Sewing A New Back Neckline: Tank Top Refashion

Sewing a bow onto the back of a tank top is a great way to redesign an old T-shirt and keep your wardrobe fresh. You can use an old V-neck T-shirt, a pair of scissors, and some glue to create a drape-y, open-back look. If you want to sew a bow onto a tank top, you will need to first cut a half-circle out of the neckline that's about 4 inches deep into the back of the shirt. Then, cut straight across the back of the shirt, being careful not to cut through the side seams. Next, cut a strip of fabric from the extra fabric you cut from the neckline, and wrap it around the spot where you pinch the fabric together to form the bow. Glue the strip in place on the inside of the shirt, and let it dry before trying on your new creation!

Choosing the right fabric

When choosing the right fabric for your tank top, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to select a fabric that is comfortable and breathable, especially if you plan to wear the tank top in warm weather. Natural fabrics such as cotton or linen are ideal, as they are soft, absorbent, and allow the skin to breathe. Cotton is also durable and easy to care for, making it a practical choice. Linen, on the other hand, has a more textured look and is known for keeping cool in hot weather. A linen-cotton blend can offer the best of both worlds.

Another factor to consider is the weight and drape of the fabric. For a tank top, you will likely want a fabric that is lightweight or medium-weight, as this will be more comfortable and flattering. A fabric with a nice drape will also ensure that the tank top hangs well on the body. When choosing a knit fabric, look for one with good recovery, meaning it snaps back into shape after being stretched. This is important for ensuring your tank top retains its shape over time.

If you plan to sew a bow onto the back of the tank top, you will also need to select an appropriate fabric for the bow. The bow fabric can be the same as or complementary to the tank top fabric. Cotton, satin, silk, or chiffon are all good choices for the bow, as they are lightweight and easy to work with. Keep in mind that you will need a small piece of fabric for the centre of the bow, so you may want to choose something that contrasts nicely with the main fabric.

Finally, consider the colour and pattern of the fabric. A solid colour can be versatile and timeless, while a print or pattern can add a unique touch to your tank top. If you plan to wear the tank top as an underlayer, you may want to choose a neutral colour that will be discreet under other garments. On the other hand, if you want the tank top to stand out, you might opt for a bright colour or bold pattern.

Sewing the shoulder straps

Preparing the Shoulder Straps:

• Place the front and back pieces of your tank top fabric right sides together. Ensure the straps, armpit area, and side seams are properly aligned.
• Sew a 1/4" seam down both sides and across the top of each strap. Use a stretch stitch for this step to allow for flexibility and comfort.
• Try on the tank top to check the fit. Adjust the strap length, neckline, and bottom curve as needed.
• Finish the raw edges of the straps by folding and pressing. First, fold the edge of the strap inward by 1/4", and then fold it again by another 1/4" to enclose the raw edge. This technique creates a neat finish and reinforces the straps.
• Pin and press the folds in place. You can use a steam iron to create crisp, defined folds.
• Repeat this process for both shoulder straps to ensure consistency.
• Now, place the front and back pieces together again, with the "right" sides facing each other and the "wrong" sides facing out.
• Pin the shoulder straps in place, ensuring they align perfectly. You may want to use multiple pins along the length of the straps to secure them before sewing.
• Sew the shoulder straps using a stretch stitch and a seam allowance of no more than 1/4". This will create a strong and flexible seam that can withstand wear and tear.

Your tank top's shoulder straps are now securely sewn in place! Remember to use a stretch stitch throughout to allow for movement and ensure your tank top is comfortable to wear.

Hemming the bottom of the tank top

Hemming the bottom of a tank top is a simple process, but it is important to get it right to achieve a neat and professional finish. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Preparation:

Firstly, gather your materials. You will need a sewing machine, thread that matches the colour of your tank top, scissors, pins, and an iron. It is also helpful to have a needle and some extra fabric to practise your hemming technique.

Step 1:

Begin by taking the raw edge of the bottom of your tank top and folding it under by about a quarter of an inch. Secure this folded edge with pins, and then run an iron over the fold to keep it in place. This will make for a much cleaner hem.

Step 2:

Now, remove the pins and fold this edge over once more, by about a quarter of an inch, so that the raw edge is no longer visible. This will prevent the edge from shedding when you wash the top. Pin this fold in place and iron it again.

