Transforming T-Shirt Necklines: Easy Ways To Alter Your Favorite Tees

There are many ways to alter the neckline of a T-shirt. For example, you could cut a new neckline and let the fabric roll, apply a new neckband, or edge a newly cut neckline with bias binding. If you want to change a crew neck into a V-neck, you can use a seam ripper to remove the front part of the collar, cut a V into the front of the shirt, and then sew the collar down. You can also cut the collar off to make a scoop neck or turn a T-shirt into a side-tied shirt by cutting the side seams and making tassels.

Cut a new neckline and hem it

This method is ideal for those who want to avoid a "raggedy and unpolished" look. It is also a good option if you are working with a black t-shirt, as it can be difficult to find an exact colour match for the fabric.

• Mark where you would like your new neckline to go. It is easier to mark where you want the bottom point of the neckline to be while you are wearing the t-shirt. Then, take it off, lay it on a flat surface, and mark the curve.
• Cut just 1 cm above the new neckline.
• Fold a small hem and pin it around, gently easing the curve. Use lots of pins to hold it in place.
• Stitch it using a matching thread and a very slight zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine. Go slowly and let the machine feed the fabric through. Do not stretch or pull the fabric as you sew, as this will spoil the look of your t-shirt.
• If the fabric starts to fray too much, add a second line of stitching.

Cut the neckline and let the fabric roll

If you want to change a t-shirt neckline, one option is to cut a new neckline and let the fabric roll. Jersey fabric doesn't fray, so you can cut it and go. However, some people may find this look a bit too casual.

To alter the neckline of a t-shirt, first, mark where you want the new neckline to go. It's easier to mark the desired bottom point while wearing the shirt. Then, take it off, lay it on a flat surface, and mark the curve. Cut just 1 cm above the desired neckline.

If you want to prevent the fabric from rolling, you can fold a small hem and pin it around the new neckline, gently easing the curve. Use lots of pins to hold it in place, and then stitch it using a matching thread and a slight zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine. Go slowly and let the machine feed the fabric through to achieve a nice flat smooth finish.

Apply a new neckband

To apply a new neckband, you will need to purchase a length of neckband fabric, known as ribbing. You can also use an old T-shirt to make your own neckband fabric.

First, cut the neckline of your T-shirt to the desired shape. Then, measure the new neckline, subtracting 10% from the total length to calculate the length needed for your new neckband. Cut your neckband to this length, then sew the ends together to form a 'V'.

Next, quarter your T-shirt neckline and the neckband. To do this, fold the shoulder seams of the T-shirt together to find the centre back and centre front, marking both with a pin. Then, fold the pins together to find the other quarter marks. Repeat this process for the neckband, using the basted 'V' ends as the centre front.

Now, match your pins together, starting at the centre back, pinning the neckband and T-shirt together only at the quarter marks. Sew the neckband to the T-shirt with a 1/4" seam, curving the fabric towards the machine. Do not stretch the T-shirt neckline as you sew. When you reach the centre front, pivot at the tip of the 'V'. You may find it easier to baste a couple of stitches on either side of the 'V' to ensure a neat finish.

Edge a newly cut neckline with bias binding

Bias binding is a quick, easy, and neat way to finish raw edges on a neckline. You can use either a ready-made bias binding or make your own from a matching fabric. The width of the binding depends on your preference.

Firstly, you need to measure the neckline and cut out a knit "bias strip". Cut the strip as long as your neckline. You won't need the whole length, but it's easier to start with this much. Cut the strip at least 1.75" wide; this makes a finished width of about 1/2".

Next, attach the knit strip to the inside (wrong side) of the neck hole with a 1/4" seam. Begin at a shoulder seam and fold over the end by about 1/4", sew the strip to the neck hole with a 1/4" seam. The right side of the knit strip should be facing the wrong side of the neck hole. As you go, gently stretch out the strip of knit.

Overlap the ends of the strip by 1/4" - 1/2" and trim the rest of the knit strip away. Use an iron to press the entire knit strip away from the neck hole, and then fold and press the top edge 1/4" under, towards the wrong side, around the entire strip.

Finally, fold the bias strip in half so that the pressed-under edge just covers the original neckline seam and pin it in place around the entire neck hole. Then stitch it down along the fold; this is called "edgestitching".

If you want the binding to be visible from the outside, you can use a stitch in the ditch technique. Line the raw edge of your binding up with the raw edge of your neckline, right sides together. Pin in place, slightly stretching the bias binding as you pin. Sew the binding in place, then overlock the remaining raw edge. Press the binding away from the garment, fold it over the seam allowance, and pin in place, leaving 1/4" of binding visible. Stitch in the ditch to secure the binding.

If you don't want the binding to be visible, you can use a top stitch. Follow the same steps as above, but instead of leaving 1/4" of binding visible, fold the binding completely to the inside of the garment and pin in place. Top stitch in place from the right side.

Use a bowl to trace a new neckline

To alter the neckline of a T-shirt using a bowl, you will need a self-healing cutting mat, a soup bowl or medium-sized plate, and a T-shirt.

First, flatten your shirt and make sure there are no seams laying oddly. Then, centre the bowl an inch or two below the existing neckline, leaving an equal amount of space from the bowl's edge to each shoulder.

Next, hold the bowl down with one hand and trace the edge firmly using a rotary cutter. Once you've made one good pass, remove the bowl and clean up any spots that may not have been cut all the way through.

If you're worried about the neckline unravelling, you can hand stitch next to the neckline of the shirt, where the front and back pieces of fabric meet.

Frequently asked questions