Suley Manova
There are many ways to cut a shirt into a tank top, and it can be done with or without sewing. For a basic tank top, you can use a tank top as a template by placing it over the shirt and cutting along the armholes and neckline as a guide. For a racerback tank top, you can cut the sleeves off a shirt, trim the back of the armholes, and tie the excess fabric into a knot to create a rope effect. There are also no-sew methods that involve cutting the sleeves off and using a washable marker or pen to mark and cut the neckline.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools required | Scissors, sewing machine (optional), washable marker or pen, ruler or measuring tape, sports bra or racer-back tank top to trace |
| Preparation | Wash and dry the t-shirt, iron out any wrinkles, lay the t-shirt flat |
| Cutting | Cut sleeves and collar off, cut along the bottom hem, cut armholes and neckline, fold and cut to ensure symmetry |
| Hemming | Fold cut edges and secure with pins, press with an iron, stitch the folded edges |
| Racerback style | Cut a deep V-shape at the back, tie fabric strand to the bottom of the V-shape, wrap the strand around the fabric moving downward |
What You'll Learn
Cut the sleeves off
Cutting the sleeves off a T-shirt is a great way to transform it into a tank top. This simple alteration can be done with just a pair of scissors and will give your old T-shirts a new lease of life. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you cut off the sleeves:
Start by laying your T-shirt flat on a table or another flat surface. Smooth out any creases or wrinkles, making sure that the seams of the shirt are lined up. You may want to iron the shirt beforehand to ensure it is flat and easy to work with.
Next, take a ruler or measuring tape and mark the cutting line with a washable pen or fabric marker. For a standard tank top, mark two inches from the seam at the neck of the T-shirt on both sides, and two inches below the seam of the sleeve on both sides. If you want a lower-cut tank top that shows more of your rib cage, you can mark further down from the sleeve seam.
Now it's time to start cutting! Cut just one sleeve off first, starting at the bottom mark you made under the sleeve. Carefully follow the natural curve of the sleeve seam as you cut, aiming for the mark you made at the neck. Take your time and cut slowly to ensure a neat finish.
Once you have cut one sleeve, fold the T-shirt in half, lining up the neck seams. This will allow you to create an identical cut on the opposite side. You can use your pen to mark the cutting line, or simply eyeball it. Cut slowly and carefully to ensure both sides match.
At this point, you have successfully removed the sleeves and created a basic tank top shape. You can now try on your new tank top and make any desired adjustments to the armholes or neckline. Remember, it's always better to cut off less fabric than you think you need, as you can always cut more if needed.
Converting a T-shirt into a tank top is a fun and easy project that requires minimal tools and sewing skills. With this guide, you can confidently cut the sleeves off your T-shirts to create stylish and comfortable tank tops.
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Cut the collar off
To cut the collar off a T-shirt, you will need a pair of scissors. Sewing scissors are best, but any will work. You can also use a needle and thread, but this is optional.
To begin, turn your T-shirt inside out. Then, cut the collar off, keeping the scissors just beneath the bottom row of stitching on the collar. Be careful not to cut off too much material—only cut off the collar. After cutting, gently stretch the material. This will roll it over, creating a soft hem. The jersey fabric will not unravel and will not require any stitching or hemming.
If you want to, you can reinforce the top shoulder seams with a few quick stitches.
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Cut the hem off
To cut the hem off a T-shirt and turn it into a tank top, you'll need a T-shirt you don't mind cutting up, a washable marker or pen, and a pair of scissors.
First, cut the sleeves off your T-shirt. Start by cutting just one sleeve, following the natural curve of the sleeve seam from the mark you've made at the bottom of the sleeve to the mark at the neck. Then, fold your T-shirt in half, lining up the neck seams, and cut the other sleeve, using the first sleeve as a guide.
Next, you'll cut the hem off the bottom of your T-shirt. Cut along the bottom hem of your T-shirt, using the stitching as a guide. You should end up with a large, fabric ring. Cut this ring apart, close to one of the side seams, so that you have a long, fabric strand. You can use this strand to decorate the back of your tank top.
If you want to give your tank top a high-low look, spread your shirt out 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 of the shirt, and start cutting downwards towards the back of the shirt. Your tank top will now be shorter in the front and longer in the back.
Finally, turn your T-shirt inside out and try on your new tank top!
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Cut the shirt open at the shoulder and side seams
To cut open the shirt at the shoulder and side seams, first lay the shirt flat on a table. Smooth it out, lining up the seams. You can use a ruler or measuring tape to mark two inches from the seam at the neck of the shirt on both sides. You can also mark two inches below the seam of the sleeve, on both sides. If you want a more open tank top that shows more of your rib cage, you can mark lower than two inches below the sleeve seam.
Next, take your scissors and cut one sleeve off, following the natural curve of the sleeve seam and aiming for the mark you made at the neck. Now, fold your shirt in half, lining up the neck seams. This will allow you to cut an identical shape on the opposite side. You can use your pen or just eyeball it. Make your second cut.
Now you have a basic tank top shape. You can leave it as it is or continue to cut and shape it into a racerback style tank top.
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Cut the armholes and neckline
To cut the armholes and neckline, start by marking two inches from the seam at the neck of the T-shirt on both sides with a washable marker or pen. If you want a super open tank, you can mark lower than two inches below the sleeve seam to show more of your rib cage. Next, cut just one sleeve off, starting at the bottom mark under the sleeve. Follow the natural curve of the sleeve seam, aiming for the mark you've made at the neck. Now, fold your T-shirt in half, lining up the neck seams. This will allow you to trace your first cut and make an identical cut on the opposite side. Make your second cut.
Now, flip your shirt over. Grab a sports bra with a wide, solid racerback strap, or find a racerback tank. Use it as a stencil. Line up the shoulders to the top of your soon-to-be tank top and trace the parts you can, eyeballing the rest. Using the lines you've just drawn, lift up the back of the shirt and cut out the backside only. Be careful not to cut through both layers, or you'll end up with an awkwardly shaped tank top.
If you want a more precise method, you can use a tank top as a template. Place the tank top on top of the T-shirt, aligning the shoulders. Pin the tank top to the T-shirt to keep it from moving and then cut the T-shirt, using the tank top's armholes and neckline as a guide.
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