Cutting T-Shirt Length: Easy Steps To Achieve A Custom Fit

There are many ways to cut a T-shirt to change its length or style. Whether you want to create a racerback tank, a shirt with knotted sides, or a simple crop top, all you need is a pair of sharp scissors and a pen or chalk to get started. You can also use a sewing machine or iron-on hem tape to finish the hems and prevent fraying. Cutting your T-shirts is a fun and creative way to upcycle your old clothes and give them a new lease of life.

Cut the collar off

Cutting the collar off a T-shirt is a great way to transform a boring or ill-fitting T-shirt into something trendy and new. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Steps to Cut the Collar Off a T-shirt:

• Prepare your T-shirt: Lay your T-shirt flat on a table or another flat surface. Make sure the front of the T-shirt is facing up and smooth out any wrinkles or creases.
• Mark the cutting line: Use a ruler or a measuring tape to decide where you want to cut the collar. For a standard crew neck T-shirt, you will typically cut about 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the bottom of the collar. You can make this measurement larger or smaller depending on how low you want the new neckline to be. Mark the cutting line with a fabric pen, chalk, or a pin.
• Cut the collar: Using sharp fabric scissors, start cutting along the marked line. Cut through both layers of the shirt at the same time to ensure an even neckline. Make long, smooth cuts, following the shape of the original neckline. Cut all the way from the front of the shirt to the back, where the tag is located.
• Remove the collar: Once you've finished cutting, gently pull on the neckline to loosen the fabric and roll the edges slightly. This will help to hide any jagged edges. Then, simply pull off the collar from the shirt.
• Finish and adjust: If needed, you can tidy up any uneven edges or use a fabric curler to roll the edges of the new neckline for a more polished look. You can also wash and dry the shirt to help soften the fabric and further roll the edges.

Additional Tips:

• Practice on old T-shirts: If you're a beginner, it's a good idea to practice cutting collars on old T-shirts that you don't care about. That way, you can get a feel for the process without worrying about making mistakes.
• Start with a smaller cut: It's always better to cut off less fabric than you think you need. You can always go back and cut more, but you can't add fabric back once it's cut!
• Use the right tools: Sharp fabric scissors are essential for making clean cuts and preventing jagged edges. A fabric pen, chalk, or pins can also be helpful for marking your cutting line.
• Consider the type of fabric: Keep in mind that different types of fabric will react differently to cutting. For example, stretchy fabrics may curl at the edges, while stiffer fabrics may fray.

Cut the sleeves off

Cutting the sleeves off a T-shirt can give it a new look and feel. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving this:

Test the Look:

Before cutting, it is advisable to test how the T-shirt will look without sleeves. Roll the sleeves up as high as possible, or tuck them into the shirt around the seam. Alternatively, you can use sewing pins to hold the sleeves in place and try on the shirt. This will give you an idea of how the sleeveless shirt will look and feel.

Decide on the Cut:

The next step is to decide how you want to cut the sleeves. You can either cut the sleeves with the seam, or cut the seam out. Leaving the seam intact will result in a smaller armhole and a neater finish. Cutting the seam out will give a more casual, loose look with a larger armhole. If you want to create a muscle shirt or a halter top, cut the seams out.

Mark the Cut:

Lay the T-shirt on a flat surface. If cutting the sleeves with the seam, mark a line about 1 inch (2.5 cm) from the seam with chalk or an erasable pen. Curve the line around the seam, ending at a right angle about 1 inch (2.5 cm) under the sleeve. To keep the seam, mark a line about 1/4 inch (0.64 cm) from the outside of the seam. For an even narrower shoulder, finish the cut closer to the collar.

Cut the Sleeves:

Hold the fabric taut and carefully cut along the marks you made. Cut smoothly and evenly around the sleeve. Repeat this process for the other sleeve, or fold the T-shirt in half and cut both sleeves at the same time for a more symmetrical result.

Hem the Edges (Optional):

If you wish to prevent the edges from curling or fraying, you can hem the sleeves. Fold the edge of the fabric about 1/4 inch (0.64 cm) inside the sleeve and pin it down. Sew two straight lines around the ends of the sleeves to secure the hem. You can do this by hand or with a sewing machine.

Add Distressed Cuts (Optional):

For a more distressed or punk look, add sporadic cuts to the sleeves and shirt with scissors or a box cutter. For larger holes, pinch the fabric and cut into the fold. Stretch the holes slightly with your fingers to prevent fraying. You can also add safety pins over the holes for an edgier look.

Cut the bottom hem off

Cutting off the bottom hem of a T-shirt is a great way to transform an old T-shirt into a trendy new style. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Step 1: Prepare Your T-shirt

Lay your T-shirt on a flat surface, preferably with the front side facing up. Make sure the T-shirt is smoothed out completely, with no wrinkles or creases. If you want to be extra precise, you can use a measuring tape to ensure that the bottom hems at the front and back of the shirt are aligned.

Step 2: Decide on the Desired Length

Decide how short you want your T-shirt to be. If you are going for a crop top, decide on the ideal length, perhaps at belly-button level. For a knotted look, you can simply tie the T-shirt at the desired length before cutting.

