Tank tops are a staple in many people's wardrobes, and making one yourself is a fun and easy DIY project. You can make a tank top from scratch, or repurpose an old T-shirt or tank top. All you need are some basic sewing skills and supplies, or just a pair of scissors.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Materials | T-shirt, scissors, sewing machine, thread, fabric, fabric pencil or chalk, fabric glue, pony beads, sewing pins, tape |
Tools | Sewing machine, scissors, iron, tape measure |
Techniques | Cutting, sewing, ironing, hemming, gluing, knotting |
Choose a T-shirt
The first step to making an A-Y back tank top is to choose a T-shirt. This can be a new T-shirt or an old one, and it's best to choose one that is a few sizes larger than your normal size to give yourself enough fabric to work with. The type of fabric is also important, as you will need to be able to cut and sew it easily. Natural fabrics such as cotton or linen are ideal as they are breathable and comfortable. You can also opt for a linen-cotton blend, which will give you a similar level of breathability.
When choosing a T-shirt, consider the colour and pattern. A navy blue T-shirt with a subtle pattern can give you a classic and elegant look. Alternatively, you could go for a bolder colour or pattern to make a statement. If you're feeling creative, you can even use a T-shirt with a unique design or graphic that you like.
It's also important to choose a T-shirt that is in good condition, especially if you're using an old one. Make sure the fabric is not torn or faded, and that it is still soft and stretchy. This will ensure that your final product is comfortable and durable.
Once you have selected your T-shirt, you can move on to the next step of cutting the sleeves off. This will give your tank top a more sleeveless and summery look. You can either cut the sleeves off completely or leave a small strip of fabric to create a racerback-style tank top.
When cutting the sleeves, use a sharp pair of fabric scissors and cut in a straight line to ensure a clean finish. Try to cut as close to the seam as possible to minimise the amount of excess fabric. If you're unsure, you can always cut less fabric first and then trim it further if needed.
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Cut sleeves off
To make a Y-back tank top, you'll need to start with an old T-shirt and cut the sleeves off. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you cut the sleeves off your T-shirt:
- Prepare your T-shirt: Start by ironing your T-shirt to remove any wrinkles or creases. This step is important as it ensures a smooth surface for cutting and helps you achieve a neat finish.
- Decide on the sleeve style: There are different styles of sleeve cuts you can choose from. For a Y-back tank top, you'll want to create a larger armhole, so consider cutting out the seam along with the sleeve. This will give your tank top a more casual, loose fit.
- Mark the cutting line: Lay your T-shirt flat on a table or another flat surface. Use tailor's chalk or an erasable pen to mark a line along the sleeve where you want to cut. If you're removing the seam, mark a line about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the seam, curving around it. If you want to keep the seam, mark about 1/4 inch (0.64 cm) from the outside of the seam.
- Cut the sleeves: Carefully cut along the marked line, pulling the fabric taut as you go. Cut as smoothly and evenly as possible without stopping. Repeat this process for the other sleeve, trying to make your cuts as symmetrical as possible.
- Finish the armholes (optional): Depending on the fabric and your preference, you may want to finish the armholes to prevent fraying or curling. You can do this by folding the edge of the fabric about 1/4 inch (0.64 cm) inside the sleeve and pinning it down. Then, sew two straight lines along the ends of the sleeves to secure the hem.
Remember to take your time and work carefully when cutting the sleeves to achieve the best results.
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Cut the collar off
To make a Y-back tank top, you'll need to start with a simple tank top pattern. You can draft your own pattern by tracing around a tank top you already own that fits well, making sure to account for the unique Y-back design. The front and back pieces of the tank will be similar in size and shape, with the front neckline plunging lower than the back.
Once you have your pattern, it's time to cut the collar off the back piece. This is a crucial step in creating the signature Y-back style. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:
- Place the back piece of your tank top pattern on your chosen fabric:
- Using fabric scissors, carefully cut along the neckline of the pattern, creating a smooth and straight edge;
- From the centre of the neckline, measure about 2-3 inches down the centre back of the fabric. Mark this point;
- Now, decide how wide you want the Y-back straps to be. Measure this width on either side of the centre mark and mark these points;
- Connect the marks you made in steps 3 and 4 with smooth curves to create the Y-shape. You can use a fabric pen or tailor's chalk to draw the curves before cutting;
- Cut along the curves you have drawn, making sure to follow the lines precisely;
- Once you've cut the Y-back shape, you can finish the raw edges with a serger or a zigzag stitch on your sewing machine to prevent fraying.
Remember, it's always a good idea to cut your pattern from inexpensive fabric first to test the fit before cutting into your final fabric. This ensures that your Y-back tank top will have the perfect shape and fit.
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Cut a V into the back
To cut a V into the back of your tank top, you'll need to start with a tank top made from stretchy material. You can also use an old T-shirt for this. If you're using a T-shirt, cut the sleeves off first. Then, turn the tank top or T-shirt inside out. Cut the side seams off halfway up the sides – this will divide the garment into a front and back panel.
Now, cut the back panel in two, starting at one side seam and finishing at the other. You should be left with two separate pieces. Cut a vertical slit into the centre of the back panel, from the bottom edge up to the collar. You can cut from the front of the shirt, but it will be harder to see where to stop cutting.
To finish, put the tank top on and cross the two back pieces over your chest. Angle the pieces so that the bottom edges are aligned, then tuck the end of the top piece under the bottom piece to hold it in place. You can secure the pieces with fabric glue if you don't want to re-wrap them each time you wear the top.
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Wrap the hem
Wrapping the hem of a Y-back tank top is a simple process that can be done in a few different ways, depending on the tools you have available and the desired finish. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to wrap the hem of your Y-back tank top:
Prepare the Tank Top:
- Start by turning your tank top inside out. This will allow you to work on the hem more easily without interfering with the rest of the shirt.
- Determine how short you want your tank top to be. You can put it on and mark the desired length with a dressmaker's chalk, pen, or even a sewing pin. If you don't need to shorten it, you can skip this step.
- Cut your tank top along the marked line or 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) longer than you want it to be. This extra length is to account for the hem.
- Fold the hem of your tank top by 1/2 inch (1.27 cm). This will create a neat finish for the inside of your tank top.
- Press the hem flat with an iron. Be sure to use a heat setting that is suitable for the fabric of your tank top.
- Secure the hem with sewing pins. This will hold the hem in place while you sew it.
- Sew along the folded edge of the hem using a zigzag stitch or a stretch stitch. Use a colour of thread that matches your tank top, and remove the pins as you sew. Start and end your sewing at one of the side seams to conceal the start and end points better.
- If you don't have a sewing machine or prefer not to sew, you can use iron-on hem tape. Simply place the tape inside the hem and follow the package instructions to iron it in place.
Finishing Touches:
- Snip off any excess threads or loose ends to ensure a clean finish.
- Turn your tank top right-side out, and you're done! Your Y-back tank top now has a beautifully wrapped hem.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a t-shirt, scissors, a sewing machine (optional), and straight pins.
First, turn the t-shirt inside out and place a tank top on top of it, aligning the shoulders. Pin the tank top to the t-shirt and cut the t-shirt using the tank top's armholes and neckline as a guide.
You can still make a tank top without a template. Cut the sleeves and collar off your t-shirt and cut the front neckline and armholes to your desired width.
Fold the cut edges down by 1/2 inch and secure them with straight pins. Iron the folds flat, then stitch the folded edges using a sewing machine or by hand.
Yes, you can make a racerback tank top by cutting the sleeves off a t-shirt and trimming the back of the armholes so that there is only a skinny band of fabric between the shoulder blades.