Creating A Cropped Tank Top: A Step-By-Step Guide

how to make crop tank top

There are many ways to make a crop top, and it can be done with or without sewing. For a no-sew option, you can use an old shirt or a pair of leggings. If you're using a shirt, cut off the bottom at your desired length, and cut off the sleeves and collar if you want a sleeveless, low-cut crop top. If you're using leggings, cut a circle at the crotch and cut the legs to your desired sleeve length. For sewing options, you can use stretchy fabric to create a form-fitting crop top, or alter a tank top that's too big by adjusting the straps and sewing a new seam.

Characteristics Values
Materials Old shirt, leggings, fabric, scissors, needle and thread, fabric glue, stretchy jersey, ribbed tank top, stretchy cotton fabric
Tools Sewing machine, safety pins, measuring tape, chalk, hair tie, fabric pen, iron
Techniques Cutting, sewing, twisting, tying, folding, gluing, hemming

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Cut wider straps into thin double straps

To cut wider straps into thin double straps, you will need a ribbed tank top with wide shoulder straps. The exact width of the shoulder straps does not matter, but something that’s at least 1 inch wide would be good. Choose a tank top that has a binding around the armholes and collar, rather than hems.

  • Cut a small notch into the shoulder seam, within the collar and armhole hems. Do not cut straight across the top of the shoulders, or the shirt will fall apart.
  • Cut around the armhole, stopping just below the collar level. Start at the notch you made and cut down the front of the tank, using the armhole's binding as a guide. Finish cutting when you’re at the same level as the bottom edge of the collar, or just below it. Repeat this step for the back of the tank.
  • Cut around the collar in a similar fashion but stop just before it curves. Begin at the top of the collar, at the shoulder notch, and finish at the bottom, just before it starts to curve out horizontally. Repeat this step for the back of the tank.
  • Cut the strips off at an angle in the front and back of the tank. After you’ve cut around the collar and armhole, you’ll end up with strips of loose fabric in the front and back of your tank. Cut these strips off at an angle where they connect to the rest of the shirt.
  • Clean up the cut edges with smaller scissors for a neater finish. Cut as close as possible to the fabric that's wrapped around the edges of the collar and armholes. Once you’ve finished one strap, repeat the entire process on the other side.

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Transform a shirt into a wrap top

Step 1: Choose a stretchy tank top

The longer the tank top, the easier it will be to wrap.

Step 2: Cut the side seams

Turn the tank top inside out and cut the side seams off halfway up the sides. Do not cut the side seams off all the way up to the armpits. This will divide the tank top into two panels: a front and a back panel. If you're worried about the stitching unravelling, hand-sew a few stitches over the cut ends.

Step 3: Cut the back panel

Turn the tank top so that the back is facing you and cut the back panel off, using the bottom cut edge of each side seam as a guide. Do not cut through the front panel, as this will be used to create the ties.

Step 4: Cut a vertical slit in the front panel

Unfold the front panel so that it sticks out from under the back of the shirt. Find the middle of the hem on the front panel and cut a vertical line straight up to the bottom edge of the back panel.

Step 5: Wrap and tuck the front ties

Put the tank top on and wrap the two ties across your chest, angling them so that the bottom edges are aligned. Take the end of the top tie and tuck it under the tank top to hold it in place. Secure the ties with sewing pins and fabric glue if you don't want to re-wrap them each time.

Now you have a stylish and unique wrap top!

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Sew a crop top from scratch

Sewing your own crop top is a fun and creative way to express your personal style. Here is a step-by-step guide to sewing a crop top from scratch:

Choose the Right Fabric

Select a fabric with some stretch to it, such as cotton jersey. Avoid bulky or rigid fabrics like wool or pleather. You will need about one yard (0.9 meters) of fabric.

Take Your Measurements

Accurate measurements are key to ensuring your crop top fits well. Use a flexible measuring tape to find the circumference of your bust, waist, and upper arms. Also, measure the area where you want the bottom of the crop top to fall, such as at your belly button.

Cut Out the Pieces

Fold your fabric in half and cut out two rectangular pieces for the body of the crop top. The width of these pieces should be half of your bust measurement on one side and half of your waist measurement on the other. The length should be the distance between your bust and waist.

For the sleeves, cut out two rectangular pieces with a width equal to the total circumference of your upper arm and a length of your desired sleeve length.

