Transforming Shirts: Diy Tank Top Tricks And Tips

There are many ways to transform an old T-shirt into a tank top. This can be done with or without sewing and is a great way to upcycle old clothing. The basic process involves cutting the sleeves off a T-shirt and trimming the neckline and armholes. For a more complex design, you can create a racerback tank top by cutting a deeper armhole and using the leftover fabric to create a decorative tie at the back. This is a simple and effective way to give new life to old T-shirts and create unique, personalised clothing.

Racerback Tank Top

A racerback tank top is a great way to upcycle an old T-shirt and is perfect for layering over a sports bra or bandeau top. This type of tank top is characterised by wider armholes in the back, leaving a skinny band of fabric between the shoulder blades.

To make a racerback tank top, you will need a T-shirt that is one to two sizes larger than what you normally wear. You will also need scissors, a sewing machine or needle and thread (or fabric glue), and a fabric marker or chalk.

• Cut the sleeves off your T-shirt, starting just under the armpits and cutting straight up towards the shoulders.
• Cut off the hem of your shirt and snip it to make a long strand. You will use this to decorate the back of your tank top.
• Trim the back of the armholes to create a racerback shape. Be careful not to cut the armholes on the front of the shirt. Cut a deep V-shape into the back of your shirt, keeping the point of the V between the armholes.
• Tie one end of the fabric strand to the bottom of the V-shape. Wrap the strand around the fabric moving downward, then back towards the top of the shirt, and secure the end.
• Consider trimming the bottom of your tank top to create a high-low look.
• If you want to add a decorative touch to the back of your tank top, cut a 4-inch by 5-inch rectangle from the leftover material. Fold the rectangle in half with the right sides together, then sew or pin the ends together to form a tube. Turn the tube right side out and iron it with the seam in the centre. Wrap this loop around the fabric at the back of the shirt and pin the ends together. Sew the ends together and trim the excess fabric. Twist the loop so that the seam is towards the inside of the shirt.

Your racerback tank top is now ready to wear! You don't need to worry about hemming the edges, as T-shirt fabric does not fray.

Cut the Sleeves

Cutting the sleeves is the first step in turning a T-shirt into a tank top. This is a simple process, but it can be a little nerve-wracking as you don't want to ruin your shirt.

First, lay your T-shirt flat on a table and smooth it out, lining up the seams. You can use a ruler or measuring tape to mark two inches from the seam at the neck of the T-shirt on both sides. You can then mark two inches below the seam of the sleeve, on both sides. If you want to show more of your rib cage, you can go lower than two inches.

Now it's time to cut! Start by cutting just one sleeve, beginning at the bottom mark under the sleeve. Follow the natural curve of the sleeve seam, aiming for the mark you've made at the neck. Once you've cut one sleeve, fold your T-shirt in half, lining up the neck seams. This will allow you to trace your first cut and make an identical cut on the opposite side.

If you want a deeper cut, you can cut outside the sleeve seam, leaving about a quarter of an inch from the seam. This will give the armhole a little reinforcement and feel like you've added binding to it.

Cut the Neckline

Cutting the neckline is a crucial step in transforming an old T-shirt into a stylish tank top. Here is a detailed guide to achieving a sleek and precise cut:

Firstly, lay your T-shirt flat on a table or surface, ensuring it is smoothed out and the seams are aligned. Use a ruler or measuring tape to mark the neckline cut. For a typical tank top style, mark two inches from the seam at the neck of the T-shirt on both sides. If you prefer a lower-cut style, you can adjust these markings accordingly.

After marking the desired width of the neckline, it's time to cut. Carefully follow the markings with your scissors, cutting through only one layer of fabric. Start at the front of the shirt and cut towards the back, creating a smooth and straight line. Once you've cut through the front, fold the shirt in half, aligning the neck seams, and use the first cut as a guide to create an identical cut on the opposite side.

If you want a more unique and creative design, you can consider altering the shape of the neckline. For example, you could create a V-neck or a scoop neck by cutting accordingly. Feel free to experiment with different shapes to add your personal touch to the tank top.

