For many people, the t-shirt is an important piece of clothing. After a certain time, the t-shirt will look old, dull or look dirty to wear. Instead of throwing the t-shirt away, why don't you turn it into a trendy tank top (sleeveless shirt or singlet)? There are two types of tank tops, namely the regular tank top and the racerback model tank top - the back is V-shaped with wide armholes. Both types of tank tops are relatively easy to make. You only need scissors. You can finish the hem with a sewing machine for a neater look, but you probably don't need it; T-shirt fabric is usually frayed (the thread is frayed).
Step
Method 1 of 2: Making a Regular Tank Top
Step 1. Find a tank top to use as a pattern
Since you will be using it as a model, make sure that it is the right size and looks good when worn.
No need to worry even if you don't have a tank top to make a pattern, you can still make a tank top
Step 2. Choose a t-shirt that you don't feel like cutting, and flip the shirt over (outside inside and vice versa)
The shirt doesn't need to fit perfectly, unless you want a tank top that fits. If the shirt is new, wash and dry it first. Fabrics tend to shrink after you wash them the first time, and you'll need a shirt that's the right size before starting to remodel.
Step 3. Iron the shirts to remove any wrinkles
Even though both shirts are already looking smooth, ironing them again is a good idea. Ironing will smooth the fabric and make it easier to work with.
Step 4. Place the tank top over the t-shirt, and straighten the shoulders
Spread the t-shirt flat on the table, then spread the tank top over it. Make sure that the shoulders of the tank top are aligned with the shoulders of the t-shirt. Also make sure that the fronts of both shirts are facing up.
Step 5. Pin the pins together to hold the tank top and t-shirt together and keep them from sliding
Pin the pin along the edge. Be careful to pin all the layers of the two shirts together. This will prevent the shirt from shifting so that the cut is more even.
Step 6. Cut a t-shirt with the sleeve holes and neckline of the tank top as a reference
If you like the hem (stitching at the edge) around the sleeves and neckline, leave about 1 inch (2.7 cm) from the seam line to the edge of the fabric. For tank tops, no hem is needed as the fabric is not frayed (the thread is frayed). However, the final hem will make it look even better.
If you don't have a tank top to use as a template, cut off the sleeves and collar of the t-shirt. Consider folding the shirt in half before cutting it so that the sides will be even
Step 7. Take the pins so that the tank top comes off the t-shirt. Remove the pin and lift the tank top used as a reference. In this position, make sure the t-shirt remains upside down. You don't have to turn it over until the whole process is complete.
Step 8. Trim the front of the collar and sleeves wider, if you wish
Some tank tops have a lower front collar than the back, as well as armholes. If you intend to make a hem, don't cut too much; remember to leave about 1.27 centimeters wide from the seam line to the edge of the fabric.
Step 9. Fold the edges of the cut, pin pins, and press the crease with an iron
Fold the edges about 1.27 centimeters. Hold the crease with a pin, and press the crease with the iron. When folding, make sure that you are folding outward, not inward.
If you like the edges to look rough and without a seam, you can skip this step. The T-shirt is made of a non-woven jersey material
Step 10. Sew the folded edge approx 0.64 away from the edge of the fabric
You can sew by hand or use a sewing machine for a more professional and durable stitch.
- If you are using a sewing machine, try to use stitches intended for knitting fabrics (knit fabrics). The stitch looks like a straight stitch, except that it's punctuated by a V shape every few stitches.
- When you are finished sewing, remember to tie the ends of the thread tightly and cut off the rest.
Step 11. Take all the pins, flip the tank top, and give it a try
The tank top will be a little loose, unless you use a t-shirt that fits or reduces the sides.
Method 2 of 2: Making a Racerback Tank Top
Step 1. Start by giving up a t-shirt to cut
Make sure the t-shirt has been washed. If the t-shirt is new, wash it and make sure to dry it first. New T-shirts may shrink slightly after washing for the first time. You need a t-shirt that fits well before you start cutting and remodeling it into a racerback tank top.
The racerback tank top has wider back sleeves, and leaves a band-width of fabric between the shoulder blades
Step 2. Cut and discard the sleeves
Start cutting from under your armpits, then work your way up to your shoulders.
Step 3. Cut the hem of the shirt, then cut it out to make long strands
Precisely cut the hem along the very bottom of the t-shirt using the seam as a guide. When you're done, you'll have a large circle of fabric. Cut a loop near one side of the pleat so that you get a long piece of fabric (like a ribbon). You will use the strips of fabric to decorate the back of the tank top.
Step 4. Cut the back of the t-shirt sleeve into a racerback shape. First, turn the shirt over so the back is facing you. Then, cut the two back sleeve holes until you have a few inches of fabric between them. Be careful not to cut the sleeve holes on the front of the shirt.
- Make sure you cut each side of the shirt the same size.
- Cut the armhole wide. When you're done cutting them, the armholes should be only a few centimeters apart.
Step 5. Cut a deep V shape on the back of the shirt
Find the middle of the back neckline, then cut a deep V shape. Keep the ends of the V shape between the armholes. This will help prevent the fabric from sticking together as you tie it.
- Don't cut the front of the shirt; You just need to cut off the back. The Racerback has the usual front collar.
- If you choose a simple racerback model, you can skip this step, and wear the racerback. The following few steps will teach you how to make a more beautiful/fantastic racerback.
Step 6. Tie one end of the fabric at the bottom of the V shape
Find the very bottom of the V shape and measure it up a few centimeters. Take a piece of fabric (like a ribbon) that you previously cut from the bottom hem of the shirt, and tie it around the bottom of the V-shape. It should hold the fabric between the two armholes on the back of the tank top.
Step 7. Wrap the strands around the fabric between the armholes moving downwards
Try to wrap it around as tightly as possible, so that the fabric between the armholes forms a "string." Stop twisting when you reach the bottom of the armhole.
Step 8. Wrap a piece of fabric from the back towards the top of the shirt and tie the ends tightly
You can make this easy by tucking the ends under the piece of fabric. For added security, tie the two ends of the strands together to form a strong knot.
Step 9. Consider decorating the bottom of the tank top to give it a high-low style (a combination of classy fashion with everyday casual/casual style or a combination of expensive and relatively inexpensive clothes)
Spread the shirt sideways so you can only see the side seams, sleeve holes, and the front and back half. Find the crease on the front of the shirt, and measure it a few centimeters up. Then from that point start cutting down towards the back of the shirt (forming a diagonal line). As a result, the front of the shirt will be shorter than the back.
Step 10. Put on the racerback tank top
You don't have to worry about the edge finishing stitches, as the jersey fabric is not frayed. Racerback T-shirts are perfect for layering underpants as well as for sportswear.
Tips
- If it's your first time sewing, consider using an inexpensive old t-shirt as a practice material. That way, if it doesn't work, you don't have to throw away a nice shirt.
- You don't need to sew pleats and hems to the tank top because the fabric of the shirt is not frayed (the thread is frayed).
- An old, worn-out T-shirt is the perfect tank top material.
- The hem width is the distance/width of the fabric added outside the seam (from the seam line to the edge of the fabric).
- If you can't sew and there's no one around to help you sew, use liquid stitch (a non-toxic, permanent liquid adhesive for porous fabrics; can be used to patch/repair torn fabrics, attach seams, etc.). The material is very good, inexpensive and gives equally good results.
- If your t-shirt is very wide, you may need to trim both sides to make it slimmer. Sew the two backs together with a hem width of about 1.27 centimeters.
- The difference between the racerback model tank top and the regular tank top lies in the very large rear arm hole.
