Transforming Old T-Shirts: Cutting Techniques For A New Look

how to cut a long t shirt shorter

There are many ways to cut a long T-shirt shorter, and it's a great way to upcycle old clothes. If you want to cut your T-shirt, you'll need a pair of sharp scissors, and a pen or chalk to mark the cutting line. You can cut your T-shirt into a racerback tank, a shirt with knotted sides, or cut the sleeves and collar. If you're feeling less adventurous, simply cutting your T-shirt into a crop top is a great way to give it a new look. If you don't want to cut your T-shirt, you can also shrink it in the wash, or use hemming web to shorten it.

Characteristics Values
Tools Sharp scissors, pen or washable chalk, measuring tape, needle and thread or fabric glue, fabric, iron and ironing board, sewing machine with a universal 90/14 needle and thread, straight pins
Techniques Racerback Tank, Knotted Sides, Altering Sleeves, Altering Collar and Hem, V-neck cut, One-shoulder cut, Cropped cut, Sleeveless cut, Distressed cut, Hemming, Knotting
Tips Practice cutting on old T-shirts, cut too little off first, cut along the stitching line, cut fabric to make it curl and conceal jaggedness, cut sleeves at an angle, cut just inside the seam for inward curl, cut just outside the seam for fraying, cut above the stitching on the hem to preserve length

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Cut the collar off

Cutting off the collar of a T-shirt is a great way to transform a piece and make it more stylish or feminine. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to cut the collar off a T-shirt:

Prepare Your Materials

Before you start cutting, make sure you have a pair of sharp scissors. Fabric scissors are ideal, but hair-cutting scissors can also be used to make precise cuts. You will also need a pen or some chalk to mark the fabric.

Try on the T-shirt

Before making any cuts, it is a good idea to try on the T-shirt and decide how much you want to cut off. You can mark the desired new neckline with a pin or by lightly drawing on the shirt with a pen. Remember that it is easier to go back and make the neckline bigger than to try to make it higher later.

Cut the Collar

Start by cutting at the left side of the collar and work your way around to the right side, following the stitching line as a guide. Cut just below the seam, and make sure not to cut through both layers of fabric at once, as this will make the back of the collar too low.

Create a More Feminine Look (Optional)

If you want a more feminine touch, you can cut the front of the collar lower. To do this, fold the shirt in half lengthwise so that the back is loose. Line up the cut edges of the front collar and start cutting about 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the cut edge, finishing at the side edge. When you unfold the shirt, you will have a deeper curve to the collar.

Finish the Edges (Optional)

T-shirt fabric does not fray, so you do not need to hem the cut edges. However, you can gently pull on the edges to make the fabric curl inward, which will give a cleaner look and hide any jaggedness.

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Cut the sleeves off

Cutting off the sleeves of a T-shirt can give it a more casual, halter-top look, and it can also make the shirt more comfortable. Here is a step-by-step guide to cutting the sleeves off a T-shirt:

Test the Look

Roll the sleeves up as high as you can, or tuck them into the shirt around the seam to see if it would look good as a sleeveless T-shirt. Alternatively, place sewing pins in the sleeves and try on the shirt to see if you like where they sit on your shoulders.

Decide How Far to Cut the Sleeves

You can either cut the sleeves off at the seam, or leave the seam intact. Leaving the seam intact will keep your finished T-shirt from unraveling or looking shabby, and it will also make a smaller armhole. Cutting the sleeves off at the seam will give a more casual, looser look, and because the armhole is larger, it can make the shirt more comfortable. If you want to turn your T-shirt into a muscle shirt, cut the sleeves off at the seam.

Mark Your Cut

Lay the T-shirt out on a flat surface and outline your desired cut. If you’re cutting out the seam, mark a line 1 inch in from the seam with chalk or an erasable pen. Curve around the seam so that the line ends at a right angle about 1 inch under the sleeve. To keep the seam, make a line about 1/4 inch from the outside of the seam. If you want to keep the seam without hemming the edge, make the line 1/8 inch from the outside of the seam.

Cut the Sleeves

Hold the fabric taut and carefully cut the sleeves off. Pull the fabric tight around the marked area as you cut. Cut as smoothly as you can without stopping to make your cut clean. Repeat on the other sleeve. Alternatively, fold the T-shirt in half before you cut the sleeves off for a more even cut on both sides.

Hem the Edges (Optional)

To prevent the sleeves of your shirt from curling in or fraying, fold the edge of the fabric 1/4 inch inside the sleeve and pin it down. With a sewing machine or by hand, sew 2 straight lines next to each other around the ends of both sleeves to attach the hem.

