Transforming Tank Tops: Crafting A Bodysuit

Upcycling old clothing is a great way to save money and be creative. One way to do this is to transform a tank top into a bodysuit. This is a simple DIY project that can be done with a few tools and an old pair of underwear. The process involves cutting the tank top to fit the underwear, sewing the pieces together, and then adding snaps or press studs to the crotch area. The result is a trendy and flattering bodysuit that can be paired with various bottoms for a stylish outfit.

Cut two slits in the tank top

To make a bodysuit from a tank top, you'll need to cut two slits in the tank top. This is a crucial step, as it will allow you to create the leg holes for your bodysuit. Here's a detailed guide on how to make those cuts:

Step 1: Lay Out Your Tank Top

Before you start cutting, make sure you have a flat and clear surface to work on. Lay your tank top on this surface, smoothing out any wrinkles or creases. This will ensure that your cuts are straight and even.

Step 2: Mark the Slit Locations

Take your time to carefully mark where you will be cutting. Using a fabric marker or tailor's chalk, draw two straight lines perpendicular to the side seams of the tank top. These lines should be located where you want the leg holes to be. Make sure the lines are the same length on both sides to ensure symmetry.

Step 3: Measuring and Hem Allowance

Use a flexible tape measure to determine the desired width of the leg holes. Remember to consider the stretch of the fabric when deciding on the width. Mark this measurement on the lines you drew. Don't forget to add a hem allowance! This will ensure that you don't cut too close to the edge, leaving room for hemming later.

Step 4: Cutting the Slits

Now, it's time to cut! Using fabric scissors, carefully cut along the lines you marked, following the measurements you set for the leg holes. Cut slowly and deliberately to avoid any mistakes. Make sure the slits are identical on both sides to maintain the symmetry of your bodysuit.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

After cutting, it's a good idea to finish the raw edges of the slits to prevent fraying. You can use a serger to overlock the edges or fold and hem them with a zigzag stitch. This will give your bodysuit a more polished and durable finish.

Now that you've cut the slits for the leg holes, you can continue with the next steps of your bodysuit project. Remember to try it on as you go to ensure a perfect fit, and don't be afraid to make adjustments as needed!

Cut along the underwear

Now that you have unravelled the hem of your tank top, it's time to lay your underwear on top of the shirt. Ensure that the centre of the underwear's bottom lines up with the middle of the tank top's front along the bottom.

Once you have the underwear in the right position, cut the tank top in line with the leg holes in the underwear. This will create the leg holes for your bodysuit. Be careful not to cut the underwear itself.

Now, you will need to measure the height and width of the material along the crotch of the underwear. Take your measuring tape and note down these measurements. From the remaining fabric of your tank top, cut two strips of fabric that match the measurements you just took. These pieces will form the crotch of your bodysuit.

At this point, you should have two separate pieces of fabric that will serve as the front and back of your bodysuit. Place these pieces together so that the outsides (the front and back) are facing each other. Carefully sew the side seams together, ensuring that the leg holes align.

With your bodysuit still inside out, line up the two pieces of fabric you cut for the crotch earlier, pinning them to each other. Then, line up one end of a crotch piece with the back of the bodysuit where it tapers and sew the edges together to form a seam. Repeat this process for the other side, ensuring a secure fit.

Pin the front of the top

Pinning the fabric is a crucial step in sewing, as it holds the fabric in place and determines its final position in the garment. Here is a detailed guide on how to pin the front of the tank top when making a bodysuit:

Firstly, ensure that the fabric and pin style are compatible. The pins should glide smoothly into the fabric without any resistance. The weight and texture of the fabric will determine the type of pin required. Thin fabrics work best with thinner pins, while thicker fabrics need thicker and stronger pins. Choose pins with metal, glass, or plastic heads, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Metal-headed pins, for instance, have the smallest heads, which makes them less likely to get caught in the fabric, but they can be harder to place and remove during sewing.

Next, place the fabric pieces together with the right sides facing each other. This is an important step to ensure that the final garment will have the desired appearance. Double-check that the fabric is correctly aligned before proceeding to the next step.

