How to Make an Open Back Tank Top with Fringe Trim | Split Back Shirt Sewing Tutorial
3,680 views · Published 26 July 2018 · 8:45 · Indexed 22 September 2026
Channel: Comicat Creations · 2018 · Howto & Style
Learn how to make an open back tank top with trim in my latest sewing tutorial! It features a split back style & trim along the bottom edge. I show you how to cut and sew the pieces, hem the raw edges, and add trim or fringe. Make it full length or cropped, wear it over a swimsuit (which is how I love wearing it), or pair with high waist shorts for an on trend look! It's a pretty simple tank top with a fun twist, making it a great sewing project for advanced beginners who are comfortable using a sewing machine and making basic pieces! The version I show uses a stretch knit fabric but I’ve made the same style with a lightweight non-stretch (woven) fabric too… the biggest differences with the non-stretch top are that I had to cut it larger to get it on and off easily and I used bias tape around the neckline and armholes to hem it (my footage for that top didn't work out, so see the tips below for some written instructions/tips if you’re making it with non-stretch fabric). ***** MATERIALS NEEDED: -1-1.5+ yards of fabric. My stretch fabric was 57” wide so I needed just under a yard but my non-stretch fabric was only 44” wide so I needed about 1.5 yards for that version. If you want a larger size, you may want extra fabric. -At least 1.5 yards of a non-stretch trim or fringe (optional). -¼” wide double fold bias tape (optional; only needed if you’re using non-stretch fabric) -A tank top to use as a template (it won’t be damaged) -Basic sewing supplies: sewing machine, ball point needle, thread, pins, tape measure, etc. ***** TIPS ON BUYING STRETCH FABRIC: I used a very lightweight and super stretchy fabric (the kind that feels super soft and is so stretchy and light you can see through it when it’s stretched at all). Really light knits are harder to work with than ones with a little more weight, so avoid the super light ones if you’re not used to knits! A walking foot does help hem harder knits, though! ***** TIPS/DIFFERENCES FOR THE NON-STRETCH VERSION: -Use a lightweight non-stretch fabric – it’ll look better and flowier than a heavier fabric. -Use a loose fitting tank top you can get on and off easily without needing it to stretch since the top needs to fit loosely. -Angle your cutting to get a few inches wider as you cut down the side to to create that loose flowy silhouette… you can always take the sides in if it’s too big, but you can’t add fabric if it’s too small. -A low neckline and large enough armholes make it easier to take on and off. -Sew the seams and hems with a universal needle and straight stitch. -Trim the seam allowances & any exposed raw edges with pinking shears to prevent fraying. -Press the hems and press the seam allowances open with an iron. -Add ¼” wide double fold bias tape around the neckline and armholes to hem them. -There are some great videos out there showing how to properly use double fold bias tape, so check those out if you need help learning how to use it (I admit I take the easy/improper way to use bias tape explained below rather than the official way). -I add bias tape in the following way/order (although again for the more proper way, search for some great tutorials by other YouTubers!): -Lay the front and back bodices together with correct sides facing and pin and sew just ONE shoulder together. -Trim that seam with pinking shears and press it open (trim & press after each seam I tell you to sew). -Open up the tank top and lay it so the necklines are facing each other; one shoulder will be joined together. -My lazy way of adding bias tape: unfold the bias tape just once, place the raw edge of the neckline inside it starting at the unstitched shoulder, fold it back in half around the neckline, and pin it down. -Wrap the next section around the neckline, smoothing the bias tape out and pulling it taut around the neckline so there’s no slack, and pin again; pin frequently and keep it pulled really taut to help it lay neatly around the curves. -When the whole neckline is wrapped starting and ending at the unstitched shoulder, sew to secure the bias tape. -Lay the front and back bodices with correct sides facing again and pin and sew the unsewn shoulder together. -Open the tank top up and lay it out again; both shoulders are now sewn together. -Wrap and pin the bias tape around both of the armholes and then sew it on. -Lay the front and back of the tank top with correct sides facing and pin and sew both of the sides together, and now your tank top has bias tape binding the neck & armholes, plus the shoulders and sides are sewn, so you can add the trim as shown in the video. ***** SOCIAL MEDIA/GET IN TOUCH: Email: [email protected] Instagram: comicatcreations Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/comicatcreations/ If you recreate any of my projects email me, tag me or use the hashtag #comicatcreations on Instagram! Thanks for watching and don’t forget to subscribe for easy sewing tutorials, fabric hauls, look books, & more! XO, Monika