Transform Your Tank Top: Create A Strapless Style

Tank tops are a staple in many people's wardrobes, and with the right tools, it's possible to make your own. You can even make a tank top from an existing T-shirt, or by sewing from scratch. This can be a simple process, especially if you're making a basic tank top, but it can be more complex if you want to add sleeves or make a strapless top.

Measure your bust/chest

To make a tank top strapless, you'll first need to take your bust/chest measurement. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Gather Your Tools

For this project, you'll need a soft fabric tape measure. A fabric tape measure is made of flexible material that can easily wrap around your body. If you don't have one, you can use a piece of string and a ruler to measure your bust/chest circumference.

Step 2: Prepare Your Body

It's important to measure your body as accurately as possible. To do this, remove any shirts or tops you're wearing. However, if you normally wear a bra or a binder, you should keep it on during the measurement. This is because you want to include the undergarment in your final measurement, as it will affect the fit of your strapless tank top.

Step 3: Position the Tape Measure

Now, it's time to position the tape measure around your body. Hold the tape measure horizontally, ensuring it's parallel to the ground. Wrap it around your chest, positioning it just under your armpits. The tape measure should cross over the widest part of your bust/chest, which is usually at the nipple line for both men and women.

Step 4: Check for Twists and Tension

Before taking the measurement, ensure that the tape measure isn't twisted. The tape should be snug against your body, but not so tight that it compresses your chest. You should be able to fit a finger between your body and the tape measure.

Step 5: Take the Measurement

Look in a mirror to find your measurement. The place where the end of the tape measure meets the length wrapped around your chest is your chest/bust measurement. Make a note of this number, as you'll use it when drafting the pattern for your strapless tank top.

Tips for Accurate Measurement:

• It's helpful to have a friend assist you with taking the measurement, as they can ensure the tape measure is positioned correctly and prevent it from slipping in the back.
• If measuring yourself, use a mirror to check that the tape measure is parallel to the ground and at the same height all the way around your body.
• Stand naturally and relax your chest and shoulders. Avoid puffing out your chest or exhaling deeply, as this can skew the measurement.

Cut out the pattern

To cut out the pattern for your tank top, you'll need to start by taking some measurements. Grab a tape measure and a pen and paper to note down the following:

• Bust/chest measurement: Wrap the measuring tape around the widest part of your bust (for women) or chest (for men). Keep the tape taut and parallel to the ground. If you'd like a looser tank top, add 1 inch (2.5 cm) to this measurement; otherwise, use the measurement as it is.
• Armhole depth: Place the measuring tape at the top outside edge of your shoulder and measure down to the centre of your armpit.
• Neck depth: Measure from the collarbone (where the shoulder and neck seams meet on your shirt) down at an angle to the middle of your bust line or chest line.
• Neck width: Wrap the measuring tape around your neck, keeping it parallel to the ground without making it too tight. Divide this measurement in half.
• Desired length: Measure from the top of your shoulder down to the waistband of your pants or to wherever you'd like the tank to reach. Keep your back straight while taking this measurement.

Now, grab some brown drafting paper, blank newsprint, or another large sheet of paper. You'll also need a ruler and a pair of scissors.

Start by sketching the front outline of your tank top. Draw a rectangle with a height matching your desired length and a width that is half of your bust/chest size. You'll be drafting the front pattern piece within this rectangle.

To create the neck opening:

• Measure down from the top left corner of the rectangle to a point equal to your neck depth. Mark this point.
• Measure across from the top left corner to a point equal to half of your neck width, plus 1 inch (2.5 cm). Mark this point.
• Draw a curved line connecting these two points. This will be your neckline. Erase or disregard the portion of the rectangle lying to the upper left of this new line.

To create the armhole:

• Measure 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm) along the top of the rectangle from the upper end of the neckline, depending on how wide you want the straps to be. Mark this point.
• Measure down from the upper right corner of the rectangle to a point matching your armhole depth. Mark this point.
• Draw a curved line connecting these two points. This will be your armhole. Erase or disregard the portion of the rectangle to the upper right of this new line.

