DIY Halter / Racer Front Tank

This has been one of my fun holiday projects this summer. I saw a similar one in store and this DIY is a fraction of the cost. 

To make this top you will need:

• A sewing machine (you could borrow one if needed)
• Scissors
• Stretch fabric (Anything with a lot of stretch will work)
• Pins
• Thread (that matches the fabric
• A tank top you already have that fits you well (this will be used to draft a pattern for the top)
• Tape measure
• Fabric Chalk (a pencil also works)

1. Fold the fabric in half with the stretch running horizontally. The right side of the fabric should be on the inside. There should be two layers of fabric.

 

2. Lay your top onto the fabric and trace around it with fabric chalk. If you don't own fabric chalk, a lead pencil or pins will do. Only mark under the sleeves and the length of the top as we are reforming the neckline shape.

3. Drawing free-hand, mark out the outline of a halter top. Join those marks to the traced shape of the top you made previously. 

4. Remove the top and cut out the tank top pieces (front and back). Both the front will be the same shape and this is why we have cut through two layers.

 

5. Using a tape measure, measure the circumference of your neck. The band around the neck will be based off this measurement. Depending on how thick you want the band to be. Mark out a rectangle onto the remaining fabric, again with the stretch going horizontally (so the top will stretch over the head without the need for a zipper). The measurements I used were 51cm X 13cm. Again, there is two layer of fabric.

6. Take the front and back pieces of the top and sew them together (straight stitch). 

7. Fold over 1/2 cm on the arm holes and stitch (straight stitch) to prevent from fraying.

8. Hem the bottom of the tank top with a zig-zag stitch so that it will stretch easily. 

9. Next, the neck band is to be attached. Take the two rectangular pieces set aside for the neck band. Sew one long side of the two rectangles together. 

10. Open out into a bigger rectangle and sew the shorter edges together to make a  tube shape. Below shows the neckband pinned to the top. Match the seam of the neckband with the middle of the back piece. Once you have pinned the neckband to the top, attach it using a zig-zag stitch. 

 

11. Fold over the edge of the neckband that is not yet attached, concealing the seams inside. Pin, then sew with a top stitch around the band.

12. And you're done! You can leave the turtle-neck high or fold it over or under like I have with this outfit (below). 

  

Let me know if you have any questions. I'd love to see how yours worked out! Post a photo or tag MHM on FB. Please comment below what you thought of this tutorial or maybe a suggestion for the next one.

Hol xx