Natalia
There are many ways to repurpose old clothing, and one of them is to turn a boat neck shirt into a tank top. This is a simple alteration that can be done with just a pair of scissors and some sewing supplies. It is a great way to upcycle old t-shirts and give them a new lease of life. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to turn a boat neck shirt into a tank top, including different styles such as a basic tank top, a racerback, and a halter neck.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Required Materials | T-shirt, tank top, scissors, sewing machine, straight pins, washable marker or pen, sports bra or racer-back tank top, tailor's chalk |
| Optional Materials | Iron, needle, thread, 1/2-inch-wide double fold binding tape |
| Steps | 1. Place the tank top on the t-shirt and align the shoulders. 2. Pin the tank top to the t-shirt. 3. Cut the t-shirt using the tank top's armholes and neckline as a guide. 4. Unpin the tank top from the t-shirt. 5. Cut the front neckline and armholes wider, if desired. 6. Fold the cut edges, pin them, and press them flat with an iron. 7. Stitch the folded edges. 8. Remove the pins and turn the tank top right side out. |
What You'll Learn
Measure and mark the boat neck shirt
To measure and mark the boat neck shirt, start by laying the shirt on a clean, flat surface. This will make it easier to work with and ensure that your measurements are accurate.
Next, find the left shoulder seam of the shirt and measure 1 inch inward. Make a small mark with tailor's chalk or a washable pen/marker. Repeat this process for the right shoulder seam. These marks will indicate the new width for the boat neck neckline.
Now, find the centre of the neckline and measure 1 inch downward, making another mark. If you want a lower neckline, measure further down from the centre point.
Connect the marks by drawing a curved line from the left shoulder mark, to the centre mark, and then to the right shoulder mark. This line will guide your cutting, so ensure that it is smooth and even.
Before cutting, try on the shirt and use chalk to mark how low you want the shirt to be cut, as well as a point on one shoulder where the neckline will begin. This will ensure that your new neckline flatters your frame.
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Cut out the new neckline
To cut out the new neckline, lay the shirt on a clean, flat surface. Place the shirt flat on a table, smoothing out any creases or wrinkles. If you want to be extra precise, you can iron the shirt beforehand.
Next, you need to mark the new neckline. Find the left shoulder seam and measure 1 inch inward. Make a small mark with tailor's chalk, or a pencil or fabric pen if you don't have chalk. Repeat this process on the right shoulder seam. These marks will indicate the new width of the boat neckline.
Now, find the centre of the neckline and measure 1 inch downward, making another mark. If you want a lower neckline, measure further down from the centre.
Connect the marks by drawing a curved line from the left shoulder mark, to the centre mark, and then to the right shoulder mark. You can use a ruler or tape measure to help you draw a smooth, even curve.
Once you are happy with the markings, carefully cut along the curved line through both layers of the shirt. T-shirt fabric is knit, so you don't need to worry about the fabric fraying. However, it may roll and stretch over time, so it's a good idea to be conservative with your cutting.
And there you have it! You've successfully cut out the new boat neckline for your shirt.
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Finish the new neckline with binding tape
Binding tape is a great way to finish a neckline, and it can be done in a few different ways depending on the look you want to achieve. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to finish a new neckline with binding tape:
Prepare the Binding Tape
First, you need to cut the binding tape to size. Measure the distance from the left shoulder seam, across the back of the new neckline, to the right shoulder seam. Cut a piece of binding tape to this length. If you are using store-bought binding tape, it usually comes in a few different widths. Choose the width that best suits the fabric of your shirt. For thicker fabrics, a wider binding is needed, while a finer lightweight material like chiffon works best with smaller width binding.
Pin the Binding Tape in Place
Lay one end of the binding tape at the left shoulder seam and pin it to the shirt. Add another pin at the edge of the new, wider neckline. Open the tape and slide the back of the neckline in between the two layers of the tape. Pin it in place. Pin the other end of the tape at the right shoulder seam.
Sew the Binding Tape
Sew the binding tape in place. You can do this by hand or with a sewing machine. If using a sewing machine, try to use a stitch intended for knit fabrics. It looks like a straight stitch, but it is broken up by a V every few stitches.
