Fashion Forward :: Tee to Tank {{TAKE TWO}} - Nursing Tank

Bed rest ---> Day 7...brought me some creative juices, and of course, the time to embrace some of them.  I decided to run with the Tee to Tank that I created yesterday.  Not only are these just plain old t-shirts that are no more comfy, adorable, and perfect for summer; they are also perfect for newborn baby spit up and poops!  And what else would I need comfy shirts for?  Nursing!  Nursing tank tops can be expensive and I just can't bring myself to spend the extra money on them.  However, the concept of a nursing tank top is ideal.  This led me back to the Tee to Tank....why couldn't I create a nursing tank top out of this same idea?!?

A few pinterest pins later and I was on my way!!!

{{ Thank you to the following tutorials....I used them all on different levels in order to create my very first Tee to Nursing Tank :  Tee to Tank, Twisted flower embellishment, DIY Accessories from T-Shirt }}

Here is my step by step....bare with me and the pictures since I am on bed rest.  Photo ops aren't the greatest, but you get the idea!

Tee to Tank :: Nursing Tank

What you'll need:

- 2 old/recycled t-shirts

- yarn in matching colors & needle (or sewing machine)

- scrap felt (can substitute any fabric)

- velcro

Step 1

- Create the base for the Tee to Tank.  Take the t-shirt you want to actually wear and trim off the top/collar, sleeves, and hem.  Fold the top of each side down, pin, and sew a hem 1/2- 1 inch from the top.

( use this -->  Tee to Tank tutorial since I didn't get any pictures of this process)

- Take the 2nd t-shirt and cut the hem off and 4 additional strips 1-2 inches wide (tip: cut side to side, parallel to the hem)

Step 2

- Take 3 strips cut from the second shirt, cut each strip so that they are 1 long piece rather than 1 continuous (circular) piece.  

- Bind the three strips together with a safety pin and hold in place (I just held it in my mouth, but a better option would be to attach it to something that can't move since you'll be pulling on them).

- Now braid the strips the entire length, secure with a safety pin, and set aside

(I used this tutorial --> DIY Asseccories from T-Shirt)

Step 3

- Create 2 flower embellishments.  You can use any type of fabric flower, but I chose to use the t-shirt method since those are the supplies I had.  Feel free to change the color, texture, type, ect.

(I used this tutorial --->  Headband embellishment)

Note:  I didn't use a hot glue gun (again, bed rest wouldn't really permit the mess), instead I just used a needle and thread and loved the outcome.

- When using needle and thread, sporatically (and often) tack down the fabric as you twist in the circular motion.  This will both keep the flower whole as well as add some texture.

  

1 - 4th strip from the 2nd t-shirt

2 - two circles (use pill bottle for sizing) from scrap felt (for the base)

3 - Twist the fabric starting at the end corner and secure with needle/thread (or hot glue) to the center of one of the felt circles

4 - Secure the twists as you go with a small stitch running through a particular twist down through the felt and back up. (increasing the tension on the thread occasionally will give the flower more texture in places...there is not right or wrong, just "the way you like it")

5 - when you're to the edge of the felt, fold over the remaining fabric and tack several times going all the way through the felt and material in the center (almost like sewing a button)

TA DA :)

6 - create 2nd flower and set both aside

Step 4

Sorry, no pictures for this one.

- Return to your Tee to Tank that you started.

- Thread the braided bit through what will become the back of your new tank

- Thread spare material through the front hem of your new tank (for this, I used the hem that we trimmed off the spare shirt.  I didn't cut the hemmed piece, but rather left it "doubled" to add a similar thickness as the braided version.  You could use ribbon, elastic, or an additional strip from your spare t-shirt if you like.

Step 5

Attach velcro

1 - pre-"scrunch" the shirt hem a little so that is is close to where you want it to be when you wear it.  You may want to "size" it on yourself first.

2 - Attach a piece of velcro to each end of the material on what would be the front "strap".  I attached the velcro (hand sewn) at the very edge so because I wanted my straps to fasten on the front just like a nursing tank.  If you want the straps to fasten higher on the shoulder than plan for the length of material that will become the strap and attache velcro where you wish.

3 - Attach velcro to the back of each flower/embellishment

Step 5

- Attach a flower/embellishment to each braided strap (be sure the direction of the velcro matches up to the front)

( be sure to trim off any additional braided material that might be covering the velcro )

 

Step 6

- Try it on!

I, of course, cannot fit into mine just yet since I'm 35+ weeks pregnant; I did try it on but it looked silly.  However, the shirt I used was one of my husbands size mediums that got "shrunk" slightly in the dryer.  I figured this would be the perfect "looser" fitting Nursing Tank.  When I start to lose weight, if this tank holds up I can simple take it in at the sides and can adjust the straps if needed.

My finished product :)

I have 12 more days of bed rest!  Lets see if I can get a few more of these made.  Nursing tanks for FREE!?!  Yes, please :)