Crafting A Comfy Round-Neck Tee: A Step-By-Step Guide

Sewing a round-neck T-shirt can be a daunting task, especially if you're a beginner. However, with the right tools, some practice, and a bit of patience, you can achieve a professional-looking result. In this article, we will guide you through the process of creating a round-neck T-shirt, covering everything from choosing the right fabric to sewing the perfect neckline. We'll also offer tips and tricks to help you avoid common mistakes and troubleshoot any issues that may arise. So, whether you're looking to customize your wardrobe or embark on a new crafting journey, get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the world of T-shirt making!

Cut off the crew neckband

To cut off the crew neckband, start by carefully cutting off the crew neckband right next to the stitching line. Be sure to only cut the front, not the back of the shirt. Next, fold your shirt in half, matching the shoulder seams and side seams. If your shirt has no side seams or they are twisted, simply match the shoulder seams. Now, you need to determine where to cut the neck for the V. You can use a V-neck shirt with a neckline you like as a guide. Match the shoulder seams and the centre front of the V-neck shirt with your shirt. Alternatively, you can use a French curve ruler to cut your neckline.

Remember to leave a seam allowance and consider the width of your finished neckband. Also, take into account any logos or graphics on the shirt that may restrict how low you can cut the V. If you want a deeper V, cut above the neckband and count that as your seam allowance. Make your final neckband slightly wider than the original to compensate for the deeper V.

Now, measure your neckline along the stitching line, not the neckline edge. You will need to do some calculations to determine the length of your new neckband. First, double the measurement of the folded front/back neckline to get the total neckline length. Then, multiply this number by 0.85 to get the length of your finished neckband. This will ensure that the neckline pulls in slightly without puckering. If you plan to cut your neckband on the fold, divide this number by two. Finally, add a seam allowance to this measurement.

For the neckband width, determine your desired finished width and add a seam allowance. Double this amount since the neckband will be folded. Now, cut the V angle on your neckband. Fold the band in half, matching the long edges. Line up the raw edges of the band with the raw edge of the neckline, and cut the unfolded edge straight up and down.

Fold your t-shirt in half

To fold your t-shirt in half, lay it flat on a surface and smooth out any creases or bumps. Then, grab one side of the shirt and fold it towards the middle, lining up the sleeves and the bottom hem. Make sure that the necklines match up and that the fold is crisp and even all the way down.

It is important to ensure that the t-shirt is laid flat and that the fabric is not twisted before folding. This will help you achieve a precise fold and avoid any uneven edges or bumps. If you are using a t-shirt with a design or pattern, make sure that the front of the shirt is facing up so that you can easily match the pattern when you fold it.

When folding, use your hands to smooth the fabric and remove any wrinkles as you go. This will help you achieve a neat and crisp fold. Once you have folded the shirt in half, you can continue with the next steps of your project, such as cutting or sewing.

Additionally, if you are working with a V-neck t-shirt, you can use the fold to your advantage. First, fold the t-shirt vertically in half, ensuring that the back neck seam, side seams, and shoulders are aligned. Then, take a V-neck t-shirt that you would like to use as a guide and place it on top of the folded crewneck shirt, matching the seams and shoulders. This will help you mark the desired depth of the V-neck and ensure a symmetrical cut.

Determine where to cut the neck

To determine where to cut the neck of your t-shirt, you first need to fold your shirt in half, matching the shoulder seams and side seams. If your t-shirt has no side seams, or they are twisted, simply match the shoulder seams.

Next, you need to decide how deep you want the neck opening to be. Try on the t-shirt and, using a pin, mark the spot you would like the point of the V to reach. You can also use another V-neck t-shirt as a guide. Fold your t-shirts in half vertically, matching up the back neck seam, side seams, and shoulders. Place the V-neck t-shirt on top of your folded crew-neck t-shirt, lining up the seams as much as possible. Mark the point on the crew-neck t-shirt that corresponds to the point of the V on the V-neck t-shirt.

Remember to leave a seam allowance and consider the width of your finished neckband when deciding where to cut the neck. You should also take into account any logos or graphics on the shirt that may restrict how low you can cut the V.

Once you have determined the desired depth of the V, cut the neckband off the crew-neck t-shirt right next to the stitching line. Then, using your measurements, cut the V-shaped neckline into the front of the shirt, being careful not to cut the back.

