Transform Your Tank Top: Create A Cute Tie Back

Tank tops are a versatile piece of clothing that can be modified in a variety of ways to suit different styles and preferences. One popular way to customise a tank top is to turn it into a tie-back top, which offers a range of styling options and is particularly suitable for workout attire. This can be achieved through a few simple steps, with or without the use of scissors or sewing. By cutting the sides and back of the tank top, and tying the loose fabric together, individuals can create a unique and functional garment. This process can also be applied to T-shirts, transforming them into trendy tank tops with wider armholes and a variety of neckline options. With some creativity and basic tools, anyone can design their own tie-back tank tops and expand their wardrobe options.

Cut wider straps into thin double straps

To turn a tank top with wide straps into thin double straps, you'll need to start with a ribbed tank top with wide shoulder straps of at least 1 inch (2.5 cm) in width. It's best to choose a tank top with a binding around the armholes and collar, rather than hems.

Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Cut a small notch into the shoulder seam, staying within the collar and armhole hems. Do not cut straight across the top of the shoulders, as the shirt will fall apart.
• Cut around the armhole, starting from the notch and moving down the front of the tank. Use the armhole's binding as a guide and stop cutting when you reach the bottom edge of the collar or just below it. Repeat this step for the back of the tank, keeping in mind that the collar in the back will be higher.
• Cut around the collar in a similar fashion but stop just before it curves. Begin at the top of the collar at the shoulder notch and finish at the bottom, just before it starts to curve out horizontally. Repeat this step for the back of the tank, as the collar will be shallower.
• Cut the strips off at an angle in the front and back of the tank. This will give you two thin straps that are intact at the shoulder.
• Clean up the cut edges with smaller scissors for a neater finish. Cut as close as possible to the fabric wrapped around the edges of the collar and armholes to achieve a slender spaghetti strap look.
• Repeat the entire process on the other side to create symmetrical thin double straps.

By following these steps, you can transform a wide-strap tank top into a stylish and comfortable piece with thin double straps.

Turn a tank top into a wrap top

To turn a tank top into a wrap top, you'll need to start with a tank top made from stretchy material. You will be wrapping the cut straps of this tank around your torso, so it's important that the fabric stretches. The longer the tank top is, the easier it will be to wrap.

Turn the tank inside out and cut the side seams off halfway up the sides. Do not cut the side seams off all the way up to the armpits; just slice them open halfway up on each side of the tank. This will divide the tank top into two panels: a front panel and a back panel. If you're worried about the stitching unravelling, hand sew a few stitches over the cut ends.

Hold the tank top against you, then make a mark where you want it to end. Cut the side seams off up to this mark.

Cut the back panel off where you stopped cutting the side seams. Turn the tank top so that the back is facing you. Tuck the front panel of the tank top out of the way, then cut the back panel off. Start cutting at one side seam and finish cutting at the other. You are essentially cutting the tank top in half. Use the bottom cut edge of each side seam as a guide. Do not cut through the front panel. This will make the ties!

Cut a vertical slit into the centre of the front panel, halfway up the tank. Unfold the front panel so that it sticks out from under the back of the shirt. Find the middle of the hem on the front panel, then cut a vertical line, straight up to the bottom edge of the back panel. You can always cut from the front of the shirt, but it'll be harder to see where you should stop cutting!

Put the shirt on, then cross and tuck the front ties across your chest. Put the tank top on, then wrap the two ties across your chest. Angle them so that the bottom edges are aligned. Next, take the end of the tie that is on top, and tuck it under the tank top to hold it in place. The end of the left tie should be hidden under the bottom edge of the right tie. If it isn't, tuck it into place.

You can glue the ties in place if you don't want to re-wrap them each time. Insert a sewing pin into the front and sides of your tank, making sure to go through both layers of fabric. Do the same for the left and right sides. Pull the tank top off, then place a drop of fabric glue where the pins are. Let the glue dry, then remove the pins. Don't glue the entire bottom edge, or the shirt won't stretch anymore. The fabric glue will take about 15 to 20 minutes to dry.

Where exactly you place the sewing pins on the sides of the tank top depends on how far the ties stretch. This could be right at the side seams, or just before.

Refashion a T-shirt into a tank top

Refashioning a T-shirt into a tank top is a fun and easy project that can give new life to an old shirt. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Choosing the Right T-shirt

Start by finding a T-shirt that you don't mind cutting up. If you want a fitted tank top, choose a T-shirt that fits you well. If you prefer a looser style, you can go with a larger T-shirt. Keep in mind that the T-shirt should be washed and dried before you start, as fabric tends to shrink after the first wash.

