Transforming T-Shirts: Diy Muscle Tanks

There are many ways to turn a T-shirt into a muscle tank. The most common method involves cutting off the sleeves and collar, and sometimes the bottom hem, to create a muscle T. This can be done by measuring and marking the T-shirt before cutting, or by cutting freehand. The amount of fabric cut off will depend on the desired style and fit. The armholes can be left unhemmed, as T-shirt fabric will naturally curl, or they can be hemmed for a neater look.

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Mark cutting points with pen, chalk or a ruler

To turn a T-shirt into a muscle tank, you'll need to start by marking cutting points with a pen, chalk, or a ruler. This will ensure that you're happy with the fit of your muscle tank before you start cutting.

First, put on the T-shirt and, using your pen, chalk, or ruler, mark three points:

• An inch away from the shoulder seam
• An inch away from the collar seam
• One or two inches (depending on how low you want the armhole to be) below the armpit seam

If you want to be extra precise, you can use a ruler to measure the distance from the seams.

Alternatively, you can lay the T-shirt flat and use a fitting tank top as a template. Simply place the tank top over the T-shirt and trace the outline with chalk or cut along the outline with scissors. This method ensures that your muscle tank will have the same fit as the tank top you're using as a guide.

Once you've marked the cutting points, you're ready to start cutting! Be sure to use sharp scissors and cut in small, controlled snips.

Cut sleeves and collar

To turn a T-shirt into a muscle tank, you will need a pen or chalk, a ruler, and a sharp pair of scissors. It is also recommended to use a washable clothing marker.

First, lay your T-shirt on a flat surface and mark three points with your pen or chalk:

• Mark a point one inch away from the shoulder seam on each sleeve.
• Mark a point one inch away from the collar seam.
• Mark a point one or two inches (depending on how low you want your shirt to be) below the armpit seam.

Next, cut the sleeves. Cut from the mark you made at the armpit to the mark that is one inch away from the shoulder seam. Repeat this for the other sleeve.

Now, cut the collar. Cut from the mark you made one inch away from the collar, across to the mark on the other side.

Finally, pull and gently stretch the arms, collar, and bottom of the shirt. This will cause the fabric to curl up slightly, hiding any imperfections.

Cut and tie knots in the side

To turn a T-shirt into a muscle tank by cutting and tying knots in the side, you will need a T-shirt, a pen or chalk, and sharp scissors.

First, put on the T-shirt and mark with the pen or chalk where you want the T-shirt to fall once you cut it. Determine how deep you want the armhole to be. Then, take off the T-shirt and lay it on a flat surface. Fold it in half, matching up the side seams. Cut off the hemline and hold your scissors at a 90-degree angle to ensure a straight hemline at the front.

Next, make a 10 cm (4-inch) cut along the side seam on both sides. Pull on the ends of the fabric to stretch them, and they should naturally curl up a little. Now you can tie a knot! You can deepen the cut or trim off any excess fabric if needed.

Finally, cut off the sleeves and deepen the armhole. Try on the tank top to see if you are happy with it, and trim the edges if needed.

You can also add some extra style to your new muscle tank by cutting the neckline or widening the armholes.

Hem the armholes

To hem the armholes of a T-shirt that you're converting into a muscle tank, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, decide how much fabric you want to remove from the armhole. Try on the shirt and pinch the fabric under the armhole to get an idea. If you want a more precise measurement, use a measuring tape.

Next, take off the shirt and lay it on a flat surface. Use sewing pins to secure the sides of the shirt together under the armpits. Make a mark under each armpit to indicate where you will be cutting and sewing.

Now, it's time to start sewing! You'll want to create a seam that is as parallel to the original seam as possible. Start at the armhole and sew straight down towards the hem of the shirt. The further away from the original seam you sew, the tighter the shirt will be, so keep that in mind when deciding where to sew.

Before moving on to the second side, try on the shirt and check if the armhole is to your liking. Adjust if needed, and then repeat the sewing process on the other side.

Finally, try on the shirt again and ensure that both armholes are as you want them to be. If so, cut off any excess fabric and zigzag or serge the raw edges to prevent fraying.

If you want a neat, store-bought look, you can finish the armholes by folding the fabric in and hemming. Alternatively, you can use bias tape binding or stretch knit strips to bind the edges for a more professional finish.

Cut the bottom hem

To cut the bottom hem of a T-shirt to turn it into a muscle tank, it is important to first put the T-shirt on a flat surface. Fold the T-shirt in half and match up the side seams to ensure that the hem is cut evenly. It is recommended to use a pen or chalk to mark out the cut line. Make sure to hold your scissors at a 90-degree angle as you start cutting to ensure a straight hemline at the front.

When cutting the hem, it is important to be precise and use sharp scissors. The type of fabric will determine whether it is necessary to hem the cut edge. T-shirt knit fabric will roll where cut, so it is not necessary to hem. However, if you prefer a neater, store-bought look, you can choose to hem the edge. This can be done by folding the fabric in and hemming, or by using bias tape binding.

Additionally, cutting the bottom hem can be combined with other alterations to create a muscle tank. This may include cutting the sleeves and collar, or creating side knots for a more customised look.

Frequently asked questions