Transforming T-Shirts Into Racerback Tanks: A Creative Diy Guide

If you have an old T-shirt that you want to repurpose, you can easily turn it into a racerback tank top. This is what you'll need to do:

Step 1: Prepare the T-shirt

Find a T-shirt that is one to two sizes larger than what you normally wear. The T-shirt can be blank or have a design in the front. Do not use a fitted shirt, or the racerback will turn out too small.

Step 2: Cut the sleeves

Cut the sleeves off to make the T-shirt into a tank top. Begin cutting one to two inches below the armpit and finish cutting just inside the top shoulder seam. Do the left sleeve first, then fold the shirt in half lengthwise, and use the cut edge as a guide for the right sleeve.

Step 3: Cut the back armholes

Flip the shirt over and cut the back of the armholes wider. Begin cutting at the back of the shirt at the armpit of your first sleeve. Scoop down half to one inch, then cut in towards the centre by about two inches. Finish cutting at the top of the original cut edge.

Step 4: Cut the collar

Cut the collar off at the stitching. Flip the shirt over so that you can see the front again. Cut the entire collar off at the stitching. Start at the left shoulder and work your way around the front of the shirt towards the right. Work your way around the back of the shirt and finish at the left shoulder again.

Step 5: Cut the back of the shirt

Cut across the back of the shirt, just below the collar. Flip the shirt over so that you can see the back. Cut straight across the back of the shirt, one to two inches below the collar. Start at the left armhole and finish at the right armhole. This will separate the top of the shirt from the bottom.

Step 6: Cut the corners off the back collar (optional)

The bottom edges of your collar will have corners from when you cut across the back of the shirt. If you want to, cut these corners off to make the back part more rounded and blend in with the rest of the collar.

Step 7: Cut the bottom hem off your shirt (optional)

You can cut the hem off to complete the raw-edged look. Simply cut along the bottom hem of the shirt, right at the stitching. Start at one seam and work your way around the bottom of the shirt until you are back to where you started.

Step 8: Cut two vertical slits down the back of the shirt

By now, you should have a rectangular strip of fabric in the back of your shirt. You need to turn this rectangle into three equal-sized strands in order to make your braid. Cut two slits into the rectangle, starting at the top, and finishing at about armpit level.

Step 9: Pull the strands to make them longer and skinnier

Gently pull on each of the three strands. This will cause the cut edges of the fabric to curl inward and make them easier to braid. It will also make the strands longer, which is a good thing. Braids end up shorter than the strands used to create them.

Step 10: Braid the strands

Braid the strands by crossing the outer ones over the middle one. Cross the left strand over the middle strand, then cross the right strand over the new middle strand. Repeat these steps until you have about half an inch of fabric left.

Step 11: Sew the end of your braid to keep it together

You can do this by hand or on a sewing machine. You don't need any fancy stitching; a simple straight stitch or running stitch will do.

Step 12: Fold the back collar in half to find the centre

Set your braid aside, then fold the back collar in half. Make sure that the cut edges align, then mark the middle with a pen or a sewing pin.

Step 13: Pin the top of the braid to the centre of the collar and try the shirt on

Unfold the collar first, place the top of the braid behind the collar so that it touches the inside of the shirt. Make sure that the top of the braid is aligned with the top of the collar, then secure it with a sewing pin. Try the shirt on to ensure you are happy with the fit.

Step 14: Sew the braid to the centre of the collar

You can do this by hand or on a sewing machine. Again, the stitches don't matter here. A few simple straight or running stitches will do. Remove the pin once you are done sewing.

Step 15: Cut a strip of fabric from one of the sleeves

Take one of the sleeves you cut off earlier, then cut along the seam to create a long rectangle. Cut a one-and-a-half by four-inch rectangle from the sleeve. If you want to, gently tug on the rectangle to make it longer and help the edges curl in.

Step 16: Wrap the rectangle around the top of the braid to conceal the stitching

Place the narrow end of the rectangle against the top of your braid. Wrap it around the top of the braid a few times, making sure to overlap onto the back collar. This will cause the back collar to angle towards the braid and create a Y-shape.

