Mending A Baggy Tank Top: Creative Fixes For A Perfect Fit

how to fix a big tank top

Tank tops are a staple in many people's wardrobes, but what happens when you find the perfect one but it's just not the right size? Luckily, resizing a tank top is a simple task that doesn't require advanced sewing skills or even any sewing at all. Whether you need to make your tank top bigger or smaller, there are several methods you can use to get the perfect fit. This guide will take you through the process step-by-step, so you can feel confident in your DIY skills and rock your favourite tank top with ease.

Characteristics Values
Sewing skills required Basic
Tools Sewing machine, fabric pen, pins, scissors
Time 30 minutes for a seasoned sewer
Steps 1. Try on the tank top inside out and adjust the shoulder straps. 2. Pinch and pin the fabric under the arms, then repeat on the other side. 3. Continue pinning and tightening the fabric down the sides of the top. 4. Fold the hem to the desired length and pin. 5. Remove the top and lay it flat to measure and adjust the pins. 6. Sew the tank top, starting at the shoulder straps. 7. Try on the top and make any necessary adjustments. 8. Cut away excess fabric.

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Adjusting the shoulder straps

Step 1: Start by putting on the tank top inside out and pulling it up at the shoulder seam. Adjust the straps to your desired length, ensuring that the seam runs along the middle. Pin the straps in place. Check that the armpits and neckline are not too tight after adjustment. It is important to note that the amount of length adjusted may differ between the front and back straps, depending on your shoulder structure.

Step 2: Remove the tank top and use a fabric pen to mark the seam line on both sides of the shoulders, following the placement of the pins.

Step 3: Cut off any excess fabric from the straps, leaving some fabric above the pins for a seam allowance. For example, leave about 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) of fabric above the pin.

Step 4: Place the straps with their right sides together and stitch across where the pin was placed. If your tank top is made of stretch fabric, a regular stitch should suffice. For woven fabrics, consider using fray check on the raw edges to prevent fraying.

Step 5: Open the seam and press the seam allowances flat to the sides. Topstitch these in place. A zigzag stitch or serger is not necessary for this small area.

Step 6: Try on the tank top to ensure a perfect fit.

By following these steps, you can easily adjust the shoulder straps of your tank top to achieve your desired fit and style.

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Taking in the sides

Preparation:

Before you start, decide what needs to change about the tank top. For example, you might want to adjust the shoulder straps, the armholes, or the length. It is also a good idea to try on the tank top inside out and pin the straps to the desired length.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  • Pinch the fabric underneath one of the arms and tighten it to your desired fit. Pin along the armhole seam to keep the fabric in place. Repeat on the other side.
  • Continue to tighten and pin the fabric down the rest of the top, working in 2-inch increments and alternating between the left and right sides as you go.
  • If you also want to adjust the length, fold the hem up to the desired length and pin it in place.
  • Take off the tank top, being careful not to prick yourself on the pins.
  • Lay the tank top inside out on a flat surface. Measure both sides to ensure that the adjustments you have made are even. Adjust the pins if necessary.
  • Start sewing at the shoulder straps, using a stretch stitch or a zigzag stitch. Continue sewing down the sides of the top, using the pins as your guide.
  • Sew the hem with a ¼ inch seam allowance.
  • Try on the tank top to check the fit. Make any necessary adjustments.
  • Once you are happy with the new size, cut away any excess fabric. Finish by sewing a stretch overlock stitch over the seam allowances.

Tips:

  • Taking in a tank top is easier than taking in other types of tops because there are no sleeves to get in the way.
  • Most alterations do not require advanced sewing skills and can be done cheaply and easily at home.
  • If you are not confident with sewing, consider using fabric glue instead.

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Shortening the length

If your tank top is too long, you can shorten it by following these steps:

Try on the tank top inside out

Try on the tank top inside out and determine the desired length. You can adjust the length by folding the hem up and securing it with pins. This will give you a preview of the new length and help you decide how much fabric to remove.

