Creating A Choker T-Shirt: A Simple Diy Guide

Chokers are back in style and what better way to spice up your outfit than with a trendy choker t-shirt? This fashionable piece combines the elegance of a turtleneck with the boldness of a halter top and the daintiness of a necklace. The best part? You can easily make one yourself! All you need is a t-shirt, a pair of scissors, and some chalk or pins to map out your cut. Choose a shirt with a thicker collar for a more defined choker look and feel free to get creative with the neckline—a deep V or a subtle scoop, the choice is yours! Simply cut along the lines you've made and you're done. It's a fun, easy, and affordable way to elevate your style.

Choosing the right t-shirt

Type of T-shirt

You can use any type of t-shirt for this project. It can be a basic crew neck tee, a graphic tee featuring your favourite band or a vintage tee that you want to revamp. You can also opt for an oversized t-shirt or even an old muscle tank for a more relaxed and edgy look.

Fit

Consider choosing a t-shirt that is slightly oversized or a little too big. This will give you more room to work with and ensure a comfortable fit after cutting. If you prefer a tighter fit, you can always size down, but remember that you will be cutting out a choker neckline, which will further reduce the size of the shirt.

Collar/Neckband Thickness

When selecting a t-shirt, pay attention to the thickness of the collar or neckband. A thicker collar will stay in place better once it is detached from the shirt to create the choker effect. A thinner collar may be more challenging to work with and may not lie flat against your neck.

Fabric

The type of fabric is also an important consideration. Look for t-shirts made with softer, more malleable fabrics such as cotton or cotton blends. These fabrics are easier to cut and will drape nicely around your neck to create the choker effect. Avoid stiff or rough fabrics that may be uncomfortable to wear as a choker.

Colour and Pattern

The colour and pattern of the t-shirt are entirely up to your personal preference. You can opt for a solid colour, a fun pattern, or a graphic design. Keep in mind that if you are cutting out a large portion of the neckline, the colour and pattern may affect the overall appearance of the final product. Choose a t-shirt that will complement the choker style you wish to create.

Condition

Ensure that the t-shirt you choose is in good condition, free from stains or tears. While this project is a great way to upcycle an old t-shirt, make sure the fabric is still in decent shape and has some life left in it. A t-shirt with holes or thin fabric may not hold up well to cutting and may unravel or stretch out of shape.

Marking the cut-out

Now that you have your supplies, it's time to start marking the cut-out for your choker T-shirt. This process will help you create a clean and precise cut when you start making adjustments to your T-shirt. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Prepare the T-shirt

Start by trying on your T-shirt. Determine the desired depth of your V-neck cut-out. Consider how low you want the neckline to be and whether you want it to be a skinny or wide-set V shape. Mark these points with pins, chalk, or a pen/iron-erasable pen. If using pins, you only need to mark one side of the highest point. It's recommended to use chalk if your shirt is light-coloured, as it can be easily wiped off without staining.

Step 2: Fold the T-shirt

Remove the T-shirt and lay it on a clean, solid surface. Grab the collar and fold it in half lengthwise. Ensure that the shirt sleeve is in the middle, revealing half of the T-shirt design. The mark on the breast area should be along the front folded edge. For an even cut, match the collar seams and pin both sides together.

Step 3: Create a template (optional)

If you want to ensure a precise cut, you can create a template using craft paper. Lay the craft paper over the opening and chest of your T-shirt. Feel the neckline under the paper and make a crease along the bottom of the neckband. Cut along this crease to create a template that sits nicely under the neckband. Mark how far down you want your cut-out to come, and decide if you want to cut it all the way to the top of the shoulder or leave a portion of the neckband attached. Cut the top of your paper pattern accordingly.

Step 4: Draw the cut-out

Use a ruler or freehand draw the desired shape of your cut-out onto the paper template or directly onto the folded T-shirt. If using a template, fold it in half before cutting to create a symmetrical design. You can use a curve ruler for a perfect curved line, a straight ruler for a straight line, or get creative with your own design.

Step 5: Secure the template

If using a template, pin it in place to secure it. You can also use a pen or iron-erasable pen to trace the outline of your cut-out directly onto the T-shirt. This will provide a guide for your cutting.

