Transform Your Long Tank Top Into A Chic Cropped Style

Tank tops are a staple in many people's wardrobes, but finding the perfect fit off the rack can be challenging. Luckily, altering a tank top to make it shorter is a simple DIY project that can be done by hand or with a sewing machine. This process can involve adjusting the straps, taking in the sides, or even cutting the tank top to create a new style. With some basic sewing skills and a bit of creativity, you can transform a too-long tank top into a stylish and comfortable addition to your wardrobe.

Shortening the shoulder straps

First, turn the tank top inside out and put it on. This will allow you to pin the straps at the desired length while ensuring a comfortable fit. Match up the sides of the front and back straps to get an even length on both sides. Use straight pins or safety pins to secure the straps in place. If you don't have pins, you can carefully take the tank top off and mark the desired length with a fabric marker or chalk.

Once you've pinned or marked the new length of the straps, it's time to cut the excess fabric. Make sure to leave enough fabric above the pin or mark for a seam allowance. The amount of seam allowance can vary depending on your preference and the fabric type, but a common allowance is about 1/2 inch. Carefully cut the excess fabric from each strap, being cautious not to cut too close to the pinned area or mark.

After cutting, you can finish the raw edges of the straps to prevent fraying, especially if your tank top is made of woven fabric. You can use a serger to finish the edges, or you can fold and press the edges under and stitch them in place. If you don't have a sewing machine, you can also hand sew the edges with a running stitch or whipstitch.

Now, it's time to stitch the straps. If your tank top is made of stretch fabric, you don't need to worry about using a stretch stitch. Simply stitch across the strap where the pin was placed or just below the mark. If the tank top is made of a knit fabric, it won't fray, but if it's made of woven fabric, you may want to add fray check to the raw edges before stitching.

Finally, press the seam allowances flat to the sides of the seam and topstitch them in place. Again, a zigzag stitch or serger is not necessary for this small area. And that's it! You've successfully shortened the shoulder straps of your tank top, and now you can wear it with the perfect fit.

Converting a tank top into a wrap top

To convert a tank top into a wrap top, you will need a tank top made from stretchy material, sewing pins (optional), and fabric glue (optional).

• Turn the tank top inside out and cut the side seams off halfway up the sides. Do not cut the side seams off all the way up to the armpits. This will divide the tank top into two panels: a front panel and a back panel. If you are worried about the stitching unraveling, you can hand-sew a few stitches over the cut ends.
• Hold the tank top against you and mark how short you want it to be. Cut the side seams up to this mark.
• Cut the back panel off where you stopped cutting the side seams. You are essentially cutting the tank top in half. Use the bottom cut edge of each side seam as a guide and cut from one side seam to the other. Do not cut through the front panel, as this will be used to create the ties.
• Cut a vertical slit into the center of the front panel, halfway up the tank top. Unfold the front panel so that it sticks out from under the back of the shirt. Find the middle of the hem on the front panel and cut a vertical line straight up to the bottom edge of the back panel.
• Put the shirt on and cross the front ties across your chest, wrapping them around your torso. Angle the ties so that the bottom edges are aligned. Take the end of the top tie and tuck it under the tank top to hold it in place. The end of the left tie should be hidden under the bottom edge of the right tie.
• If you don't want to re-wrap the ties each time, you can secure them with sewing pins and fabric glue. Insert a pin into the front and sides of the tank top, going through both layers of fabric. Place a drop of fabric glue where the pins are and let it dry.

Sewing the sides

To make a long tank top shorter by sewing the sides, follow these steps:

First, turn the tank top inside out and put it on. Pin the shoulder straps to the length that fits you best, ensuring that the sides of the front and back straps match up. Adjusting the straps will also impact the armholes, so check that you haven't made them too tight. Once you're happy with the length, cut off the excess fabric, leaving some fabric above the pin for a seam allowance. A seam allowance of about half an inch should be sufficient.

