Transforming T-Shirts: Cutting A V Neck

Transforming a crew neck T-shirt into a V-neck is a simple process that can be done with or without sewing. To begin, determine how deep you want the V-neck to be. Next, fold the shirt vertically in half and draw a diagonal line from the point of the V to each shoulder seam. Cut along this line, being careful to only cut through the front side of the shirt. If you're sewing the collar back on, you'll need to stretch and pin the collar pieces to the new neckline before sewing them together. For a no-sew option, simply cut off the collar directly underneath the seam and you're done!

Measuring the V-neck

To cut a V-neck, you need a crew-neck shirt, a ruler or measuring tape, stick pins, a fabric marker, fabric scissors, and a seam ripper. If you want to sew the collar back on your shirt, you’ll also need thread in the same colour as your shirt and a sewing machine or sewing needle.

If you’re using a measuring tape, grab a straight edge to help you draw straight lines.

Measure how deep you want the V-neck to be. Lay a V-neck shirt that you like over your T-shirt as a guide. Mark the spot where you want the point of the V to go with a pin, then fold the shirt vertically in half. Lay it flat on a table and line up the shoulders. Then, use a ruler to measure the distance from the point where the collar meets the shoulder seam to the point of the V. Write this measurement down.

If you’re sewing the existing collar to your shirt, the V has to be no longer than 2 inches (5 cm) from the bottom of the collar. If it’s deeper than that, the collar won’t fit around the new V neckline.

If you don't have another V-neck shirt, simply estimate how deep you want the V-neck to be. It's better to be conservative, as you can always make the V deeper later.

If you’re having trouble visualising the V-neck, try your shirt on. Look in the mirror and mark the spot you'd like the point of the V to be with a pin.

Fold your T-shirt in half vertically. Lay your T-shirt face down on the table, then fold one side over to the other. The front of the collar should now be on the outside of the fold. Make sure that the neckline, the shoulders, and the arms match up exactly. Then, smooth down all the edges until the shirt is free of wrinkles.

Trace the outline of the V-neck with a fabric marker. Make a diagonal line with your ruler, placing it where the shoulder seam meets the collar down to the middle of the chest. Using the measurements you took previously, mark off the point of the V with a fabric marker. Then, draw a line between the mark and the point where the shoulder seam meets the collar.

Sewing a V-neck collar

Step 1: Measure the V-Neck

Firstly, you need to determine how deep you want the V-neck to be. Take a V-neck shirt that you like and lay it over your T-shirt as a guide. Mark the spot where you want the point of the V to be with a pin. Then, fold the shirt vertically in half, ensuring the neckline, shoulders, and arms match up exactly. Use a ruler to measure the distance from the point where the collar meets the shoulder seam to the point of the V. Note this measurement down.

Step 2: Cut the Collar

Now, unfold your T-shirt and turn it inside out, laying it flat with the front side facing you. Using a seam ripper or sharp scissors, carefully remove the stitches around the front collar, cutting through the threads from one shoulder seam to the other. Ensure the collar remains attached to the back of the shirt.

Step 3: Cut the V-Neck Outline

Turn your shirt back to the correct side and smooth it on the table. Fold the front of the collar backward, away from the front of the shirt, to ensure a smooth and straight cut. Starting on one side of the V-neck outline, use sharp fabric scissors to cut along the marked line, being careful to only cut through the front side of the shirt. Stop cutting when you reach the point, and then repeat on the other side.

Step 4: Cut and Stretch the Collar

Lay your T-shirt flat with the front side facing you and measure the length of the collar. Cut the front of the detached collar in the center at this point. To get your collar to reach your new neckline, you will need to stretch it out. Most crew neck T-shirt collars are made of stretchy ribbed fabric. Tug and pull each side of the collar down to the V point to lengthen it.

Step 5: Pin and Sew the Collar

Hold your shirt flat and taut. Stretch one side of the collar along the length of the V, pinning it to the shirt to hold it in place. Continue to stretch and pin the collar along the edge of the V, inserting a pin about every 1 inch (2.5 cm). Repeat this process on the other side.

Use a sewing machine or needle and thread to sew about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) away from the rough edges of the collar and neckline. Sew from the top of the collar to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the V point. Then, pull the collar end to the other side of the V and sew the other collar in the same way.

