How To Make Tank Tops Out Of T-Shirts (Without Touching A Sewing Needle)

DIY tank tops

I don't think of myself as a fashion designer, but I do like to make my own t-shirts and tank-tops. Tank-tops are essential for this time of year because they're so great for layering. The loose fit of these tank-tops is very current and these also happen to include the following trends: a shabby deconstructed look, tie-dye, and fringe (well, more like faux fringe). You can get creative and make them your own, cut up an old shirt, or just copy mine--it's all good! This DIY is very simple and requires pretty much no skill what-so-ever.

  • First, let's start with the dyed top. You'll need a plain white t-shirt, some sort of fabric dye like Dylon or RIT, a permanent marker, scissors, and rubber bands or twine.

  • Draw fringe or whatever you want on the shirt with your marker. Just go for it!

  • This is what my shirt looks like before I dye it:

  • Wad the shirt up into a little ball and wrap it with rubber bands or twine, then dye it according to the instructions on the dye packaging.

  • For the painted shirt, you'll again need a t-shirt, scissors, acrylic paint, fabric medium, and a brush or sponge.

  • Mix one part paint to two parts fabric medium, add a little bit of water with a wet brush, and paint alternating stripes. It's okay if they look kind of sloppy. I also think a shirt would look great with some sort of splattered design.

Now, to the snipping! The following instructions also apply to the dyed tops and any other t-shirt you'd like to turn into a tank top.

  • You can trace the outline of the tank using one you already own by putting it on over the shirt, or just freehand it. Turn your shirt inside-out and use a pencil or washable marker to trace.

  • Here is the shirt in the process of cutting. Be careful to cut one side at a time. Also, don't forget to cut the bottom hem off the shirt.

That's really all there is to it! Now for some ways to style your new tops.

  • Wear the painted top with skinny jeans, sneakers, and a denim vest or jacket for a fun, casual look.

diy tank top

  • Or layer it under a blazer and switch out the sneakers for pumps or boots for a more sophisticated look.

DIY tank top

  • For the dyed tops, skip the necklace--the fringe detail is enough.

DIY tank top

DIY tank top

If you try this, I'd love to see how your tops turn out!
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Other easy DIY posts you might like:

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Filed in: DIY by Annie Spandex.


64 Responses to “How To Make Tank Tops Out Of T-Shirts (Without Touching A Sewing Needle)”

  1. Claire, on September 19th, 2009 at 1:35 am Said:

    Love them!! The dyed ones are particularly cool, I really like the fringing effect you’ve drawn on.

  2. Penter, on September 19th, 2009 at 2:20 am Said:

    This is mad cool, way 2 cool, I like the stripe one, the rawness make them so stylish.

  3. Shin, on September 19th, 2009 at 3:06 am Said:

    Very cool DIY! It looks really easy too! I enjoy the way you styled the tops! xoxoxxo

  4. Becky, on September 19th, 2009 at 4:07 am Said:

    Such a cool idea, thank you! I need to try this.

  5. Rachael, on September 19th, 2009 at 4:18 am Said:

    OMG – I love them all – clever you :) It’s great because the t-shirt fabric wont fray – Hmmmm, I think I might go and look for t-shirts I don’t wear anymore or better still raid my man’s closet – hehe :) Thank you for inspiring me xo

  6. Ali-bell, on September 19th, 2009 at 4:31 am Said:

    These look really great! the tie-dyed/fake fringing combination worked well. I don’t think I could handle not finishing the edges, but as Rachael said above, jersey doesn’t fray so they should last ok! (I’d recommend storing them folded instead of hanging, though, so they don’t stretch!)

  7. Sydnie, on September 19th, 2009 at 9:04 am Said:

    These look so cool! I would definately buy these in a store, so I’m definately going to have to try making them! Great post; thanks for the tip!

    Sydnie
    http://www.takemeouttotherunway.blogspot.com

  8. Amber, on September 19th, 2009 at 9:44 am Said:

    …Now, this is why I read/maintain (a) blog(s). This is so amazing. Thank you so much for sharing! I almost threw out a ton of tee shirts (I mean, you can only shred so many, right?). But this has given them a new ray of hope. *Saving this page*

    Amber

    ambersmouthwash.blogspot.com

  9. Lisa - Alterity, on September 19th, 2009 at 10:10 am Said:

    Now, those are cool! I’ll have to do them with my teenage daughter!

  10. MargieF, on September 19th, 2009 at 10:48 am Said:

    So simple yet they look great
    might have to try this one
    MargieF
    xxx

  11. Laura Taylor, on September 19th, 2009 at 10:54 am Said:

    love those lines!

