Thrifted Box Top to a DIY Tank Top with darts

[@asurya8797]

Never miss out on A chance to look fabulous. Beautiful!

[@CatherineSews]

Right!? One of life's great lessons, lol.

[@lindap9079]

Thank you for the tip to sew a mm away from the fold in the bias tape.

[@CatherineSews]

You are so welcome!

[@enolastenson9792]

So much information. It's perfect I am always smarter when I watch your tutorials. I enjoy up cycling. Thank you.

[@angelamajor4034]

You do such a BEAUTIFUL job on everything I’ve seen you sew! I don’t know who taught you to sew but I have to say that you had an excellent teacher! Even if you are self taught! I’ve been sewing for over 55 years and I still love it! Only now at this age in my life I only enjoy easy projects! Thankfully there are millions of easy projects! You make EVERYTHING look easy!

[@CatherineSews]

Thank you so much! It was my mum who first taught me how to sew. I’ve loved it ever since! I’m glad you still enjoy sewing after 55 years!

[@MacT4972]

I have to agree. My Mom taught me how to sew as well. I am also a longarm quilter. However, I’ve never thought a whole lot about customizing pieces as much as I have after seeing what you do, Catherine. I altered a sweater recently, making it something I love instead of something I like. That’s something I never even thought about doing until I watched one of your videos, Catherine. Thank you for all you do to teach even us long time sewers new things; I thoroughly enjoy your videos!

[@macoeur1122]

When I was about four years old I had a swimsuit that was pink with white binding...and I have a picture of myself wearing it while swimming with my grandfather. I once thought it be fun "re-create" the photo, years later....but I rarely see solids with contrasting solid bindings...and when I do, it's never pink with white binding (probably because that shade of pink is sort of a "little girl" pink) Well, NOW I know just what to do! :P Thanks! When you were describing the original top, you paused as you were searching for an adjective to describe it and I beat you to the word "boring"! lol Your tank is a million times better!

[@brendabuckley7071]

"Never miss out on a chance to look fabulous" Yay love it

[@lavonnemacfarland7380]

The bias tape really elevates this top!

[@carolcarter865]

Another amazing up cycle. Thanks

[@patriciabennett961]

That turned out beautifully! Love that bias tape showing on the outside! Very nice!❤

[@AngelaWoolsey]

Super cute top. I have several cotton t-shirts I want to redesign, but had no ideas. I love this one!

[@CatherineSews]

Fantastic! Let me know how they work out!

[@themamachar]

Love the way you teach. Great job

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much!

[@charlenemcgill2961]

Really, really. nice job Catherine

[@susanskidmore9516]

Stunning 💃. Your pristine work makes it look like a million bucks. I learned so much, Catherine. Thank you

[@arvettadelashmit9337]

It looks wonderful on you. Have you ever made your own bias tape? You could have made double folded bias tape (so the black would not show through as it did on your purchased single fold/layer bias tape). Quilters usually make their own double folded bias tape/binding to match their quilt. The extra layer is supposed to make the binding last longer on the quilt.

[@CatherineSews]

Yes, I enjoy making and using my own bias tape! Here's a video where I trimmed a camisole and made the straps with bias: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHSZiqqPaK6haq8 The technique in today's video is different though. The single fold tape gives a really crisp edge which is a nice trick to play around with.

[@judyblaise1639]

Lovely top. You are such a great seamstress! Thank you for the video.

[@NewsfromtheGrove]

Awesome! I have been looking for an instructional tank idea and I LOVE this one. That "V" back is Ahhhmazing! Thank you again for such a fun and fabulous fix up!

[@CatherineSews]

Awww, thanks so much for your enthusiasm and kindness! I really love this project and I'm so glad you do too!

[@RuthBaker-u8j]

Thank you for showing how you recycle clothes. You have given me the idea and courage to redo some clothes that I made that didn’t turn out like I thought.

[@lorrainedempsey3320]

I love how you re-made this black box t-shirt. I really like the white bias tape trim. WOW!!!

[@bonniecrowe1531]

The dart information is useful. Thanks.

[@CatherineSews]

Glad it was helpful!

[@doudou53d44]

Beautiful and easy to do 👍😎🐕‍🦺🐈‍⬛

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much!

[@jjgirljjgirl5743]

Excellently done. Way to go on the upcycle. They can be challenging but you make it look so easy. Thank you. I love watching your channel.

[@lifeofjoy9404]

This opens up all kinds of upcycling possibilities!💪🤓

[@mary-louw2946]

I enjoyed this beautiful upcycle. You are so creative! Hugs

[@carolfields6837]

Hello! I am enjoying your creative ideas and the ease of your instruction. Your experience is evident! Great job Catherine 👏

[@ArlenePMCM]

I love it and I have a few tank dresses with too large armholes and too high round necklines. Can't wait to try your method. 😍

[@cheryl3366]

Great project. Have you ever used thrifted men's ties to make your own bias tape? Some great patterns, and if you wash and dry the silk first it holds up great in the wash and light drying. I have used it on several projects.

[@CatherineSews]

No, I've never tried that, but I love the idea!

[@PreciousMe]

This is great! I have several "boxy" polyester tops that just are not flattering any longer. I'm going to try this and maybe just attempt darts to make them fit better. Thanks!

