Transform Your Old Tees: Slashing Necklines, Creating New Looks

There are many ways to give a new look to an old T-shirt by cutting its neckline. You can cut a crew neck T-shirt into a V-neck by measuring around 8 inches down from the high-point shoulder and then cutting. You can also transform a tight T-shirt into an off-the-shoulder top by measuring around the front and back pieces and then cutting the neckline off with a pair of scissors. You can even create a simple scoop neck by using a plate as a template and cutting a new neckline.

How to cut a scoop neck

There are several ways to cut a scoop neck, and it's a great way to breathe new life into an old t-shirt. Here is one method:

Preparation

First, fold the t-shirt vertically, then lay it on a flat surface and smooth out the fabric to remove any wrinkles. If your t-shirt has a collar, measure around 1 inch (2.5 cm) below the bottom of it. If you want a bigger scoop, allow another inch. Mark where you want the new neckline to fall with a pin or a fabric pen.

Cutting

Start cutting in a curved line, following the shape of the original neckline. Keep both layers of the shirt together as you cut to ensure an even neckline all the way around. Try to keep each cut as long as possible to prevent any jagged edges.

Finishing

Once you've finished cutting, gently pull on the neckline to help roll the fabric, which will hide any jagged edges. You can also run the t-shirt through the washer and dryer to soften the fabric and hide any remaining edges.

Other Methods

If you don't have a collar to work with, you can use a plate as a template for your new neckline. Place the plate on the front of the shirt, with the bottom edge of the plate at the desired height of the new neckline. Align the plate in the centre to ensure an even scoop, then use a rotary cutter or scissors to cut along the edge of the plate. The fabric will naturally roll into a hem, so there's no need to sew.

How to cut a choker V-neck

If you want to give a plain T-shirt a stylish update, cutting a choker V-neck is a great way to make it more flattering and on-trend. Here's how to do it:

Firstly, you'll need to gather your supplies. For this project, you'll need a T-shirt (a close-fitting style works best), a pair of sharp fabric scissors, and a fabric pen or chalk. You may also want to use pins or tape to mark out your cut lines.

Now, it's time to start cutting! Begin by laying your T-shirt on a flat surface and smoothing out any wrinkles. Use your fabric pen or chalk to mark out a V-shape in the front layer of the shirt. The depth of the V is up to you, but most choker styles have a 2-3 inch V-neck. Make sure you only mark and cut the front layer of the shirt, as you don't want to cut a triangle into the back!

Once you're happy with your markings, carefully cut along the lines you've drawn. Stretch the fabric slightly and you'll have a stylish new choker V-neck! You can also gently tug on the cut edges to create a slight roll, which will help to hide any jagged edges.

If you want to make the style even more unique, you can also cut the sleeves off to create a tank top, or add some tassels and beads to the hem for a fun, 80s-inspired look.

How to cut a simple t-shirt neckline

There are many ways to cut a simple t-shirt neckline. Here is a guide on how to cut a scoop neck, a v-neck, and a choker v-neck.

Scoop Neck

• Fold the t-shirt vertically, lay it on a flat surface, and smooth out the fabric to remove any wrinkles.
• Measure around 1 inch below the bottom of the collar. If you want a bigger scoop, allow another inch. Once decided, mark the new neckline with a pin or a fabric pen.
• Start cutting in a curved line following the shape of the original neckline. Keep both layers of the shirt together as you cut to ensure an even neckline. Try to keep each cut as long as possible to prevent any jagged edges.

V-Neck

• Use a pair of sharp scissors to remove the collar directly underneath the seam.
• Decide how deep you want the v-neck to be. You can use a washable fabric pen or a pin to mark the point of the V.
• Fold the t-shirt in half vertically, ensuring the seams and shoulders are aligned.
• Shape the v-neck using scissors. Cut in a straight line from the V point to the high shoulder points of the t-shirt. Keep the cut as smooth and even as possible.
• Try the t-shirt on. If the neckline looks good, you are done. If needed, tidy up any jagged edges.

Choker V-Neck

• Fold the shirt by lining up the shoulder seams at the collar.
• Flatten the fabric and ensure the seams are aligned.
• Mark where you want the bottom point of the v-neck to hit with a piece of chalk. Most choker shirts have a 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) v-neck.
• Mark a point between the middle of the collar and the shoulder seam. The point should be closer to the seam for a shallower v-neck, and halfway between the middle of the collar and the seam for a more triangular v-neck.
• Cut a straight line from the bottom point to the collar. Make long, straight cuts and try to make as few cuts as possible to prevent jagged edges. Do not cut into the collar.
• Trim just below the collar to cut out the fabric triangle. Position your scissors along the crease and make long cuts, following the curve of the collar, until you reach the point you marked.
• Pull on the neckline to loosen the fabric and roll the edges.