  12. Couture Carrie, on September 19th, 2009 at 11:51 am Said:

    Sweet idea, A!
    Love how these turned out!

    xoxox,
    CC

  13. Nina, on September 19th, 2009 at 12:48 pm Said:

    This is so creative, I love it!

  14. All Women Stalker, on September 19th, 2009 at 2:35 pm Said:

    Awesome DIY Annie! :)

    -meream

  15. gerriward, on September 19th, 2009 at 6:15 pm Said:

    OMG! ANNIE YOU are too FABULOUS and INGENIOUSLY AMAZING! I luv, luv, luv your UNFORGETTABLE CHIC TEEs !!!:)

  16. E.K., on September 19th, 2009 at 7:13 pm Said:

    These are great. You should do tips for guys!

  17. Dana, on September 19th, 2009 at 7:14 pm Said:

    GREAT GUIDE! I can’t tell you how many times I effed this up…
    I should’ve used a tank and traced it, like you explained. Urgh. Maybe in the future?

    Love the pink one especially!

  18. Victoria T., on September 19th, 2009 at 7:45 pm Said:

    Very cool idea! Love them!

  19. The Clothes Horse, on September 19th, 2009 at 8:27 pm Said:

    I definitely love the end result of these. Very cool.

  20. Mara, on September 19th, 2009 at 8:34 pm Said:

    wow you are sooo creative! I love the tanks so much! You’ve inspired me to try it!
    xox

  21. Kelly, on September 19th, 2009 at 10:09 pm Said:

    I have cut a tee into a tank, but your designs are amazing…great job!

  22. gili, on September 20th, 2009 at 12:50 am Said:

    This is so cool, Annie. Mad props for easy-to-follow creativity ;)

  23. HarryMck, on September 20th, 2009 at 5:55 am Said:

    These are amazing, particularly with the denim crop jacket…

  24. Victoire, on September 20th, 2009 at 6:24 am Said:

    Such a great project; I’m definitely the paint one out :)

  25. PinkBow, on September 20th, 2009 at 6:50 am Said:

    cool diy!

  26. qin, on September 20th, 2009 at 8:13 am Said:

    OMTG so rad!!

  27. hannah, on September 20th, 2009 at 8:29 am Said:

    wow so cool! you make tie dye look fresh :)

  28. daisychain, on September 20th, 2009 at 8:50 am Said:

    Amazing.

  29. dapper kid, on September 20th, 2009 at 9:35 am Said:

    Oh wow, I am absolutely loving these!! The green and grey striped one looks fantastic. Hope you’re having a beautiful weekend :)

  30. Winnie, on September 20th, 2009 at 10:24 am Said:

    This is SUCH a good idea! Also, I adore that lilac blazer. So adorable.

  31. Valencia Lia, on September 20th, 2009 at 6:46 pm Said:

    Beautiful and simple DIY !!! I need to go try this to make new shirts for my closet :)

    So gorgeous how yours turned out <3

  32. Valencia Lia, on September 20th, 2009 at 6:48 pm Said:

    Beautiful and simple DIY ! I have and need to try this out :)

    To add new ways of wearing my old tees and make them into this :) Loved how yours turned out,gorgeous <3

  33. WendyB, on September 20th, 2009 at 8:29 pm Said:

    So creative!

  34. Arushi from FabBlab, on September 21st, 2009 at 12:04 am Said:

    Wow, those are incredible! I suck at DIY, otherwise I’d totally give it a go.
    I adore the lilac blazer.

  35. jowy, on September 21st, 2009 at 2:34 am Said:

    AMAZINGGGGGGGGG DIY!!! definitly gonna give this one a try..SO EXCITED!

    One Love,
    Jowy
    http://www.iseejanemary.blogspot.com

  36. districtofchic, on September 21st, 2009 at 8:39 am Said:

    Wow! I love the painterly quality of these! Congrats on your article!

  37. Cara Mia, on September 21st, 2009 at 9:26 am Said:

    you always do such a great job of altering regular stuff. cool post!

  38. Hanh, Life-in-Travel, on September 21st, 2009 at 9:36 am Said:

    AWESOME COOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Hanh,

  39. grace, on September 21st, 2009 at 10:48 am Said:

    i have a handful of freebie tee shirts lying around that i don’t know what to do with…want to try this, the painted stripes look awesome!