Take measurements

Once you have determined the desired length, take measurements to ensure that the adjustments are even on both sides. This step is crucial to ensure that your tank top remains symmetrical. Measure both sides of the top and compare the measurements to make any necessary adjustments to the pins.

Remove the tank top and lay it flat

After confirming the desired length, carefully take off the tank top without pricking yourself on the pins. Lay the tank top inside out on a flat surface, such as a table or an ironing board. This will provide a stable base for the next steps.

Mark the new length

Using fabric chalk or a washable fabric pen, mark the new length on the tank top. Draw a straight line across the front and back of the top, connecting the pins. Make sure the line is parallel to the original hem. This line will serve as a guide for cutting and sewing.

Cut the fabric

Using sharp fabric scissors, carefully cut along the line you drew. Take your time and cut in a smooth, steady motion to ensure a straight edge. Remember that you can always cut more fabric, but you cannot add it back once it's cut, so it's better to cut less than more.

Sew the new hem

After cutting, fold the raw edge under to create a neat hem. You can use an iron to press the fold and create a crisp line. Then, using a needle and thread, sew the new hem in place. Choose a thread colour that matches your tank top for a discreet finish. You can sew the hem by hand or use a sewing machine if you have one.

Try on the tank top

After sewing the new hem, try on the tank top again to check the fit. Make sure the length is as desired, and the hem is secure and lies flat. If you are satisfied with the result, you can cut away any remaining excess fabric close to the seam.

By following these steps, you can easily shorten the length of a tank top to achieve a better fit. This alteration is simple and does not require advanced sewing skills or expensive equipment. With some basic tools and careful measurements, you can transform an oversized tank top into a well-fitting garment.

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Adding slits

Slits are a great way to resize a tank top without sewing. This method is especially useful if you want to preserve the garment, perhaps because it's made from a comfortable material or has graphics you don't want to alter.

You can cut slits into the sides of your tank top for a loose, flowy style. Alternatively, you can cut a slit down the front from the neckline to give a more comfortable fit around the bust.

If your tank top is too small, you can add triangular-shaped pieces of fabric into the slits. Cut one long, vertical slit at the back or add two slits at the sides, then insert the fabric pieces. This will give your tank top a bright new look while making it bigger.

If you want to get creative, you can also cut the tank top's side seams off halfway up the sides to divide it into a front and back panel. Then, cut a vertical slit into the centre of the front panel, halfway up the tank. When you put the tank top on, wrap the two ties across your chest and tuck the end of the top layer under the bottom edge to hold it in place. You can also glue the ties in place with fabric glue if you don't want to tie them each time you wear the top.

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Sewing on a patch

Sewing a patch on a garment is a great way to fix a hole and give it a new lease of life. Here is a step-by-step guide to sewing a patch on a tank top:

Step 1: Choose Your Patch Material

Firstly, decide what material you want to use for the patch. If you are repairing a hole, choose a material that is similar to the tank top fabric, such as scrap cotton or linen. Measure the width and height of the hole and add 2 inches to each measurement. Cut your chosen patch material to size using scissors or pinking shears.

Step 2: Prepare the Hole and Patch

Cut away any loose threads around the hole. Then, turn the tank top inside out. Place a piece of double-sided adhesive interfacing on the patch, a little smaller than the patch size. Iron the patch onto the right side of the hole, centring it so that the patch edges extend evenly over the tear. Turn the tank top right side out.

Step 3: Set Up Your Sewing Machine

Choose a thread colour that matches the tank top fabric. Select a zigzag stitch on your sewing machine, which will give you flexibility and a wider path in a single pass.

Step 4: Sew the Patch

Feed the tank top onto the sleeve arm of the sewing machine, starting with the foot hole. Begin sewing under or to the right of the tear, stitching a row about 0.5 inches before and after the tear. Repeat this process above or to the left of the tear. Pull all thread tails to the back of the work.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Trim any loose thread tails and gently pull away the interfaced patch before it gets to the sewn-down portion. Use pinking shears to cut around the patch, creating curves instead of sharp corners. Finally, press the patch with a hot iron to set it in place.

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