Transforming A T-Shirt To A Tank Top: A Diy Guide

There are several ways to turn a T-shirt into a tank top, and it can be a great way to upcycle old clothing. The basic method involves cutting the sleeves off a T-shirt, and then cutting the neckline and backside to create a tank top shape. This can be done by eye, or by using a pre-existing tank top as a template. If you want to create a racerback style tank top, you can cut the back of the armholes to create a skinny band of fabric between the shoulder blades. To finish the garment, you can hem the cut edges with a sewing machine, or leave them raw as T-shirt fabric does not fray.

Choose a t-shirt

The first step to turning a T-shirt into a tank top is to choose a T-shirt. It is important to select a T-shirt that you are comfortable with cutting up and altering. You can choose a T-shirt that is old, faded, or stained, as this DIY project will give it new life. If you want a fitted tank top, choose a T-shirt that fits you well. However, if you prefer a looser fit, you can opt for a T-shirt that is a size or two larger.

It is recommended to wash and dry the T-shirt before starting the project, especially if it is new. Fabric tends to shrink after the first wash, and you want to ensure that your T-shirt is the desired size before cutting and altering it.

Consider the design and colour of the T-shirt as well. If there is a logo or design on the front that you want to showcase, make sure to centre it when cutting the armholes and neckline. Choose a T-shirt with fun colours or cute prints that you will enjoy wearing as a tank top.

Once you have selected the T-shirt, you will need to gather the necessary tools and prepare the shirt for cutting. This may involve ironing the shirt to remove any wrinkles and ensure a smooth surface to work with.

If you plan to use a tank top as a template for cutting, place the tank top over the T-shirt, aligning the shoulders. Pin the tank top to the T-shirt to keep it from shifting during the cutting process.

Now that you have chosen a T-shirt, you are ready to move on to the next steps of transforming it into a tank top.

Cut the sleeves

The first step to turning a T-shirt into a tank top is to cut off the sleeves. This will give the shirt a sleeveless look and help you achieve the desired style. Here is a step-by-step guide to cutting the sleeves:

• Place your T-shirt on a flat surface: Before you begin cutting, lay your T-shirt on a table or another flat surface. Make sure the shirt is smoothed out and free of any wrinkles or creases.
• Mark the cutting lines: Using a ruler or measuring tape, mark the cutting lines for the sleeves. Make a mark two inches from the seam at the neck of the T-shirt on both sides. You can adjust this measurement if you want a deeper neckline or a wider armhole. Then, mark two inches below the seam of the sleeve, on both sides. This will be your cutting guide for removing the sleeves.
• Cut one sleeve: Take a pair of scissors and start cutting just one sleeve first. Begin cutting at the bottom mark under the sleeve and follow the natural curve of the sleeve seam, aiming for the mark you made at the neck. Be careful and precise in your cutting to ensure straight and clean lines.
• Fold the shirt and cut the other sleeve: After cutting one sleeve, fold your T-shirt in half, lining up the neck seams. This will allow you to create a symmetrical cut for the other sleeve. You can use your previous cut as a guide or mark the cutting line with your pen or ruler. Cut along the folded edge to remove the sleeve.
• Smooth out the cut edges (optional): Once both sleeves are cut, you may want to smooth out the cut edges to create a more polished look. You can use an iron to press the edges flat, folding them inward by about half an inch. This step is optional, especially if you prefer a raw, unfinished edge.
• Try on the shirt: After cutting the sleeves, try on the shirt to see how it fits and ensure that the armholes are comfortable and not too tight. Adjust the cutting lines if needed.

Remember, it is essential to be cautious when cutting, as you want to ensure straight and clean cuts. Always cut away from your body and take your time to achieve the desired result.

Cut the neckline

The first step to cutting the neckline is to lay your t-shirt flat on a table and smooth out any creases. If you want to be precise, you can use a ruler or measuring tape to mark the cutting line.

For a basic tank top, you can use a washable marker or pen to mark two inches from the seam at the neck of the t-shirt on both sides. If you want a deeper neckline, you can mark further away from the seam.

If you are using a tank top as a template, place it over the t-shirt, aligning the shoulders, and pin it in place. This will ensure that your cuts are even on both sides.

Now it's time to cut! Start at the bottom of the neckline and follow the curve of the seam, cutting upwards towards the shoulder. If you are cutting freehand without a template, try to cut slowly and carefully to ensure that both sides are symmetrical.

If you want a wider or lower neckline, you can cut the front neckline further after you have finished cutting. Remember that you can always cut more but you can't add fabric back, so it's better to cut less than you think you need at first.

Once you are happy with the neckline, you can either leave the edges raw or fold and stitch them for a more finished look.

Cut the backside

Now for the creative part! Flip your T-shirt over so the back is facing you. Grab a sports bra with a wide, solid racerback strap, or a racerback tank top. Use this as a stencil to trace the shape you want to cut out. 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 shirt and cut out the backside only. Be careful not to cut through both layers, or you'll be left with a funny and awkwardly shaped tank top.

If you want to add a racerback, cut a 0.5"-1" wide strip of fabric from one of the sleeves you cut off earlier. If you cut it carefully, you'll have a loop— cut this so you have one straight piece. Depending on how far down you want the back of your tank top to go, you may need two pieces. Cut both sleeves, just in case.

Now, grab the back of the tank and bunch it together where you'd like the racerback portion to begin. Tie your long strip of fabric in a tight knot, holding the bunched fabric together. Leave a longer end to the tie, as you'll be wrapping this into the shirt to prevent it from unravelling.

Begin winding the long piece of fabric "string" around and down the bunched racerback portion of your tank. As you go, tuck the short end of the string underneath, hiding the excess fabric. If you get to a point where you'd like to continue, but your string isn't long enough, tie another piece on and keep going!

When you've gone as far down the tank as you'd like, tie another knot in the fabric. Then, use your finger to weave and tuck the excess fabric beyond the knot back into your twist. This will help prevent it from coming untied or unravelling in the wash.

Make ties for the back

To make ties for the back of your new tank top, you will need to cut a strip of fabric from the sleeve of the T-shirt. This will be used to tie the back of the tank top together.

Firstly, cut the sleeves off the T-shirt. Then, cut a 0.5"-1" wide strip of fabric from one of the sleeves. If you cut carefully, you will be left with a loop of fabric. Cut this to create one long, straight piece. Depending on how far down your back you want the ties to go, you may need to cut two pieces.

Now, grab the back of your tank top and bunch it together where you want the "racerback" portion to begin. Tie your long strip of fabric in a tight knot, holding the bunched fabric together. Leave a longer end to the tie, as you will be wrapping this into the shirt to prevent it from unravelling.

Begin to wind the long piece of fabric "string" around and down the bunched racerback portion of your tank. As you go, tuck the short end of the string underneath to hide the excess fabric. If you run out of string before you reach the bottom of the tank, simply tie another piece on and keep going!

When you have gone as far down as you would like, tie another knot in the fabric and use your finger to weave and tuck the excess fabric beyond the knot back into the twist. This will help to prevent the knot from coming untied or unravelling in the wash.

Frequently asked questions