  40. Kristin, on September 21st, 2009 at 11:15 am Said:

    WOW. Now I just need to con my much craftier sister into doing this for me!

  41. Rozdeen, on September 21st, 2009 at 11:21 am Said:

    Totally awesome. I admire you for your relentless drive! Congrats on the launch of the zine.

    PS. Potatoes totally didn’t work for me that day, unfortunately :( I even fried pasta! That’s as far as I went to get back into the real world. I stayed largely inebriated until mid-Saturday.

  42. dreamsequins, on September 21st, 2009 at 3:10 pm Said:

    Hey Annie–

    What an amazing idea. And congratulations on the new collab/gig. You are definitely the queen of DIY cool. I love these.

    BTW, I’m out of my NYFW stupor (at least I hope).

    x D

  43. ediot, on September 21st, 2009 at 3:45 pm Said:

    i like the prints you made and its a great and simple idea to cut:) . hope youre doing great!

  44. Barbro Andersen, on September 21st, 2009 at 5:18 pm Said:

    Freakin great blog, girl! THank you!! :D <3

  45. Wanderlusting, on September 21st, 2009 at 5:21 pm Said:

    Amazing idea Annie and good tut. I am a SPAZZ with the needle so this is good news.

  46. Becs, on September 21st, 2009 at 8:51 pm Said:

    Whoa, great DIY. Love it. Thanks for sharing and being so detailed in explaining everything. :)

    xo, Becs

  47. savvy gal, on September 22nd, 2009 at 2:13 pm Said:

    omg, how creative. i love all the tanks.

  48. jennine, on September 22nd, 2009 at 2:14 pm Said:

    that is just awesome, just awesome!

  49. jennine, on September 22nd, 2009 at 2:16 pm Said:

    awesome.

  50. Becca, on September 23rd, 2009 at 4:42 pm Said:

    I love the tank tops! they turned out wonderfully!

  51. Cheray Natalie, on September 28th, 2009 at 7:21 am Said:

    They’re so gorgeous!! The last one is my fave – looks stunning on you!
    (and I love your purple blazer!)
    x

  52. Asilibeth, on October 7th, 2009 at 3:18 pm Said:

    Perfect work!,

  53. Amie, on November 12th, 2009 at 3:58 pm Said:

    Very cool. Looks very Free People-esque, but without the contributions to reactionary, homophobic right-wing politics (yay!)

  54. Wholesale Clothing, on November 18th, 2009 at 6:44 am Said:

    That is a really nice idea to make a use of old t-shirts and stuff. I had a shirt on which I had My name painted but it came of after sometime!

  55. Annie Spandex, on November 18th, 2009 at 3:58 pm Said:

    Thanks, everyone! Please send me pics or links if you try this because I’d love to see! ;D

    Amber – Your comment means a lot to me. Thank you :)

    Wanderlusting – Me too… Pulling out the needle and thread gives me a feeling of dread! lol.. That wasn’t supposed to rhyme.

    Cheray Natalie – The last one is my favorite too. :)

    Amie – Yes, yay!!

  56. I am kamty. | This is my blog., on March 8th, 2010 at 8:58 pm Said:

    [...] Annie Spandex ยป How To Make Tank Tops Out Of T-Shirts (Without Touching A Sewing Needle). [...]

  57. wholesale apparel, on March 24th, 2010 at 2:08 pm Said:

    very creative indeed, i didn’t know that by using rubber bands and permanent markers you can make such fashionable tank tops. great!

  58. Shoosters, on March 26th, 2010 at 11:30 pm Said:

    Cool looking tank tops!

  59. Andrea, on May 20th, 2010 at 7:26 am Said:

    You look amazing!

  60. ????? ?? ???????, on June 18th, 2010 at 8:13 am Said:

    Very creative! Great t-shirts!

  61. Andi, on June 20th, 2010 at 6:54 pm Said:

    I wish I lived in Nashville just so I could hang out with you- love the DIYs, your style, and you helped me discover The Do. I’ll be following your blog from now on, keep on with the DIYs!

  62. Julie, on July 7th, 2010 at 4:28 pm Said:

    I did this the other day and I LOVE my DIY tank top. I can’t willingly take it off!

  63. ApparelCandy.com, on October 3rd, 2010 at 4:46 pm Said:

    Nice idea. Very fashionable.

  64. Brautkleid Sissi, on November 1st, 2010 at 1:55 am Said:

    Efox-shop be following your blog from now on, keep on with the DIYs!http://www.efox-shop.com/brautkleider_hochzeitskleider/Brautkleid_Sissi.html

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