Do you know how to make a strap tank top from t-shirt without sewing? The plunging v-neckline with wide width cross back shoulder strap detail makes this no sew yoga top from old t-shirt a perfect workout friendly silhouette to pair with your favorite leggings.
For any skin-tight fitted silhouettes, this t-shirt upcycle idea is a perfect style to accomplish. If you need more support around bust, wear a sports bra underneath or simply insert an attachable bra trim from local craft store.
If you’re interested in upcycled clothing without sewing, then we have tons of fashion projects for you to explore. These no-sew t-shirt refashion projects will give you plenty of trendy outfit ideas to add to your DIY wardrobe.
You will love this DIY strap tank top from t-shirt because…
- Sewing machine or hand sewing is not needed.
- Attach elastic band as the shoulder strap with fabric glue.
- Convert specs from the tutorial by adjusting the neckline and shoulder strap length.
- Practice t-shirt cutting techniques to alter the front and back neckline.
- Get comfortable with fabric chalk to create style lines for alterations and cutting.
For this no sew upcycle, I used a 100% rayon spandex t-shirt that had stretch in all four directions and was a fitted silhouette. To give a snug look, it’s best to use rayon spandex material to accomplish the fitted style.
However, if you have a tee with similar style and fabric content that’s ok too! Don’t hesitate to follow along and give it a try to make your own cute workout top.
Create trendy and stylish clothes by exploring what to do with old t-shirts without sewing. There are many design options, alterations and reconstructions techniques to choose from.
From fun no sew DIY projects to cool t-shirt cutting ideas and classic notion details, personalize your wardrobe pieces with stylish upgrades.
How to make a strap tank top from t-shirt?
To accomplish this no sew project, you need the right step-by-step instructions to follow and a few basic materials to work with. Always wash and iron your old t-shirt to prepare to top beforehand.
In addition, you have to convert the measurements in the tutorial to sizes that fit you. Here is a great reference to help you learn how to take body measurement for clothing so that the DIY clothing will fit you properly.
The best part about no sew projects is that you don’t need fancy tools or machines to accomplish DIY clothing. Simply pull out the materials from your sewing kit and get an old t-shirt ready to start!
DIY Strap Tank Top Materials:
- Old T-Shirt
- ¾” Elastic Band
- Fabric Chalk
- Fabric Glue
- Measuring Tape
- Ruler
- Scissors
To make a strap tank top from a t-shirt, measure 2½” from the high point on the shoulder and cut through the neckband and down to the underarm hole opening.
Copy the new armhole onto the other side.
Measure 2” down from the center back between both under armhole openings.
Cut curved line across the back to make the cowl drape.
Cut two 20” long pieces of ¾” elastic band to make the shoulder straps.
Crisscross the straps and attach one end to the shoulder and the other end to the side seam below the under armhole opening to complete the no sew strapy tank top from t-shirt.
DIY Strap Tank Top Cutting Tips:
Altering an old tee into a strap tank top won’t take you more than 15 minutes to complete. It’s a great no-sew project for upcycle beginners.
The only steps you need to take is cutout the neckline and attach elastic straps in the right positions. I’ve put together cutting tips and no sew hacks for you to review while before making this cute yoga top.
- Elastic Band: For this tutorial, I used ¾” width elastic band. I wouldn’t go wider than ¾” because it may be too stiff and won’t drape or sit well on the body. It’s probably best to choose ¾” or ½” wide elastic, avoid ¼” elastic because it will be very hard to secure the neckline with fabric glue on the narrow elastic.
- Fabric Scissors: A pair of extra sharp fabric scissors is important when modifying the neckline and back piece of clothes with a curved line. Fabric scissors create clean cut lines with curves much better a rotary cutter, which is preferred for cutting straight lines.
- Fabric Chalk: I use contrast color fabric chalk to draw on the garment. It’s easier to see, style and cut the t-shirt. If you can, practice using fabric chalk inside of the garment. It’s easy to wash off with damp of cloth afterwards, and any residue will be left on the inside as opposed to the outside visible surface of the garment.
- Measuring Tape: A tape measure is an essential tool for no-sew projects. The tape easily bends and is flexible to measure curved necklines with draped fabrics. We will be using the flexible measurements to create a new armhole and draped scoop back line.
- Fabric Glue: Finding the right fabric glue for each no sew project is not easy. Look for an adhesive that dries quickly and doesn’t bleed or turn into thick plastic. Also, avoid putting too much glue on the surface because it won’t make a stronger bond and will actually take much longer time to dry. Continue applying small amounts of glue when joining the seams and bonding fabrics together.
Transform your old t-shirt into more no sew upcycle workout tops:
How To Make Tank Top With Straps
Transform your old t-shirt into cool yoga tank top with contrast color elastic straps. The flexible and stretchy shoulder straps comfortably hug around your shoulders and elegantly wrap around the back. Follow each step in the video, pictures and detailed instructions to make your own no sew tank top with straps.
Materials
- Old T-Shirt
- ¾” Elastic Band
Tools
- Fabric Chalk
- Fabric Glue
- Measuring Tape
- Ruler
- Scissors
Instructions
- For this strap tank top from t-shirt tutorial, lay the tee flat.
- To make the front of the strap tank top, measure 2½” from the high point on the shoulder and mark on the front neckband.
Draw a smooth curved line that connects to the point on the side seam just underneath the armhole.
Cut through the neckband and along the line to the underarm hole opening.
Copy the new armhole onto the other side. - To make the back cowl drape of the strap tank top, locate the center back between both under armhole openings.
Measure 2” down from the halfway point.
Draw a smooth curved line connecting the two points and cut to complete the back cowl drape. - To make the tank top straps, cut two 20” long pieces of ¾” elastic band.
Use fabric glue to connect one end of the elastic band to top of the shoulder.
Crisscross the straps;
then attach the other end of the elastic band to the side seam below the under armhole opening to finish the no sew strap tank top from t-shirt.
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