Transform Your Tank Top: Shorten The Hem For A Fresh Look

Tank tops are a staple in many people's wardrobes, but sometimes the straps can be too long, causing them to slip off your shoulders. This can be easily fixed by shortening the straps, and there are a few different ways to do this. One way is to turn your tank top into a racerback style by using a string, clip, pin, or even a long, fluid ribbon to cinch the straps together. If you want to shorten the straps individually, you can do so by putting the tank top on inside out, pinning the straps to the desired length, sewing across the strap, and then cutting off the excess material. This method can also be done by hand if you don't have a sewing machine. Additionally, if you want to shorten the hem of your tank top, simply turn it inside out, cut it to the desired length, fold up the hem, iron it flat, and then sew it in place.

How to Shorten Tank Top Hem:

Put the tank top on inside out and pin straps to fit

To shorten the hem of a tank top, it is best to put it on inside out. This way, you can accurately determine how much you want to shorten the straps and ensure that the adjustments are symmetrical.

Start by pulling the shirt up at the shoulder seam until the strap is the desired length. Pin the strap at the shoulder. Do this on both sides. Check the armpits and neckline to make sure you haven't shortened the straps too much. Ensure that the straps are the same width at the pinned area.

You can make adjustments to the pins until you are happy with the fit. It is helpful to have a friend assist you with this process, but it is possible to do it yourself by taking the tank top on and off to check the fit.

Once you are satisfied with the pinning, mark the fabric on both sides of the seam with fabric chalk, a marker, or a pen. You can also use sewing pins if you don't have any other marking tools. These marks will guide you when you sew the straps.

After marking the fabric, remove the pins and align the marks on both shoulders. Stitch along the marks on both sides, securing the new length of the straps.

Finally, cut off any excess fabric, leaving about a half-inch seam allowance. Open up the seam and pin the edges down flat. Turn the tank top to the right side, ensuring that the edges lie flat. Stitch the ends down on both shoulders, and your tank top is now ready to wear!

Sew across the strap with a basic straight stitch or by hand

Once you have pinned the straps to fit, it's time to sew. You can use a basic straight stitch or sew by hand. If you are using a sewing machine, select a zigzag stitch or a stretch stitch. Use a colour that matches your tank top fabric and remove the pins as you sew.

If you are hand-sewing, you can use a running stitch and a whipstitch. Make sure to use a needle designed for hand-sewing.

Be sure to sew back and forth over the start and end of your sewing a few times to prevent unravelling. Try to start sewing at one of the side seams. This will help to conceal the start and end of your sewing.

Cut off extra material

Cutting off the extra material is a quick and easy way to shorten a tank top. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Try on the Tank Top

Before making any cuts, put on the tank top and determine how much shorter you want it to be. Mark the desired length with a pin, or use chalk or a washable fabric marker to draw a line at the desired length.

Step 2: Cut the Tank Top

Take off the tank top and lay it flat on a table, inside out. Cut off the bottom of the shirt, following the markings made in Step 1, leaving a seam allowance of about 0.5 inches. This extra fabric will be used to create the new hem.

Step 3: Fold and Iron the Hem

Fold the bottom edge of the fabric up by about 0.5 inches, creating a neat fold all around the bottom edge of the tank top. Use an iron to gently press and flatten the fold, securing it with sewing pins or quilting clips.

Step 4: Sew the Hem

Thread your sewing machine with cotton or polyester thread that matches the colour of the tank top. Set the machine to a zigzag stitch or a stretch stitch if available. Start sewing at the side seam of the shirt, stitching around the bottom edge to secure the new hem. Remove the pins as you sew.

Step 5: Finish and Press

Once the hem is sewn in place, remove any remaining pins and press the seams flat with an iron to give a neat, professional finish. Your tank top is now ready to wear!

Tips and Tricks:

• If you don't have a sewing machine, you can hand-sew the hem using a needle and thread. This will take longer but can still give a nice finish.
• For a quick and easy alternative to sewing, use fusible hem tape. Simply iron the tape between the folded fabric to create a semi-permanent hem.
• If you want to add a decorative touch, consider adding lace, ribbon, or pom-pom trim to the hem.

Wear the garment inside out and pin in place

To shorten a tank top hem, it is important to first wear the garment inside out. This is because you will be sewing with it inside out, and it allows you to mark the desired length of the tank top.

Once you have the tank top inside out, you can start pinning it in place. This is a crucial step to ensure that your hem is secure and does not move while you are sewing. Place the pins along the desired hemline, making sure that the fabric is flat and smooth, with no bumps or creases. You can also mark the fabric with fabric chalk or a marker on both sides of the seam to guide your stitching. This will ensure that your hem is straight and even all the way around.

When pinning, it is essential to consider the seam allowance. Leave some extra fabric above the pin, usually about 1/2 inch, to allow for the seam. This will ensure that your tank top is not too tight after hemming. Check that the straps are the same width at the pinned area and that the armpits and neckline still fit comfortably.

Once you are happy with the pinning, you can start sewing. Sew along the pinned area, following the marks you made with fabric chalk or a marker. If you are using a sewing machine, use a zigzag stitch or a stretch stitch, and choose a thread colour that matches your tank top. If you are sewing by hand, use a running stitch and whipstitch.

After sewing, you can cut off the excess fabric, leaving about 1/2 inch for the seam allowance. Open up the seam and pin the edges down flat, and then stitch the ends down. Turn the tank top to the right side, and your new hem is complete!

Stitch along the line on both shoulders

To stitch along the line on both shoulders, you will need to start by turning your tank top inside out. Then, try on the tank top and adjust the shoulder straps until you are happy with the length. Make sure that the seam runs along the middle of the strap. You can use a fabric pen to mark both sides of the seam for future reference.

Next, remove the tank top and take out the pins. Line up the lines that you drew on both the shoulders. Using a stretch stitch or a zigzag stitch, stitch along the lines that you drew on the shoulders.

After stitching, trim any excess fabric from the seam allowance. Open the seam and pin the edges so that they lie flat. Repeat this process on the other side.

Finally, finish by stitching a stretch overlock stitch over the seam allowances.

Frequently asked questions