Transform Your Tank Top Into A Cute Bralette

Making a bralette from a tank top is a simple DIY project that can be completed in about 15 minutes. This project is perfect for upcycling old tank tops that don't fit anymore. The final product will be a comfortable and stylish bralette that can be worn as an undergarment or a top. To make a bralette from a tank top, you will need the following materials: a tank top, coordinating thread, scissors, chalk, elastic, and a sewing machine that can do a zig-zag stitch. First, put on the tank top and mark with chalk where you want the top to end, adding an inch for a seam allowance. Then, lay the tank top flat and cut straight across at the marking. Next, measure and cut about two inches down from the first cut, creating a finishing band for the bottom of the bralette. If needed, adjust the band by taking in one of the side seams. Fold the band lengthwise, with the raw edges touching and the seams inside. With the tank top right-side-out, slide it into the band, lining up the raw edges and side seams, and pin all around. Sew the band to the tank top with a zig-zag stitch, fold the band down, and iron lightly. And that's it! You've transformed your old tank top into a stylish and comfortable bralette.

Cut the tank top

To make a bralette from a tank top, you'll need to cut the tank top. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Mark the Cutting Line

Put on the tank top and use chalk to mark where you want the top of the bralette to end. Add an extra inch or so to allow for a seam. You can adjust the length as per your preference and size.

Step 2: Cut the Tank Top

Lay the tank top flat on a table and cut straight across the chalk mark. This will create the initial length for your bralette.

Step 3: Measure and Cut Again

For the finishing band of the bralette, measure about two inches down from the first cut and cut straight across again. This will give you a band that you can fold and stitch to create a neat edge.

Step 4: Adjust the Band (Optional)

If you want a tighter band, you can make it smaller by taking in one of the side seams. This step ensures that the bottom of the bralette fits snugly.

By following these steps, you will have successfully cut the tank top to create the main structure of the bralette. The next steps will involve folding, stitching, and attaching the band to complete your DIY bralette.

Measure and cut the elastic

To measure and cut the elastic for your bralette, you'll need to take some measurements from your body. First, measure the circumference of your chest, directly under your bust. Next, measure from your underbust, over your shoulder, to where the strap would sit at the centre of your back. This will give you the length you need for your elastic.

Cut your elastic to match these measurements, adding a few extra inches to ensure it fits comfortably and isn't too tight. If you're using twill, be exact with your measurements as it won't stretch. If you're using elastic, you have a little more flexibility as it will stretch, but it's still important not to cut it too short.

You can also cut elastic for the straps and chest band of your bralette. For the straps, cut two pieces of elastic long enough to reach from the top of the front of the bralette, over your shoulders, to the back. For the chest band, cut a piece of elastic that matches the measurement you took earlier for your chest circumference.

If you're using a tank top to make your bralette, you can cut off the top of the tank top to create a finishing band for the bottom of your bralette. Cut straight across, then measure and cut again about two inches down from the first cut. You can then fold and sew this band to the bottom of your bralette.

Stitch the elastic together

When stitching elastic, it's important to use a stretch needle as these have a rounded point that penetrates between the fabric threads. This is slightly less rounded than a ballpoint needle, which is better for stitching on elastic as ballpoint needles can skip stitches.

To stitch the elastic together, overlap the ends by about a quarter to half an inch and sew the ends together with a zigzag stitch. You can also sew the ends of the elastic together using a scrap piece of fabric. Line up the edges of the elastic over the scrap piece of fabric and then sew a zigzag stitch across the edges two or three times. This will eliminate any bulging that may occur from overlapping the elastic.

If you are using elastic for a waistband, join the elastic together first to the correct length. Measure and pin to divide your fabric into quarter sections. Mark your elastic into quarters in the same way. Pin the end of your elastic to the end of your fabric and stitch to secure. Pull the elastic tightly and pin the next section of elastic to the next pin on the fabric. Hold the elastic taught enough to fill this fabric space exactly, then stitch into place. Repeat for the rest of the elastic.

Fold the tank top edge over the elastic

To make a bralette from a tank top, you will need a tank top, coordinating thread, scissors, chalk, and a sewing machine that can do a zig-zag stitch.

First, try on your tank top and mark with chalk where you want the top to end, adding an inch or so for seam allowance. Next, lay the tank top flat and cut straight across where you've marked. Measure about two inches down from the first cut and cut straight across again; this will serve as the finishing band for the bottom of the bralette.

Now, fold the band lengthwise, so that the raw edges are touching and the seams are inside. With the top of the tank right-side-out, slide the tank into the band and line up the raw edges and side seams. Pin all around. Sew the band to the tank top with a zig-zag stitch.

Here comes the crucial part: folding the tank top edge over the elastic. This step will give your bralette a neat and tidy finish. Carefully fold the edge of the tank top fabric over the elastic band, making sure to create an even fold all the way around. You can use your fingers or a tool like a fabric glue stick to help you achieve a crisp fold. Pin the fabric in place as you go, securing the fold to the elastic.

Once you have folded and pinned the fabric all the way around the elastic band, it's time to sew. Using your sewing machine, carefully stitch along the folded edge, close to the elastic. Go slowly and ensure that you are catching both the folded fabric and the elastic in your stitching. This step will secure the elastic in place and create a clean finish for your bralette.

Finally, fold the band down and iron lightly to give it a polished look. And that's it! You've successfully folded the tank top edge over the elastic and created a comfortable and stylish bralette.

Stitch the elastic into place

The first step in stitching the elastic into place is to prepare your sewing machine. Measure the distance between the needle and the edge of the machine and mark this with tape. This will serve as a guide for aligning the elastic with the fabric.

Next, you will need to cut your elastic to size. For the wide bottom elastic, cut the elastic to match the measurements of the underbust band, adding a few extra inches. If using picot or decorative elastic, stretch the elastic to measure about 15-19% longer than the fabric edge. This means that for every 4 inches of fabric, you will want the elastic to stretch to about 4 inches, starting at about 3 1/4 inches.

Now it's time to attach the elastic to the fabric. Place the plush or back side of the picot elastic facing up, on the right side of the fabric. If using wide bottom elastic, simply align the elastic with the fabric edge. Pull the picot elastic by the 3 1/4-inch mark and stretch it to the 4-inch fabric edge. Sew the elastic in place using a medium zigzag stitch, trying to stay as close as possible to the picot side edge.

Once the elastic is attached, trim away any excess fabric along the elastic edge. Then, with the garment right side up, turn the elastic to the back. Zigzag stitch again, staying close to the flat edge of the elastic. Be sure to stretch the elastic slightly this time, but avoid stretching the fabric.

If you are working with elastic in the round, such as at the waist or leg openings, there are a few additional steps. First, trim the seams to make them even, if necessary. Start about 1 inch away from the seam and release the tension on the elastic. Overlap the elastic by about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch without stretching it. Turn the garment 90 degrees and bartack along the join seam of the elastic. Finally, trim the elastic and loose threads before turning the elastic to the back and sewing with the garment right side up.

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