Now, you can begin pinning. Insert the pins perpendicular to the cut edge of the fabric, with the pin heads at the outer edge and the points facing the middle. This technique will give you a smoother seam. Ensure that the pins are placed further back from the seam stitching area, so you don't accidentally sew over them.

Finally, remember to remove the pins as you sew. Sewing over pins can damage your needle or machine, and it can also cause the needle to go off course, affecting the stitch line. Take your time and remove the pins carefully to avoid any mishaps.

Hem the edges

Hemming is a crucial step in the process of creating a bodysuit from a tank top. It gives a neat and professional finish to the garment, preventing fraying and unravelling of the fabric, and allowing for adjustments to the length. Here are some detailed instructions and tips for hemming the edges of your bodysuit:

Preparation for Hemming:

Before you begin hemming, it is important to decide on the desired length of your bodysuit. Try it on and mark the desired length with pins or chalk. Cut off any excess fabric, leaving a hem allowance. The amount of hem allowance needed will depend on the type of hem you choose to create.

Types of Hems:

There are several types of hems that you can use, depending on the fabric and the desired look of your bodysuit:

• Blind Hem: This technique involves creating small, almost invisible stitches on the right side of the garment. It is suitable for a variety of fabrics, from delicate silk to heavy denim.
• Rolled Hem: This technique is often used for lightweight fabrics. It involves rolling the edge of the fabric under twice and then sewing it in place.
• Double Fold Hem: This technique is commonly used for heavier fabrics. It involves folding the edge of the fabric under twice and then stitching it in place.
• Zigzag Stitch: A zigzag stitch is suitable for stretchy fabrics like knits. It allows the fabric to stretch while also providing a secure finish.
• Bias Hem: This technique uses bias binding to finish the edge of the fabric. The bias binding is sewn onto the edge, folded under, and then stitched in place. This type of hem is useful for curved edges and bulky fabrics.

Sewing the Hem:

Once you have decided on the type of hem and prepared your fabric, it's time to sew! You can choose to sew the hem by hand or using a sewing machine, depending on your preference. Here are some general tips for sewing hems:

• Use small, neat stitches to secure the folded edge of the fabric.
• If using a sewing machine, a straight stitch or zigzag stitch can be effective for most fabrics.
• For stretchy fabrics, a zigzag stitch or a mock overlock stitch can provide a neat finish while still allowing the fabric to stretch.
• If your fabric is bulky, consider using hem tape or lace hem tape to create a smooth and comfortable edge.
• For a very neat and clean finish, turn up your hem allowance, pin, press, and then stitch as desired.

Remember to hem the neckline, sleeve ruffles (if applicable), and leg holes of your bodysuit. By following these steps and choosing the appropriate hemming technique, you will create a durable and professional-looking bodysuit from your tank top!

Sew the bottom

Sewing the bottom of your bodysuit is the final step in the process. Once you have cut and pinned your fabric, you can sew the bottom.

Firstly, you will need to hem the edges of the fabric. This can be done with a zigzag stitch. A zigzag stitch is a simple stitch that is used to join two pieces of fabric together, and it creates a strong and flexible seam. It is called a zigzag stitch because the needle moves in a zigzag pattern, back and forth between the two pieces of fabric. This stitch is perfect for hemming the edges of your bodysuit as it will allow for some stretch, ensuring that your garment is comfortable and form-fitting.

After hemming, you can then attach press studs or sew on snaps to the bottom of your bodysuit. This is an important step as it will make it easier to get your bodysuit on and off. You can attach press studs by placing them along the hem of the fabric and applying pressure to secure them in place. Alternatively, you can hand-sew snaps to the edge of the fabric. This will allow you to undo the bodysuit for ease of access.

If you are using a sewing machine, ensure that you are using the correct settings for the type of fabric you are working with. You may need to adjust the tension and stitch length to ensure a secure and flexible seam. Additionally, it is important to use a ballpoint needle when sewing knit fabrics, as this will help to prevent damage to the fabric and create a neat and professional finish.

And there you have it! You now know how to sew the bottom of your bodysuit, creating a stylish and comfortable garment.

Frequently asked questions