[@ginalibrizzi5204]

WOW! That was so much customization, and you made it look so easy! Fabulous! ❤

[@jenniferwestphal-leath7866]

You make it look so effortless! I might try sewing again.

[@elsafischer3247]

It looks beautiful

[@sherrijones307]

Love the white trim, another great top. ❤

[@dianejohanson98]

Love your sewing videos. None request: Can you #how how to sew a longer leg swim bottom. I have the fabric, but no idea how to measure and sew! Please help me!

[@CatherineSews]

I think you could use the top of a pattern for leggings. Cut them longer than you think you’ll want them and then adjust from there. I hope that works for you!

[@lilaholland5764]

! Your approach & techniques are spot on! This is what I want to be able to accomplish & you've given me the confidence to go for it! Thanks Catherine!!!

[@melissaegbertson9100]

Wow, what a classy look! And the info on how to do the bust darts was really helpful. I wonder if someday you can show us how to alter a collared dress shirt (non-stretch cotton) that fits well in the shoulders and the bust but is way too big in the waist- would you take in the sides as you usually do with a knit, or would you put in princess seams front and back to make it more fitted and leave the side seams alone? Thanks!

[@CatherineSews]

You could do a bit of both! The princess seams, or just vertical darts, might be all you need, but then you can always take in the sideseams too if needed.

[@melissaegbertson9100]

Super! Thank you!❤

[@Marianne_C_O_Art]

Excellent explanation for duplicating the darts! I've got a top that I paused for a few days until worked out the best dart method, now I can proceed 😊

[@sheribazar698]

Thanks for another great video Catherine!

[@eileenfb1948]

Such a simple idea with an amasing result

[@SBL1932]

Another great video. Very timely for me because I am wanting to make some tops

[@lynndavenport4029]

Great video. Happy Canadian holiday. Thanks for your viedos.

[@karencross1964]

Thanks for this. Finishing edges has had me hesitating on a few projects.

[@Hremo_158]

I Love this top! Turned out Perfect! Excellent timing for me, I want to change a neckline on a top, using Bias Tape. Great refresher!

[@lizz7162]

Love it .. well done .. frim South Africa xx

[@AngeVPV]

It looks amazing!

[@sozofam2164]

This was a great video and such a fun idea! Could you point me to a video [of yours] that would instruct me on [more easily] decreasing the waistline on a pair of jeans? If so, thank you in advance.

[@CatherineSews]

This video might just do the trick for you! kzbin.info/www/bejne/mYiUdWp4mMeFg9E

[@sozofam2164]

@@CatherineSews That works for me! Thanks so much!

[@Maplecook]

Darted right here to get tanked with ya! haha

[@CatherineSews]

Haha, such an MC comment.

[@helenablignaut662]

Lovely!

[@karenjones9422]

Love how this turned out and especially the back! So nice with that skirt also love the slits in it. Did you upcycle the skirt and do you have a vid on it? Thanks for all the great ideas and tips

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks so much! I made the skirt in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5ixo2VrqZyVibc from a knocked off pattern that I made in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rn2QmmOXrKlkiaM

[@janetlarsen8072]

Hello! Love your videos! What model of overlocking machine do you suggest?

[@CatherineSews]

Thanks! Here's a link to my dream serger/overlocker: babylock.com/machines/serger/victory

[@janetlarsen8072]

@@CatherineSews thank you! :)

[@theresaleduc5056]

Hi Catherine, I’m curious about why you sew some seams on your machine and then serge them. With a four thread serger, wouldn’t just the serged seam be strong enough without sewing it too? I love your tutorials!

[@CatherineSews]

Hi Theresa, you’re right, I do that a lot! Often it’s because I want to sew it and then try it on before I serge. I often just serge knits together but I do prefer to sew and serge wovens, just for some extra strength.

[@monayu949]

When trying to pick black threads out of black cloth, run your sliver of soap or chalk over the stitches and then you can see them.

[@itsWonderGirll]

WOAHH😍❤️ It looks sooo Gorgeous🧡🔥 You are literally sooo TALENTED AND CREATIVE💗✨ I must say that this is an Amaaaazing Video!💜♾️✨ And I should also say that Your Channel is One of Kind🤗💕 Keep On Going!💙🧿✨

[@dorothyholfeld4304]

Does bias tape work on a stretch jersey-type fabric?

[@CatherineSews]

I did wonder about that! It would eliminate any stretch on the trimmed edges, so that might cause problems. What might work better is fold-over elastic. It comes in lots of different colours and trims knits beautifully.

[@dorothyholfeld4304]

@@CatherineSews Thank you! I didn't know there was a fold-over elastic. What a great idea!

[@fuzzihendricks2308]

Love love

[@MsRoosmarii]

The bias tape in itself looks very nice. But I would not destroy a top that you started with just to get another one with a different shape. The original was more covering and would be useful for other purposes? So why destroy it?

[@helenwood3199]

If your top was knit you could get away with no darts and have a reversible front and back...v or u shaped neckline.

[@sylviamaxwell504]

Ooh good idea😊

[@Simplesavemoney]

❤🧡💛💚

[@rosac8168]

Wow I just did the same exact thing to my boat top but took me forever I traced it over a tank top that fit ..after almost 5 hrs I finally got it done minus the bias tape though I was too exhausted 🥱 lol

[@maryswartzel2773]

You make this look so easy. Thanks for the inspiration. ♥️