Crafting Cute Tank Tops: A Guide For Girls

how to make a tank top for girls

Tank tops are a great addition to anyone's wardrobe, and they're simple to make. You can create a tank top from scratch or repurpose an old T-shirt. If you're making one from scratch, you'll need to draft a pattern, cut out the fabric, and sew it together. You can also add details like darts for a better fit. If you're repurposing a T-shirt, simply cut off the sleeves, cut the neckline, and cut the backside to create a tank top shape. You can even add ties to the back for a cute detail.

Characteristics Values
Fabric Cotton, linen, cotton-linen blend, denim, jersey, knit, etc.
Tools Sewing machine, scissors, pins, iron, fabric pencil/chalk, pinking shears, etc.
Pattern Use an existing tank top or take body measurements
Process Draft the pattern, cut the fabric, sew the pieces together, finish the raw edges, hem

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Choosing a T-shirt

  • Select a T-shirt that you are willing to cut up. It is important to choose a shirt that you don't mind altering, as you will be cutting off the sleeves and collar to create the tank top shape.
  • Consider the fit of the T-shirt. If you want a fitted tank top, choose a T-shirt that fits you well. However, if you prefer a looser style, you can select a T-shirt that is a bit bigger.
  • Wash and dry the T-shirt before starting your project. Fabric tends to shrink after the first wash, so it is important to ensure that the shirt is the right size before you begin cutting and sewing.
  • Choose a T-shirt that is made from a stretchy knit fabric. This will ensure that your tank top has a comfortable fit and can be easily stretched over the head and arms. Look for fabrics like cotton spandex rib knit, cotton spandex jersey, or rayon spandex blend.
  • Pay attention to the stretch and recovery of the fabric. The ideal fabric should have at least 50% stretch, meaning that a 10" piece can be stretched to 15" and then snap back to its original length. This will ensure that your tank top is comfortable and durable.
  • Consider the colour and pattern of the T-shirt. You can choose a solid colour, a subtle pattern, or a fun print, depending on your personal preference and the intended use of the tank top.
  • Examine the condition of the T-shirt. Avoid shirts with stains or holes, as they will not be suitable for creating a tank top.
  • If you are planning to use a sewing machine, choose a T-shirt that is made from a similar fabric to the one you will be using for the tank top. This will help you test the settings and ensure that your stitches are even and secure.

Remember, the T-shirt you choose will form the basis of your tank top, so take your time to select the right one. Once you have the perfect T-shirt, you can move on to the next steps of cutting and sewing to create your very own tank top for girls.

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Cutting the sleeves

If you are making a tank top from scratch, you will need to create a pattern first. You can do this by tracing around a tank top you already have that fits well, or by taking your bust/chest, armhole depth, neck depth, and neck width measurements and sketching the front and back outlines. Once you have your pattern, cut out the pieces, pin them to your fabric, and cut around them.

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Cutting the neckline

  • If you are using a tank top as a template, place it on top of the T-shirt you plan to cut, ensuring the shoulders are aligned.
  • Pin the tank top to the T-shirt to keep it in place. This will ensure a more precise cut.
  • Using the tank top's neckline as a guide, carefully cut the T-shirt. Leave some extra fabric, about 1/2 inch (1.27 cm), as a seam allowance if you want a finished hem.
  • If you don't have a tank top to use as a guide, you can cut the neckline freehand. Just ensure it is symmetrical.
  • Once you have cut the neckline, you can adjust it to your desired depth. Try the T-shirt on to check the fit and make any necessary adjustments.
  • If you want a deeper or wider neckline, carefully cut along the existing neckline, making sure to cut the same amount from each side to maintain symmetry.
  • Remember to consider the type of fabric you are using. If you are working with a stretchy knit fabric, you may need to adjust the neckline to account for the stretch.
  • After cutting the neckline, you can choose to hem it for a neater finish. Fold and press the raw edge, then stitch it in place.

Remember to take your time and cut carefully. It is better to cut less than you think you need, as you can always cut more, but you can't add fabric back once it's cut!

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Sewing the sides

Now that you have your fabric cut out and ready, it's time to start sewing! Place the front piece on top of the back piece, ensuring that the "right" sides are facing each other and the "wrong" sides are facing out. Align the straps, armpit area, and side seams, and pin the two pieces together. It is crucial that you only pin the shoulders and sides, leaving the remaining edges unpinned.

When you are happy with the placement, it's time to stitch! Using a sewing machine, sew along the upper part of the shoulder straps and down both side edges. Remember to use a seam allowance of no more than 1/4 inch (0.6 cm). This step will create seams at the shoulders and sides, which are the only seams needed for this simple tank top pattern. To allow for more stretch and minimise fraying, use a zigzag stitch instead of a straight stitch.

At this point, you can try on your tank top to ensure it is fitting correctly. If any adjustments are needed, such as taking in the sides or adjusting the strap length, now is the time to do so. It is much easier to make changes before moving on to the next steps.

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Hemming the edges

Firstly, fold and press the raw edges of the fabric. For the bottom hem, fold it up by 1/4 inch (0.6 cm), and then repeat this fold so that the raw edge is enclosed. Iron and pin this fold in place. Do the same for the armhole openings and neckline. For the sides and shoulder edges, a single fold of 1/4 inch is sufficient. Repeat this process for both halves of the tank top.

Next, sew the hems in place. Using a sewing machine, stitch along the open bottom, neckline, and armholes, using a seam allowance of no more than 1/4 inch (0.6 cm). Use a standard straight stitch for this step.

For a more decorative finish, you can use a technique called "binding." Cut a long strip of fabric, about 1" wide. Line up this strip with the neckline, leaving a little overlap on each side. Sew a narrow seam with the strip and neckline, right sides together. Press the strip towards the inside of the tank, and then fold and sew the raw edge of the strip to hide it. Repeat this process for the armholes and any other raw edges.

Finally, you can add a ruffle to the bottom hem for a decorative touch. This will involve cutting a strip of fabric, sewing a long running stitch along one edge, and then gathering it to create a ruffle. Sew this to the bottom of the tank top for a cute, frilly finish.

Frequently asked questions

You will need an existing tank top or t-shirt, scissors, pins, and a sewing machine (optional). If you are making the tank top from scratch, you will also need fabric, a measuring tape, and a sewing machine.

Find an existing tank top that fits you well and use it as a template. Alternatively, you can take your measurements and draft the pattern yourself. Fold the tank top in half vertically and place it on a large piece of paper. Trace around the outline, adding a seam allowance, and cut out the pattern pieces.

Fold your fabric in half and place the pattern pieces on top, pinning them in place. Cut out the fabric pieces and fold and press the raw edges. With right sides together, pin the front and back pieces together, ensuring the straps, armpit area, and side seams are aligned. Sew a seam along the shoulders and sides, and hem the remaining raw edges.

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