Transforming T-Shirts To Tank Dresses: A Simple Guide

Tank dresses are perfect for summer, and you can easily make one from a T-shirt. This is a great way to repurpose an old T-shirt that's too old, faded, or stained. You can also buy a T-shirt from a thrift store for extra savings. The process is simple and takes about 30 minutes. All you need are some scissors, a tank top or dress to use as a template, and optionally, a sewing machine for a neater look.

Choosing a t-shirt

Firstly, you should choose a T-shirt that you are happy to cut up and won't mind discarding if something goes wrong. The shirt does not need to fit well unless you want a fitted tank dress. If you are using a new T-shirt, it is a good idea to wash and dry it first, as fabric tends to shrink after the first wash.

The type of fabric is also important. It is best to avoid T-shirts made from "ribbed" fabric as this is very stretchy and can be harder to sew. Instead, look for a T-shirt made from jersey material, as this type of fabric does not fray and is therefore easier to work with.

Once you have selected your T-shirt, you should iron it to remove any wrinkles and make it easier to work with. Then, if you are using a tank top as a template, place the tank top on top of the T-shirt, aligning the shoulders, and pin the two together. This will ensure that you cut the T-shirt to the correct size and shape.

If you are not using a template, you can simply cut the sleeves and collar off the T-shirt, being sure to cut both sides evenly. You can then proceed to customise the neckline and armholes to your desired shape and size.

Cutting off the sleeves

If you are using a fitted T-shirt, ensure it is washed and dried first. You want the T-shirt to fit you properly before you begin cutting it. If you are using a brand-new shirt, it may shrink a little after the first wash, so it is important to wash and dry it before you start.

If you are using a tank top as a template, place it over the T-shirt, aligning the shoulders. Pin the tank top to the T-shirt to keep it from moving, and cut the T-shirt, using the tank top's armholes as a guide.

If you don't have a tank top to use as a template, you can cut the sleeves off your T-shirt and then cut the collar off. Consider folding the shirt in half before cutting to ensure both sides are even.

Now you have cut off the sleeves, you can move on to the next step of making your tank dress.

Cutting the neckline

Step 1: Prepare the T-shirt

Before you begin cutting, ensure that your T-shirt is laid flat on a table, with the front side facing upwards. It is also recommended to use a tank top or a dress that fits you well as a template by placing it over the T-shirt. This will help you accurately cut the desired neckline. Additionally, you can iron the T-shirt to remove any wrinkles and make it easier to work with.

Step 2: Cut the Neckline

Using fabric scissors, carefully cut the neckline of the T-shirt, following the shape and size of the tank top or dress you are using as a guide. If you want a finished hem around the neckline, it is important to leave a seam allowance of about 1/2 inch (1.27 centimetres). This will give you room to fold and stitch the fabric neatly. However, if you prefer a raw and unhemmed edge, you can cut closer to the desired neckline.

Step 3: Adjust the Front Neckline (Optional)

If you want a lower or wider neckline in the front, you can carefully cut and adjust it at this stage. Remember to cut symmetrically and not to cut too much if you plan on having finished hems. Always leave some fabric for the seam allowance to ensure a neat and secure finish.

Step 4: Fold and Press the Cut Edges

Once you have cut the desired neckline, it's time to create the hem. Fold the cut edges of the fabric inward by about 1/2 inch (1.27 centimetres). Use an iron to press the folds flat, ensuring a crisp and neat finish. This step is crucial in achieving a professional-looking tank dress.

Step 5: Pin the Folded Edges (Optional)

If you want to secure the folded edges before stitching, you can use straight pins to hold them in place. Place the pins along the folded edges, making sure they go through all layers of the fabric. This will help you achieve a more even and secure hem.

Step 6: Stitch the Neckline

Finally, it's time to stitch the folded edges of the neckline. You can sew by hand or use a sewing machine for more durable and professional-looking stitches. If using a sewing machine, consider using a stitch intended for knit fabrics, which looks like a straight stitch with intermittent V-shaped breaks. Remember to tie off the thread ends with tight knots and trim any excess thread.

Attaching the skirt to the tank top

Take your skirt and flip it inside out. Lay it on the table with the gathered stitch closest to you. Take your tank top and put it inside the skirt. The bottom of your tank top should be closest to you. The right side of the tank top and the right side of the skirt should be facing each other. Find the side seam on the tank top and the skirt on each side. Match them up and pin them together.

Then, pin together the rest of the tank top and skirt. If the tank top is really stretchy, pin it every inch or so to keep it from stretching while you are sewing. Sew together the skirt and the tank top. Use your gathering stitch as a guide and sew 1/4 inch below your gathering stitch all around the skirt to attach the skirt to the tank top.

Zig-zag or serge around the waist seam to keep the fabric from falling apart in the wash.

Hemming the skirt

Preparation:

Before you begin hemming, it is essential to have the right tools and materials ready. You will need a sewing machine or a needle and thread if you prefer to sew by hand. Ensure you have selected a thread colour that closely matches your fabric to create a seamless finish. It is also helpful to have fabric scissors, pins, and an iron.

Measuring and Cutting:

To achieve a consistent hem, you will need to measure and cut the fabric accurately. Measure the desired length of the skirt, adding an extra inch to allow for the hem. Using a fabric pencil or chalk, mark the cutting line along the bottom of the skirt. Carefully cut along this line, ensuring a straight edge.

Folding and Pressing:

Fold the cut edge of the fabric up by a quarter of an inch, and then press it with an iron to create a crisp fold. This process will help to hide the raw edge of the fabric within the hem, giving a clean finish. Repeat this step, folding the fabric up again by another quarter of an inch, and press with the iron once more. You should now have a narrow, double-folded hem along the bottom edge of the skirt.

Sewing the Hem:

Now it's time to sew! If you are using a sewing machine, select a straight stitch setting, and position your fabric so that the needle will sew along the top fold of the hem, approximately an eighth of an inch from the edge. Sew all the way around the skirt, taking care not to stretch the fabric as you go. If hand-sewing, use small, even stitches to secure the hem in place.

Finishing Touches:

Once you have sewn the hem, give it a final press with the iron to set the stitches and create a crisp finish. Now you can try on your new tank dress and admire your handiwork!

Remember, while these steps provide a standard method for hemming a skirt, you can always experiment and adapt these techniques to suit your personal style and the look you wish to achieve. Happy sewing!

Frequently asked questions