diy minimal fashion | how i cloned a tank top

Happy summer!

I've been scratching a recent itch to work on more sewing projects. I'm worried it has to do with how I'm procrastinating on my wedding dress, but I'm trying not to think about that (since I definitely am procrastinating on that project). This tank top is the most recent addition to my wardrobe. It's simple, minimal, comfy - much like its predecessor. I used an existing shirt to create this new one, which is by far the easiest way I've found to sew one's own clothing (also there is no room for judgement when you see how worn this shirt is - it's incredibly comfy). A while ago I shared how I made my own t-shirt, and this method is essentially the same. 

To make this top, I used:

• Knit, stretchy fabric
• Matching thread
• Sewing machine and notions
• Marking pencil
• Existing tank top to replicate 

Step 1. | To begin, I laid my knit material down with the stretch of the fabric moving from right to left, just as my original garment moves. I laid the shirt on the fabric, then traced about 1/2 inch around the garment. I only traced one half of the garment, then folded the fabric in half along the middle. Next I cut along the outline while the fabric was still folded, cutting through both layers of fabric.

Step 2. | With my first piece cut, I traced its shape onto the fabric, and cut out an identical piece. To differentiate between the pieces, I cut one with a deeper neckline for the front, and one with narrower straps for the back. 

Step 3. | I pinned the pieces together, right-sides in. I then sewed along the sides and at the top where the straps meet, using a zig-zag stitch. It's important to use a zig-zag stitch when sewing stretchy materials. This way the seam moves with the stretching of the fabric. 

Step 4. | With the seams in place, all I had left to do was hem any raw edges. I did this with a zig-zag stitch as well. 

This fabric is so incredibly comfortable, and the length and fit of this top is just right. I'm all about DIY minimal fashion, and am so ready to sew up a whole batch of these tanks. 

Side note: I'm getting older, and caring a lot less. Like, I don't care that people tell me I need more diversity in my wardrobe, and I don't care that black and denim are the only colors I ever want to wear. So I'm resigning to just doing what I want, and wearing what I want. It feels good, and I'm ending up with a lot less clothes in my closet that I don't actually like. 

xoxo,

-m.e.

P.S. If you're into basic wardrobe pieces, learn how to make this everyday bag.