Transform Tank Tops: Create Strapless Shirts With Simple Steps

Upcycling old clothes is a great way to be creative and environmentally conscious. If you have an old tank top that you no longer wear, you can easily turn it into a stylish strapless shirt. All you need is a tank top, a pair of scissors, and possibly a sewing machine. First, decide how much fabric you want to cut off. Then, cut the sleeves and neckline according to your desired style. If you want a more fitted look, you can sew the edges or add a rolled hem. You can also get creative and add ties or ribbons to the back. With a few simple steps, you can transform your old tank top into a unique and trendy strapless shirt.

Cut the sleeves off the T-shirt

To make a strapless shirt from a tank top, you'll need to start by cutting the sleeves off the T-shirt. This is a crucial step in transforming your T-shirt into a tank top style. Here's a detailed guide on how to do it:

• Prepare your T-shirt: Choose a T-shirt that you are comfortable cutting and turning into a tank top. It's a good idea to wash and dry the T-shirt beforehand, especially if it's new, as fabric tends to shrink after the first wash. Iron the T-shirt to remove any wrinkles and make it smoother and easier to work with.
• Mark the cutting lines: Before you start cutting, you need to decide how deep you want the armholes to be. Place the T-shirt on a flat surface and use a ruler or measuring tape to mark the cutting lines. Make a mark 2 inches from the seam at the neck of the T-shirt on both sides. Then, mark 2 inches below the seam of the sleeve on both sides as well. If you prefer a deeper cut or a super open tank style, you can mark lower than 2 inches.
• Cut the sleeves: Take your scissors and start cutting just one sleeve for now. Begin cutting from the bottom mark you made under the sleeve. Carefully follow the natural curve of the sleeve seam, cutting towards the mark you created at the neck. Take your time and cut in a slow and controlled manner.
• Fold and cut the other sleeve: Once you've cut one sleeve, fold your T-shirt in half, making sure to line up the neck seams. This step ensures that your cuts are symmetrical. You can now use the first cut as a guide to create an identical cut on the opposite sleeve. Carefully cut along the folded edge, being mindful not to cut any other parts of the shirt.
• Finishing touches: After cutting both sleeves, unfold your T-shirt and inspect your work. If you're happy with the cuts, you can move on to the next step of creating your strapless shirt. If you want a more polished finish, you can consider hemming the armholes or adding binding for a professional look.

Remember, cutting the sleeves off is just the first step in creating your strapless shirt from a tank top. You will also need to cut the neckline and the backside of the T-shirt, and possibly add ties or adjust the length to achieve the desired style.

Cut the neckline

Cutting the neckline is a crucial step in making a strapless shirt from a tank top. Here is a detailed guide:

Firstly, lay your tank top flat on a table or surface, ensuring it is smoothed out and free of any wrinkles or creases. If you are working with a new tank top, it is advisable to wash, dry, and iron it first, as fabric tends to shrink after the first wash.

Next, you will need to mark the neckline. Using a ruler or measuring tape, measure and mark two inches from the seam at the neck of the tank top on both sides. You can adjust this measurement to your preference, but remember that you can always cut more fabric off later, but you cannot add fabric back once it is cut.

Now, it's time to cut! Using scissors, carefully cut along the marks you have made. Start at the bottom mark and follow the curve of the seam as you cut towards the mark at the neck. Take your time and cut in a slow, controlled manner to ensure a straight and precise line.

If you want a deeper or wider neckline, you can cut further into the fabric. However, it is important to try on the tank top after each cut to ensure you don't cut too much fabric and compromise the fit. Remember, a strapless shirt needs to fit snugly around your body to stay in place.

Once you are happy with the neckline depth, it's a good idea to reinforce the cut edge to prevent fraying and ensure the neckline keeps its shape. One way to do this is by folding the cut edge under and securing it with pins. You can then press it with an iron to create a crisp, finished edge.

If you have sewing skills and access to a sewing machine, you can take it a step further by stitching along the folded edge. Choose a thread colour that matches your tank top for a seamless finish. Sew along the inside of the fold, starting at the underarm seam and working your way around the neckline.

And there you have it! You have successfully cut and finished the neckline of your strapless shirt. Remember to try it on and adjust as needed. Enjoy your new creation!

