Blouse-to-Tank DIY

Here's a simple DIY tutorial on how to turn a blouse into a cute and summer tank. Click on the image to view a larger photo. All you need are the following items:

• A blouse. I used a silky button up with a crazy chain-and-belt pattern. I got this at the thrift store for 75 cents.
• A tank that you can use as a pattern. I have a striped xhileration tank that I thrifted that has a really nice fit, so I typically use it for a pattern. It also helps to use a tank that is made out of a similar material to the blouse you have selected.
• Scissors
• Sewing Machine

The blouse is a really nice silk material. At the thrift store, I didn't check it out too much, but while taking these photos I realized that it has a really cool label that's written in Japanese (I think, please correct me if I'm wrong!). The buttons are gold and I found them rather interesting.

The blouse before!

The first step I took was to lay it out evenly and make sure that it didn't have any wrinkles. I did the same with the pattern tank. Make sure that the seams are even and that the buttons of the blouse are centered in the "pattern." I left about 1/4" so that I could fold over the edges to sew them.

Lay them out!

Second, you'll cut around the outside of the top tank. Don't worry about the neckline just yet.

It's nice to have an extra set of hands (paws) to help you!

Next you'll have to cut out the necklines. This takes a little more "skill" I suppose that the other cuts, but it's still easy. All I did was place the front panel of the blouse on top of the tank and cut the neckline carefully from there. This is what you should end up with.

Back and front!

Now you'll have to stitch it up! Make sure that the garment is inside out. I started but stitching the side seams and then the shoulders. After you've finished those, complete the arm holes and necklines. Since the blouse is already finished at the bottom, I didn't need to sew the bottom. You're all set!

This is what you'll end up with! Try different fabrics, tank "patterns" and patterns. Have fun!