Add Additional Cuts for a Distressed Look (Optional)

Cut holes into the fabric with scissors or a box cutter to make your shirt look distressed and worn-in. To make slightly larger holes, pinch the fabric and cut straight into the fold. Stretch the hole out a little bit with your fingers to prevent fraying. For a more punk look, stick safety pins over any distressed holes you make.

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Cut the bottom hem off

Cutting the bottom hem off your t-shirt is a great way to achieve a cut-off look and is a simple way to transform your long t-shirt into something trendy and new.

Firstly, lay your t-shirt on a flat surface. Make sure the bottom hems at the front and back of the shirt are aligned. If you want to keep the length of the t-shirt as it is, cut the hem off just above the stitching. If you want to make the t-shirt shorter, cut it to your desired length.

If you want a crop top, decide how short you want the shirt to be and cut the hem off at that point. Belly-button level is a popular choice.

For a high-low look, flatten the shirt so that one of the side seams is visible and you have a fold along the front and back centre of the shirt. Begin cutting along the back folded edge at an upward angle towards the front folded edge. The higher up the front folded edge you cut, the shorter the shirt will be in the front.

To create a scooped hem, cut the entire bottom hem off first, then fold your t-shirt in half so that the side seams match up. Start cutting at the side seam, about 2 to 3 inches from the bottom hem. Cut in a curve towards the folded edge, stopping at the hem. When you open up your t-shirt, you will have a rounded hem that is longer in the middle and shorter on the sides.

Finally, to give your t-shirt a nice finish, gently pull along all of your cut edges. This will cause the fabric to curl and conceal any jaggedness.

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Cut the front shorter than the back

To cut the front of a T-shirt shorter than the back, you will need a pair of sharp scissors and a pen or washable chalk to mark the fabric.

First, flatten the shirt so that one of the side seams is visible, and you have a fold along the front-centre and back-centre of the shirt. Begin cutting along the back folded edge at an upward angle towards the front folded edge. The higher up the front folded edge you cut, the shorter the shirt will be in the front.

Begin cutting about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the back hem. This way, you won't retain any of the original stitching, creating a more consistent look.

If you want to step things up a little, you can cut the bottom hem off to complete the cut-off look. For an even nicer finish, gently pull along all of your cut edges. This will cause the fabric to curl and conceal any jaggedness.

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Cut the hem shorter along the side seams

When cutting the hem shorter, focusing on the side seams can create a more balanced and even result. This method is a great way to shorten a long T-shirt while maintaining its structure and ensuring a neat finish. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Try on the T-shirt and decide how much length you want to remove. Consider the desired final length and whether you want a more dramatic or subtle crop. Mark the cutting line with chalk or a fabric pen. It's crucial to use a fabric-safe marker to ensure no permanent stains are left on your T-shirt. The side seams will be your guide for this step. Align your marking with the side seams to create a straight and even cutting line across the hem.

Fold the T-shirt: Lay the T-shirt on a flat surface and fold it in half lengthwise, matching the side seams and the shoulders. This ensures an even cut on both sides of the T-shirt. By folding it in half, you can cut through both layers simultaneously, creating an identical hemline on the front and back. Place a ruler or straight edge along the marked cutting line to create a straight edge to cut against. This will ensure a clean, precise cut. Use fabric scissors to cut along the marked line, following the straight edge of the ruler. Cut slowly and carefully to avoid any uneven snips or jagged edges.

When cutting, focus on maintaining a steady hand and a smooth, fluid motion. Finally, unfold the T-shirt and admire your handiwork! You've successfully shortened the hem along the side seams. Try on your newly cropped T-shirt to check the fit and ensure you're happy with the length and overall look. This method is an excellent way to achieve a simple yet effective crop, perfect for those who want a quick and straightforward way to update their T-shirts.

Frequently asked questions

You can use hemming web, a heat-based glue tape, to hem the T-shirt shorter. Check YouTube for tutorials on how to use it.

First, lay the shirt on a flat surface and smooth it out completely. Cut across where you want the new hem to hit. Stretch out the new hem with your fingers to give it a more worn-in effect.

Cut the collar off at the stitching, starting from the front left side and working your way to the right. Continue cutting along the back of the collar until you reach the starting point. Cut the sleeves off, starting at least 1 inch below the armpit.

Lay the shirt on a flat surface and smooth it out completely. Cut across where you want the new hem to hit. Then, cut off the sleeves horizontally at the shoulder seam and then cut downward until you hit the armpit.

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