Step 3: Mark the Cutting Line

Using a pen, a washable marker, or tailor's chalk, mark the cutting line across the width of the T-shirt. Make sure the line is straight and level. If you are going for a crop top, measure the desired length from the bottom of the T-shirt and mark the cutting line.

Step 4: Cut the Bottom Hem

Using sharp fabric scissors, carefully cut along the marked line. Cut slowly and steadily to ensure a straight cut. If you are cutting off the sleeves as well, you can cut them now, following the same process as above.

Step 5: Finish the Edges (Optional)

Once you have cut the bottom hem, you might want to finish the edges to create a more polished look and prevent fraying. You can do this by folding and sewing the raw edge, or using fabric glue to secure it in place. Alternatively, you can simply tug at the cut edges to curl the fabric inwards, giving it a more rugged finish.

And that's it! You have successfully cut the bottom hem off your T-shirt. Feel free to get creative and experiment with different styles and cuts to transform your old T-shirts into unique fashion pieces.

Cut the sides of the shirt from shoulder-to-hem

Cutting the sides of a T-shirt from shoulder to hem is a great way to make a shirt with knotted sides. This is a good option if you have a T-shirt that is a few sizes too big for you but fits well on your shoulders.

First, cut off the collar. If you want a larger collar, cut through both layers of fabric, using the front collar's seam as a guide. If you don't want a larger collar, cut all the way around the collar from the left shoulder to the right, then back to the left again.

Next, cut the bottom hem off. Spread the shirt out on a flat surface, then cut straight across the bottom. Cut right above the stitching on the hem if you like the length. If you want to make the shirt shorter, then cut it shorter.

Now, figure out how tight you want the shirt to be. Measure around your waist, then divide that number by 2. Add 3 inches (7.6 cm) to this new number to make the ties. This will be the new width of your shirt. For example, if your waist measurement is 28 inches (71 cm), then your new shirt width will be 17 inches (43 cm).

Mark the new width measurement on your measuring tape with your finger. Place the measuring tape on your shirt at about waist level, making sure that the tape is centred, then make a mark at each end with a pen or a piece of chalk.

Now, it's time to cut the sides of the shirt from shoulder to hem. Begin cutting at the bottom corner of the left hem, right next to the side seam, and finish cutting at the shoulder seam. Curve the line inward as you cut so that it touches the first mark that you made. Once you finish the left side, repeat the process for the right side.

If you want your shirt to have some sleeves, finish cutting 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5.1 cm) away from the shoulder seam, on the actual sleeve part. You can also fold the shirt in half after cutting the left side, then use the cut edge as a guide for cutting the right side.

Cut evenly spaced slits into the side of the shirt, from hem to armpit. Make these slits about 1⁄2 to 1 inch (1.3 to 2.5 cm) wide. If you want the shirt to be super tight, make the slits 3 inches (7.6 cm) long. If you want the shirt to be fitted but somewhat loose, make the slits 1 1⁄2 inches (3.8 cm) long instead.

Finally, tie the strands in the front of the shirt to the strands in the back. If you want the tassels to be visible, keep the shirt turned right-side out. If you don't want the tassels to be visible, turn the shirt inside-out first. Tie the strands in a tight, double-knot.

Cut the shirt into a racerback tank

Racerback tank tops are a great way to transform an old T-shirt into something trendy and new. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to cut a T-shirt into a racerback tank top:

Step 1: Prepare the T-shirt

Start with a T-shirt that you won't mind cutting up. Make sure the shirt is washed and dried, especially if it's new, as fabric tends to shrink after the first wash. You want the T-shirt to fit you properly before you begin cutting.

Step 2: Cut the sleeves off

Cut the sleeves off the T-shirt, starting just under the armpits and cutting straight up towards the shoulders.

Step 3: Cut the hem

Cut the hem off your shirt, and then cut it further to make a long strand. You will use this strand to decorate the back of your tank top.

Step 4: Trim the armholes

Turn the shirt over so that the back is facing you. Trim the back of the armholes further, leaving only a few inches of fabric between them. Be careful not to cut the armholes on the front of the shirt. Make sure to cut the same amount from each side of the shirt to keep it symmetrical.

Step 5: Cut a deep V-shape

Find the back center of the neckline and cut a deep V-shape, keeping the point of the V between the armholes. This will help prevent the fabric from bunching up when you tie it up later.

Step 6: Tie the fabric strand

Take the fabric strand you cut from the hem and tie it around the bottom of the V-shape. Gather the fabric between the two armholes on the back of your shirt and wrap the strand tightly downward.

Step 7: Secure the end

Wrap the strand back towards the top of the shirt and secure the end by tucking it under the wound fabric. You can also tie the ends of the strand together into a tight knot for extra security.

Step 8: Finishing touches (optional)

Consider trimming the bottom of your tank top to create a high-low look. Spread the shirt sideways so that you can see the side seam, armhole, and half of the front and back. Cut the front of the shirt upwards towards the back to make it shorter than the back.

Your racerback tank top is now ready to wear! You don't need to worry about hemming as T-shirt fabric does not fray. Enjoy your new stylish top!

Frequently asked questions