Step 3:

Set up your sewing machine with the matching thread. Start sewing at the side seam of the tank top, and sew a half-inch straight stitch, just under a quarter of an inch from the edge of the fabric. Sew backwards over this stitching to create a knot, and then continue stitching forwards again, keeping the stitches just under a quarter of an inch from the edge of the fabric. Pull out the pins as you go, so you don't sew over them.

Step 4:

Continue stitching all the way around the bottom of the tank top until you reach your starting point. Then, stitch backwards by about half an inch to create a final knot. Cut the threads, and your hem is complete!

Tips:

It is important to note that hems are crucial to the overall look of your garment. Without a hem, your tank top will look more like a craft project than a finished piece of clothing. There are some exceptions to this rule, such as when using lace fabric or a fabric that does not fray. However, in most cases, a hem is essential.

Additionally, while it is not necessary to iron the seam, it is recommended, as it creates a much neater finish.

Attaching the bow

Now that you've cut out the back of your tank top, it's time to attach the bow. Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Cut a strip of fabric: Using the excess fabric from cutting the back of the tank top, cut a strip of fabric that is approximately 4 inches by 2 inches. You can adjust the size of the strip depending on the desired size of your bow.
• Create the bow shape: Fold the strip of fabric in half and pinch the centre to create a bow shape. You can also experiment with different bow styles, such as a double bow or a looped bow.
• Position the bow: Place the bow where you want it to sit on the back of the tank top. You can use a pin to temporarily secure it in place. Make sure the bow is centred and at the desired height.
• Sew the bow in place: Using a needle and thread, carefully sew the centre of the bow to the tank top. You can also use fabric glue if you prefer a no-sew option.
• Secure the bow: To ensure the bow is securely attached, sew or glue the ends of the bow to the tank top as well. This will prevent the bow from slipping or moving around.
• Finalize the look: Adjust the bow as needed and make any necessary adjustments to the tank top. You can also add additional embellishments, such as buttons or rhinestones, to enhance the look.

By following these steps, you can easily attach a bow to the back of your tank top. Feel free to experiment with different fabrics, colours, and bow styles to create a unique and personalized look.

Finishing the raw edges

Step 1: Cut a Strip of Fabric

First, cut a long strip of fabric that is approximately 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. The length of the strip will depend on the size of your tank top and the areas you need to finish. This strip of fabric will be used to cover and finish the raw edges of the neckline, armholes, and bottom hem.

Step 2: Line Up the Fabric Strip

Take the fabric strip and line it up with the neckline of your tank top. Leave about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of overlap on either side of the neckline. This overlap will be useful later to cover up the raw edges at the back opening of the tank top. Position the strip with the right sides of the fabric facing each other.

Step 3: Sew a Narrow Seam

With the fabric strip lined up, sew a very narrow seam along the neckline, using a straight stitch. Go all the way around the neckline, keeping the fabric strip and neckline aligned as you sew. This step will attach the fabric strip to the neckline, creating a neat finish.

Step 4: Press the Strip Towards the Inside

Once you've sewn the fabric strip to the neckline, it's time to press it towards the inside of the tank top. Use an iron to press the strip, ensuring that it lies flat and is securely attached. This step will give a crisp and professional look to your tank top.

Step 5: Fold and Sew the Raw Edge

Now, you'll need to fold and sew the raw edge of the fabric strip. Fold the raw edge of the strip in towards the tank top, and then fold it again, so that the raw edge is completely hidden inside. This creates a clean finish and ensures that the raw edge won't unravel or fray. Sew all the way around the pressed edge and the folded edge to secure it in place.

Step 6: Finish the Opening in the Back (if applicable)

If your tank top design includes an opening in the back, such as a button closure, finish the raw edges there as well. Use the same technique as above, attaching a 1-inch strip of fabric to cover and finish the raw edges. If you're adding a button loop, create it by folding a small portion of the fabric strip and sewing it in place while attaching the strip.

Step 7: Finish the Armholes and Bottom Hem

Just like with the neckline, use the fabric strip to finish the armholes and bottom hem of the tank top. For the armholes, attach the fabric strip in a circular fashion, leaving the ends near the side seam. Sew a narrow hem all around the armholes, ensuring that the raw edges are fully covered. For the bottom hem, simply fold the fabric under about 1/8 inch (3 mm), and then another 1/8 inch (3 mm), sewing as you go. Press the hem with an iron for a more polished look.

Frequently asked questions