Transform Your Old Tank Top With Creative Cut-Outs

how to make cut up tank top

There are many ways to cut up a tank top, and it's a great project for crafters who don't know how to sew. You can cut wider straps into thin double straps, turn a tank top into a wrap top, refashion a T-shirt into a tank top, or turn a T-shirt into a racerback tank. To cut wider straps into thin double straps, cut a notch into the shoulder seam, cut around the armhole, cut around the collar, and then cut the strips off at an angle. To turn a tank top into a wrap top, cut the side seams off halfway up the sides, cut the back panel off, and cut a vertical slit into the centre of the front panel. To refashion a T-shirt into a tank top, chop the sleeves off, cut the collar off, and cut a fringe into the bottom of the shirt if desired. To turn a T-shirt into a racerback tank, chop the sleeves off, cut the collar off, cut a V into the back between the shoulders, and wrap the cut-off hem around the V.

Characteristics Values
Materials Tank top with wide shoulder straps, T-shirt, scissors, sewing pins, fabric glue, sewing machine (optional), iron
Cutting technique Cut a notch into the shoulder seam, cut around the armhole, cut around the collar, cut strips off at an angle, clean up cut edges with smaller scissors
Modifications Cut side seams, cut back panel, cut a vertical slit into the front panel, add glue to hold fabric in place

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Cutting 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, staying within the collar and armhole hems. Do not cut straight across the top of the shoulders, as the shirt will fall apart.
  • Cut around the armhole, starting at the notch you made and stopping just below the collar level. Use the armhole's binding as a guide. Repeat this step for the back of the tank, keeping in mind that the collar in the back will be higher up.
  • Cut around the collar in a similar fashion, but stop just before it curves. Repeat this step for the back of the tank, as the collar will be shallower. You are cutting the collar side shorter than the armhole side because you will be cutting the final piece off at an angle.
  • Cut the strips off at an angle in the front and back of the tank. After this step, you will have two thin straps that are intact at the shoulder.
  • 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. Repeat the entire process on the other side.

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Turning a tank top into a wrap top

This is a simple DIY project that can be done without sewing. The first step is to choose a tank top made from stretchy material. The longer the tank top, the easier it will be to wrap.

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

Hold the tank top against you and mark where you want it to end. Cut the side seams up to this mark.

Now, cut the back panel where you stopped cutting the side seams. Turn the tank top so the back is facing you and cut the back panel off, starting at one side seam and finishing at the other. You are essentially cutting the tank top in half, using the bottom cut edge of each side seam as a guide. Make sure not to cut through the front panel, as this will be used to make the ties.

Cut a vertical slit into the center of the front panel, halfway up the tank. 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.

Now, try on the shirt. Wrap the two ties across your chest, angling them so that the bottom edges are aligned. Tuck the end of the top tie under the bottom edge of the other tie to hold it in place.

If you don't want to re-wrap the ties each time, you can use sewing pins to secure them in place. Insert a pin into the front and sides of the tank, going through both layers of fabric. Pull the tank top off and place a drop of fabric glue where the pins were. Allow the glue to dry for 15-20 minutes before removing the pins.

And that's it! You've successfully turned a tank top into a wrap top.

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Refashioning a T-shirt into a tank top

Choosing Your T-shirt

First, select a T-shirt that you're happy to cut up. If you want a fitted tank top, choose a fitted T-shirt. Consider the length of the T-shirt if you want to add a fringe to the bottom hem. Longer T-shirts will give you more material to work with. Wash and dry new T-shirts before cutting to allow for any potential shrinkage.

Cutting the Sleeves

Cut off the sleeves of your T-shirt, using the seams as a guide. The sleeves are wider at the front, so work your way around the seam rather than cutting straight down. You can make the armholes deeper by cutting further into the shirt, but be careful not to cut too much into the front.

Removing the Collar

Cut off the collar, following the stitching as a guide. Cutting a straight line across the collar while the shirt is flat may result in the back of the tank top being too deep, so cut around the bottom edge of the collar. You can now enhance the collar by cutting the front into a V-neck or scoop neck shape. For a matching look, trim the back collar to mirror the front.

Creating a Fringe (Optional)

If you want a fringed tank top, fold the shirt in half lengthwise, so the shoulders match up, then cut a fringe to your desired length into the bottom of the shirt. Make vertical slits about 0.5 inches apart, through both layers of fabric if the material is thin enough. Cut the side seams to separate the front and back fringes.