Cutting the Sleeves

Turn your T-shirt inside out and use a pair of scissors to cut the sleeves off, following the seams as a guide. Be careful not to cut straight down through the sleeves, as they are wider in the front than in the back. Work your way around the seam to remove the sleeves.

Shaping the Armholes and Neckline

If you want deeper armholes, you can cut further into the shirt, being careful not to cut too much into the front. To shape the neckline, cut the collar off using the stitching as a guide. You can cut the front of the collar into a V-neck or a scoop neck, and even trim the back collar to match the front.

Creating a Fringe (Optional)

If you want to add a fun detail to your tank top, you can create a fringe at the bottom. Cut the shirt in half lengthwise and then cut a 1/2-inch wide fringe into the bottom of the shirt. Make vertical slits about 1/2 inch apart, stopping wherever you want the fringe to start. You can add pony beads to the fringe for an extra touch.

Finalizing the Tank Top

Turn the shirt inside out and cut the side seams to separate the front and back sections. Give all the cut edges a gentle tug to make them curl inwards, creating a clean finish. Your T-shirt fabric won't fray, so there's no need to hem it. And that's it! You've successfully refashioned a T-shirt into a tank top.

Turn a T-shirt into a racerback tank

If you want to turn a T-shirt into a racerback tank top, you will need a loose-fitting T-shirt. Do not use a fitted T-shirt, as it will not drape properly. Long, baggy T-shirts are ideal for this project.

Firstly, cut the sleeves off, making them bigger in the back of the shirt. Use the seams as a guide, and cut straight up towards the shoulders. Next, cut the collar off, then cut a V-shape into the back of the shirt. The bottom of the V should be about half the length of the armholes.

Now, cut the hem off your shirt, and then cut it again to make a long strand. You will use this to decorate the back of your tank top. Tie one end of the fabric strand to the bottom of the V-shape, and then wrap the strand around the fabric, moving downward. Try to wrap as tightly as you can, and stop when you reach the bottom of the armholes. Then, wrap the strand back towards the top of the shirt and secure the end. You can do this by tucking the end under the wound fabric, or by tying the two ends together into a tight knot first.

If you want to give your tank top a high-low look, spread the shirt down sideways so that you can see only the side seam, the armhole, and half of the front and back. Find the folded front side of the shirt, measure up a few inches, and then start cutting downwards towards the back of the shirt. When you are done, your shirt will be shorter in the front and longer in the back.

And that's it! You don't need to worry about hemming, as T-shirt fabric does not fray.

Style a tie-back tank top

There are many ways to style a tie-back tank top, and it is a versatile piece that can be worn for workouts, going out, or casually. Here are some ways to style a tie-back tank top:

For a Workout

• Pair the tie-back tank top with some high-waisted, loose-fitting shorts or leggings. This will create a comfortable and functional outfit for the gym or yoga.
• Opt for a sports bra-style tie-back tank top and wear it with a pair of high-waisted leggings. This will provide support and coverage during your workout while still showing off the stylish back detail.
• For a more relaxed look, tie-back tank tops can be paired with sweatpants or joggers. This will create a comfortable outfit for a light workout or a casual day out.

For a Night Out

• Style the tie-back tank top with a pair of high-waisted, wide-leg pants. The tie-back detail will show off a hint of skin while the high-waisted pants accentuate the waist.
• For a more formal event, pair the tie-back tank top with a sleek blazer and tailored trousers. The structure of the blazer and trousers will balance out the casualness of the tie-back top.
• For a fun and flirty look, tie-back tank tops can be paired with a midi or maxi skirt. Look for skirts with interesting details like ruffles or slits to add some movement to the outfit.

For a Casual Day

• Tie-back tank tops can be paired with denim shorts or a denim skirt for a casual, summery look. This will create a cute and comfortable outfit for running errands or meeting friends for coffee.
• For a more relaxed look, tie-back tank tops can be paired with loose-fitting, drawstring pants or culottes. This will create an effortless and stylish outfit for a casual day out.
• Layer the tie-back tank top over a plain white tee and pair it with some straight-leg jeans. This will create a casual and stylish outfit with a hint of edge.

No matter the occasion, tie-back tank tops are a versatile and stylish piece that can be dressed up or down to suit any style or event.

Frequently asked questions