Stavrina Asteriou
Transforming an old T-shirt into a tank top is a fun and easy DIY project. With just a few simple steps, you can turn an unwanted T-shirt into a stylish and functional tank top, perfect for working out or layering. This guide will teach you how to cut a T-shirt into a tank top, with or without sewing, and even how to make a trendy racerback style. So, get ready to give your old T-shirts new life and learn how to perfectly cut a shirt into a tank top!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Required items | T-shirt, washable marker or pen, scissors, sports bra or racer-back tank top |
| Preparation | Lay T-shirt flat on the ground or a table, smooth out wrinkles, use ruler or measuring tape to mark 2 inches from the seam at the neck of the T-shirt on both sides, mark 2 inches below the sleeve seam on both sides |
| Cutting | Cut one sleeve off, follow the natural curve of the sleeve seam, aiming for the mark at the neck, fold T-shirt in half and cut the other sleeve, flip the shirt over, use the sports bra or racer-back tank top as a stencil to trace the back of the shirt, cut out the back side of the shirt |
| Tying | Cut a 0.5-1-inch wide strip of fabric from the sleeve, grab the back of the tank top and bunch it together where the "racer back" portion should begin, tie a knot with the fabric strip, begin winding the fabric strip down the bunched racer back portion, tie another knot when you've gone as far down as you'd like, weave and tuck the excess fabric beyond the knot |
| Adjustments | Make any desired adjustments to the length or fit, such as cutting off the bottom cuff |
What You'll Learn
Lay the t-shirt flat on a table, then lay the tank top over it, aligning the shoulders
Laying the T-shirt flat on a table is the first step in turning it into a tank top. Make sure to smooth it out, lining up the seams to make it super flat. If you want to be extra precise, you can use a ruler or measuring tape to ensure the T-shirt is evenly laid out.
Next, take your tank top and lay it over the T-shirt. This will serve as your template to create the new armholes and neckline for your tank top. When laying the tank top over the T-shirt, make sure to align the shoulders of both garments. This step is crucial to ensure that your new tank top will fit you properly.
You can use straight pins to secure the tank top to the T-shirt. Place the pins along the edges of the tank top, pinning through all layers of both shirts. This will keep the shirts from shifting and ensure a more accurate cut.
At this point, you can also mark the desired shape and length of the armholes and neckline with a washable marker or pen before cutting. This will give you a better idea of how your tank top will look and allow for any last-minute adjustments.
Once you are satisfied with the placement and markings, it's time to cut! Carefully cut along the outline of the tank top, adding a seam allowance if you plan on hemming the armholes and neckline. Remember to cut only the top layer of the T-shirt if it is still inside out.
Now you have successfully transformed your T-shirt into a tank top! You can choose to leave the edges raw and unhemmed, as T-shirt fabric does not fray, or you can finish the hems for a neater appearance.
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Cut the t-shirt, using the tank top's armholes and neckline as a guide
Now that you have your t-shirt and tank top ready, it's time to start cutting! Place your t-shirt flat on a table and smooth out any creases or wrinkles. You can use a ruler or measuring tape to mark guidelines for your cut with a washable marker or pen.
When marking the guidelines, keep in mind that you will be cutting the t-shirt to match the armholes and neckline of the tank top. Make marks about two inches from the seam at the neck of the t-shirt on both sides. If you want to keep the ring on the shirt, you can adjust the marks accordingly. Similarly, mark about two inches below the sleeve seam on both sides. If you want a more open tank top that shows more of your rib cage, you can mark lower than two inches.
Once you have your guidelines marked, it's time to start cutting. Take your scissors and start by cutting just one sleeve off the t-shirt. Begin at the bottom mark under the sleeve and follow the natural curve of the sleeve seam towards the mark you made at the neck. After cutting one sleeve, fold the t-shirt in half, lining up the neck seams. This will allow you to cut the other sleeve identically without having to mark guidelines on that side.
Now that you have both sleeves cut, it's time to work on the armholes and neckline. Place your tank top on top of the t-shirt, aligning the shoulders. Make sure that the front of both shirts is facing up. You can pin the tank top to the t-shirt to keep it from moving while you cut. Cut the t-shirt, using the armholes and neckline of the tank top as your guide. Remember to leave a ½-inch (1.27 cm) seam allowance if you want a finished hem.
If you don't have a tank top to use as a guide, you can cut the armholes and neckline freehand or use a sports bra with a wide, solid racerback strap as a stencil. Just line up the shoulders of the sports bra with the top of your soon-to-be tank top and trace the shape you want.
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Cut off the sleeves and collar of your t-shirt
Cutting off the sleeves and collar of your t-shirt is a great way to create a basic tank top. This method does not require sewing, as t-shirt fabric does not fray. However, you can choose to finish the hems with a sewing machine for a neater look.
To begin, lay your t-shirt flat on a table and smooth out any wrinkles. If you want to keep the collar, mark two inches from the seam at the neck of the t-shirt on both sides with a washable marker or pen. Next, mark two inches below the seam of the sleeve, on both sides. If you prefer a deeper cut that shows more of your rib cage, you can mark lower than two inches.
Now, it's time to start cutting! Take your scissors and cut one sleeve off, starting at the bottom mark and following the natural curve of the sleeve seam up to the mark you made at the neck. Repeat this process for the other sleeve, ensuring both sides are even.
If you want a more open-back style, you can cut the back of the shirt in a racerback shape. Grab a sports bra or a racerback tank top and use it as a stencil. Line up the shoulders with your newly cut tank top and trace the shape you want for the back. Cut along the lines you drew, being careful not to cut through both layers of the shirt.
And that's it! You've successfully cut off the sleeves and collar of your t-shirt to create a tank top. Feel free to make any adjustments you like, such as cutting off the bottom cuff or adding decorations.
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Cut the back of the armholes into a racerback shape
To cut the back of the armholes into a racerback shape, you'll need to grab a sports bra with a wide, solid racerback strap, or find a racerback tank top. Use this as a stencil for your T-shirt. Line up the shoulders of the tank top to the top of your soon-to-be tank top. Trace the parts you can, and eyeball the rest.
Using the lines you've just drawn, lift up the back of the T-shirt and cut out the back side of the shirt only. Be careful not to cut through both layers, or you'll be left with an awkwardly shaped tank top.
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Cut a deep V-shape into the back of the shirt
To cut a deep V-shape into the back of your shirt, start by laying it flat on a table and smoothing out any creases. Grab a washable marker or pen and a ruler or measuring tape. From the seam at the neck of the shirt, measure and mark two inches down on both sides. You can adjust this measurement based on how deep you want your V-shape to be. Next, fold the shirt in half, lining up the neck seams, so that you can cut identical lines on both sides. Now, cut the back of the shirt only, following the line you marked earlier from the neck seam to the sleeve seam. Unfold the shirt and you should have a deep V-shape cut into the back.
You can further customise your new tank top by cutting off the bottom cuff or bedazzling it. The cuts will get softer with washing, so don't worry if they appear too harsh at first.
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