Step 6: Sew the Collar Ends Together

Finally, align the rough edges of the collar ends so that they overlap to create a V point. Sew the collar ends together to finish your new V-neck collar!

Optional: Iron the Hem

If there is any puckering at the point of the V, use an iron to press the hem down and create a smooth finish.

Cutting a V-neck (no-sew option)

If you don't want to sew your new V-neck, there is a no-sew option. First, unfold your shirt and cut along the V-neck outline on the front side. Lay your shirt flat on the table with the front facing you. Then, use a pair of fabric scissors to cut down the centre of the collar to the tip of the V point. Cut along the marked diagonal lines, stopping when you reach each shoulder seam. Be very careful to only cut through the front side of the shirt.

Now, remove the back of the collar by cutting under the seam. Place your scissors just under the seam that secures the back of the collar to the back of your shirt. Then, cut along the curve of the collar to remove it from your shirt.

Finally, cut off any ragged ends and then pull on the neckline to roll the edges. If you have any jagged edges along your V-neck or around the back collar, clean them up with your scissors. Then, pull on the edges of the V-neck and around the head opening. This stretches the fabric and helps to hide any rough edges by making the neckline roll under.

Determining how deep you want the V-neck to be

When determining how deep you want the V-neck to be, it's important to consider the overall look you're going for and the amount of collar fabric you have to work with. Here are some tips to help you decide on the depth of the V-neck:

Try on the T-shirt and visualise the desired depth: Put on the T-shirt and stand in front of a mirror. Use a pin or a washable fabric marker to mark the desired depth of the V-neck. This will give you a clear idea of how deep you want the V-neck to be.

Use a V-neck shirt as a guide: If you already own a V-neck shirt that has the desired depth, use it as a guide. Fold your crew-neck shirt vertically in half, making sure the back neck seam, side seams, and shoulders are aligned. Place the V-neck shirt over the crew-neck shirt, lining them up as closely as possible. Mark the point on the crew-neck shirt that corresponds to the depth of the V-neck on the guide shirt.

Consider the collar fabric: When determining the depth of the V-neck, keep in mind that you need enough collar fabric to work with. If you're sewing the existing collar back on, the V shouldn't be longer than 2 inches (5 cm) from the bottom of the collar. If it's deeper, the collar may not fit around the new neckline.

Be conservative and err on the shallow side: It's generally advisable to be conservative when deciding on the depth of the V-neck. You can always make the V deeper later if needed. This is especially important if you don't have another V-neck shirt to use as a guide or if you're unsure about the desired depth.

Measure and mark the depth: Once you have a general idea of the desired depth, use a ruler or measuring tape to measure and mark the spot. Fold the shirt vertically in half, ensuring that the neckline, shoulders, and arms match up exactly. Then, measure the distance from the point where the collar meets the shoulder seam to the marked depth of the V. Write down this measurement for reference.

Remember, it's crucial to take your time and carefully consider the depth of the V-neck before cutting. You can always make adjustments later, but it's essential to avoid cutting too deep initially, as it may be challenging to fix.

Cutting off the collar

Firstly, determine how deep you want the V-neck to be. A good way to do this is to try on the T-shirt and, using a pin, mark the spot where you would like the point of the V to be. Alternatively, you can use a V-neck shirt you already own as a guide. To do this, fold your crew neck shirt in half vertically, making sure the back neck seam, side seams, and shoulders line up. Then, place your V-neck shirt over the crew neck shirt, lining up the shoulders. Mark the point of the V on the crew neck shirt.

Next, fold your T-shirt in half vertically again, ensuring the side seams match up. You will now cut the V-neck shape. Using sharp fabric scissors, cut in a straight line from the marked V point to the high shoulder points. It is important to only cut through the back side of the T-shirt.

Now, try on your new V-neck T-shirt and determine if you need to shape the neckline any further. Aim for a smooth and even neck opening. If you would like to turn your V-neck into a scoop neck, simply round off the V-point and pull the neck opening down a bit.

Finally, cut off the collar directly underneath the seam. And that's it! You have successfully transformed your crew neck T-shirt into a stylish V-neck.

Frequently asked questions