Step 17: Cut the excess strip off and sew it down

Finish wrapping the rectangle strip behind the shirt, then cut the rest off. Hand sew the end down, making sure that you don't push the needle through the front of the braid, otherwise, the stitching will show. A basic running stitch will work the best, but you can use a whipstitch too.

And there you have it! Your very own racerback tank top made from an old T-shirt.

Choose a t-shirt that is 1 to 2 sizes larger than what you normally wear

When making a racerback tank top, it is important to choose a t-shirt that is 1 to 2 sizes larger than what you normally wear. This is because the t-shirt will be cut and altered to create the racerback style, and you want to ensure that the final product is not too small or tight. A larger t-shirt will also allow for more flexibility in the design and cutting process, giving you more room to work with. It is also important to consider the length of the t-shirt, as you will be cutting it to create the tank top style. Choose a t-shirt that is at least the length you want the racerback to be, as you can always cut it shorter but cannot make it longer.

Additionally, consider the design and material of the t-shirt. If you want a fitted tank top, choose a t-shirt that fits you well. If you prefer a looser style, a larger t-shirt will work better. The t-shirt can be blank or have a design on the front, depending on your preference. Keep in mind that you will be cutting and altering the back of the shirt, so choose a design that you are comfortable with altering. The material of the t-shirt is also important, as you want to ensure that it is comfortable and breathable, especially if you plan to use the racerback for working out.

Finally, if you plan on hemming the edges of the tank top, choose a t-shirt with a colour that matches your thread colour. This will help create a more seamless and polished look. If you do not plan on hemming the edges, keep in mind that t-shirt fabric does not fray, so you can leave the edges raw if you prefer a more casual look.

Cut the sleeves off to make the t-shirt a tank top

The first step to making a racerback tank top is to cut the sleeves off your t-shirt. This will give you a blank canvas to work with and help you visualise the final product. You can cut the sleeves off freehand, or use a tank top as a template. If you are using a template, place it on top of your t-shirt, aligning the shoulders. Pin the template to the t-shirt to keep it from moving, then cut around the armholes and neckline, leaving a 0.5-inch seam allowance. If you don't have a template, cut the sleeves off about 1-2 inches below the armpit, finishing just inside the top shoulder seam. You can always cut more fabric off later, so it's best to start conservatively.

Finishing the armholes

Once you have cut off the sleeves, you will be left with a basic tank top. If you are happy with this, you can simply finish the armholes with a simple hem. To do this, fold the cut edges down by 0.5 inches, pin them in place, and press them flat with an iron. Then, stitch the folded edges down using a 0.25-inch seam allowance. You can do this by hand, or use a sewing machine for a more professional finish. If you are using a sewing machine, try to use a stitch intended for knit fabrics.

Creating a racerback

To create a racerback, you will need to cut the back of the armholes wider. Turn the shirt over so that the back is facing you, then cut about 0.5-1 inch below the armpit, moving in towards the centre by about 2 inches. You can eyeball this, or try the shirt on and get someone to help you mark where you want to cut. Make sure you are only cutting the back of the shirt, not the front. Cut a deep V-shape into the back of the shirt, keeping the point of the V between the armholes. This will help to prevent the fabric from bunching up when you tie it.

Adding a decorative band

To finish the racerback, you can add a decorative band made from the leftover fabric from the sleeves. Cut a 4-inch by 5-inch rectangle from one of the sleeves, then fold it in half with the right sides together. Sew the ends together to form a tube, then turn it right side out and iron it with the seam in the centre. Wrap this loop around the fabric at the back of the shirt, with the seam facing outwards, and pin the ends together. Sew the ends together, then turn the loop right side out so that the raw edges and centre seam are hidden inside. Finally, twist the loop so that the seam is on the inside of the shirt.

Cut the collar off at the stitching

Cutting the collar off at the stitching is a crucial step in making a racerback tank top from a T-shirt. This step will help you create a more feminine look for your new tank top. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Cut the Collar

Flip the T-shirt inside out so that the front is facing you. Carefully cut the collar off at the stitching, starting from the left shoulder and working your way around to the right shoulder. Try to cut as close to the stitching as possible to ensure a clean edge.

Step 2: Create a Larger Collar (Optional)

If you want a more relaxed and flowy look for your tank top, you can cut the front of the collar about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) below the stitching. This will make the collar opening larger and give your tank top a more open and relaxed feel.