Finishing Touches

T-shirt material doesn't fray, so you don't need to hem your new tank top. However, gently tugging on the cut edges will make them curl inwards for a neater finish. If you've added a fringe, you can decorate it with pony beads, knotting the ends of the tassels to keep the beads in place.

Your new tank top is now ready to wear! You can also try adding some extra style by tying the fringes in a macramé pattern or customising your tank top with fabric paint or iron-on transfers.

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Making a basic tank top

Firstly, you will need to find a tank top that you can use as a template. Ensure that the tank top you choose fits you well and has a look that you like. If you don't have a tank top to use, don't worry as you can still make a basic tank top without one.

Next, choose a T-shirt that you are happy to cut up. The T-shirt does not need to fit you well unless you want a fitted tank top. If the T-shirt is new, be sure to wash and dry it first, as fabric can shrink after the first wash. Once you have your T-shirt, iron it to remove any wrinkles and make it smoother and easier to work with.

Now, you will need to place your tank top over your T-shirt, ensuring that the shoulders of both garments are aligned and that the front sides are facing upwards. Use straight pins to secure the tank top to the T-shirt, pinning through all layers of fabric to keep the shirts from moving during the cutting process.

At this point, you are ready to start cutting. Using the tank top as your guide, carefully cut the T-shirt, following the armholes and neckline. If you want a finished hem, leave a 1/2-inch (1.27 cm) seam allowance. However, a finished hem is not necessary as T-shirt fabric does not fray.

Once you have cut the T-shirt, remove the pins and put the tank top aside. With the T-shirt still inside out, you can now cut the front neckline and armholes to your desired width. Just remember to leave that 1/2-inch seam allowance if you plan on hemming.

If you want a neat, finished look, the next step is to fold the cut edges down by 1/2-inch, pinning them in place and pressing them flat with an iron. Make sure to fold the edges outwards, not inwards. You can skip this step if you prefer a raw, unhemmed edge.

Finally, it's time to stitch those folded edges. You can do this by hand or use a sewing machine for more durable stitches. Use a stitch intended for knit fabrics if using a machine. When you're done, tie off the thread ends into tight knots and snip off any excess.

Now, simply remove the pins, turn your new tank top right side out, and try it on! Your basic tank top is now ready to be worn and styled however you like.

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Making a racerback tank top

Using a Tank Top as a Template

  • Find a tank top that fits you well and place it on top of your chosen t-shirt, aligning the shoulders.
  • Pin the tank top to the t-shirt to keep it from moving.
  • Cut the t-shirt using the tank top's armholes and neckline as a guide, adding a ½-inch (1.27 cm) seam allowance if you want a finished hem.
  • Unpin the tank top and put it away.
  • (Optional) Cut the front neckline and armholes wider, then fold and pin the cut edges, pressing them flat with an iron.
  • (Optional) Stitch the folded edges using a ¼-inch (0.64 cm) seam allowance.

Creating Your Own Pattern

  • Cut the sleeves off your chosen t-shirt, starting from under the armpits and cutting straight up towards the shoulders.
  • Cut the hem off the shirt and snip it to create a long strand.
  • Trim the back armholes into a racerback shape, being careful not to cut the armholes at the front of the shirt.
  • Cut a deep V-shape into the back of the shirt, keeping the point of the V between the armholes.
  • (Optional) Tie the fabric strand from the hem around the V-shape, gathering the fabric between the armholes.
  • (Optional) Wrap the strand around the fabric, moving downward and then back towards the top, securing the end by tucking it under or tying a knot.
  • (Optional) Trim the bottom of your tank top for a high-low look.

Tips:

  • You don't need to finish the hems on these tank tops as t-shirt fabric does not fray.
  • If you want to hem your tank top, use a stitch intended for knit fabrics, which looks like a straight stitch with a V every few stitches.

Frequently asked questions

No, you don't need to hem a cut-up tank top as the fabric used for tank tops and T-shirts is usually a stretchy jersey, which doesn't fray.

A stretchy jersey fabric is best as it is easy to work with and doesn't fray.

You will need a tank top or T-shirt to cut up, scissors, and optionally, a sewing machine or needle and thread if you want to hem your garment.

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