Skip to Content

DIY Muscle Tank From T-Shirt

Sharing is caring!

*This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure to learn more.

Use this t-shirt cutting technique to DIY a muscle tank from a t-shirt? From cropped length to side twist detail, this no sew yoga top from t-shirt is another fantastic addition to your workout wardrobe.

If you have a bundle of old t-shirts sitting in the closet, you will love no sew t-shirt refashion projects to make a collection of DIY workout wear essentials.

The cool t-shirt cutting ideas and quick fix alterations are easy to follow. Follow the easy tips and you can also upcycle clothes without sewing for fashion forward looks that are not complicated at all.

Whether you have a graphic design or plain t-shirt, the best t-shirt upcycle ideas work with any style of tee. For this muscle tank design, just make sure to choose a slightly oversized fit so that this workout tank drapes comfortably over your favorite sports bra. 

You will love this DIY muscle tank from t-shirt because…

  • No sewing pattern is needed.
  • Use the no sew tips to execute this design without sewing.
  • Learn to deconstruct a t-shirt with the correct steps.
  • Use your own body measurements to convert the muscle tank into your own size. 
  • Visualize the new design by drawing with fabric chalk on the t-shirt.
  • Attach the new side seams with fabric glue. 
No sew muscle tank from t-shirt before and after

For this tutorial, I used an oversized t-shirt that was 100% cotton with a slub jersey texture surface. It was a perfectly breezy and airy lightweight knit, which made it a great material for this workout top redesign. 

I recommend finding a tee with a similar cotton or cotton/linen blend. This will help give a little structure to the silhouette, but make it breezy enough that air flows around your body.

Back view of the no sew muscle tank from t-shirt.

How to make muscle tank from t-shirt?

No Sew Yoga Tops From Old T Shirt (5 DIY Upcycle Projects!)

In order to make muscle tank top from t-shirt, follow the step-by-step instructions, detailed photos and instructional video for what to do with old t-shirts without sewing

Prepare your old t-shirt by washing and ironing to remove any wrinkles. Smooth surfaces help you to better estimate the overall t-shirt so that you visualize the finished workout tank.

Then, convert my measurements into sizing that fits you. Properly take body measurement for clothing so that your DIY clothing will fit you the right way

No sew project doesn’t require many fancy tools. There are few essentials you need to grab from a basic sewing kit to get the upcycle project started!

DIY Muscle Tank Materials:

Materials to make a no sew muscle tank from t-shirt.
  • Old T-Shirt
  • Fabric Chalk
  • Fabric Glue
  • Measuring Tape
  • Ruler
  • Scissors

To make a no sew muscle tank from a t-shirt, fold the tee in half lengthwise.

Measure 5” up from the bottom hemline and cut a straight line across.

Cut off both sleeves and cut open both side seams.

Modify the armhole to make a muscle tank.

Twist the bottom of the front piece on both side. Reattach the twisted side seam with fabric glue to finish the no sew muscle tank from a t-shirt.

Front view of the no sew muscle tank from t-shirt.

DIY Muscle Tank Upcycle Tips:

Upcycling an old t-shirt into a muscle tank is as easy as A,B,C. This no-sew project demonstrates clean cutlines and re-attaching the seams without sewing.

There are couple of no sew hacks to help you transform old tee without using a thread and needle. I’ve put together upcycle tips for you to read. Avoid making unnecessary mistakes so that you have peace of mind while making the t-shirt transformation.

  • Fabric Glue:  Throughout many no-sew projects, I’ve learned that having the best fabric glue helps to save time and prevent a goopy mess. Applying adhesive to one side and wait for the bond to completely dry. Small application is all you need, it will dry quickly and won’t bleed onto the right side of the fabric. Always test the glue on a scrap piece of fabric. 
  • Cutting Tools: I use fabric scissors to detach the sleeves, cut open the side seam and remove the bulky overlock seams. You may use rotary cutter and cutting board if you prefer for the straight lines, however it’s recommended to always use sharp scissors for cutting along the curved armhole seam.
  • Fabric Chalk: Draw a new design onto the old clothes with the help of removable fabric chalk. Remember to always use the mark on the wrong side of the fabric. After the project is finished, simply wipe a damp cloth over the marks to erase.
  • Ruler: I use 12” long wooden ruler to draw straight lines. It’s important to have straight lines to follow when cutting any fabric. 
Sideview of the no sew muscle tank from t-shirt.
Yield: 1 muscle tank top

How To Cut T-Shirt Into Muscle Tank Top

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Active Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Difficulty: Beginner
Estimated Cost: $1.00

Discover a brand new no sew t-shirt alteration and cutting technique to make a stylish muscle tank top from old t-shirt. Take time to review the video instructions and picture steps to make a cool workout top you can wear anytime.

Materials

  • Old T-Shirt

Tools

  • Fabric Chalk
  • Fabric Glue
  • Measuring Tape
  • Ruler
  • Scissors

Instructions

  1. For this no sew muscle tank from t-shirt tutorial, start by flipping the tee inside out and folding it in half lengthwise.
    Oversized tee to make a no sew muscle tank.
    Measure 5” up from the bottom hemline.
    Draw a straight line across and cut.
  2. To detach both sleeves, cut along the inside of the armhole seam.
    Flip the tee inside out and fold it in half lengthwise.
  3. To separate the front from the back, cut along both side seams
    Cut along the armhole opening to detach both sleeves
    Completely remove the bulky overlock stitch.
    Cut along both side seams.
  4. To alter the armhole opening, measure 3” up from the bottom hemline.
    Remove the overlock stitch.from the side seams
    Draw a straight line to the bottom of the armhole.
    Measure up 3" from the hemline to modify the armhole opening.
    Make the line a seamless continuation of the shoulder strap for a clean look.
    Cut along the line to alter the armhole opening.
    Do one piece at a time, alter the armhole opening of the front and back on both sides.
    Alter the armhole opening on both sides of the no sew muscle tank.
  5. To twist the side seam of the muscle tank, swivel the bottom 3” of the front piece.
    Twist the bottom of both side seams.
    Use fabric glue to join the front to the back along the twisted side seam.
    Swivel the bottom of both side seams.
    Twist the other side seam to complete this no sew muscle tank from t-shirt.
    Use fabric glue to attach the side twist of the no sew muscle tank
    Muscle tank from t-shirt without sewing.

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Did you make this DIY clothing project?

Share your DIY clothing with me on Instagram!

How to make a no sew muscle tank from a tee

Sharing is caring!

Marcela Puguon

Friday 8th of January 2021

Nice one I want to learn more

Soonjoo

Sunday 10th of January 2021

Thank you Marcela! Did you check out my other no sew yoga tops? You may also like the no sew t-shirt too.

Skip to Instructions