Now that you have marked the cut-out, you're ready to start cutting! Remember to cut carefully and ensure that your work surface is clean and solid to avoid any accidental cuts.

Folding the t-shirt

To make a choker T-shirt, you will need to fold the T-shirt in a very specific way before cutting. This will ensure that you cut symmetrically and do not accidentally cut the back of the T-shirt.

First, put on the T-shirt and mark with pins or tape where you want the highest and lowest points of your V-neck to be. You only need to mark one side of the highest point. Take off the T-shirt and lay it on a clean, solid surface. Starting with the front of the T-shirt, grab the collar and fold it in half lengthwise. Then lay the shirt flat, so that the shirt sleeve is in the middle and you can see half of the T-shirt design. The pin on the breast should be along the front folded edge. Make sure the collar seams are matched and pin both sides together so that everything stays in place when you start cutting.

Now, starting at the lowest pin, cut a very straight line up to the highest point. Then, carefully cut along the neckline to meet your other cut. Gently tug at the cut edges to create a slight roll, and you're done!

If you want to be extra careful about getting your cuts just right, you can use craft paper to create a template before cutting. Lay a piece of craft paper over the opening and chest of your T-shirt. Use your fingers and nails to feel the neckline under the paper and make a crease in the paper where the bottom of the neckband sits. Cut out that creased line so that the paper will sit nicely under the neckband. Mark with a pen how far down you want your opening to come. Cut the top of your paper pattern where you want the neckband to reconnect to the shirt. You can use a curve ruler for a perfect curved line, a straight ruler for a straight line, or just freehand the shape you want. Fold your template in half and then cut along the line, so that both sides will be mirror images of each other. Pin your template in place and use a pen to trace your V-neck outline.

Cutting the fabric

First, put on your chosen t-shirt and mark with pins, tape, or chalk where you want the highest and lowest points of your V-neck to be. If you want a guide, you can lay a piece of craft paper over the opening and chest of your t-shirt and crease the paper where the bottom of the neckband sits. Cut out this line so that the paper will sit nicely under the neckband, and mark how far down you want your opening to come.

Next, take off the shirt and fold the front of the shirt lengthwise, ensuring the back is not folded in with the front or you'll cut a triangle in the back. Make sure your neckline is perfectly lined up and that the collar seams match. Pin both sides together so that everything stays in place when you start cutting.

Now, it's time to cut! Cut a straight line from the lower breast pin to the higher collar pin, stopping as soon as you reach the collar. Then, cut along the edge of the neckline to meet the first cut. Be careful not to cut the collar—you want to leave a little "window" or cutout.

And that's it! Your shirt is now ready to wear. You can try it on to get the full effect of your super-fashionable creation.

Trying on your new choker t-shirt

Now that you've made your choker t-shirt, it's time to try it on and see how it looks! The first step is to put on the shirt and admire your handiwork. Take a moment to feel the fabric and ensure that the fit is comfortable and flattering.

Check the neckline to ensure that it frames your collarbones and shoulders nicely. The beauty of a DIY choker t-shirt is that you can customize the width and depth of the cut-out to your liking. If you feel that the V-neck is not deep or wide enough, you can always cut a little more, being careful not to cut the collar.

Next, assess the overall silhouette of the shirt. If you used an oversized or loose-fitting shirt, consider whether you'd like to crop it or tie it at the waist to create a more fitted look. On the other hand, if you prefer a baggier style, you might want to size up or create a slouchier silhouette by cutting the sleeves or sides.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles and cuts to find what suits you best. You can always cut more, but you can't undo a cut, so go slowly and deliberately. Once you're happy with the fit and style, strike a pose and work it!

Remember, the key to rocking a choker t-shirt is confidence and personal flair. You can pair it with high-waisted bottoms or layer it under a jacket or blazer. Add some accessories, such as a statement necklace or earrings, to complete the look.

Feel free to share your new creation with your friends or on social media, inspiring others to try out this fun and easy DIY project. Enjoy your one-of-a-kind choker t-shirt, and don't be afraid to make more from your old t-shirts!

Frequently asked questions