Tutorial: Tank top binder - How I'll get through summer

[diybinding]

I've started binding again just in time for summer. So I'm making myself some tank top binders. I made some from scratch, but this one is made out of a t-shirt and it's SO EASY. If I skip step 9 it takes me about two hours.
(In the photo, I'm up to step 8, but I'm going to do step 9...eventually.)

You need:
- a stretchy shirt or tank top (if a tank top, make sure the arm holes aren't too wide)
- a bit of jersey fabric - it should be stretchy but not too light. Could be an old t-shirt as well, or from a fabric store. For flatter results, get proper binding mesh ("power mesh" or "power net", you might get it on ebay).
- a sewing machine, super stretch needles, pins, scissors, measuring tape

1. Measure your high bust (loop the measuring tape around your torso as high as possible) and multiply it with 0.75. This is the circumference of the binder at that height.
2. Turn the shirt inside out and flatten it on the floor. Make sure the side seams are actually on the sides of the shirt (shirts tend to twist around after some washing). Pin front and back together.
3. Make a paper pattern if you feel like it, or just draw directly on the t-shirt. At the armpits, you should use the circumference you just calculated, plus 1cm seam allowance on each side. Around the height of your waist, curve the side seam outwards. You don't want to bind your stomach (at least I don't and this method isn't made for that). When in doubt, leave too much fabric - you can always tighten your binder later.
4. Cut out the arm holes (obviously skip this step if it's already a tank top). Optionally, cut out a wider neckhole too. Sew down the sides using a zigzag stitch without cutting any fabric yet.
5. Try the shirt on (inside out). It probably doesn't bind much yet, but you'll notice if it's too loose or too tight.
6. Make adjustments if necessary.
7. When the tank fits, put it on your extra fabric and trace out part of the front and back. It's generally useful for the binder part to start a few centimeters above the armhole; however, that means that it will be a bit visible unless you do step 9. Add 2 centimeters on the top and on the bottom each. After cutting out the binder parts, fold those 2 centimeters over and sew them in place with a zig zag stitch to keep the binder from rolling up.
8. Make sure the shirt is still turned inside out. Pin the binder parts to the shirt (so it's a binder - shirt - shirt - binder sandwich). Sew along the side seams. If you went for a higher binder and want to skip step 9, sew along part of the armholes too. That's it, you're done!
9. If you want a less DIY look, you can add (heh) binding to the neckhole and armholes. This isn't necessary, but it looks nice and hides the top of the binder fabric! Check out a video tutorial. You can also hem the shirt again.

       

Comments

[maunzikation]

Oooh, that looks interesting! thanks for the tutorial, I might try it!

[diybinding]

You're welcome! Let us know how it turns out if you do try it, and if you need any clarifications, message me :) (I'm still better at talking about sewing in German than in English)