Transforming T-Shirts: Diy Racerback Tank Top Project

If you have an old T-shirt that you no longer want, you can turn it into a trendy racerback tank top. Racerback tank tops are a type of sleeveless shirt that has a wide armhole in the back, leaving a skinny band of fabric between the shoulder blades. This DIY project is easy to do and only requires a pair of scissors. You can also use a sewing machine for a neater look, but it is not necessary as T-shirt fabric does not fray.

Cut off the sleeves and hemline

To turn a T-shirt into a racerback tank top, you'll need to cut off the sleeves and hemline. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Prepare the T-shirt

Choose an old T-shirt that you don't mind cutting up. Wash and dry the T-shirt if it's brand new, as fabric tends to shrink after the first wash. You want to ensure the T-shirt fits you properly before you begin cutting.

Step 2: Cut Off the Sleeves

Start by cutting off the sleeves of the T-shirt. Cut straight up from just under the armpits towards the shoulders. This will create a wider armhole, which is characteristic of a racerback tank top.

Step 3: Cut Off the Hemline

Cut along the bottom hem of the T-shirt, following the stitching as a guide. This will give you a large fabric ring. Cut this ring apart close to one of the side seams to create a long fabric strand. You will use this strand later to decorate the back of your tank top.

Step 4: Refine the Armholes (Optional)

If you want deeper armholes for a more revealing look, you can trim the back of the armholes further. Be careful not to cut the front armholes, and ensure you cut the same amount from each side for symmetry.

Step 5: Create a Racerback Shape

Turn the shirt over so the back is facing you. Cut a deep V-shape in the centre of the back neckline, keeping the point of the V between the armholes. This will help prevent the fabric from bunching up when you tie it up later.

Step 6: Tie and Secure the Back Straps

Using the fabric strand you created earlier, tie one end of it to the bottom of the V-shape. Measure up a few inches and tie the strand around the fabric, gathering the back straps together. Begin winding the strand down the racerback portion, tucking the short end underneath as you go to hide the excess fabric.

Step 7: Finish and Adjust (Optional)

You've now created a basic racerback tank top! You can further customise it by trimming the bottom hem for a high-low look or cutting off the bottom cuff for a different style. Bedazzling or adding other decorations is also an option if you want to get creative.

Cut a deep V in the back

To turn a T-shirt into a racerback tank top, you will need to cut a deep V-shape into the back of your shirt. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the T-shirt

Start with a T-shirt that you are comfortable cutting up. Make sure the shirt is washed and dried, as brand-new shirts may shrink a little after the first wash. You want the T-shirt to fit you properly before you begin cutting.

Step 2: Cut off the Sleeves and Hem

Cut off the sleeves of the T-shirt. Start cutting from just under the armpits and cut straight up towards the shoulders. Then, cut off the hemline along the bottom of the shirt. You will use this later, so set it aside.

Step 3: Cut the Back into a Racerback Shape

Turn the shirt over so that the back is facing you. Cut the back of the armholes further, trimming a few inches between them. Be careful not to cut the armholes on the front of the shirt. Ensure that you cut the same amount from each side of the shirt to maintain symmetry.

Step 4: Cut a Deep V-Shape

Find the back centre of the neckline and cut a deep V-shape. Keep the point of the V-shape between the armholes. This will help prevent the fabric from bunching up when you tie it up. Do not cut the front of the shirt; racerback tank tops typically have a plain collar in the front.

Step 5: Tie and Wrap the Fabric Strand

Take the fabric strand that you cut from the hemline and tie it to the bottom of the V-shape. Gather the fabric between the two armholes at the back of your shirt and wrap the strand tightly around it, moving downward. Stop when you reach the bottom of the armholes.

Step 6: Secure the End

When you have wrapped the fabric strand as far down as you would like, secure the end. You can do this by tucking the end under the wound fabric or by tying the two ends of the strand together into a tight knot first.

Gather the back straps and tie a knot

To gather the back straps and tie a knot, you will need to cut a strip of fabric from the shirt's bottom hemline. This strip of fabric will be used to tie the back straps together and create the racerback style.

• Cut a strip of fabric: Using the hemline from the bottom of the t-shirt, cut a strip of fabric that is approximately 0.5-1 inch wide. You will use this strip to tie a knot and create the racerback style.
• Gather the back straps: Take the fabric strip and tie it around the bottom of the V-shape that you previously cut at the back of the shirt. This will gather the fabric between the two armholes and create the racerback shape.
• Tie a knot: Secure the fabric strip with a tight knot. Leave a longer end to the tie, as you will use it to wrap the fabric around the gathered back straps.
• Wrap the fabric: Start wrapping the fabric strip tightly around the gathered back straps, moving downward. Continue wrapping until you reach the bottom of the armholes.
• Secure the end: When you have wrapped the fabric strip to your desired length, secure the end by tucking it under the wrapped fabric or tying it in a knot. You can also cut off any excess fabric if needed.

By following these steps, you will successfully gather the back straps and tie a knot to create a stylish and functional racerback tank top from a t-shirt.

Cut a rectangle from the leftover material

Cut a 4-inch by 5-inch rectangle from the leftover material. You can use the material from the sleeves. Then, fold the rectangle in half with the right sides together. Line up the two shorter 4-inch sides and pin the ends together. Sew the pinned end to form a tube and trim the raw edges near the stitching. Turn the tube right side out so that the raw edges are hidden inside, and iron it with the seam in the centre.

Sew the rectangle into a tube

To make the band, cut a 4-inch by 5-inch rectangle out of the leftover material from the sleeves. Then, fold the rectangle in half with the right sides together. Make sure to fold it in the hamburger direction, so the two shorter 4-inch sides are lined up along the top. Pin the 4-inch ends together. Sew the pinned end to form a tube and trim the raw edges near the stitching.

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