Step 3: Finish the Edges (Optional)

If you want to give your tank top a more polished look, you can finish the raw edges of the collar. Simply fold the cut edge under by about 1/4 to 1/2 inch (0.6 to 1.3 cm), and sew it in place using a needle and thread. You can also use fabric glue if you don't want to sew.

Step 4: Try It On

Once you've finished cutting and sewing the collar, it's time to try on your new tank top! Put it on and check if you're happy with the fit and the look of the collar. If you cut the collar too wide, you can always fold it under and sew it again to make it narrower.

Step 5: Customize Further (Optional)

At this point, you can also add some additional details to your tank top, such as lace trim or decorative stitching along the collar edge. Get creative and experiment with different fabrics and trims to make your tank top unique.

Remember, when cutting the collar, always cut slowly and carefully to avoid any mistakes. It's better to cut less than you think you need and then trim more later if necessary. Cutting the collar is a crucial step in transforming your T-shirt into a stylish and comfortable racerback tank top.

Cut across the back of the shirt, just below the collar

Step 1: Cut the Sleeves Off

Cut the sleeves off to make the t-shirt a tank top. Begin cutting 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) below the armpit and finish cutting just inside the top shoulder seam. Do the left sleeve first, then fold the shirt in half lengthwise, and use the cut edge as a guide for the right sleeve.

You can cut the sleeves even lower if you want to. Keep in mind that you'll want to wear a tank top or a bandeau underneath your new racerback to avoid any peek-a-bras!

Step 2: Cut the Back of the Arm Holes Wider

Turn the shirt over so that the back is facing you. Begin cutting at the back of the shirt at the armpit of your first sleeve. Scoop down 1⁄2 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm), then cut in towards the center by about 2 inches (5.1 cm). Finish cutting at the top of the original cut edge.

Make sure that you are only cutting through the back of the shirt, not the front.

Trace the piece that you cut out onto the other armhole, then cut along the line that you traced.

Don't cut the armholes too close together in the back, or you won't have enough fabric to braid with.

Step 3: Cut the Collar Off

Flip the shirt over so that you can see the front again. Cut the entire collar off at the stitching. Start at the left shoulder and work your way around the front of the shirt towards the right. Work your way around the back of the shirt and finish at the left shoulder again.

For a more feminine touch, cut the front of the collar about 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) below the stitching to make it larger.

Step 4: Cut Across the Back of the Shirt

Flip the shirt over so that you can see the back. Cut straight across the back of the shirt, 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) below the collar. Start at the left armhole and finish at the right armhole. This will separate the top of the shirt from the bottom.

Don't worry, you will reassemble the shirt after you braid it.

Make sure that you are only cutting through the back of the shirt and not the front.

Step 5: Cut the Corners Off of the Back Collar (Optional)

The bottom edges of your collar will have corners from when you cut across the back of the shirt. If you want to, cut these corners off to make back part more rounded and blend in with the rest of the collar.

Step 6: Cut the Bottom Hem Off of Your Shirt (Optional)

You don't have to do this, but it will complete the raw edged look. Simply cut along the bottom hem of the shirt, right at the stitching. Start at 1 seam and work your way around the bottom of the shirt until you are back to where you started.

Cut 2 vertical slits down the back of the shirt to make your strands

Make the 2 slits an equal distance from each other and the side edges of the rectangular strip. This way, all 3 strands will be the same thickness. If you want to make a 4-strand braid, cut 3 slits. If you want to make a 5-strand braid, then cut 4 slits.

Gently pull on each of the 3 strands. This will cause the cut edges of the fabric to curl inward and make them longer and skinnier. It will also make the strands easier to braid. Braids end up shorter than the strands used to create them. If you don't stretch the strands out, the braid will end up too short.

If you made a 4-strand or 5-strand braid, then you'll need to braid them accordingly.

Sew the end of your braid to keep it together. You can do this by hand or on a sewing machine. You don't need any fancy stitching; a simple straight stitch or running stitch will do. The colour of the thread does not matter here. You'll be covering it up later.

If you don't know how to sew, glue the strands together with fabric glue. Let the glue dry before moving on, about 10 to 15 minutes.

Frequently asked questions