Enlarging Arm Holes: A Simple Guide To Tank Top Customization

Tank tops are a versatile garment, but sometimes the armholes are too large or too small, impacting the overall fit and style. Adjusting the armholes can be a great way to customise your clothing and achieve a more flattering silhouette. Whether you want to deepen or enlarge armholes, there are several methods to alter them, including adjusting the side seams, adding darts, using seam binding, or inserting gussets. Each method has its benefits, and the right approach will depend on your tank top's fabric, style, and the extent of the adjustments needed. Let's explore the steps to achieve the perfect armhole size for your tank tops.

How to Deepen Tank Top Arm Holes

Assess the fit of your tank top and define your style goals

When it comes to deepening tank top armholes, the first step is to assess the fit of your garment and define your style goals. This involves trying on the tank top and evaluating how it fits your body, paying close attention to the armhole area. Consider whether the armholes are too tight, restricting your movement, or if they are too loose, revealing more skin than you are comfortable with.

While trying on the tank top, you can also decide how much you want to deepen the armholes. This decision will depend on your personal style preferences and the look you are aiming to achieve. Do you want to show more skin for a bolder statement, or are you aiming for a more subtle adjustment to improve the fit?

Pinch the fabric under the armhole to get a sense of how much fabric you want to remove. You can make a mental measurement or use a measuring tape for more accuracy. It's important to ensure that you are making even adjustments on both sides to maintain symmetry. Remember that the amount of skin you show should be proportional to the amount of fabric covering your torso.

Additionally, consider the overall style and fit of your tank top. Is it a relaxed, flowy fit, or is it more fitted? The style of your tank top will impact the alteration method you choose and the final outcome. Keep in mind that altering the armholes may slightly affect the overall fit of the garment.

By assessing the fit of your tank top and defining your style goals, you can determine the extent of the alterations needed and choose the most suitable method to deepen the armholes. Whether you decide to alter the side seams, add darts, use seam binding, or insert gussets, having clear style goals will guide your adjustments and help you achieve the desired look.

Use a seam ripper to undo the stitches around the armholes

To deepen the armholes of a tank top, you'll need to use a seam ripper to carefully undo the stitches around the armholes. This process will allow you to open up the armholes and create more room. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Start by putting on the tank top and determining how much deeper you want the armholes to be. You can use pins or tailor's chalk to mark the new armhole shape. Ensure that you are reducing the size evenly on both sides to maintain symmetry.

Once you have marked the desired depth, carefully remove the tank top and lay it flat on a work surface. Now, locate the side seams of the tank top. Using your seam ripper, carefully begin to undo the stitching along the armhole portion of these side seams. It is important to work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the fabric. Take your time and only undo the necessary stitches, leaving the bottom hem and other sections intact.

As you work, you will notice that the excess fabric begins to fold towards the inside of the tank top. This is expected, and you can help guide the fabric to align with the new armhole shape you marked earlier. Use pins or baste stitching to secure this folded fabric in place.

At this point, you can try on the tank top again to check the fit and make any necessary adjustments. If the armholes feel comfortable and look good, you are ready for the next step.

If you are happy with the new armhole shape, it's time to sew it in place. You can use a sewing machine or carefully hand-stitch the folded fabric along the new armhole curve. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end of your stitching to secure it in place.

Finally, trim away any excess fabric that extends beyond your new seam. To prevent the fabric from fraying, neaten the edges with a serger or a zigzag stitch.

By following these steps and using a seam ripper to undo the stitches around the armholes, you can successfully deepen the armholes of your tank top, creating a more comfortable and flattering fit.

Measure the desired increase and mark with fabric chalk or pins

Once you have the tank top on, you can pinch the fabric under the armhole to determine how much you want to deepen the armhole. You can either make a rough mental measurement or use a measuring tape for more accuracy. It is important to ensure that the adjustments are symmetrical on both sides to maintain a balanced look.

After you have decided on the desired increase, take off the tank top and lay it flat on a surface. Now, use fabric chalk or pins to mark the new armhole shape. Fabric chalk is a specialised chalk designed to be used on fabrics and comes in a variety of colours. It is a useful tool for marking measurements and designs on fabrics. Pins, on the other hand, are useful if you want to avoid marking your fabric.

Cut along a new seam line, removing excess fabric

Once you have marked the new armhole shape with pins or tailor's chalk, it's time to cut along a new seam line, removing excess fabric. This step requires precision and a steady hand. Carefully cut along the marked seam line, following the path you have drawn. This process determines the final fit of the armholes, so it's important to stay as close to the marked line as possible. Take your time and cut slowly to avoid any mistakes.

If you are satisfied with the new armhole size and have cut along the new seam line, the next step is to finish the raw edges to prevent fraying. This step ensures that your tank top lasts a long time and maintains its shape. There are a few different methods you can use to finish the raw edges. One option is to use a serger, which will quickly and efficiently create a clean edge. Alternatively, you can use a zigzag stitch along the cut edge to prevent fraying. This can be done with a sewing machine or by hand. Another option is to apply a fabric fray check solution, which will seal the edge and prevent any fraying.

After finishing the raw edges, the next step is to pin the fabric along the new seam line. This will hold the fabric in place and ensure a neat finish. Carefully pin along the seam line, securing the fabric in place. Once pinned, you can sew the new seam using a straight or zigzag stitch. A straight stitch will create a strong and durable seam, while a zigzag stitch will provide added stretch, which may be beneficial for the armhole area. Again, you can sew this by machine or by hand, depending on your preference and equipment.

Finally, try on your tank top to assess the fit. Make sure the armholes are comfortable and meet your style goals. If any adjustments are needed, make small changes and try on the tank top again until you are happy with the result. This may involve letting out or taking in the seam, adjusting the curve of the armhole, or making other alterations. Once you are satisfied with the fit, your tank top is ready to wear! You can also add embellishments or trims to the armholes for a personalized touch.

Finish the raw edges to prevent fraying

Once you've cut the armholes of your tank top to the desired size, you'll want to finish the raw edges to prevent fraying and give your garment a neat, professional look. Here are some methods you can use:

Sewing Techniques

If you have basic sewing skills and access to a sewing machine, you can try one of the following methods:

• Zigzag stitch – This technique involves sewing a zigzag stitch along the raw edge of the fabric. It works well on cotton fabrics and helps to secure the edge and prevent fraying.
• Serging – Using a serger, which is a specialized type of sewing machine, you can encase the raw edge of the fabric with thread, trimming off any excess fabric at the same time. This method provides a clean, finished look to the armhole.
• French seam – To create a French seam, first sew the edges of the fabric together with the wrong sides facing each other. Then, flip the fabric so that the right sides are together and sew just outside the original seam. This technique encases the raw edge and gives a neat finish.

No-Sew Techniques

If you don't want to use a sewing machine or needle and thread, there are also some no-sew methods you can try:

• Fabric glue or seam sealant – Simply apply small dabs of fabric glue or seam sealant along the raw edge of the fabric. You can also use super glue, but be careful not to use too much as it can leave dark spots on your fabric.
• Fusible interfacing – Iron on thin strips of fusible interfacing to the raw edges of the fabric. This will help stabilize the edge and prevent fraying.
• Nail polish – Apply a thin coat of clear nail polish along the raw edge of the fabric. Allow it to dry completely before handling the fabric. This method works best on thin, lightweight fabrics.
• Pinking shears – Cut the raw edge of the fabric with pinking shears, which have a zig-zag edge. This creates a jagged-tooth pattern that helps to prevent fraying. You can also apply adhesive to the cut edge for added stability.

Frequently asked questions