Next, you'll sew the straps. Flip the shortened strap so that the pieces are right side together, and pin them in place. Stitch across the strap where the pin was. The type of stitch you use will depend on the fabric of your tank top. If it's a stretchy fabric, a simple straight stitch should be fine. If the fabric is a knit, you don't need to worry about fraying, but if it's a woven fabric, you may want to add fray check to the raw edges.

Now, you can open the seam and press the seam allowances flat to the sides. Topstitch these in place. Again, the type of stitch will depend on the fabric. For a stretchy fabric, a zigzag stitch or serger stitch may be necessary.

With the straps adjusted, you can move on to the body of the tank top. Take the tank top off and lay it flat in front of you, still inside out. Starting at the bottom hem, pin along the sides of the tank top to tighten the fit. You can do this by gathering the fabric and inserting pins along the seam of the armhole, alternating between the right and left sides as you go down. Make sure to measure and adjust as you go to ensure that the tank top is taken in evenly on both sides.

Once you're happy with the fit, sew the sides together, following your pin lines. Again, the type of stitch will depend on the fabric. For a stretchy fabric, a zigzag stitch or stretch stitch is best. Don't forget to leave a seam allowance, about a quarter of an inch, when sewing the hem.

Finally, try the tank top on again and examine yourself in the mirror. Mark any adjustments you may require, and fix the seams as needed. Cut off any excess fabric, and sew a stretch overlock stitch over all of the seam allowances to finish.

Adjusting the armholes

• Trying on and Pinching: Begin by trying on the tank top inside out. This allows you to visualise the adjustments you want to make. Pinch the fabric under the armhole to determine how much fabric needs to be taken in. You can make a mental note or use a measuring tape for accuracy. This step ensures that you are satisfied with the new armhole size before making any permanent changes.
• Marking and Pinning: Take off the tank top and lay it on a flat surface. Use sewing pins to secure the fabric, pinning the sides together under the armpits. Make a mark with a fabric pen or chalk where you pinched and measured. This mark will guide your sewing.
• Sewing the New Seam: The goal is to create a new seam that runs parallel to the original seam as closely as possible, even as it approaches the armhole. Start sewing from the armhole and work your way down towards the hem of the shirt. The distance you sew from the original seam will determine how much tighter the top becomes, so adjust accordingly. Sew the new seam on both sides, ensuring symmetry.
• Fitting and Adjustments: Before cutting off any excess fabric, try on the tank top again to ensure the armholes are now to your liking. Check for comfort and mobility. If adjustments are needed, carefully remove the stitches and adjust the pins to achieve the desired fit.
• Final Touches: Once you are happy with the armhole size, cut off any excess fabric. To prevent fraying, finish the raw edges of the fabric with a zigzag stitch or a serger. This step ensures that your new seam remains durable and neat.

By following these steps, you can effectively adjust the armholes of a long tank top to make it shorter and more fitted. Remember to work slowly, measure twice, and make adjustments as needed to achieve the perfect fit for your tank top.

Cutting a fringe

Materials

You will need the tank top you want to modify, a pair of fabric scissors, a ruler, and a marker. Try to use a marker that will wash off easily, such as a chalk marker or a water-based marker.

Marking the Fringe

Try the tank top on and decide where you want the fringe to start. Mark this spot with the marker. You can eyeball this measurement or use a ruler to ensure the fringe will be even all the way across.

Cutting the Fringe

After marking the shirt, use a ruler to draw a thin line across the marked spot. Fold the tank upwards until the fold reaches the initial mark. Make sure the fold is even in both the front and back. Now, cut downward into the fold, being careful not to cut the fabric underneath. Repeat this step for the back of the shirt.

Final Adjustments

Try the tank top on again and pull each cut section downward to create a skinny fringe. You can trim the fringe to your desired length. You can also cut further up or down the shirt, depending on where you want the fringe to start.

Tips

• If you want thinner or thicker fringe strips, adjust the spacing of your cuts accordingly.
• You can also add beads to the fringe for extra decoration.

Frequently asked questions