Creating A Braided Back Tank Top: A Step-By-Step Guide

Braided back tank tops are a fun DIY project that can give new life to an old T-shirt. This project is ideal for sewing beginners as it only requires a simple straight stitch or running stitch. The process involves cutting the sleeves off a T-shirt to make a tank top, then cutting the back arm holes wider. Next, cut a rectangle in the back of the shirt and divide it into three sections to create the braid. Sew or glue the braid together, then sew or glue it to the centre of the collar. This DIY braided tank top is a creative way to stay cool during hot summers.

Choosing a T-shirt

Firstly, you should try on the t-shirt and make sure it is not too baggy or too tight. The t-shirt should be 1 to 2 sizes larger than what you normally wear. The t-shirt needs to be at least the length you want the final tank top to be, as you can always cut it shorter, but you can't add length.

The fabric of the t-shirt is also an important consideration. Choose a fabric that is soft, comfortable, and easy to cut and won't fray too much. Cotton or cotton blends are ideal as they are durable and won't unravel too much. Avoid stretchy fabrics like spandex or polyester as they may be difficult to work with.

The colour and pattern of the t-shirt can also affect the final look of your braided creation. Solid-coloured shirts are the easiest to work with, but you can also experiment with patterned or graphic t-shirts. If you plan to turn the t-shirt inside out, check how the printing looks on the inside of the fabric.

Old, beat-up t-shirts work great for this project. You can also give new life to a plain, old t-shirt by adding your own personal touch through cutting, weaving, and braiding.

Cutting the sleeves

The first step in making a braided back tank top is to cut the sleeves off your chosen T-shirt. This will form the basis of your tank top and is a crucial step in achieving the desired look. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide to cutting the sleeves:

• Iron the T-shirt: Before you begin cutting, it is important to ensure your T-shirt is free of any creases or wrinkles. Use an iron on the steam setting to remove any bunches or creases on the T-shirt. This step will help you achieve a smooth and even surface for cutting.
• Choose your cutting style: There are two popular options for cutting the sleeves. You can either remove the sleeve along with the sleeve seam, creating a muscle-style tank top, or you can cut the sleeve close to the seam, leaving the seam intact. The former option provides a casual, loose look, while the latter creates a more fitted appearance.
• Lay the T-shirt flat: Spread the T-shirt on a flat surface, such as a table or a clean floor, ensuring it is smooth and free of any bumps. This step will help you achieve accurate cuts and prevent any unwanted nicks or cuts on the fabric.
• Mark the cutting line: Using tailor's chalk or an erasable pen, mark the line along which you will cut the sleeves. For a muscle-style tank top, mark a line about 1 inch (2.5 cm) inside the armhole seam. For a more fitted look, mark a line about 1/4 inch (0.64 cm) from the outside of the seam. Curve the line slightly to follow the shape of the armhole.
• Cut the sleeves: Using sharp scissors, carefully cut along the marked line. Pull the fabric taut as you cut to ensure a smooth and even cut. Cut both sleeves, either separately or by folding the T-shirt in half to ensure symmetry.
• Hem the edges (optional): If you prefer a more polished look, you can hem the edges of the armholes. Simply fold the edge of the fabric about 1/4 inch (0.64 cm) inside the sleeve and secure it with pins. Using a sewing machine or by hand, sew a straight line around the ends of the sleeves to create a neat finish.
• Create decorative touches (optional): If you want to add some flair to your tank top, consider cutting decorative sleeves. You can create fringed sleeves, cap sleeves, or even add bows to the sleeves. Get creative and experiment with different cutting styles!

Remember to take your time and work carefully when cutting the sleeves. It is always better to cut less than you think you need; you can always cut more if necessary.

Cutting the back

Now that you have cut off the sleeves, it is time to cut the back of the armholes wider. Turn the shirt inside out so that the back is facing you. Starting at the armpit of one sleeve, cut in a scooping motion downwards by about half an inch to one inch, then cut in towards the centre of the shirt by about two inches. Finish cutting at the top of the original cut edge. Ensure that you are only cutting through the back of the shirt and not the front.