Cut the backside

Now, for the creative part! It's time to cut the backside of your tank top. This is where you can get a little daring and experiment with different styles and shapes. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through the process:

Firstly, grab your sports bra or a racerback tank top. You will use this as a stencil to create the backside design of your new strapless shirt. Line up the shoulders of the bra or tank top with the top of your soon-to-be strapless shirt. Make sure the armholes of your bra or tank top align with the armholes of the shirt. This will ensure that your cuts are symmetrical.

Next, carefully lift the back of the shirt and cut along the outline you traced. It is crucial that you cut only the backside of the shirt and not through both layers. Take your time and go slowly to avoid any mistakes. Remember, you can always cut off more fabric, but you can't add it back once it's cut!

If you want to create a unique design or shape for the backside, feel free to get creative. You can cut a deep V-shape or experiment with different straps and cuts. Just make sure to cut symmetrically on both sides to maintain the balance of the shirt.

At this point, you can also decide how long or short you want the backside to be. If you prefer a cropped look, go ahead and cut the backside accordingly. You can also leave it longer for a more flowy and relaxed fit.

Once you're happy with the backside cut, it's a good idea to try on your creation. Make sure it fits comfortably and that the armholes are not too tight. Remember, you'll be wearing this shirt without straps, so you want to ensure it stays in place securely.

If you're feeling extra creative, you can even cut out shapes or designs from the excess fabric you cut off and sew or pin them onto the backside of your shirt for a unique, personalised look.

Now that you've cut the backside, you can move on to the next step of creating your one-of-a-kind strapless shirt from a tank top!

Make ties for the back

To make ties for the back of your new strapless shirt, you'll need to cut strips of fabric from the sleeves of your old t-shirt. Cut a 0.5"–1" wide strip from one of the sleeves. If you cut it carefully, you'll have a fabric loop. Cut this to get one straight piece of fabric. Depending on how far down your back you want the ties to go, you may need two pieces, so cut strips from both sleeves, just in case.

Now, grab the back of your tank top and bunch it together at the spot where you'd like the "racerback" portion to begin. Tie your long strip of fabric in a tight knot, holding the bunched fabric together. Leave a longer end to the tie, as you're going to wrap this into the shirt to prevent it from unravelling.

Begin winding the long piece of fabric "string" around and down the bunched racerback portion of your tank top. As you go, tuck the short end of your string underneath, to hide the excess fabric. If you get to a point where you'd like to continue, but your string is not long enough, tie another piece on, and keep going!

When you've gone as far down the tank as you'd like, tie another knot in the fabric. Then, use your finger to weave and tuck the excess fabric (beyond the knot) back into your twist. This will help prevent it from becoming untied or unravelling in the wash.

Hem the armholes

Hemming the armholes of your tank top is a crucial step in ensuring a neat and professional finish. Here is a detailed guide on how to achieve this:

Preparation:

Before you begin hemming, it is essential to have the right tools and understand the structure of the armhole. Armholes, also known as armscyes, are circular edges extending from the tip of the shoulder to the underarm. In a basic garment, the armhole has two crossing seams: the shoulder seam and the side seam. The classic shape is an oval, with the most curved part located at the underarm.

Techniques for Hemming:

The two most common techniques for finishing armhole edges are shaped facings and binding. Facings provide a dressier and more tailored look, suitable for medium-to-heavy fabrics. Binding, on the other hand, can be machine or hand-stitched and offers a casual finish for lightweight fabrics with good draping.

Steps for Hemming:

• Sew a Baste Stitch: Sew a baste stitch about 1/4" (6mm) away from the raw edge of the armhole. This will serve as a guide for folding and pressing the fabric.
• Turn and Press: Turn the fabric towards the wrong side along the stitch line and press it flat with an iron. This step helps create a crisp edge for your hem.
• Turn Under Again: Turn the fabric a second time, this time folding about 1/4" (6mm) towards the wrong side. Finger press this fold to create a neat edge. If the curve is tight, you may need to apply tension to the fold to navigate the curve smoothly.
• Sew the Hem in Place: Stitch the hem in place, gently massaging the fabric into the curve as you go. Your needlework should be neat and secure, ensuring the hem lies flat and smooth.

Tips:

• Matching Thread: When sewing any hem, use a thread colour that closely matches your fabric. This helps create a seamless and polished look.
• Practice on Similar Fabric: If you're a beginner, consider practising hemming on a similar fabric scrap before working on your actual garment. This will help you perfect your technique and ensure you don't make mistakes on your final piece.

Frequently asked questions