At this point, you've successfully cut the neckline of your T-shirt, transforming it into a tank top. However, there are a few additional steps you can take to enhance the overall look and feel of your new garment:

• Try on the tank top to ensure the neckline fits comfortably and flatters your figure.
• If desired, you can finish the raw edge of the neckline by folding it over and sewing a simple hem. This will create a neat and polished finish.
• For a more decorative touch, you can add binding to the neckline. Cut a strip of fabric, following the instructions in the binding tutorial, and sew it around the neckline for a unique and colourful accent.

Remember, when cutting the neckline, take your time and cut carefully to ensure a straight and precise line. It's always better to cut less fabric than you think you need, as you can always cut more if necessary.

Cut the Backside

Now, for the backside of the tank top, you will need to cut out the backside of the shirt. This is a crucial step in transforming it into a tank top, so be extra careful. Grab your sports bra or a racerback tank top and use it as a stencil. Align the shoulders of the tank top with the top of your soon-to-be tank top. Trace the outline of the racerback onto the backside of your shirt. Make sure you only cut through a single layer of fabric to avoid accidentally cutting the front side as well.

After you have traced the outline, carefully cut out the backside of the shirt along the lines you have drawn. This will create the distinctive racerback style for your tank top. Ensure that you only cut the backside and not both layers of the shirt.

Now, take the sleeves that you previously cut off. Cut a 0.5-inch to 1-inch wide strip of fabric from one of the sleeves. If you cut it carefully, you will have a fabric loop. Cut this loop to create a straight piece of fabric. The length of this strip will depend on how low you want the racerback to go. You may need to cut two pieces if you desire a longer racerback.

Next, gather the fabric at the top of the racerback opening and tie it securely with the fabric strip. Leave a longer end on the tie, as you will use it to wrap and secure the knot. Begin wrapping the long piece of fabric around the gathered racerback portion, moving downwards. As you wrap, tuck the short end of the strip underneath to hide any excess fabric. If you need to continue wrapping but run out of fabric, simply tie on another strip and keep going!

When you are satisfied with the length of the racerback, tie another knot to secure it in place. Use your finger to weave and tuck the excess fabric beyond the knot back into the twisted fabric. This will prevent the knot from coming undone or unraveling in the wash. And there you have it—a stylish and functional tank top!

Sewing Basics

Making a tank top from a shirt is a simple project that can be done with basic sewing skills and a few tools. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Prepare Your Materials

• Choose an old T-shirt that you want to transform. Look for one with a fun design or logo on the front, as this will be featured on your tank top.
• Gather your tools: a washable marker or pen, a pair of fabric scissors, a measuring tape or ruler, and a sewing machine with matching thread.

Step 2: Cut the Sleeves

• Lay your T-shirt flat on a table and smooth out any wrinkles or creases.
• Use your ruler or measuring tape to mark two inches from the seam at the neck of the T-shirt on both sides. You can include the ring on the shirt in your cut if you like the way it looks.
• Next, mark two inches below the seam of the sleeve, on both sides. If you want a deeper armhole, you can go lower than two inches.
• Take your fabric scissors and carefully cut along the marks you made, removing the sleeves.

Step 3: Create the Neckline

• Fold the shirt in half, lining up the neck seams, to ensure that your cuts are even on both sides.
• Now, you can create the neckline by cutting along the folded edge. You can make a wider cut for a lower neckline or a narrower cut for a higher neckline.

Step 4: Cut the Backside

• To create the racerback style, turn your shirt over and grab a sports bra or racerback tank top to use as a stencil.
• Line up the shoulders of the stencil with the top of your shirt and trace the backside of the racerback with your washable marker.
• Carefully cut along the line you traced, making sure to only cut through the backside of the shirt.

Step 5: Finish the Armholes and Neckline

• To finish the raw edges of the armholes and neckline, you can create a rolled hem. Fold the fabric edge over the sleeve seam by about 1/4 inch, and then fold it over again.
• Thread your sewing machine with matching thread. Sew along the folded edge using a straight stitch, starting at the underarm seam and working your way around each armhole.
• Repeat this process for the neckline, making sure to fold and sew neatly.

Step 6: Try It On and Adjust

Once you've finished sewing, try on your new tank top! You can make adjustments as needed, such as cutting off the bottom cuff or trimming the armholes for a more comfortable fit.

Remember to take your time, especially when cutting and sewing. It's always a good idea to practice on an old shirt first before attempting to transform your favourite T-shirt. Happy crafting!

Frequently asked questions