DIY tank top projects are usually the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of easy, no sew ideas for re-purposing old clothes. And nothing is easier to work with than old shirts (they are practically a tank top’s baggy step-sister). If you are on the look out for easy, no sew DIY tank top suggestions, check out the 3 designs below.
1. Make a Lace Strap Top
The first one of our t-shirt cutting ideas is making a lace strap top. In addition to an old shirt, you will need a strip of black elastic lace. The length of the lace will depend on how tight or loose you want the DIY top to be. I opted for a 1.5 yards lace strip, perfect for a loose fit and for making a cute chunky bow behind the neck. Below are links to the materials I used.
First, cut the sleeves of the shirt. Then, starting 1″ away from the edge of the shirt, make 1/2″ long slits. The slits should be spaced 1″ apart.
To complete this DIY tank top design, weave the lace through the slits, pull both ends through the slit in the middle of the neckline, and tie them behind your neck.
2. Cut the T-Shirt into a Halter Top
To make this DIY tank top design, start by cutting the sleeves of the shirt. Then, make four 1″ long slits 1″ away from the edge of the shirt.
Use the leftover fabric (i.e. the top, sleeves, and neckline of the old shirt) to cut two fabric strips. Pull one of the strips half way through the slits, make a knot, and tie charms to its ends. Repeat the same thing on the other side of the shirt, tying together the second set of slits.
Then, cut 2 additional fabric strips. These strips should be long enough to be tied on a bow behind your neck. If the leftover fabric is not long enough, you can cut 4 strips instead and tie them together to make 2 long strips. Tie the ends of the 2 long strips around the slits on one side of the shirt.
You can again add few charms for a more interesting design. Use the strips to make a bow behind your neck.
3 . Make an open-back top
Finally, you can make a DIY tank top with an open back, by cutting the sleeves and the back of an old t-shirt. If you want a more relaxed look, cut the neckline in a deeper V- or U-shape.
Make 1/2″ wide slits about 1/2″ apart at the back of the shirt. Weave two lace strips through these slits and tie them in a bow at the end.
For a step by step how-to, check out this blog post on how to cut a t-shirt into a tank top with open back.
