter than the armhole side because the final piece will be cut off at an angle.

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

Finally, clean up the cut edges with smaller scissors for a neater finish. Cut as close as possible to the fabric wrapped around the edges of the collar and armholes, to make the straps look more like slender spaghetti straps. Repeat the whole process for the other side.

Turn a tank top into a wrap top

Choosing the Right Tank Top

Select a tank top that is made from stretchy material. This is important because you will be wrapping the straps of the tank top around your torso. The longer the tank top, the easier it will be to wrap.

Cutting the Tank Top

Turn the tank top inside out and cut the side seams halfway up the sides. Be careful not to cut the side seams all the way up to the armpits. This will divide the tank top into two panels: a front and a back panel. If you are worried about the stitching coming undone, you can hand-sew a few stitches over the cut ends.

Marking the Desired Length

Hold the tank top against your body and mark where you want the top to end. Cut the side seams up to this mark.

Cutting the Back Panel

Turn the tank top so that the back is facing you and cut the back panel off, starting from one side seam and finishing at the other. Use the bottom cut edge of the side seams as a guide. Do not cut through the front panel, as this will be used to create the ties.

Creating the Ties

Cut a vertical slit in the centre of the front panel, halfway up the tank top. Unfold the front panel so that it sticks out from under the back of the shirt. This will create two ties that you can wrap and tuck around your torso.

Wrapping the Top

Put the tank top on and wrap the ties across your chest, angling them so that the bottom edges are aligned. Take the end of the top tie and tuck it under the tank top to hold it in place. Repeat with the other tie, making sure that the end is hidden under the bottom edge of the first tie.

Securing the Ties

If you don't want to re-wrap the ties each time you wear the top, you can secure them with sewing pins and fabric glue. Insert a pin into the front and sides of the tank top, going through both layers of fabric. Place a drop of fabric glue where the pins are and let it dry before removing the pins.

Now you have a stylish and unique wrap top made from a tank top!

Refashion a T-shirt into a tank top

Refashioning a T-shirt into a tank top is a fun and easy way to upcycle old clothing. This project requires minimal tools and can be done by hand, with no sewing machine required. All you need is a T-shirt, scissors, a washable marker or pen, and a tank top or sports bra to use as a template.

To begin, lay your T-shirt flat on a table and smooth out any wrinkles. If you want a fitted tank top, choose a T-shirt that fits you well. For a looser tank, you can use any T-shirt. If using a new shirt, wash and dry it first to allow for any potential shrinkage.

Next, place your tank top or sports bra over the T-shirt, aligning the shoulders. If you're using a tank top, you can pin it to the T-shirt to keep it from moving. Use the template's armholes and neckline as a guide and cut around them, adding a 0.5-inch seam allowance if you want a finished hem. If you don't have a template, simply cut the sleeves and collar off the T-shirt, ensuring both sides are even.

At this point, you can customise your tank top further. For a basic tank, you can fold down and iron the cut edges, then stitch them in place by hand or with a sewing machine. For a racerback style, cut the back of the armholes further, creating a skinny band of fabric between the shoulder blades. You can also cut a deep V-shape into the back of the shirt for a more stylish look.

If you want to add a decorative touch to the back of your tank, cut the shirt's hem to create a long fabric strand. Gather the fabric at the top of the racerback and tie the strand tightly around it. Wrap the strand downwards, then back up towards the top of the shirt, and secure it in place.

Finally, turn your new tank top right side out and try it on! You can also experiment with trimming the bottom of the tank to create a high-low effect.

With just a few simple steps, you've transformed an old T-shirt into a stylish and functional tank top.

Cut a tank top's straps into a racerback

To cut a tank top's straps into a racerback, you'll need to start with a tank top that has wide shoulder straps of at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) in width. It's also best if the tank top has a binding around the armholes and collar, rather than hems. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Cut a small notch into the shoulder seam: Cut within the collar and armhole hems, being careful not to cut straight across the top of the shoulders, as this could cause the shirt to fall apart.
• Cut around the armhole: Start at the notch you just made and cut down the front of the tank, using the armhole's binding as a guide. Stop cutting 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 up.
• Cut around the collar: Cut in a similar way as you did for the armhole, but stop just before the collar starts to curve out horizontally. Do this for both the front and back of the tank. Cutting the collar side of the strap shorter than the armhole side will help when you cut the final piece at an angle.
• Snip the strips at an angle: After cutting around the collar and armhole, you'll have loose fabric strips in the front and back. Cut these strips at an angle where they connect to the rest of the shirt, resulting in two thin straps that are intact at the shoulder.
• Clean up the cut edges: Use smaller scissors to cut as close as possible to the fabric wrapped around the edges of the collar and armholes. This will help create a neater finish and make the straps look more like slender spaghetti straps.
• Repeat on the other side: Once you've finished one strap, repeat the entire process on the other side to create a symmetrical racerback style.

By following these steps, you can transform a basic tank top into a stylish racerback top without the need for sewing.

Cut the collar into a V-neck or scoop neck

Cutting a tank top into a tube top is a fun and easy way to upcycle your old clothing. It's a simple process that doesn't require any sewing, as the fabric used for most tank tops and T-shirts is stretchy jersey, which doesn't fray.

• Cut a notch into the shoulder seam: Using your scissors, carefully cut a small notch into the shoulder of your tank top, staying within the hems of the armhole and collar. This step is important as it ensures the shirt stays intact.
• Cut around the armhole: Starting at the notch you just created, cut downwards along the front of the tank top, using the armhole 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 top, keeping in mind that the collar in the back will be higher.
• Cut around the collar: Now, you will cut around the collar in a similar fashion as the previous step, but stop just before it curves. Begin cutting at the top of the collar, where it meets the shoulder notch, and finish at the bottom, just before the collar starts to curve out horizontally. Remember to cut a little higher for the back collar.
• Cut the strips at an angle: After cutting around the collar and armhole, you will have loose fabric strips in the front and back of your tank top. Cut these strips at an angle where they connect to the rest of the shirt to create two thin straps.
• Clean up the cut edges: Use smaller scissors to carefully trim 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 this process on the other side to ensure symmetry.
• Shape the neckline: Now, you can shape the neckline into your desired style. For a V-neck, fold the shirt in half lengthwise so that the shoulders match up. Cut the collar into a "V" shape, making sure the sides are even. If you prefer a scoop neck, create a curved scoop shape instead.

By following these steps, you can easily transform the collar of your tank top into a stylish V-neck or scoop neck, adding a unique touch to your DIY tube top.

Frequently asked questions