Shrinking Tank Tops: Using Your Dryer To Resize

Tank tops with long straps can be a common issue for people of shorter stature. Luckily, there are ways to shorten the straps yourself, either by tightening the body of the shirt or by shortening the straps. This can be done by hand sewing with a needle and thread, or by using a sewing machine. The process involves measuring the desired length of the strap, cutting off the excess, and then sewing the strap back in place. This simple alteration can save you money and ensure a perfect fit for your tank top.

Cutting the tank top straps at the back

To shorten a tank top with a dryer, one suggested method is to cut the tank top straps at the back. This method is ideal for spaghetti straps or thin straps. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Using a good pair of fabric scissors, carefully cut the straps at the back of the tank top. Ensure you only cut the straps and not the actual top. This step requires precision to avoid damaging the rest of the garment.

Measuring the Straps:

After cutting the straps, decide how much shorter you want them to be. Measure the desired length on one strap, then use that measurement to cut the other strap to ensure they are the exact same length. This step ensures that your tank top straps remain even.

Sewing the Straps:

Once you've cut the straps to your desired length, it's time to sew them back in place. First, make sure the straps are not twisted. Bring the ends together at the point where you originally cut them. Hold the shortened strap in place, and hand-sew it back on. Start by pushing the needle through your tank top, and then through the strap.

Don't pull the thread all the way through. Instead, go back in with the needle, creating a loop. Put your needle through the loop and pull it tight. Repeat this process until your strap is securely sewn on. Make sure to do the same on the other side to ensure both straps are even and secure.

Final Fitting:

After sewing the straps back in place, try on the tank top to ensure it fits as desired. If any adjustments are needed, you can repeat the above steps or make minor adjustments by tightening or loosening the stitches.

Shortening tank top straps by cutting them at the back is a simple way to adjust the length of your garment. This method is ideal for thin straps and spaghetti straps, as it allows for a more precise adjustment. With careful measuring and sewing, you can achieve the perfect fit for your tank top.

Measuring how short the strap will be

To determine how short the straps of your tank top should be, you can measure the current strap length and decide how much shorter you would like them to be. Here is a step-by-step guide to measuring how short your tank top straps should be:

• Start by laying your tank top on a flat surface, ensuring it is wrinkle-free.
• Measure the current strap length by placing a measuring tape from the top of one shoulder seam, where the strap is attached, straight down to the same spot on the other side. This will give you the current length of the strap across your back.
• Decide how much shorter you would like the straps to be. Consider the desired fit and your comfort. You may want to try on the tank top and pin the straps at your desired length, checking the armholes and neckline to ensure a comfortable fit.
• Note the difference in length between the current strap length and your desired shorter length. This will be the amount you need to shorten each strap.
• Keep in mind that you might not remove the same amount of fabric from each side of the existing seam. Body proportions can vary, so you may need to adjust the straps accordingly. For example, if you have forward-facing shoulders, you might need to take more fabric from the front of the strap than the back.
• Repeat the measuring process for the front straps if your tank top has different strap lengths for the front and back.
• Once you have determined the desired shorter length for the straps, you can proceed with the actual shortening process, which involves cutting and sewing the straps to the new length.

Remember, it is always better to start with longer straps and gradually shorten them, as you can easily trim excess fabric, but you cannot add more fabric back once it is cut.

Sewing the straps back on

Now that you have cut the straps to your desired length, it is time to sew them back on.

Firstly, make sure the straps are not twisted. Bring the ends to meet at the point where you originally cut them off. Hold the shortened strap in place and hand-sew it back on. You can use a sewing machine or do this by hand with a needle and thread. If you are sewing by hand, start by pushing the needle through your tank top and then through the strap. Do not pull the thread all the way through. Instead, go in again with the needle, making a loop. Put your needle through the loop and pull. Repeat this process until your strap is securely sewn on. Make sure to do the same on the other side.

If you are using a sewing machine, stitch across the strap where you had placed the pin. If your tank is made from stretch fabric, you don’t need to worry about using a stretch stitch here as this part of the garment likely won't need to stretch much. You also don't need to worry about fraying with a knit fabric tank, but if your tank is made from woven fabric, you may want to add fray check to the raw edges.

The last step is to open the seam and press the seam allowances flat to the sides of the seam. Then you’ll topstitch those in place. Again, since this is a small area, a zigzag stitch, serger or other stretch stitch isn’t necessary.

Using a sewing machine vs hand-sewing

Using a sewing machine is generally faster and produces more durable results than hand-sewing. Sewing machines are ideal for large-scale projects or tasks that require efficiency. They create consistent, even stitches and can handle heavier fabrics with ease. However, they require a dedicated space, entail a financial investment, and may be intimidating for beginners to operate.

Hand-sewing, on the other hand, offers precision and control over stitching, making it perfect for intricate work, delicate fabrics, and small repairs. It requires minimal equipment, making it highly portable and ideal for sewing on the go. Hand-sewing also allows for creative stitching, such as embellishment along edges or on patches. However, it is generally slower and may not result in seams as strong as those produced by a machine, especially for heavy-duty fabrics.

When deciding whether to use a sewing machine or hand-sewing for shortening a tank top, consider the desired level of precision, the type of fabric, and any time constraints. If you're working with a heavy-duty fabric and want to ensure strong seams, a sewing machine might be the best option. On the other hand, if you're looking for a portable option that allows for creative stitching, hand-sewing could be the way to go.

For shortening tank top straps, you can use either method. Start by pulling the shirt up at the shoulder seam until the strap is the desired length. Pin the strap at the shoulder, and then cut off the excess fabric, leaving some fabric for a seam allowance. Flip the strap so that the pieces are right sides together and stitch across where the pin was placed. Finally, open the seam and press the seam allowances flat to the sides.

Adjusting the armholes

First, try on the tank top and pinch under the armhole to measure how much you want to take in. You can make a mental measurement or use a measuring tape for more accuracy. Next, take off the shirt and lay it on a flat surface. Use sewing pins to pin the sides of the shirt together under the armpits. Make a mark under the armpit where you pinched and measured when the shirt was on.

Now, it's time to sew! Try to make the seam you're creating as parallel to the original seam as possible, even as you get towards the armhole. Avoid creating a curve or point if you can. Start at the armhole and sew straight down towards the hem of the shirt. The farther you sew from the original seam, the tighter your top will become, so keep that in mind. If you only want to take in a small amount, keep your seam close to the original seam.

Before you sew the second side, try on the shirt and ensure the armhole is to your liking. Adjust if needed, then repeat the process on the other side. Try on the shirt again, and if the armholes are to your liking, cut off the extra fabric. To finish, zigzag or serge the raw edges of the fabric so that it doesn't fray.

If you're adjusting the armhole of a tank top with straps, you can also adjust the straps to ensure a perfect fit. First, pull the shirt up at the shoulder seam until the strap is the desired length, then pin at the shoulder. Do this on both sides, and ensure that the straps are the same width at the pinned area. Cut off the excess fabric, leaving fabric above the pin for a seam allowance. Flip the shortened strap so that the pieces are right side together, and pin them this way. Stitch across the strap where the pin was, and open the seam. Press the seam allowances flat to the sides of the seam, then topstitch them in place.

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