Transform Your Old T-Shirts Into Trendy Tank Tops

Turning an old T-shirt into a tank top is a great way to upcycle your wardrobe. This simple DIY project can be done with just a pair of scissors and a sewing machine (optional). You can use an existing tank top as a template or cut the sleeves and collar off your T-shirt for a basic tank top. For a more fitted look, you can finish the hems with a rolled hem. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try making a racerback tank top by cutting a deeper armhole and adding a fabric strand for decoration. With a little creativity, you can give your old T-shirts a new lease of life!

Choose a t-shirt

To make a tank top from a T-shirt, you will need to choose a T-shirt and prepare it for cutting. Here are some tips for choosing the right T-shirt and getting it ready:

Firstly, select a T-shirt that you won't mind cutting up. It should be a shirt that you don't mind altering and transforming. If you are new to this, it is a good idea to practice on an old shirt first, so you don't risk ruining a favourite.

If you want a fitted tank top, choose a T-shirt that fits you well. If you are going for a looser, more relaxed style, the fit of the T-shirt is less important. You can also use a brand-new shirt, but make sure to wash and dry it first, as fabric tends to shrink after the first wash.

Once you have selected your T-shirt, iron it to remove any wrinkles. This step is important, as it will make the fabric smoother and easier to work with. It will also ensure that your tank top has a neat and professional finish.

Now, you are ready to start the transformation process. Lay your T-shirt flat on a table and turn it inside out. If you have a tank top that you like the fit of, you can use it as a template. Place the tank top on top of the T-shirt, aligning the shoulders of both garments. This will give you a guide for cutting the armholes and neckline.

If you don't have a tank top to use as a template, don't worry. You can still create a unique tank top. Use a chalk pen or erasable pen to trace the desired armhole shape onto one side of the T-shirt. Cut out the armhole, then fold the shirt in half, lining up the shoulder and side seams. Use the first cut as a guide to cut out the other armhole, ensuring both sides are even.

With your T-shirt prepared, you are now ready to start cutting and creating your new tank top!

Cut sleeves and collar

Cutting the sleeves and collar is the first step in making a tank top from a T-shirt. This is a simple process, but it does require some precision. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Firstly, lay your T-shirt flat on a table or another surface, ensuring it is smoothed out and the seams are lined up. If you are using a tank top as a template, place it on top of the T-shirt, aligning the shoulders. If you are not using a template, simply use a ruler or measuring tape to mark two inches from the seam at the neck of the T-shirt on both sides, and two inches from the seam of the sleeve. You can go lower than two inches if you want a more open tank top.

Now, it is time to cut! Cut one sleeve, starting at the mark you made under the sleeve and following the curve of the seam up to the mark at the neck. Then, fold the T-shirt in half, lining up the neck seams, and cut the other sleeve, using the first cut as a guide.

If you are using a template, you can now unpin the tank top and put it away. If you are not using a template, you will need to cut the collar. Simply cut along the marks you made at the neck, joining them up to create a smooth line.

At this point, you can try on your new tank top and make any adjustments to the armholes and neckline. You can also choose to hem the armholes and neckline, or leave them raw, as T-shirt fabric does not fray.

Converting a T-shirt into a tank top is a simple and effective way to give new life to old or unwanted clothes.

Use a tank top as a template

If you have a tank top that fits you well, you can use it as a template to cut your T-shirt. This will ensure that your new tank top will have the right fit and look good on you.

First, lay your T-shirt flat on a table and turn it inside out. Then, place your tank top over it, making sure to align the shoulders of both garments. Use straight pins to secure the tank top to the T-shirt along its edges. This will prevent the tank top from moving and ensure a more even cut.

Now, you can use the tank top's armholes and neckline as a guide for cutting the T-shirt. If you want a finished hem, leave a 1/2-inch (1.27 cm) seam allowance. However, this is optional since T-shirt fabric does not fray.

Once you've cut the T-shirt, remove the pins and put the tank top aside. Your new tank top is now ready to be worn! You can also fold and iron the cut edges, and stitch them down for a more polished look.

Cut neckline and armholes

To cut the neckline and armholes, first, turn the t-shirt inside out. If you are using a tank top as a template, place it on top of the t-shirt, lining up the shoulder seams. Using a chalk pen or erasable pen, trace the armhole of one side of the shirt. You can eyeball where you want to cut. Cut out the armhole and then fold the shirt in half, lining up the shoulder and side seams. Use the previous cut as a guide to cut out the other armhole.

If you don't have a tank top to use as a template, you can cut the sleeves off your t-shirt, following the natural curve of the sleeve seam. You can also cut the collar off your t-shirt. Consider folding the shirt in half before cutting to ensure both sides are even.

If you want to finish the armholes with a rolled hem, cut the sleeves off outside the sleeve seam, leaving about a 1/4" from the seam. This will give the armhole a little reinforcement and feel like you've added binding to it. If you want a deeper cut, you can do that as well.

Try on the shirt before cutting to ensure it fits well and cut where you want it to be. If the armholes are a little loose, note that they will be more fitted after hemming or adding binding.

Hem the edges

Hemming the edges of your new tank top is an important step to ensure a neat and professional finish. Here is a detailed guide:

Preparation:

Firstly, decide how short you want your tank top to be. Place your t-shirt on a flat surface and use a ruler to measure and mark the desired length. Cut your t-shirt along this line, adding about half an inch to the desired length to account for the hem.

Folding the Hem:

Turn your t-shirt inside out and fold the hem by half an inch. This will be the inside of your hem. Iron the fold to ensure a crisp edge. If you want a neater finish on the inside, you can serge the raw edge, but it is not necessary as t-shirt fabric does not fray.

Securing the Hem:

Secure the hem with sewing pins. If you don't have a sewing machine or don't know how to sew, you can use iron-on hem tape. Simply slip the tape into the hem and follow the package instructions to secure it.

Sewing the Hem:

If you are sewing the hem, use a zigzag stitch or a stretch stitch on your sewing machine. Choose a thread color that matches your tank top. Sew as close to the raw edge as possible, removing the pins as you sew. For a more professional finish, use a double-pointed needle or sew a second line right beneath the first one. Remember to sew back and forth at the start and end of your sewing to prevent unraveling.

Finishing Touches:

Snip off any excess threads and turn your tank top right side out. Your new tank top is now ready to wear!

Alternative Methods:

There are alternative methods to finish the hem of your tank top, such as using lace or pom-pom trim, leaving a raw edge for a natural rolled look, or using a serger for a rolled hem. You can also use the existing hem from a larger t-shirt to create a professional finish without any additional hemming work.

Frequently asked questions