You can also get creative and cut an 80s-style t-shirt neckline, a boat neckline, or an off-the-shoulder neckline.

How to cut a t-shirt neckline off-shoulder

There are several ways to cut a t-shirt neckline off-shoulder, depending on the type of t-shirt you have. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

For a Tight, Ribbed T-Shirt:

• Lay the t-shirt on a table, ensuring the front and back are smooth and flat.
• Use a measuring tape to measure 1 1/2 inches down from the right shoulder seam.
• Repeat the process from the left shoulder seam.
• Connect the points with a smooth chalk line.
• Cut along the lines to create an easy, no-sew off-the-shoulder top. The ribbed nature of the shirt will keep it snug around the shoulders.

For a Big, Baggy T-Shirt:

• Fold the t-shirt in half vertically, ensuring the shoulders and seams align.
• Mark the fold at the centre of the collar with a fabric pen or chalk.
• Use a measuring tape to measure from the base of your neck to an inch or two below your shoulder on the opposite side. If the number is odd, round it down to the nearest even number, then divide it by two.
• Lay the t-shirt flat. Line up the measuring tape so that the tip is at the shoulder, and the measurement noted in step 3 is aligned with the mark made on the neck in step 2. The side of the measuring tape should touch the bottom hem of the current neckline.
• Make a small incision in the shoulder just outside the mark, cutting only through the front of the t-shirt.
• Cut a circular line from the snip made in step 5 to the mark at the centre of the neck.
• Cut along the shoulder side to remove that portion of the collar.
• Use the folded flap as a template to cut out the other side of the collar.
• Lay the shirt flat and position the flap to one side. Cut the back of the neck in a straight line to finish.

For a Cold-Shoulder Shirt:

• Lay the shirt flat on its back and smooth the fabric.
• Make a 2-3 inch cut along the collar line on both shoulders. Cut to about a quarter of the way between the top of the shoulder and the centre of the front of the collar, then do the same on the back side of the shoulder.
• Mark a spot that is 4 inches away from the collar, towards the shoulder.
• Cut a diagonal line from the marked spot to your first cut at the collar. Cut the diagonal line out of only the front part of the shirt, then cut along the natural shoulder line to create a triangle-shaped cutout.
• Repeat steps 3 and 4 for the other shoulder.
• Align the triangle with the cut on the other sleeve and use it as a guide to cut the other side.
• Tug on the sides of the shoulder holes to stretch them slightly and roll the edges, doing the same for both sides of the shirt.

How to cut a V-neck t-shirt into off-the-shoulder

If you want to turn a V-neck T-shirt into an off-the-shoulder top, here's a step-by-step guide:

Preparation

First, you need to gather your tools and prepare the T-shirt. You will need a washable fabric pen or some tailor's chalk, a pair of sharp scissors, and a measuring tape. Lay the T-shirt on a table, ensuring the front and back are smooth and flat.

Marking the Fabric

Now, you need to mark the fabric to guide your cutting. Fold the T-shirt in half vertically, aligning the shoulders and seams as closely as possible. Mark the fold at the centre of the collar with your fabric pen or chalk.

Next, use the measuring tape to measure from the base of your neck to one or two inches below your shoulder on the opposite side. If the number is odd, round it down to the nearest even number, then divide it by two. Make a note of this measurement.

Cutting the Fabric

Lay the T-shirt flat again and line up the measuring tape so that the tip is at the shoulder, and the measurement you noted is aligned with the mark you made at the centre of the neck. The side of the tape should touch the bottom hem of the current neckline. Make a small cut in the shoulder just outside the mark, ensuring you only cut through the front of the T-shirt.

Now, cut a circular line from the snip you just made to the centre mark at the collar. Cut along the shoulder side to remove that section of the collar. Use the flap you've just created as a template to cut out the other side of the collar, ensuring symmetry.

Finally, lay the shirt flat and position the flap to one side. Cut the back of the neck in a straight line to finish.

Finishing Touches

Try on your new off-the-shoulder top and determine if you need to make any adjustments. You can also stretch the fabric gently to roll the edges and hide any jagged cuts. If you still have some jagged edges, run the T-shirt through the washer and dryer to soften the fabric and further hide any imperfections.

Frequently asked questions