Fold and Press the Binding Tape
Fold the binding tape over the seam allowance and press it in place. Leave about a 1/4" of binding visible from the right side of the shirt, or adjust according to your preferred amount. Make sure that the raw edge of the binding tape is tucked underneath.
Pin and Stitch Again
Pin the binding tape in place, making sure that the raw edge of the binding tape is tucked underneath. Then, stitch in the ditch to secure the binding tape. You can use a stitch-in-the-ditch foot with your sewing machine to help with this step.
Finishing Touches
Finally, press the new neckline with an iron to ensure all the edges are flat and smooth. And that's it! You have successfully finished the new neckline with binding tape.
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Cut off the sleeves
Cutting off the sleeves is a great way to transform a boat neck shirt into a tank top. Here is a step-by-step guide:
First, try on the shirt and use a piece of chalk to mark how you want the new sleeve length to be. Fold one of the sleeves up to the desired length and mark it with chalk. You can cut off the sleeves at this point, or continue for a more precise cut.
Next, use a tape measure to measure the distance from the shoulder chalk mark to the neckline of the shirt. Then, using the tape measure, mark the same distance from the neckline on the other shoulder. This will ensure that both sleeves are cut to the same length.
Now, carefully cut off the sleeves. You can use the chalk marks as a guide, cutting in a straight line across the sleeve. If you want a more curved, natural shape, follow the curve of the sleeve seam as you cut.
If you want to be able to adjust the sleeve length, you can create a rolled-up sleeve look. Cut the sleeves a little longer than your desired length. Then, fold the sleeves up to the chalk mark and secure them in place with a few hand-sewn stitches. This way, you can roll the sleeves up or down as needed.
If you are happy with the new sleeve length, try on the shirt again to check that you are happy with the overall fit. You can now wear your new tank top, or continue by cutting the neckline into a boat neck style.
Transforming a shirt into a tank top is a simple project that can give new life to old clothing. It is a great way to increase your range of motion, stay cool, and show off fun sports bra designs.
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Trim the bottom of the shirt for a high-low look
To trim the bottom of the shirt for a high-low look, first lay the shirt sideways so that you can see only one side of the shirt, including the side seam, armhole, and half of the front and back. Next, measure up a few inches from the folded front side of the shirt and cut downwards towards the back of the shirt. You can decide how high/low you want the front and back to be by adjusting the number of inches you measure up from the front side. This will create a stylish, asymmetrical hem that is shorter in the front and longer in the back.
This step is optional but will give your tank top a unique and trendy look. It is also a simple way to customise your tank top further, especially if you are upcycling an old T-shirt. You can also add other decorative elements, such as tying a knot at the front or back to create a cropped look.
Remember to try on your tank top after making any cuts to ensure you are happy with the fit and style. You can always cut off more fabric, but you can't add fabric back on, so it's better to start with a longer length and gradually trim it down to your desired length.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a shirt to cut up, a washable marker or chalk, scissors, a sports bra or tank top to trace, and a ruler or measuring tape.
First, try your shirt on and use chalk or a washable marker to mark how low you want your shirt to be cut. Then, mark a point on one shoulder where the neckline will be cut. Measure from this mark to the neckline of the shirt, and then use a tape measure to mark the other shoulder the same distance from the neckline. Connect the two shoulder marks and the collarbone mark in a curved shape. Carefully cut along this line through both layers.
No, the edges do not need to be sewn as t-shirt fabric does not fray. However, you can finish the hems with a sewing machine for a neater look if you wish.
Cut the sleeves off your shirt, then cut the hem off and snip it to make a long strand. Trim the back of the armholes so that there are only a few inches of fabric between them, being careful not to cut the armholes on the front of the shirt. Cut a deep V-shape into the back of the shirt, then tie one end of the fabric strand to the bottom of the V-shape and wrap it downwards to create a "rope" effect.
Yes, you can. Place a tank top that fits you well over your t-shirt, aligning the shoulders. Pin the tank top to the t-shirt to keep it from moving, then cut the t-shirt using the tank top as a guide. You can finish the hems with a sewing machine or leave them raw.
