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DIY Style: T- Shirt to Tank

Jun 08, 2013

Turning old t-shirts into tank tops for summer is a total breeze! We love DIY projects and this one is great for customizing your own tank tops, turning vintage t-shirts into cool racerback tanks and just generally getting creative with your clothing. A bonus is that no one else will have the same top as you at the beach! All you have to do is raid your closet for a baggy t-shirt you'd like to transform or go to a thrift store and look for cool vintage t-shirts. It's best to work with something made of cotton so it's easier to work with and cool to wear for the hot days of summer. This tutorial is courtesy of www.instructables.com will only take about 20 minutes - that's how we like our DIY fashion projects - quick and easy!

What you'll need:

  • An old t-shirt
  • Good pair of fabric/sewing scissors

Time: 20 minutes

Instructions:

Step 1: Choose an old cotton t-shirt or get a cool vintage-look one from the thrift store. Old band t-shirts look cool or any kind of graphic on the front. Remember, the looser the t-shirt the better as it's easier to work with and adjust.

Choose an old t-shirtChoose an old t-shirtCourtesy of www.instructables.com

Step 2: Cut the sleeves

Lay the t-shirt flat and cut away the sleeves. Start at the shoulder (decide how think you want strap to be) and cut straight into the chest area. Don't curve the whole way or it will look funny on - see picture to see what we mean. You can always snip and adjust it later. Cut two inches from armpit to the top of the shirt.

Cut off the sleevesCut off the sleevesCourtesy of www.instructables.com

This is what it should look likeThis is what it should look likeCourtesy of Courtesy of www.instructables.com

Step 3: Cut the neckline

Match the shoulder seams together and lay the t-shirt flat on the floor. Cut about 6-8 inches in a curve in front of t-shirt (see picture).

Line up the shoulder seamsLine up the shoulder seamsCourtesy of www.instructables.com

Cut the neckline Cut the neckline Courtesy of www.instructables.com

Step 4: Cut the back

Cut in a curve about 10 inches out of the back - still keeping the t-shirt flat in the same position as when you're cutting the neckline. Again, see the picture below and remember, it doesn't have to be exact or perfect. You can always adjust it later.

Cut the back of the tank top like thisCut the back of the tank top like thisCourtesy of www.instructables.com

It should look something like thisIt should look something like thisCourtesy of www.instructables.com

Step 5: Make ties for the back

Take the scrap sleeves and cut them open into strips (see picture). Cut at least three strips. Lay the tank top face down and pull the shoulder straps together. Wrap the strips around the straps and knot each one.

Cut at least three stripsCut at least three stripsCourtesy of www.instructables.com

Step 6: Finished! Now you have a unique one-of-a-kind tank top!

This is what it looks like flat This is what it looks like flat Courtesy of www.instructables.com

New tank top!New tank top!Courtesy of www.instructables.com

Tutorial courtesy of www.instructables.com

Have your say

Have you ever given your old clothes a makeover? Share your style ideas in the comments below!