Transform Your Tank: Create A Stylish Wrap Top

Tank tops are a staple in many wardrobes, but sometimes you want to switch up your style. If you're looking to get more creative with your tank tops, you can easily transform them into stylish wrap tops. All you need is a pair of scissors and a tank top made from stretchy material. The longer the tank top, the better, as you'll be using the length to create ties. Simply cut the side seams halfway up each side, then cut the back panel off, and finally, cut a vertical slit in the centre of the front panel. Now you have a wrap top! To wear it, just put on the tank top as usual, cross and tuck the front ties across your chest, and you're ready to go. If you want the ties to stay in place, you can secure them with sewing pins or fabric glue. So, the next time you're looking to refresh your wardrobe, instead of buying something new, try upcycling your old tank tops into trendy wrap tops. It's a fun, easy, and sustainable way to express your style.

Choose a tank top made from stretchy material

When choosing a tank top to turn into a wrap top, it is important to select one made from stretchy material. This is because you will be wrapping the cut straps of the tank top around your torso, and stretchy fabric will be more comfortable and easier to work with. The longer the tank top is, the easier it will be to wrap.

You can find a suitable tank top to transform by looking through your old clothes or purchasing a new one. The style of the tank top doesn't matter, as long as the fabric is stretchy. Once you have your tank top, you can begin the process of cutting and wrapping it to create your new wrap top.

Before you start cutting, make sure you have sharp scissors and a flat surface to work on. You may also want to use a ruler or measuring tape to help guide your cuts. Now, follow these steps:

• Turn the tank top inside out and cut the side seams off halfway up the sides. This will divide the tank top into two panels: a front panel and a back panel.
• Hold the tank top against yourself and mark where you want it to end. Cut the side seams up to this mark.
• Cut the back panel off, starting at one side seam and finishing at the other. You are essentially cutting the tank top in half.
• 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.
• Try on your new wrap top. Take the right front side and pull it across your right breast, bringing the bottom portion of the fabric around to your back. Do the same with the left front side, wrapping it over your left breast and the right-side fabric.
• Tie the two fabric pieces together at the back. If the pieces are long enough, you can tie them into a bow. Otherwise, just make a knot.

With these steps, you can transform a stretchy tank top into a stylish and comfortable wrap top.

Cut the side seams off halfway up the sides

To turn a tank top into a wrap top, you'll need to start by cutting the side seams off halfway up the sides. This is a crucial step as it will allow you to wrap the front panels of the tank top around your body and tie them at the back.

• Turn the tank top inside out. By doing this, you will be able to see the seams more clearly and ensure a neat cut.
• Identify the side seams of the tank top. These are the seams that run vertically along the sides of the shirt, from the armpits to the bottom hem.
• Decide how high you want the cut to be. You can place a mark on the seams with a fabric pen or chalk to indicate the desired length. Make sure you don't cut too high up, as you want to leave enough fabric to create the wrap effect.
• Using sharp scissors or a seam ripper, carefully cut or rip the seams open halfway up the sides. Start cutting from the bottom hem and work your way up to the mark you made. Be careful not to cut through the front or back panel of the tank top.
• Once you have cut open the seams, you can trim the edges to create a neater finish. You can also sew a few stitches over the cut ends to prevent the stitching from unraveling.

By cutting the side seams halfway up the sides, you will create two separate panels—a front panel and a back panel—that can be wrapped and tied around your body. This is a simple way to transform a tank top into a stylish and versatile wrap top.

Cut the back panel off

Now that you've cut the side seams and separated the tank top into two panels, it's time to cut the back panel off. This will be a simple process, but it's important to be careful and precise to ensure a clean cut.

First, turn the tank top so that the back is facing you. You want to make sure that the back panel is nice and flat, with no creases or bumps. If necessary, you can iron the tank top to get a smooth surface. Once you're satisfied with the lay of the fabric, take your fabric scissors and carefully line them up with the bottom cut edge of one of the side seams. Make sure the scissors are positioned perpendicular to the seam and cut in a straight line towards the opposite side seam. Repeat this process on the other side, so you're cutting along the entire bottom edge of the back panel.

Now, you should have the back panel separated from the front. If there are any stray threads or uneven edges, take a moment to trim them neatly. You want to make sure that the cut is straight and clean. At this point, feel free to try on your soon-to-be wrap top to get a sense of how it will look and feel. The back panel will be discarded, so don't worry if there are any imperfections—they won't be visible anyway!

With the back panel removed, you can now focus on the front panel, which will become the wrap portion of your new top. The next step is to cut a vertical slit in the centre of the front panel, so carefully fold the panel to prepare for this step.

Cut a vertical slit into the centre of the front panel

To cut a vertical slit into the centre of the front panel of your tank top, unfold the front panel so that it sticks out from under the back of the shirt. This will make it easier to cut a straight line. Next, find the middle of the hem on the front panel. This is where you will start cutting. Make a small mark with a pencil or use your finger as a guide. Then, using sharp scissors, cut a vertical line straight up from the mark you made to the bottom edge of the back panel.

Try to cut as straight as possible and stop when you reach the bottom edge of the back panel. You can always cut more fabric off later if needed, but you can't add fabric back on if you cut off too much. Now you've created a slit in the centre of the front panel, you can move on to the next step of your tank top transformation!

Try on your new wrap-around crop top

Now that you've cut your tank top, it's time to try on your new wrap-around crop top!

First, take the right-hand side of the top and pull it across your right breast. Bring the bottom portion of the fabric around to your back. Next, take the left-hand side and pull it over your left breast and the right-hand side fabric, wrapping the remaining fabric around to your back.

Tie the two pieces of fabric together at the back. If the fabric pieces are long enough, you can tie them into a bow. Otherwise, just make a knot with the fabric. You can also try using a hair tie to secure the fabric at the back.

If you want to avoid having to re-tie your wrap-around crop top each time you wear it, you can use sewing pins or fabric glue to secure the fabric. Insert a pin into the front and sides of your tank, making sure to go through both layers of fabric. Pull the top off, then place a drop of fabric glue where the pins are. Let the glue dry, then remove the pins.

And there you have it! Your very own DIY wrap-around crop top.

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