Snowflake Cutout Tank

See the original tutorial on my blog, www.honeybearlane.com

Step 1: Materials

You will need a tank top with wide straps like shown.  You will also need about a fat quarter of fabric.  Cotton, preferably.  Last you will need fusible interfacing and thread in the color of your choice.

Step 2:

First start by ironing on the fusible interfacing to the back of the fat quarter of your fabric.

Step 3:

Then fold the fabric in half with the interfacing facing out

Step 4:

Print out this pattern if you don't want to freehand it and trace or pin this pattern on your fabric, interfacing side.  Line the folds up.

Step 5:

After you've cut it out, draw your own design on the rest of the cutout.

Step 6:

To cut out you can use an exacto knife but the faster method is the old-school snowflake style.  You fold each of your designs in half and cut them out.  

Step 7:

It should look something like this when you are done.

Step 8:

Now for the long and kind of tedious part:  Sew around each of the cutouts.  Also sew around the entire thing with a zigzag stitch to prevent massive fraying.  It will still fray a little though, expect that.

Step 9:

To attach it to the tank, cut off the part of the strap you want to replace.

Step 10:

The fold over any new raw edges, pin, and hem.

Step 11:

Place your cutout in the spot you want it, overlapping the strap a bit for a secure attachment.  Pin in place and sew.

Step 12:

It should look like this now.

Step 13:

And here's the finished product!

Comments

[Furballs]

That is the slickest trick I've ever seen !!! Imagine it in a metallic, or silk, maybe ? I have 3 tanks I don't wear since I lost some weight, because they gaped too much under the arms, even after being taken in. The knit they're made from is so soft, that even though my sewing machine has great knit stitches, and I used every trick I know for soft knits I just couldn't get rid of the underarm gape. I figured I'd need a serger I don't have to fix this problem properly. But now I am hopeful that this technique will not only give me a gorgeous new look for my tank tops, but also help to get rid of the gaping in the process. I've got loads of fabric pieces I can try it with, and if it works, I will be a very happy camper, because while losing weight is great, having clothes I'm fond of become completely unwearable is seriously annoying :-).

[deChez]

Very clever, and very cute!

[AngelBunny]

Oh that is gorgeous!!! If I only had the patience to sew that much! I do hope you'll show us some of your other creations or make something else soon!

[radarovich]

This looks so simple and yet so very interesting and stylish! Good job! Definitely worth a try!!!

[ChrysN]

Wow, that looks really nice.

[Penolopy Bulnick]

Lovely! I love how it looks with the poka-dotted fabric :)