How to Shorten Straps on a Tank Top by Hand

Written By: Victoria Reyes

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How to Shorten Straps on a Tank Top by Hand

Difficulty

Moderate

Steps

Time Required

25 minutes

Introduction

The following guide will show you how to shorten the straps on a tank top. There is no sewing machine required; instead, you’ll use a needle and thread to sew the strap back in place by hand. This guide is specifically made for tank tops or dresses that have an existing seam at the end of the strap. Here are some sewing resources that may help you:

How to Seam Rip

How to Thread a Needle

Tools

Step 1

Put on the top.
Hold and stretch the strap to the desired length.
Secure the desired length of the strap with a safety pin.
Be careful with the safety pin while securing the strap.

Step 2

Use a fabric pencil to mark both sides of the strap right above the safety pin.

Step 3

Remove the safety pin.
Use the ruler to measure the length between the two marks.
This length of the strap will be removed at the last step.

Step 4

Place the top down so the back is facing up.
Place one end of the ruler where the strap meets the back of the shirt.
Use the fabric pencil to mark the strap, using the measurement from the previous step.

Step 5

Draw a line with the fabric pencil on the seam below the strap on either side of the strap.
This is where you will sew the strap back in place.

Step 6

Use the seam ripper to rip the seams from the back of the strap where it meets the back of the shirt.

Step 7

Turn the top inside out.
Match the strap with the lines from Steps 4 and 5.
Pin the strap so it stays in place.

Step 8

Use a needle and a thread that has a similar color to the fabric to sew the strap to the seam of the top.
Use the white lines from the fabric pencil as a guide.
Pierce the needle through the fabric of the top and then pull the needle through the strap.
Continue the same process downwards until reaching the end of the seam of the top.
Tie a knot after pulling the string.
Cut the excess thread.
Repeat the step for the opposite side of the strap and the upper side of the strap.