Transform Plain T-Shirts With Creative Cutting Techniques

There are many ways to decorate a plain T-shirt by cutting it. You can cut the sleeves to make a tank top, cut the bottom half of the shirt to make a crop top, or cut the collar to create a wider neckline. You can also cut slits into the sides or back of the shirt, or cut out the shoulders to create a different style. If you want to get more creative, you can cut vertical slits along the collar and weave the fabric together, or cut a slit in the back and tie a bow.

Cut out a heart shape

To cut out a heart shape in a T-shirt, you can follow these steps:

Firstly, decide where you want the heart to be placed on the T-shirt. A popular option is to have it on the back of the T-shirt, as seen on T-shirts worn by TXT (투모로우바이투게더) boy group members.

Next, use a pen or washable chalk to mark out the heart shape on the T-shirt. This will ensure your lines are even. Alternatively, if you feel confident, you can eyeball it and cut freehand.

Now, take a pair of sharp scissors and carefully cut out the heart shape. If you are cutting through multiple layers of fabric, ensure your scissors can cut through the fabric on the first try.

To prevent the fabric from fraying and to preserve the shape of the heart, you can use iron-on interfacing on the inside of the T-shirt, over the whole area of the heart cut-out. Using a colour of interfacing that matches the colour of your T-shirt will make it less visible. For extra reinforcement, you can also stitch over the edges of the heart cut-out.

And there you have it! A cute, heart-shaped cut-out T-shirt.

Cut out a skull shape

There are several ways to decorate a plain T-shirt by cutting out a skull shape, and it's a rising trend in tee revamping. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this look:

Step 1: Procure a T-shirt

Choose a T-shirt that you are comfortable with cutting and customising. You can opt for an oversized T-shirt or a shirt that you no longer wear.

Step 2: Design your skull

Using a marker, begin drawing the outline of the main facial features of a skull. Don't worry about making this perfect—the messier the stencil, the grungier your final design will be. Draw the eye sockets and snarled teeth, keeping in mind that you want the end result to be a cut-out, so the more intricate the design, the more challenging the cutting process may be. You can also leave a line about a centimetre wide between the eyes to ensure the shirt doesn't flop when you wear it.

Step 3: Cut out your skull shape

Once you are happy with your design, carefully cut out each shape using fabric scissors. Don't worry about cutting inside or outside the lines, as the goal is to achieve a grungy look. However, be careful not to cut the negative spaces between shapes, as this will make it more difficult to use your stencil in the next step.

Step 4: Place your stencil on the T-shirt

Place a firm surface, such as cardboard, between the layers of your T-shirt to prevent cutting through to the front. Position your stencil where you want the design to be and tape it down to keep it steady.

Step 5: Cut out the skull shape from the T-shirt

Using your fabric scissors, cut out all the areas of the T-shirt that show through your stencil. Again, perfection is not the goal here—the messier the cut, the grungier the look! When cutting out the teeth, it may be helpful to pull a small amount of fabric through each hole and snip it, as an average pair of scissors may not fit into the holes.

Step 6: Stretch the fabric

After cutting, remove your stencil and start stretching out the fabric. Stretch out the eye sockets and pull on the teeth holes, being careful not to rip any of the material between them. This step will help give your design a more worn-in and distressed look.

Optional Step: Transform your T-shirt into a tank top

If you prefer, you can transform your T-shirt into a tank top by carefully removing the collar and sleeves, cutting along the seams. You can also choose to cut a deeper neckline or larger sleeve holes for a more unique look. Be creative, but always respect the artist's original design!

And there you have it! Your very own custom skull cut-out T-shirt. Pair it with some dark skinny jeans and combat boots, or wear it as a dress. You can even wear a bright tank top underneath to make your design pop and draw even more attention to it.

Cut out a tree of life shape

If you want to cut out a tree of life shape on the back of a T-shirt, you'll need a T-shirt (one or two sizes larger than your usual size), scissors, chalk, a dish, and an iron.

First, iron your T-shirt. This will make it easier to draw on. Next, fold the T-shirt in half and mark the centre. Then, use the dish to mark a circle at the height you want the tree cut-out to be. Draw your tree within the circle, making sure the branches are not too thin or they may fall apart with wear. Follow the lines you've drawn to cut out the tree. Remember, you're cutting out the blank space around the tree, not the tree itself. Put a magazine inside the T-shirt to avoid cutting the other side. If you want, you can also cut the sleeves and neck of the T-shirt to make it looser and cooler. Before wearing, clean the T-shirt to remove the chalk marks.

Cut out a butterfly shape

To cut out a butterfly shape from your T-shirt, you'll need a few things. Firstly, grab a washable marker and a pair of sharp scissors. You can use hair-cutting scissors or fabric scissors, which will ensure your cuts are precise and go all the way through the fabric.

Now, decide where you want to place your butterfly cut-out. A popular option is to have it on the back of your T-shirt. You can use the washable marker to draw the outline of the butterfly. If you're feeling confident, you can also eyeball it and cut freehand.

When you're happy with the placement, start cutting along the outline of your butterfly. Take your time and try to keep your cuts as straight as possible. You can also cut diagonally from the corners of the butterfly's wings to create a more dynamic look.

Once you've cut out the butterfly shape, gently stretch out the fabric around the cut-out to smooth it out and ensure the edges are neat.

And there you have it! A stylish butterfly cut-out T-shirt, perfect for a fun and flirty summer look.

Cut out a cross shape

If you're looking to give new life to an old T-shirt, cutting out a cross shape is a great way to go about it. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

First, decide whether you want a simple or more intricate cross design. A simple cross shape can be achieved by cutting out small rectangles on the back of the shirt so that they form a large cross. This design can also be made more intricate by cutting out different shapes, such as hearts or wings, instead of a cross. If you're feeling creative, you can even cut out multiple shapes to form a unique pattern.

Once you've decided on your design, use a washable pen or chalk to draw the outline of the cross on the back of the shirt. If you're cutting out other shapes, draw their outlines as well. Make sure to measure carefully so that your design is symmetrical and evenly spaced.

Now it's time to start cutting! Using sharp fabric scissors, carefully cut along the outlines you drew. Take your time and cut slowly to avoid any mistakes. Try to cut through only one layer of fabric at a time to avoid accidentally cutting the front of the shirt.

Once you've finished cutting out the cross shape, gently tug on the cut edges of the fabric to curl them inward and hide any unevenness. This will also help make the strips of fabric thinner. Be gentle when tugging to avoid accidentally ripping the fabric.

Finally, wash your shirt by hand or in a washing machine to get rid of any chalk or pen marks. Check the care label on your shirt to determine the appropriate temperature and cycle setting. And that's it! You now have a stylish new T-shirt with a unique cross cut-out design.

Feel free to experiment with different shapes and designs, and don't be afraid to get creative. With a bit of imagination, you can transform any old T-shirt into a one-of-a-kind fashion statement. Happy crafting!

Frequently asked questions