Crafting Comfy Nursing Tank Tops: A Diy Guide

Nursing clothes are expensive, and breastfeeding mothers often need to change them daily, sometimes more than once. A nursing tank top is a great solution to keep the stomach covered while nursing in public. It is possible to make your own nursing tank top by converting a regular tank top. This can be done by cutting the straps and sewing loops onto the camisole, which can then be attached to the clips of a nursing bra. This DIY method is inexpensive and allows mothers to continue wearing their regular clothes.

Choosing the right tank top

When choosing the right tank top to make your own nursing tank top, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you want to look for a tank top that is made with stretchy material and fits snugly. This will ensure that the finished product is comfortable and provides the right amount of support. It is also important to find a tank top with straps that are perpendicular to the back of the camisole and easy to remove. This will make it easier to create the loops that attach to your nursing bra.

In addition, you want to choose a tank top that is plain and does not have a shelf bra or any other built-in support. This will make it easier to cut and sew the straps, and ensure that the nursing tank top fits well over your nursing bra. It is also a good idea to choose a tank top that is inexpensive, as you will only need the top portion and can discard the rest. You can typically find basic tank tops at stores like Forever 21 or Walmart for under $2.

When choosing the right tank top, it is also important to consider the colour and style. If you want to make a variety of nursing tank tops to coordinate with your wardrobe, you may want to choose different colours or styles of tank tops. You can also get creative and use different types of fabric or add your own embellishments to the tank top before cutting and sewing the straps.

Finally, it is important to choose a tank top that is made with breathable and soft fabric, such as cotton or bamboo. This will ensure that you are comfortable while breastfeeding and that your skin does not become irritated.

Cutting the straps

To make your own nursing tank top, you will need a spaghetti-strap tank top or camisole. The top should be made of stretchy material and fit snugly. It is also important to select a top with straps that are perpendicular to the back of the camisole, as these will be easier to remove.

Once you have your chosen garment, follow these steps to cut the straps:

• Place the tank top on a flat surface with the front side facing down.
• Using a pair of sharp scissors, carefully cut the straps as close to the back of the tank as possible without cutting the tank itself. You can also use a seam ripper to detach the straps if you prefer.
• Flip the tank over.
• Cut the straps completely off, leaving about 1-2 inches attached to the front side of the tank. The length of the remaining strap will depend on how big you want your loops to be.
• Fold the remaining strap towards the inside of the tank to create a loop. You may want to test the loop size against your bra strap to ensure a good fit before sewing.

Now that you have cut and folded the straps, you can proceed to the next step, which is to sew the loops in place.

Creating loops

To create the loops, you will need to start with a basic spaghetti-strap tank top or camisole. Choose a plain style without a shelf bra, preferably made with stretchy fabric for a snug fit. You can find affordable options at stores like Forever 21 and Walmart, often for under $2.

Once you have your tank top, follow these steps to create the loops:

• Cut the straps: Use a pair of scissors to carefully cut the straps where they attach to the back of the tank top. You can either cut the threads or cut through the straps, whichever is easier for you. Ensure you only cut the back straps, leaving the front straps intact.
• Trim the straps: After cutting, trim the straps to your desired loop size. Typically, leaving about 1-2 inches attached to the front side of the tank top is sufficient.
• Sew the loops: Take the end of the strap and fold it over to create a small loop. Using a needle and thread, sew the end securely to the tank top. It doesn't have to be perfect, but make sure the stitching is strong enough to hold the weight of the tank top when attached to the nursing bra.
• Repeat on the other side: Perform the same steps on the other strap to create a matching loop.

By creating these loops, you will be able to attach your DIY nursing tank top to the clips of your nursing bra. This design allows the tank top to move with the bra when you unclip it for nursing, ensuring that your stomach remains covered.

Sewing the loops

Now that you have cut the straps, it's time to sew them into loops. Take the strap and fold it over to create a small loop. The loop should be large enough to slide over the clip of your nursing bra. You may want to test the loop size against your bra strap to ensure a good fit before sewing. Using a needle and thread, sew the base of the loop securely in place. This step should only take about 30 seconds with a sewing machine but can also be easily done by hand. Repeat this process on the other side.

Your loops don't have to be perfectly neat, but they should be secure. You can use thread that matches the colour of the tank top, or you can use whatever thread you have available. Once you've sewn both loops, your nursing tank top is ready to wear! Simply put it on over your nursing bra, and attach the loops to the clips of your bra on each side. Now you can lift up your shirt to nurse while keeping your stomach covered.

Attaching the loops to the bra

Now that you have cut the straps of your tank top, it's time to attach the loops to the bra. This will allow you to wear the tank over your nursing bra and provide coverage for your midsection while breastfeeding. Here are the steps you need to follow:

• Fold the remaining strap: Take the strap that is still attached to the front side of the tank top and fold it towards the inside of the tank to create a loop. The loop should be big enough to slide over the clip of your nursing bra. You may want to test the loop size against your bra strap to ensure a good fit before sewing.
• Secure the loop: Grab a needle and thread, preferably matching the colour of the tank top. Tie a knot at the end of the thread and start hand-sewing the bottom of the loop. Sew until it feels secure. This step should only take about 5 minutes and doesn't need to be perfect, as it will be hidden inside the tank top.
• Repeat on the other side: Perform the same steps on the other side of the tank top to create a symmetrical pair of loops.
• Wear your DIY nursing tank: Put on your nursing bra and slip the loops of the tank top over the clasps of the bra. You can now easily breastfeed while keeping your stomach covered, even when wearing a top that needs to be pulled up.

By creating your own nursing tank, you can save money and ensure you always have a fresh and comfortable option available. You can make these tanks in various colours to match your wardrobe and feel confident while breastfeeding in public.

Frequently asked questions