Measure your neckline

To make a round-neck T-shirt, the first step is to measure your neckline. This is a crucial step as it will determine the size and fit of your T-shirt. Here is a detailed guide on how to measure your neckline accurately:

Start by taking a flexible measuring tape and place it around your neck. Ensure the tape measure is level and sits comfortably, not too tight or too loose. This measurement will give you the circumference of your neck, which is the starting point for drafting the pattern of your T-shirt.

Next, you need to decide on the style and desired fit of your T-shirt. For a crew neck, add 1/2 to 1 inch to your neck circumference measurement. This will give you the width of the neck opening. For a looser, more relaxed fit, you can add up to 2 inches. If you prefer a more fitted style, adding just 1/4 to 1/2 an inch is sufficient.

For a round neck, you also need to determine the depth of the neckline. Place the measuring tape at the centre front of your neck and measure down to the point where you want the neckline to end. This measurement will vary depending on your preference and the style of the T-shirt. For a classic round neck, a depth of 7 to 8 inches is standard, but you can adjust this to your liking.

When measuring, it is always better to start with a smaller measurement as you can always cut away more fabric later. It is also a good idea to measure a similar T-shirt that you already own and fits you well. This will give you a reference point for the width and depth of the neckline.

Finally, consider the stretch and drape of your fabric. If you are using a fabric with a lot of stretch, such as a cotton-spandex blend, you may need to adjust your measurements accordingly. Fabrics with more drape may also require some adjustments to ensure the neckline is not too revealing.

Measuring your neckline accurately is a crucial step in making a round-neck T-shirt. By following these steps and considering your fabric and fit preferences, you will be able to create a well-fitting and flattering T-shirt.

Cut the V angle on your neckband

To cut a V-neck, you will 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 will also need thread that matches the colour of your shirt, as well as a sewing machine or sewing needle.

Firstly, 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 down this measurement.

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 the shirt on. Look in the mirror and mark the spot you'd like the point of the V with a pin.

Now, 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.

Next, 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. Flip the shirt over and repeat this step on the other side.

Now, turn the shirt inside out and remove the stitches around the front collar. Unfold your T-shirt, flip it inside out, and lay it flat on the table with the front side facing you. Using a seam ripper, push the tip of the tool under the stitch sewn between the collar and the shirt at the shoulder seam. Pull the seam ripper up to cut through the thread. Continue to cut through the threads until you get to the other shoulder seam. Make sure to leave the collar attached to the back of the shirt.

Turn your shirt back to the correct side and smooth it on the table. Unfold your T-shirt and flip it back the right way round. Lay it on your table and press it down to remove any wrinkles. Then, fold the front of the collar backwards so it is away from the front of the shirt. This helps you make a smoother and straighter cut, free from mistakes.

Now, cut along the V-neck outline. Starting on one side of the V-neck outline, use a pair of sharp fabric scissors to cut along the marked line. Be careful to only cut through the front side of the shirt. Stop cutting when you reach the point. Then, repeat this process on the other side.

Lay your T-shirt flat with the front side facing you. Measure the length of the collar with your ruler and use your fabric marker to place a dot in the middle. Then, cut through the collar at this point.

To get your collar to reach your new neckline, you have to stretch it out a little. Most crew-neck T-shirt collars are made out of a ribbed fabric that stretches easily. Just tug and pull each side of the collar down to the V point to lengthen the collar. If your collar doesn’t reach all the way to the point of the V, pull and stretch out each side again. If it still doesn’t stretch all the way, your V might be too deep. Just go to your local craft store and buy a ribbed fabric that matches your collar.

Hold your shirt as flat and taut as you can. Then, stretch one side of the collar along the length of the V, placing a pin between the collar and shirt to hold them together. Continue to stretch the collar along the edge of the V, inserting 1 pin about every 1 inch (2.5 cm). When you get to the point of the V, do the same thing on the other side.

Use a sewing machine or a needle and thread to sew about a ¼ inch (0.6 cm) away from the rough edges of the collar and neckline. If you’re sewing by hand, a simple running or backstitch will do. Just stop sewing when you get about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the point of the V. Make sure the thread you use matches the colour of the shirt.

Move the bottom of the collar to the other side of the V-neck, lining it up against the rough edge at the point of the V. Pin the collar into place, then sew the rest of it to the shirt. Then, sew down the other side of the collar to 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the V point.

Finally, sew the end of the collar to the other collar end on the rough edge. Align the rough edge of the bottom of the collar to the rough edge of the other collar end that you already sewed down. The bottoms of the collar overlap to create a V point. Then, simply sew the collar ends together to finish off your shirt! If you have any puckering at the point of the V, use an iron to press the hem down.

Frequently asked questions