Transforming Tank Tops: Create Your Own Vest

Tank tops are a staple in many people's wardrobes, and with the right tools, it's possible to make your own. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced crafter, there are several ways to turn a tank top into a vest. This can be done by cutting the sleeves off a T-shirt, or by sewing a vest from scratch using a tank top as a template.

Cut the sleeves off

Cutting the sleeves off is the first step in turning a T-shirt into a tank top. Place the T-shirt on a flat surface and smooth it out, lining up the seams. You can use a ruler or measuring tape to mark two inches from the seam at the neck of the T-shirt on both sides. You can also mark two inches below the seam of the sleeve, on both sides. If you want a deeper cut and a more open tank, you can go lower than two inches.

Now, take your scissors and cut just one sleeve off, starting at the bottom mark and following the natural curve of the sleeve seam up to the mark at the neck. Fold the T-shirt in half, lining up the neck seams, and trace your first cut to make an identical cut on the opposite side. You can use a pen or simply eyeball it.

Tips and Tricks

• If you want to create a racerback tank top, cut the sleeves off starting just under the armpits, then cut straight up towards the shoulders.
• For a basic tank top, you can cut the sleeves off a T-shirt by working your way around the sleeve seam, as the sleeves are actually wider in the front than in the back.
• You can also cut off the sleeves and collar of your T-shirt if you don't have a tank top to use as a template. Consider folding the shirt in half before cutting to ensure both sides are even.

Cut the neckline

Cutting the neckline is a crucial step in turning a tank top into a vest. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide:

Firstly, lay your tank top flat on a table, ensuring it is smooth and free of wrinkles. If necessary, use an iron to remove any creases. This step is important as it ensures accurate cutting and a neat finish.

Next, you will need to mark the cutting line for the new neckline. Using a ruler or measuring tape, measure and mark two inches from the seam at the neck of the tank top on both sides. You can adjust this measurement to your preference, but remember to mark it evenly on both sides to ensure symmetry.

Now, take a deep breath and get ready to cut! Use sharp fabric scissors to cut along the marked line on one side, following the natural curve of the sleeve seam towards the neckline. Take your time and cut carefully to avoid any mistakes.

Once you have cut one side, you will create a mirror image on the other side. Fold your tank top in half, lining up the neck seams. This will allow you to trace your first cut and create an identical cut on the opposite side. You can use a pen or washable marker to trace the cut, or simply eyeball it if you prefer.

After completing the second cut, unfold your tank top and admire your handiwork! You have successfully cut the neckline, creating a new shape for your vest.

If you want to further customise your vest, you can consider trimming the armholes or adding decorative elements like lace or ribbon. Remember to handle the fabric with care and always cut away from your body to avoid any accidental nicks. Happy crafting!

Cut the backside

Now for the scary part: cutting the backside of the tank top. Flip your T-shirt inside out and grab a sports bra with a wide, solid racerback strap, or find a racerback tank. Use it as a stencil. Line up the shoulders to the top of your soon-to-be-tank top. Trace the parts you can, and eyeball the rest.

Using the lines you just drew, lift up the back of the shirt, and cut out the backside of the shirt only. Be careful not to cut through both layers or you’re going to have a funny and potentially awkwardly shaped tank top.

Take one of the sleeves that you’ve cut off. Now, cut a 0.5″ – 1″ wide strip of fabric from the sleeve. If you cut it carefully, you’ll have yourself a loop. Cut that, you want one straight piece. Depending on how far you want the back of your tank to go down, you may need two pieces. Cut both sleeves, just in case.

Grab the back of the tank and bunch it together at the spot where you’d like the “racer back” 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; you’re going to wrap this into the shirt to prevent it from coming unravelled.

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 your string underneath as you go, to hide the excess fabric.

If you get to a point where you’d like to continue, but your string is long enough, tie another one on, and keep going!

When you’ve gone as far down the tank as you’d like to go, 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.

Finishing touches

Ta-da! You’ve got a kick-ass tank top! Make any adjustments you want to length or fit now. Bedazzle it, cut off the bottom cuff, whatever you want. It’s your tank top, go nuts!

Make the ties for the back

To make the ties for the back of your vest, you will need to cut a strip of fabric from one of the sleeves you removed earlier. Cut a 0.5"-1" wide strip of fabric from the sleeve. If you cut it carefully, you will be left with a loop of fabric. Cut this to create one straight piece. Depending on how far down your back you want the ties to go, you may need two pieces, so cut both sleeves just in case.

Now, grab the back of your tank top and bunch it together at the spot where you'd like the "racer back" portion to begin. Take your long strip of fabric and tie it 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 winding the long piece of fabric "string" around and down the bunched racer back portion of your vest. As you go, tuck the short end of your string underneath, hiding the excess fabric. If you need to attach another strip of fabric to reach the length you want, tie another piece on and keep going!

When you've gone as far down the vest 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 becoming untied or unravelling in the wash.

Hem the raw edges

Hemming the raw edges of your new vest is a crucial step in ensuring a neat and tidy finish. Here is a detailed, step-by-step guide:

Preparation:

Before you begin, ensure that you have the necessary tools and materials. You will need sharp fabric scissors, a ruler or measuring tape, a washable marker or pen, and a sports bra or racerback tank top to trace the armholes. It is also recommended to have a sewing machine, straight pins, and an iron.

Cutting the Sleeves:

Lay your tank top flat on a table, smoothing out any wrinkles or folds. Use your ruler or measuring tape to mark the cutting lines. Mark two inches from the seam at the neck of the tank top on both sides, and two inches below the seam of the sleeve on both sides. If you prefer a lower-cut style that shows more of your rib cage, you can go lower than two inches below the sleeve seam.

Take a deep breath and make your first cut! Cut just one sleeve off, starting at the bottom mark and following the natural curve of the sleeve seam up towards the mark at the neck. Now, fold your tank top in half, lining up the neck seams, and trace your first cut to make an identical cut on the opposite side.

Creating the Armholes:

Flip your tank top over and grab your sports bra or racerback tank. Use it as a stencil to create the armholes. Line up the shoulders of the tank top with the top of your sports bra or tank. Trace the armhole shape as closely as possible, and eyeball the rest. You can also use the original tank top you used as a template to trace the armholes if it has a similar style.

Folding and Pressing:

Now it's time to fold and press the raw edges to create neat hems. Fold the bottom hem up by a quarter of an inch, and then fold it over again by another quarter of an inch, so that the raw edge is enclosed within the second fold. Secure the fold with straight pins, and then iron it flat. Repeat this process for the armhole openings and neckline as well. For the sides and shoulder edges, simply fold the edge in by a quarter of an inch without performing the double fold. Pin and press these folds in place as well.

Stitching the Hem:

Finally, it's time to stitch your hem in place. If you have a sewing machine, use it to machine stitch along the open bottom, neckline, and armholes of the vest. Use a standard straight stitch, and be sure to use a seam allowance of no greater than a quarter of an inch. You can also sew by hand if you don't have a sewing machine, but it will be a more time-consuming process.

And that's it! You have successfully hemmed the raw edges of your new vest. Now you can try it on and show off your handiwork!

Frequently asked questions