Repeat this process on the other side, tracing the piece you cut out onto the other armhole, and then cutting along the line you traced. Be careful not to cut the armholes too close together, or you will not have enough fabric to braid with.

Next, cut the collar off at the stitching. Flip the shirt over so that the front is facing you and cut the entire collar off, starting at the left shoulder and working your way around the front and back of the shirt until you reach the left shoulder again. You can cut the front of the collar about one to two inches below the stitching to make it larger and give it a more feminine touch.

Now, cut across the back of the shirt, just below the collar. Cut straight across the back, about one to two inches below the collar, starting at the left armhole and finishing at the right armhole. This will separate the top of the shirt from the bottom. Again, make sure that you are only cutting through the back of the shirt.

At this point, you can cut the corners off the back collar if you want to create a more rounded shape. You can also cut the bottom hem off your shirt if you want to complete the raw-edged look. Simply cut along the bottom hem of the shirt, right at the stitching.

Braiding the strands

Now that you have cut your shirt into three equal-sized strands, it's time to braid them together. Start by pulling on each strand gently to make them longer and skinnier. This will also cause the cut edges of the fabric to curl inward, making them easier to work with.

Next, cross the left strand over the middle strand, and then cross the right strand over the new middle strand. Repeat these steps, braiding the strands together until you have about half an inch of fabric left. Remember to keep the braid tight and secure as you go.

If you are creating a four-strand or five-strand braid, simply follow the appropriate braiding technique for the number of strands you have. For a four-strand braid, alternate crossing the outer strands over the two middle strands, and for a five-strand braid, follow a similar pattern, always crossing the outer strands over the middle strands.

Once you've finished braiding, secure the end of the braid with a simple stitch or some fabric glue to keep it from unraveling. Now you're one step closer to having your very own braided back tank top!

If you're braiding a tank top with a racerback design, you might want to adjust the tightness of the braid to ensure a snug fit around the chest area. Play around with the braiding tension to achieve the desired fit. Additionally, if you find that your braid is too long or short after trying on the shirt, you can adjust it by moving the collar up or down the braid or stretching the collar.

Sewing the braid

Now that you have braided the strands of your soon-to-be tank top, it's time to sew the braid to keep it in place. You can do this by hand or with a sewing machine. It doesn't matter what colour thread you use, as it will be covered up later. A simple straight stitch or running stitch will do the trick. Alternatively, if you don't know how to sew, you can use fabric glue to hold the braid together. Leave the glue to dry for about 10 to 15 minutes before moving on to the next step.

Next, unfold the back collar of the shirt and fold it in half, making sure that the cut edges align. Mark the middle with a pen or a sewing pin. Pin the top of the braid to the centre of the collar, making sure that the top of the braid is aligned with the top of the collar. Try the shirt on to ensure you are happy with the fit. If the braid is too long, simply move the collar further down the braid. If it is too short, you can try pulling on the collar to stretch it.

Now, sew the braid to the centre of the collar, either by hand or using a sewing machine. Again, any simple stitch will work. If you prefer, you can use fabric glue instead. The colour of the thread doesn't matter as it will be covered up in the next step. Leave the glue to dry for another 10 to 15 minutes.

Finally, cut a strip of fabric from one of the sleeves you removed earlier. Cut along the seam to create a long rectangle, and then cut a 1.5 by 4-inch rectangle from this strip. Gently tug on the rectangle to make it longer and help the edges curl in. Wrap the narrow end of the rectangle around the top of the braid a few times, overlapping onto the back collar. This will create a Y-shape. You can sew or glue the narrow end of the rectangle to the top of the braid for a more durable finish. Cut off any excess strip and sew or glue it down, being careful not to push the needle through the front of the braid. Try to use a thread colour that matches the shirt fabric for this final step.

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