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Cost: $ $ $ $ $

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Time: 10h00

Convert standard tank tops into a nursing style tank!
Nursing tops are expensive, and today they're most likely to have thin, spaghetti type straps. If you're built like me, that just won't cut it. This tutorial will help you convert a pair of ordinary, long tank tops into a functional nursing tank.

Before you begin, be sure to see the comments on how to select an appropriate tank top for this project.

Posted by Linsey P. • Published 16th July 2014 • See Linsey P.'s 2 projects »

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Linsey P. published her project Nursing Tank Top Conversion 16 Jul 18:20

Step 1
Selecting Appropriate Tank Tops

You'll notice that I chose a very inexpensive pair of tank tops, from Walmart. This was my first time and, if it didn't go well, I didn't want to waste a fortune. If I were to do this again, I would be more selective in my choosing. Consider the following:
- How well is the tank put together: My Walmart tanks were put together like Fort Knox. It took many hours to take them apart.
- Is the design woven or printed: Many printed designs look odd when they get stretched too often. Chances are you're going to do a lot of stretching for this project, so make sure the design can take it.
- Is the design appropriate for a nursing tank: I picked a busy design so that you can hardly tell that there's a flap running under the bustline. Horizontal stripes would work really well too.
Step 2
Put one of the tank tops on and decide where you'd like the opening. Mark the place with chalk, or a pin.

Measure up from the bottom to where the shirt rests just under your bust.
Step 3
Take both tank tops apart. You will need all of the pieces of one tank and the front pieces of the second tank. Be very careful not to add too much stretch to any trim. Overstretched trim will make the arm and neck holes look ruffled. Be sure not to upset your marking from the previous step. Pay attention to how the tank tops are assembled. If necessary, take pictures, as you will have to reassemble the tank.
Step 4
Measure down from the shoulder of the tank to the place you have marked. Add an inch for your seam and cut the tank. My measurement was 14inches from the shoulder. Turn under the cut edge by 1/2 inch. Fold up again and straight stitch.
Step 5
Take the remainder piece from your cut and transfer the mark (that was measured up from the bottom) to the second shirt front. Add a 1/2 inch for your seam and cut the tank. Place elastic across the wrong side of the cut edge. Stretch stitch the elastic to the fabric, pulling slightly so that the elastic gathers the fabric slightly. Fold the fabric twice over the elastic and stitch again.
Step 6
Line up the two front pieces so that the top part is on top of the bottom part. Pin together (feel free to use excessive pins) so that you can treat the two pieces as if they are one. Sew the fronts and backs together with a basting stitch. Put the tank on and adjust for fit.

(The top layer of my tank was a little loose, so I had to take it in on the sides.)
Step 7
Finish reassembling the tank.