Sew the Sides and Sleeves

Stack the two body pieces with the wrong side of the fabric facing out. Sew a zigzag stitch along the sides, 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) from the edges.

For the sleeves, fold each piece in half with the wrong side out and sew a zigzag stitch along the raw edges to create a circle.

Attach the Sleeves

With the body and sleeves turned inside out, attach the sleeves to the sides of the crop top. Match up the inner seam of the sleeve with the top corner of the body piece and sew a straight stitch in the shape of a square or diamond. Repeat for the other sleeve.

And there you have it! Your very own custom-made crop top. Feel free to add your own creative touches, such as a fun print or some fringe.

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Cut off sleeves for a sleeveless look

Cutting off sleeves to make a sleeveless top is a great way to repurpose an old T-shirt or shirt. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Preparation:

  • Choose a shirt or T-shirt that you are happy to cut up. Consider the type of shirt and the fit—a tight, stretchy shirt will give you a form-fitting crop top, while a baggy shirt can be transformed into a variety of styles.
  • Identify the desired length of your crop top. Put on the shirt and play around with different lengths, marking the chosen length with a fabric pen or chalk. Remember, it's better to leave the shirt longer than you think at this stage, as you can always make it shorter later.
  • Gather your tools: fabric scissors, chalk or an erasable pen, measuring tape, and sewing pins (optional).

Cutting the Sleeves:

  • Lay the shirt on a flat surface and smooth out any wrinkles or bumps.
  • Decide how far to cut the sleeves. You can either cut the sleeves at the seam for a halter-top look or leave the seam intact for a smaller armhole and a sturdier edge.
  • Mark your cut with chalk or an erasable pen. If you're cutting the sleeves at the seam, mark a line about 1 inch (2.5 cm) in from the seam, curving around the seam and ending at a right angle about 1 inch (2.5 cm) under the sleeve. If you're keeping the seam, mark a line about 1/4 inch (0.64 cm) from the outside of the seam.
  • Cut along the marked line, pulling the fabric taut to ensure a smooth and even cut. Repeat on the other sleeve.

Finishing Touches (Optional):

  • Hem the edges of the armholes if desired, especially if you cut the sleeves at the seam. Fold the edge of the fabric about 1/4 inch (0.64 cm) inside the sleeve and stitch it in place by hand or with a sewing machine.
  • For a distressed look, add some extra cuts to the fabric with scissors or a box cutter. Make small, sporadic cuts in the hem and on the front and back of your shirt. You can also pinch the fabric and cut into the fold to make slightly larger holes.

And that's it! You now have a sleeveless crop top. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different styles and cuts to make your unique fashion statement.

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Cut off the collar for a low-cut neckline

Cutting off the collar of a tank top is a great way to create a low-cut neckline and instantly update your look. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the Tank Top

Lay the tank top on a flat surface, ensuring the fabric is smooth and free of wrinkles. If your tank top has a collar, this technique will help you remove it for a more flattering and modern look.

Step 2: Mark the Cut Line

Use a ruler or measuring tape to decide how low you want the neckline to be. Mark this spot with a fabric pen, chalk, or pins. Remember, it's better to cut a little higher than you think, as you can always cut more fabric later.

Step 3: Cut the Collar

Using sharp fabric scissors, carefully cut along the line you marked. Cut slowly and try to make long, smooth cuts to avoid jagged edges. Cut through both layers of fabric at the same time to ensure a straight neckline.

Step 4: Neaten the Edges (Optional)

If you're happy with the raw edge of your new neckline, you can skip this step. Otherwise, you can use a rotary cutter or pinking shears to trim the edges and prevent fraying. Alternatively, you can fold and hem the edge for a more polished finish.

Step 5: Try It On

Try on your new low-cut tank top to check the fit and style. If you're happy with the result, you're done! If you'd like to adjust the neckline further, carefully cut a little more fabric, always checking the fit as you go.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Always cut a little higher than you think, as you can always cut more fabric, but you can't add it back on.
  • Use sharp fabric scissors to ensure clean cuts and prevent fraying.
  • Cut through both layers of fabric at the same time to ensure a straight neckline.
  • If you're nervous about cutting, practice on an old shirt first to build your confidence.
  • For a more unique look, consider cutting a scoop neck or a V-neck instead of a straight-across neckline.

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  • Byeon
  • Byeon
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