Looking to make a DIY crossover back tank top from t-shirt without sewing? From deep armhole to open back, every detail makes this another perfect piece to add to your collection of no sew yoga tops from old t-shirts.
No matter what your taste or style, there are guaranteed to be t-shirt upcycle ideas that will spark your interest. Search through the looks to find the perfect pieces for you to copy.
Not all tees are perfectly suited for every no sew t-shirt refashion project. The boxy graphic t-shirt that I used for this upcycle tutorial has enough room to create a crossover back silhouette.
From cool t-shirt cutting ideas to using fabric glue to easily modify old clothes, you’ll love to upcycle clothes without sewing so that you continue to upgrade your DIY wardrobe.
You will love this crossover back tank top from t-shirt because…
- Learn how to use fabric glue to re-attach seams back in place.
- No hand stitching or machine sewing required.
- Use fabric chalk to create new armholes and back detail.
- Easy no-sew project for upcycle beginners of all ages.
- Understand armhole alterations using your body measurements.
In order to make this crossover back tank top from t-shirt, I used oversized t-shirt. Because we will be cutting open the center back and overlapping the back opening, this will significantly reduce the width of shirt by about 8~9”.
If you are working with a drop armhole style t-shirt, you may keep the original armhole instead of lowering 2” down like I did. Adjust the dimensions and sizing in this tutorial based on the type of shirt and your body measurements.
So, evaluate the shirt you will be using for this project and make sure it is oversized enough to crisscross the back piece. If the shirt is not large enough, you may find this t-shirt into back slit tank top to be better suited for the size.
How to make crossover back tank top from t-shirt?
Whether you are using a cropped or tunic style boxy tee, the length really doesn’t matter when making a crossover back tank top from t-shirt. Estimate the cuts and compare your body measurements with the chest measurement of the t-shirt to successfully accomplish the no sew yoga top.
Before beginning this project, follow the instructions for how to take body measurement for clothing. As a result, you will know how much armhole adjustment you need in order to create this tank top.
Pre-wash your t-shirt and grab couple of no-sew materials from your sewing kit; let’s get started!
DIY Crossover Back Tank Top Materials:
- Old T-Shirt
- Fabric Chalk
- Fabric Glue
- Measuring Tape
- Ruler
- Scissors
To make a crossover back tank from t-shirt, fold the tee in half lengthwise.
Measure 3” from the neckline and 2” underneath the armhole opening.
Draw a curved line connecting both points and cut to make the new armhole.
Copy the armhole alteration onto the opposite side.
Fold the tee in half lengthwise and cut along the the center back of the shirt from the hemline to the neckband.
Next, cut open the shoulder seams and along the back neckband to reach the center opening.
Cutting tip: Do not cut through the neckband.
Alter the shoulder straps of both sides for a clean and seamless look.
Crisscross the back pieces and use fabric glue to attach the shoulder straps onto the shoulder seam on the other side to complete the no sew crossover back tank from t-shirt.
DIY Crossover Back Tank Top Cutting Tips:
This DIY crossover back tank top requires two things to accomplish: cutting and no sew refashioning. There are couple of important notes to prepare when planning what to do with old t-shirts without sewing.
Read through these no sew hacks to avoid unnecessary mistakes and have an enjoyable craft project:
- Fabric Scissor: Use sharp fabric scissors when you remove the sleeves and modify the armhole. Because the armhole is curved, you will need more control while cutting rather than straight line. Avoid using regular paper or craft scissors when cutting clothing. Fabric scissors are sharp and heavy weight to handle textile materials.
- Rotary Cutter & Cutting Board: When cutting the center back and removing additional back piece detail with a straight line, I recommend using a rotary cutter and cutting board. They are great tools to execute straight lines more efficiently. Make sure to have cutting board underneath to avoid dulling the rotary blades.
- Fabric Glue: Use the necessary amount of the fabric glue for clothes instead of overly saturating the material. A little squeeze is more than enough to keep the fabric attached. Always, read the instruction label and test the bond on a fabric scrap before starting the project.
- Cut Edge: In this no sew tutorial, we will be creating new armhole by removing front and back of the sleeve. As a result, we will be left with the raw cut edge. The knit t-shirt won’t fray or stretched out so it is completely fine to leave the edge as it is.
- Measuring Tape: A tape measure plays an important role when you upcycling old clothes into new designs. It’s not always easy to work with, however follow the measurement positions in the video and practice taking the proper measurements of yourself.
More no sew upcycle workout top projects from an old t-shirt:
How To Cut T-Shirt Into Crossover Back Tank Top
Use t-shirt cutting techniques to alter the armhole and back detail of a top. The step-by-step instructions and video tutorial will make it so much easier to follow and execute the no sew reconstruction. The more you upcycle old clothes, the more confidence you will feel with improved refashion skills.
Materials
- Old T-Shirt
Tools
- Fabric Chalk
- Fabric Glue
- Measuring Tape
- Ruler
- Scissors
Instructions
- For this crossover back tank from t-shirt tutorial, start by flipping the tee inside out and folding it in half lengthwise.
- To alter the armhole opening, measure 3” from the neckline and mark on the shoulder seam.
Also, measure 2” underneath the armhole opening.
Draw a smooth curved line connecting both points;
and cut along the line.
- Copy the armhole opening onto the other side.
- To make the back of the tank, fold the tee in half lengthwise along the center line.
Only cut from the hemline to the neckband along the folded center line on the back of the shirt.
Do not cut through the neckband. - Also cut along both shoulder seams from the top of the armhole opening to the neckband.
Then, cut along the back neckband to reach the center opening.
- To make a seamless shoulder strap, measure 8” down from the top of the back center opening.
Draw a straight line up to the shoulder seam;
and cut along the line.
- Copy the seamless shoulder strap onto the other side.
- To complete the crossover back tank, crisscross the back pieces.
Use fabric glue to attach the shoulder straps onto the shoulder seam on the opposite side to finish the no sew crossover back tank from t-shirt.
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Pat
Friday 22nd of April 2022
Love the idea
Soonjoo
Friday 22nd of April 2022
Thank you!