DIY Nursing Tank Tutorial
With a breastfeeding lifestyle comes the need for a slightly different wardrobe than a woman who isn’t breastfeeding. I didn’t really realize this before I had my first baby, but now I understand it all too well! My clothing choices are based on what items are easy to nurse in. Just pulling any ordinary top up and out of the way works. However, I quickly realized that I didn’t like exposing my stomach, especially when nursing in public.
A nursing tank is the solution to that problem! However, buying ready-made nursing tanks can get expensive, especially since I need a fresh one every day–and sometimes more than once a day!
I came across a suggestion for DIY nursing tanks long before my husband and I were ever expecting, and while I was pregnant I made my own. These nursing tanks are extremely inexpensive and take just a few minutes to make.
How to Make Your Own Nursing Tank
You’ll need spaghetti-strap tank tops or camisoles (I bought mine at Walmart for less than $2 each!), scissors, needle, and thread (the thread doesn’t have to match the color of the tanks, but it can if you want).
Step 1: Begin by cutting the straps where they are attached to the back side of each tank. You can carefully cut the threads, or just cut through the straps like I did.
Step 2: Trim the straps so there are just about 1-2 inches remaining (depending on how big you want your loops) attached to the front side of the tank.
Step 3: Using needle and thread, sew the end of the strap down so it forms a loop. I am no seamstress so mine don’t look very neat, but that doesn’t really matter. You just want to make sure it’s secure.
Step 4: Repeat on the other side.
To use the nursing tank, simply pull it over your head and unhook the clasps on your nursing bra. Slip the loops on each side over the clasps and rehook them. When you unhook the cups of your bra to nurse, the tank will come with the cup. This enables you to always keep your stomach covered (so you’re warm and modest) while you’re nursing. And it works even if you’re wearing a top that you need to pull up and out of the way.
I just bought more tank tops yesterday in new colors to make more nursing tanks. You can make them all in neutral colors, or have nursing tanks in lots of colors to coordinate with your wardrobe!
Do you find a nursing tank helpful as a breastfeeding mama? Have you ever made your own?
What brand of nursing bra is in your photos? I like the straps and colour.
It seems you could actually make two from one cami just by cutting them in half at the sides. Then you would cut the straps to allow for the loops on both the front and back pieces. Good idea.
You could, but then it wouldn’t be a tank or a cami, more like a bib or a dickey (remember those? 🙂 ) and wouldn’t stay put when pulling up your shirt to nurse. Using a full cami ensures that it will stay put and give you full coverage.