Transforming Oversized Shirts: Diy Tank Top Creation

There are many ways to transform an old T-shirt into a tank top, and it's a great way to upcycle clothing. This is a simple DIY project that requires few materials and can be completed in an afternoon. The basic process involves cutting the sleeves and collar off a T-shirt, and you can finish the hems with a sewing machine if desired. 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 braided strap.

Cut the sleeves off

To make an oversized shirt into a tank top, you'll need to cut the sleeves off. This will give you more room in the arms, which is great for working out. Cutting off the sleeves will also make the shirt cooler and better ventilated.

To cut the sleeves off, start by laying your shirt flat on a table or the ground. Smooth it out, lining up the seams to make it super flat. Use a ruler or measuring tape to mark two inches from the seam at the neck of the shirt on both sides. You can keep the ring on the shirt if you like the look of it, or you can cut it off. Next, mark two inches below the seam of the sleeve, on both sides. If you want a very open tank that shows more of your rib cage, you can go lower than two inches below the sleeve seam.

Now it's time to cut! Use a pair of scissors to cut just one sleeve off, starting 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. Fold your 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. Make your second cut.

Don't throw away the sleeves—you'll need them later if you want to add a racerback to your tank top.

Cut the neckline

Cutting the neckline is a crucial step in transforming an oversized shirt into a tank top. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

Firstly, lay your t-shirt flat on a table or another flat surface. Make sure the shirt is turned inside out, with the front side facing upwards. Smooth out any wrinkles and line up the seams to ensure a precise cut.

Next, take a tank top that fits you well and place it on top of the t-shirt, aligning the shoulders. This will serve as a template for the new neckline. You can also use a washable marker or pen to mark the desired neckline directly onto the t-shirt. Mark two inches from the seam at the neck of the t-shirt on both sides, and then mark two inches below the sleeve seam on each side as well. If you want a deeper neckline that shows more of your collarbones, feel free to adjust these measurements accordingly.

Now, it's time to cut! Use sharp fabric scissors to carefully cut along the marked lines or use the tank top template as a guide. Cut slowly and steadily to ensure a straight line. You can also cut the collar off completely if you want more of a scoop neckline.

After cutting the neckline, you can choose to leave it as is for a raw edge look, or you can finish the neckline with a hem. To create a hem, fold the cut edge down by about half an inch and secure it with straight pins. Press the fold with an iron to create a crisp line. Finally, stitch along the folded edge, either by hand or using a sewing machine.

Remember, when cutting the neckline, it's always better to cut less fabric than you think you need. You can always cut more fabric if needed, but you can't add fabric back once it's cut!

Cut the backside

Now it's time to cut the backside of your soon-to-be tank top. This is the part that will require a bit of precision, so take your time and go slowly. You will be using the racerback tank or sports bra as a stencil for this part. Line up the shoulders of your shirt with the shoulders of the racerback or sports bra. Trace the outline of the racerback onto the back of your shirt, using a washable marker or pen. Make sure to line up the armholes of the racerback with the armholes of your shirt.

Once you have traced the outline, carefully cut out the backside of the shirt, following the lines you just drew. Cut through only one layer of fabric at a time to avoid accidentally cutting through the front of your shirt. You should now have a large hole in the back of your shirt, with a thin strip of fabric connecting the shoulders.

Next, you will create the "racerback" portion of your tank top. Take one of the sleeves that you cut off earlier and cut a 0.5"-1" wide strip of fabric from it. If you cut it carefully, you should have a fabric loop. Cut this loop to create one long, straight piece of fabric. This will be used to create the racerback straps. Depending on how low you want the racerback to go, you may need to cut two strips of fabric from both sleeves.

Grab the back of your shirt and bunch it together at the spot where you want the racerback to begin. This is usually just below the neckline. Tie your strip of fabric tightly around this bunched fabric, leaving a longer end to the tie. This longer end will be woven into the shirt to prevent the knot from coming undone.

Now, start winding the long piece of fabric around and down the bunched racerback portion of your tank top. As you go, tuck the short end of the fabric underneath to hide the excess. If you run out of fabric before reaching the bottom of the racerback, simply tie on another strip and continue winding. When you have gone as far down as you would like, tie another knot to secure the fabric. Then, use your finger to weave and tuck the excess fabric beyond the knot back into the twist to prevent it from unraveling.

And that's it! You have successfully cut and transformed the backside of your shirt into a tank top. Feel free to make any additional adjustments to the length or fit of your new tank top. You can also add your own creative touches, such as bedazzling or cutting off the bottom cuff.

Make the ties for the back

To make the ties for the back of your new tank top, you will need to cut a 0.5"-1" wide strip of fabric from one of the sleeves you cut off earlier. If you cut it carefully, you will have a loop of fabric. Cut this to make one straight piece. Depending on how far down your back you want the ties to go, you may need two pieces, so cut both sleeves just in case.

Now, grab the back of your tank top and bunch it together where you would like the "racer back" portion to begin. Take your long strip of fabric and tie it in a tight knot, holding the bunched fabric together. Leave a longer end to the tie, as you will be wrapping this into the shirt to prevent it from unravelling.

Begin to wind the long piece of fabric "string" around and down the bunched racer back portion of your tank top. As you go, tuck the short end of the string underneath to hide the excess fabric. If you need to add another piece of fabric, tie another one on and keep going! When you have gone as far down the tank as you would like, tie another knot in the fabric. Then, use your finger to weave and tuck the excess fabric beyond the knot back into your twist. This will help prevent the knot from coming untied or unravelling in the wash.

Finish with a ribbon

To finish with a ribbon, you can create a bow or two to accent the tank top. Adhere the ribbon to the shirt with a little hot glue. Consider trimming the collar of the tank with a braided length of ribbon for a pretty, preppy finish. Alternatively, you can use the ribbon to lace up the sides of the tank top. Cut open the side seams of the shirt and make 6-8 holes in each edge of the side panel. Insert a 10-inch length of ribbon and lace it through, finishing with a tight bow. Secure with a glue gun to prevent any wardrobe malfunctions.

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