Crafting A Tank Top For Men: A Step-By-Step Guide

Tank tops are a staple in many wardrobes, and making your own is a simple process. You can create a tank top from scratch, or repurpose an old T-shirt. To make a men's tank top, you will need a T-shirt, scissors, and a sewing machine (optional). First, cut the sleeves off the T-shirt, then cut the hem off and cut the shirt along the back centre to create a deep V-shape. Next, tie off the fabric at the bottom of the V-shape, wrapping it tightly downwards and then back up towards the top of the shirt to create a racerback. Finally, consider trimming the bottom of the tank top for a high-low look.

Cut sleeves and collar off a T-shirt

To make a men's tank top by cutting the sleeves and collar off a T-shirt, you'll need an old T-shirt and a pair of scissors. It's optional to use a pencil to mark adjustments before cutting.

First, cut the crew neck. As this is a men's tank top, avoid cutting the back part too deep. Cut the front and back separately. Start by cutting at the stitch where the front and back parts of the crew neck meet. Cut off the front and back parts of the crew neck separately.

Next, cut off the sleeves. Fold the shirt in half and ensure the sleeves are aligned. Start cutting straight down from the top, only curving when you reach the chest area.

Finally, adjust the neckline and strap width if necessary. You may want to try on the tank top and use a pencil to mark adjustments before cutting. You can also cut the bottom hem of the shirt if you like.

Cut the front neckline and armholes

To cut the front neckline and armholes of a men's tank top, you will first need to cut off the sleeves and collar of the T-shirt you are using. Then, cut the front and back parts of the crew neck separately. Cut at the stitch where the front and back parts of the crew neck meet. Cut off the front part of the crew neck and then the back part.

Now, you can cut the front neckline and armholes wider, if desired. Tank tops often have a lower neckline in the front than in the back, and the same goes for the armholes. Just remember not to trim off too much if you plan on having finished hems; leave a 1/2-inch (1.27-centimetre) seam allowance.

Fold and press raw edges

Folding and pressing the raw edges is an important step in sewing a men's tank top. It creates a neat finish and ensures the fabric does not fray. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to fold and press the raw edges:

Folding the Edges:

• Start by folding the bottom hem of the fabric towards the wrong side of the fabric. The amount of fabric you fold will depend on the style of the garment and the instructions provided in your project. Typically, you will fold the fabric twice to hide the raw edge and create a smooth finish on the inside.
• Next, fold the armhole openings and neckline in the same way. Fold the edges by a quarter of an inch (0.6 cm), and then fold them over again by the same amount, so that the raw edge is enclosed within the second fold.
• For the sides and shoulder edges, a single fold is sufficient. Fold the edge by a quarter of an inch (0.6 cm) towards the wrong side of the fabric.
• Repeat this process for all raw edges, ensuring consistent and precise folds.

Pressing the Folds:

• Once the edges are folded, it's time to press them in place. Using a hot iron, apply steam to set the fabric in position. The steam will help the fabric maintain its shape.
• If you have a seam gauge, you can use it to measure and ensure an even turn of the fabric. Alternatively, you can use the grid on your ironing board cover to line up the edge of the fabric and create a consistent fold.
• Press each fold firmly, removing any creases or wrinkles. This step is crucial in achieving a crisp and professional finish.

By following these steps, you will be able to create clean and precise edges for your men's tank top, enhancing the overall appearance and quality of the garment.

Pin and stitch the sides and shoulders

To pin and stitch the sides and shoulders of a men's tank top, start by laying the front piece of the tank top face-up, then placing the back piece face-down on top of it. Ensure that the perimeters of both pieces are evenly aligned and pin them together. The "right" sides of the fabric should face each other, while the "wrong" sides should face outward. Make sure that the edges match all the way around, excluding the necklines.

Next, pin the shoulders and sides in place. You only need to pin the areas that will be stitched, so the remaining edges can be left unpinned. Machine stitch along the upper part of the shoulder straps and along both side edges, using a seam allowance of no more than 1/4 inch (0.6 cm). This will create seams at the shoulders and sides, which are the only seams needed for this garment.

Use a zigzag stitch instead of a straight stitch to give the fabric more stretch and help minimise fraying. Sewing machines typically have a stitch intended for knit fabrics, which looks like a straight stitch but is broken up by a V every few stitches.

Hem the remaining raw edges

Hemming the remaining raw edges is a crucial step in sewing a men's tank top, as it ensures a neat and durable finish. Here is a detailed guide on how to approach this step:

Preparation

Before you begin, ensure that you have already folded and pressed the raw edges of the tank top. This includes the bottom hem, armhole openings, and neckline. For the sides and shoulder edges, simply fold and pin them without pressing. Once you have completed this step, you can proceed to the actual hemming.

Stitching the Hem

Machine stitch along the open bottom, neckline, and armholes. Maintain a seam allowance of no more than 1/4 inch (0.6 cm). Sew around the entire opening, being careful not to stitch the front and back pieces together at this stage. Use a standard straight stitch for this step instead of a zigzag stitch.

Post-Stitching

After stitching the hem, carefully inspect your work. Ensure that the hem is uniform and consistent all around the tank top. If you are satisfied, your men's tank top is now complete and ready to be tried on.

Tips and Tricks

• Use a zigzag stitch or mock overlock stitch for a neat and clean finish.
• If your machine is mangling the fabric edge, sew 1/4 inch away from the edge and trim the excess fabric afterward. Remember to deduct this 1/4 inch when folding and pressing the hem.
• For curved hems, consider using bias binding to follow the curve smoothly and avoid bulkiness.
• If you want to avoid reducing the length of the garment due to the hem, skip pressing a hem allowance, and stitch the bias binding directly to the raw edge of the fabric.

Frequently asked questions