Simple Tricks To Fix A T-Shirt's Cut Neckline

There are several ways to fix the neckline of a T-shirt. One way is to cut a new neckline and let the fabric roll. This method works best with jersey fabric, which does not fray easily. Another method is to apply a new neckband by cutting the neckline to the new shape and sewing in a longer neckband. A third option is to edge a newly cut neckline with bias binding, which may require finding a matching or contrasting colour. A fourth way is to cut a new neckline and hem it. This involves marking the desired neckline, cutting just above it, folding a small hem, pinning it, and then stitching with a slight zig-zag stitch.

Cut a new neckline and let the fabric roll

If you are looking for a simple and quick way to alter the neckline of your T-shirt, you can just cut a new neckline and let the fabric roll. Jersey fabric does not fray much, so you can cut it and go.

• Mark where you want your new neckline to be. It is easier to mark the bottom point of the new neckline while wearing the T-shirt. Then, take it off, lay it on a flat surface, and mark the curve.
• Cut just 1 cm above the desired 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 slight zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine. Go slowly and let the machine feed the fabric through. Be careful not to stretch or pull the fabric as you sew, to achieve a nice flat smooth finish.
• If you are worried about fraying, you can add a second line of stitching or sew/iron in some seam-stabilising tape.

Apply a new neckband

If you want to change the neckline of your T-shirt, one option is to apply a new neckband. You can buy a length of neckband fabric called ribbing, which is also used for cuffs on sweatshirts. The more stretch the rib knit has, the shorter the neckband piece should be. For a regular crew neck T-shirt, the neckband piece should be around 70-75% of the neckline circumference. A wider neckband is less likely to lie flat compared to a narrow one. A good width for a classic T-shirt neckband is around 2.5 cm (1") + seam allowances.

Before you attach the neckband, it needs to be stretched out evenly. You can use notches to ensure the neckband is evenly distributed. Mark notches on the neckband that correspond to mid-back, shoulder seams, and mid-front. Then, close the neckband with a 3-thread serger stitch, a narrow zigzag stitch, or a sewing machine stretch seam.

Next, match the notches on the neckline of your T-shirt with the notches on the neckband. You can use needles or loose hand basting to keep the neckband in place. Attach the neckband with a serger or a sewing machine stretch seam, stretching the neckband while sewing and ensuring the notches align. Do not stretch the neckline.

After sewing, press the neckband flat on a low setting to ensure the ribbing lies flat and remove any creases. You can then topstitch the seam allowance to create a flatter and more professional-looking finish.

Edge a newly cut neckline with bias binding

Bias binding is a quick, easy, and neat way to finish raw edges on necklines, armholes, or sleeves. You can use bias binding to edge a newly cut neckline. This method requires a bit of sewing but is still suitable for beginners.

First, you will need to measure the neckline of your garment using a tape measure. Start measuring from the centre back on one side and continue until you reach the centre back on the other side.

Next, prepare your bias binding. Cut a piece of bias binding a couple of centimetres (or 1 inch) longer than your neck measurement. If your binding is not yet folded, place it face down and press one long edge of the binding under by 10mm (or 5/8 inch).

Now, with right sides together, pin the binding to the neckline, starting from the centre back and working your way around. If your binding has two folds, that is fine—you can save time by only folding in one edge. Before sewing, check that all seams and darts are pressed the right way.

Stitch the binding to the neckline with a 1cm (or 3/8 inch) seam allowance. Trim any excess binding from the centre back so that the edge sits flush against the centre back on both sides. Trim down the seam allowance by 5-6mm (or 1/4 inch) to minimise bulk and help when turning the seam allowance to the inside. You can also clip into the seam to help it sit flat.

Using your finger, press the binding and seam allowance flat, and understitch the seam allowance to the binding. This will help the binding roll to the inside of the garment so that it is not visible from the outside.

Finally, give everything a good press, especially around the shoulders. A good amount of steam should help the neckline lay flat.

Cut a new neckline and hem it

To cut a new neckline and hem it, follow these steps:

First, put on the t-shirt and mark where you want the new neckline to sit. Then, take off the t-shirt and lay it on a flat surface. Mark the curve of the new neckline, ensuring it is symmetrical. Cut just 1 cm above the new neckline. Fold a small hem and pin it in place, easing the curve gently. Use lots of pins to hold it in place. Stitch the hem using a matching thread and a slight zig-zag stitch on your sewing machine. Sew slowly and carefully, allowing the machine to feed the fabric through. Avoid stretching or pulling the fabric as you sew, to achieve a nice flat smooth finish.

If you are worried about the neckline fraying, you can add a second line of stitching to make the neck more sturdy. You could also sew or iron in some seam-stabilising tape if your t-shirt fabric is thin or very soft.

Sewing, no-sew, or combination approach

If you want to change the neckline of your T-shirt, there are a few options to consider, including sewing, no-sew, or a combination of both. Here are some detailed instructions for each approach:

Sewing Approach:

• Mark where you want the new neckline to be while wearing the T-shirt. Take it off and mark the curve on a flat surface.
• Cut 1 cm above the desired neckline.
• Fold a small hem, pin it in place, and gently ease the curve. Use plenty of pins to secure it.
• Sew the hem using a matching thread and a slight zigzag stitch on your machine. Go slowly and let the machine feed the fabric through without stretching or pulling it.
• If desired, add a second line of stitching to prevent fraying or add seam stabilising tape if the fabric is thin or soft.

No-sew Approach:

• Cut along the sleeve's hem, removing the stitching and extra length.
• Turn the T-shirt inside out and cut along the neckband, removing it and the tag.
• Cut across the crossover shoulder-to-neck seams, using the ribbed neckband as a guide. The seams will not unravel.
• Gently stretch the fabric to curl the edges under and hide any imperfections.
• Try on the T-shirt and make further adjustments as needed, cutting slivers at a time and trying it on after each cut.

Combination Approach:

• Cut a new neckline and let the fabric roll. Jersey fabric does not fray much, so you can cut it without sewing.
• Apply a new neckband. Purchase neckband fabric called ribbing and sew it in after cutting the neckline to the new shape.
• Edge the new neckline with bias binding. Find a binding that matches your T-shirt or choose a contrasting colour.

Frequently asked questions