After you've drawn the outline of the tank, add a seam allowance by drawing another line around the first, placing it 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) to the outside.

Now, sketch the back outline of your tank top on a clean piece of paper. Draw another rectangle with a height matching your desired length and a width that is half of your bust/chest size.

To create the neck opening for the back:

• Measure down from the top left corner of the rectangle by 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 cm), depending on how high you want the back neckline to be. Note that the back neckline is usually higher than the front. Mark this point.
• Measure across from the top left corner to a point equal to half your neck width, plus 1 inch (2.5 cm). Mark this point.
• Draw a curved line connecting these two points to form the neckline for the back pattern piece. Erase or disregard the remaining portion of the rectangle to the upper left of this new line.

Create the armhole measurement by following the same procedure you used for the front pattern piece.

Sketch a seam allowance of 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) around the finished outline of the back piece.

Finally, cut out both pattern pieces along the outside perimeter of your seam allowances. Label the pieces "Front" and "Back" accordingly, and mark the fold line on each piece. This line lies to the left of the pattern, beneath the neckline, and on the side opposite the armhole.

Trace the pattern onto the fabric

Tracing the pattern onto the fabric is a crucial step in sewing, as it ensures that you have accurate guidelines to follow when cutting and stitching your fabric pieces together. Here is a detailed guide on how to trace the pattern onto your fabric when making a tank top:

Firstly, fold your fabric in half. This ensures that you cut out symmetrical pieces for the front and back of your tank top. Place both the front and back pattern pieces onto the same side of the folded fabric. Line up the "fold" marks on your pattern pieces with the actual fold of your fabric. Keep the fabric and pattern pieces as flat as possible, and use pins to secure them in place.

Now, you are ready to start tracing. You can use a variety of tools for this step, such as a fabric pencil, chalk, or a fabric pen. Carefully trace the outline of both the front and back pattern pieces onto the fabric. Be sure to include all the necessary markings, such as notches and darts. You can also mark the fold lines on the fabric, which will be helpful when you start sewing.

Once you have traced the outline and all the necessary markings, you can remove the pins and carefully lift the pattern pieces from the fabric. Set the pattern pieces aside, as you may want to reuse them later. Now, you should have the outline of your tank top pieces clearly visible on your fabric.

At this point, you can proceed to cut out the fabric pieces along the traced lines. Use sharp fabric scissors or a rotary cutter to carefully cut out each piece. Be precise in your cutting, as this will affect the overall fit and appearance of your tank top.

Now that you have traced and cut out your fabric pieces, you can begin the next steps of your tank top project, such as folding and pressing the raw edges, pinning the front and back pieces together, and sewing the pieces together. Remember to refer back to your original pattern pieces as a guide throughout the construction process.

Fold and press the raw edges

Folding and pressing the raw edges is an important step in making a tank top. It creates a neat finish and ensures the fabric does not fray. First, fold the bottom hem of the fabric up by 1/4 inch (0.6 cm). Then, fold it over again by another 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) so that the raw edge is enclosed within the second fold. Secure the fold with pins and press it flat with an iron. Repeat this process for the armhole openings and neckline. For the sides and shoulder edges, a single fold of 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) is sufficient, and there is no need for a double fold. Again, use pins to hold the folds in place and press them with an iron to create sharp, crisp edges. This technique will give your tank top a professional finish and help prevent the fabric from fraying over time.

Pin the front and back together

To pin the front and back together, lay the front piece face-up, then place the back piece face-down on top of it. Evenly align both perimeters and pin the two pieces together. Make sure that the "right" sides of the fabric are facing each other and the "wrong" sides are facing outward. Ensure that both pieces are flat and that the edges match all the way around, excluding the necklines. The remaining edges do not need to be pinned.

Frequently asked questions