Crafting A V-Neck T-Shirt Dress: A Simple Guide

If you're looking to switch up your wardrobe and get crafty, why not try making your own V-neck T-shirt dress? It's easier than you might think and is a great way to upcycle old T-shirts. You can either sew the collar back on your shirt or cut it off completely. If you want to sew the collar back on, you'll need a sewing machine or needle and thread, but if you're going for the no-sew option, just grab a pair of scissors!

First, grab a V-neck shirt that you already own and use it as a guide to mark where you want the point of the V to sit on your T-shirt. Then, use sharp scissors to remove the stitches securing the front of the collar. Next, cut out the V-neck shape, and cut the detached collar in half down the middle. Stretch the collar along the V-neck outline and pin it in place. Finally, sew the collar down, starting at the top and sewing about 1/4 inch from the edge. And there you have it—your very own V-neck T-shirt dress!

Measure how deep you want the V-neck to be

The depth of your V-neck is important to measure accurately, as it will determine how the finished garment will look and feel.

Firstly, 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. If you don't have another V-neck shirt, simply eyeball 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 visualizing the V-neck, try the T-shirt on, and mark the spot you'd like the point of the V to fall with a pin.

Next, 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, shoulders, and arms match up exactly, and smooth down all the edges until the shirt is free of wrinkles.

Now, you can start to mark the outline of your V-neck. Make a diagonal line with your ruler, placing it where the shoulder seam meets the collar, down to the middle of your chest. Using the measurements you took earlier, 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.

If you are 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.

Cut through the middle of the collar and along the V-neck outline

To cut through the middle of the collar and along the V-neck outline, you will need to first remove the stitches connecting the collar to the front side of your shirt. Use a seam ripper to do this, or carefully cut through the threads with a pair of sharp scissors.

Next, unfold your t-shirt and flip it back so that it is the correct side out. Lay it flat on a table and smooth out any creases or wrinkles. Fold the front of the collar backwards, away from the front of the shirt. This will help you make a smoother and straighter cut.

Now, 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, and then repeat this process on the other side.

Once you have cut along the V-neck outline, lay your t-shirt flat with the front side facing you and cut through the middle of the detached collar. Measure the length of the collar with a ruler and use a fabric marker to mark the middle point. Then, cut through the collar at this point.

Sew the V-neck collar

To sew a V-neck collar, you will need a crew-neck shirt, a ruler or measuring tape, stick pins, a fabric marker, fabric scissors, a seam ripper, and a sewing machine or sewing needle. If you are using a sewing machine, set it to make very short, straight stitches.

First, try on the shirt and mark how low you want the V-neck to go with a pin. Then, fold the shirt in half vertically and draw a diagonal line from the point you marked to each shoulder seam. Next, remove the stitches connecting the collar to the front side of the shirt, and cut through the middle of the collar and along the V-neck outline.

Now, cut the front of the detached collar in half. Stretch each side of the cut collar along the length of the V-neck, pinning the rough edges of the collar to the rough edges of the V-neck. Sew from the top of the collar to about 1 inch above the V point, pulling the collar end to the other side of the V and sewing the other side of the collar. Finally, sew the two ends of the collar together.

If you are sewing by hand, a simple running or backstitch will do the trick. Make sure to use thread that matches the colour of the shirt.

Stretch each side of the cut collar along the length of your V-neck

Once you have cut the front of the detached collar in half, it's time to stretch each side of the cut collar along the length of your V-neck. This is a crucial step to ensure that your new collar fits your desired neckline. Most crew neck t-shirt collars are made from a stretchy ribbed fabric, so simply tug and pull each side of the collar downwards towards the V point.

If your collar doesn't quite reach the point of the V, don't worry! Just stretch and pull each side again. If it still doesn't reach, your V might be too deep. In this case, you can buy some matching ribbed fabric from a craft store and attach it to the existing collar to make up the difference.

Now it's time to pin the rough edges of the collar to the rough edges of the V-neck. Hold your shirt as flat and taut as possible. Then, stretch one side of the collar along the length of the V, inserting a pin about every 1 inch (2.5 cm) to hold the collar and shirt together. Repeat this process on the other side.

Now you're ready to sew! Use a sewing machine or a simple running or backstitch by hand to sew about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) away from the rough edges of the collar and neckline. Start at the top of the collar and sew downwards towards the V point, stopping about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above it.

Move the bottom of the collar to the other side of the V-neck, lining it up with the rough edge at the point of the V. Pin the collar in place, then sew the rest of it to the shirt. Now, sew down the other side of the collar, again stopping about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the V point.

Finally, sew the two ends of the collar together at the rough edges to finish off your new V-neck! If there is any puckering at the point of the V, use an iron to press the hem down.

Pin the rough edges of the collar to the rough edges of the V-neck

To pin the rough edges of the collar to the rough edges of the V-neck, you must first detach the collar from the shirt. Use a seam ripper to carefully remove the stitches connecting the collar to the front side of the shirt. Once the collar is detached, cut through the middle of it and along the V-neck outline you have previously marked.

Now, stretch the rough side of each collar piece along the rough side of the neckline. This step is important to ensure the collar reaches your new neckline. Pin the rough edges of the collar to the rough edges of the V-neck, holding your shirt as flat and taut as possible. Place a pin between the collar and the shirt to hold them together, and continue to stretch and pin the collar along the edge of the V, inserting a pin about every 1 inch (2.5 cm).

At the point of the V, repeat this process on the other side. You should now have the collar pinned to the V-neck outline.

Frequently asked questions