Adjusting Your T-Shirt Neck: A Quick Guide

There are several ways to alter the neck of a T-shirt. One way is to cut off the collar directly underneath the seam and turn it into a V-neck. You can also sew the collar back on your shirt, cutting a V-neck that is no longer than 2 inches (5 cm) from the bottom of the collar. If you don't want to sew, you can use a rotary cutter to cut a new neckline, following the edge of a bowl. This method is quick and easy, and the fabric won't fray.

Cutting a crew neck into a V-neck

There are two ways to cut a crew neck into a V-neck: with or without sewing. Here is a step-by-step guide for both methods.

Cutting a V-Neck Without Sewing

• Cut off the collar directly underneath the seam.
• Try on the T-shirt and determine how deep you want the neck opening to be. Look in the mirror and mark the spot you want the point of the V to be with a pin.
• Alternatively, use a V-neck T-shirt as a guide. Fold both T-shirts vertically in half, making sure the back neck seam, side seams, and shoulders line up. Place the V-neck T-shirt over the crew neck T-shirt and mark the point of the V on the crew neck T-shirt.
• Fold the crew neck T-shirt vertically in half, matching the side seams. Cut the neck opening in a straight line from the marked V point to the high shoulder points. Only cut through the back of the T-shirt.
• Try on the T-shirt and determine if you need to shape the neckline further.

Cutting a V-Neck With Sewing

• Gather your materials: a crew neck T-shirt, a ruler or measuring tape, stick pins, a fabric marker, fabric scissors, a seam ripper, and thread that matches the colour of your T-shirt.
• Measure how deep you want the V-neck to be. Use a V-neck T-shirt as a guide or eyeball the depth. Mark the spot with a pin.
• Fold your T-shirt in half vertically, making sure the neckline, shoulders, and arms match up. Smooth down the edges.
• Trace the outline of the V-neck with a fabric marker. Make a diagonal line from the point where the shoulder seam meets the collar down to the middle of the chest. Draw a line between the mark and the point. Repeat on the other side.
• Turn the shirt inside out and remove the stitches around the front collar. Leave the collar attached to the back of the shirt.
• Turn the shirt back to the correct side and smooth it on the table. Fold the front of the collar backward, away from the front of the shirt.
• Cut along the V-neck outline, only cutting through the front side of the shirt.
• Cut the front of the detached collar in the center.
• Stretch each side of the cut collar along the length of the V-neck.
• Pin the rough edges of the collar to the rough edges of the V-neck, placing a pin about every 1 inch (2.5 cm).
• Sew from the top of the collar to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the V point, about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) away from the rough edges.
• Pull the collar end to the other side of the V and sew the other collar.
• Sew the ends of the collar together to finish off your shirt.
• Trim off and secure any loose threads.

Using a sewing machine to secure the collar

To secure the collar of a T-shirt using a sewing machine, you'll first need to gather your materials. This includes a crew-neck shirt, a ruler or measuring tape, stick pins, a fabric marker, fabric scissors, a seam ripper, and thread that matches the colour of your shirt.

If you're creating a V-neck collar, you'll first need to measure how deep you want the V-neck to be. You can do this by laying 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, ensuring the neckline, shoulders, and arms match up exactly. Use a ruler to measure the distance from the point where the collar meets the shoulder seam to the point of the V, and write this measurement down.

Next, unfold your shirt and turn it inside out, with the front side facing you. Using a seam ripper, cut through the thread between the collar and the shirt, starting at one shoulder seam and ending at the other. Leave the collar attached to the back of the shirt.

Now, you'll need to cut the front of the detached collar in half. Measure the length of the collar and use a fabric marker to mark the middle. Cut through the collar at this point.

You'll then need to stretch each side of the cut collar along the length of your V-neck. Most T-shirt collars are made of a ribbed fabric that stretches easily, so you should be able to tug each side down to the V-point to lengthen the collar.

Now it's time to pin the rough edges of the collar to the rough edges of the V-neck. 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 and insert a pin about every 1 inch (2.5 cm). Repeat this process on the other side.

Finally, it's time to sew! Using a sewing machine, sew about a 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 to about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the V-point. Then, pull the collar to the other side of the V-neck, line it up against the rough edge, and pin it in place. Sew down the other side of the collar, again stopping about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the V-point.

If you're not creating a V-neck collar, the process is similar. You'll still need to add fusible interfacings to your collar pieces to give them structure and body. Then, sew the long collar seam by placing the collar pieces right sides together and sewing along the long outer edge. Press the long seam open, then sew the short edge seams, using a shorter stitch near the point for extra security. Trim away the point of the collar, turn the collar right side out, and press the collar flat. Finally, attach the collar to the collar stand by lining up the pieces using dots and notches as guides, and stitch the collar to the stand.

No-sew methods for altering a T-shirt

There are several no-sew methods for altering a T-shirt. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions for achieving a desired fit without needing to sew:

Shortening the Sleeves

Cut along the sleeve's hem, removing the stitching and any extra length. This simple alteration can improve the overall fit of the T-shirt. It is recommended to use fabric shears instead of regular scissors for a cleaner cut. There is no need to finish the edge, as it will not fray.

Removing the Neckband

Turn the T-shirt inside out and cut along the neckband, removing it. This will instantly open up the neckline while still covering bra straps. Cut over the seam where the shoulder and neck seams meet, as this will not unravel. Give the opening a tug so that the edges curl under, and then trim off any jagged points.

Creating a More Open Neckline

Try on the T-shirt and determine if you would like the neckline to be more open, or if you would prefer a lower scoop in the front or back. Make small adjustments at a time, cutting slivers of fabric and trying on the shirt after each snip. Mark the desired neckline with a tailor's marking pencil, bar soap, or chalk. Cut the fabric, tugging at the material after each cut to roll the edges and create a natural curl.

Shortening a Long T-shirt

For a T-shirt that is too long, it is recommended to press and pin the fabric to ensure an even cut. Use a ruler to mark the desired length and then cut the fabric against a flat surface. Avoid tugging at the fabric after cutting to prevent it from rolling up.

Converting a T-shirt into a Sleeveless Top

Cut right along the shoulder seam, removing the seam along with the sleeve. This will create an armhole without widening the opening.

Creating a Knotted Effect

For a stylish knotted effect, cut the T-shirt from the centre of the front bottom hem upwards by approximately 3 inches and tie the ends together. Alternatively, cut off the bottom hem to create more stretch for a T-shirt knot.

It is important to note that these alterations are permanent and may affect the structure and fit of the T-shirt. Always work slowly and cautiously, and consider practising on an old or thrifted T-shirt before altering a favourite one.

Using chalk, pins, and scissors to alter a T-shirt

Preparing the T-shirt:

• Place the T-shirt on a flat surface and smooth out any wrinkles.
• Decide on the desired neckline: a scoop neck, V-neck, or choker V-neck.
• For a scoop neck, measure 1-3 inches (2.5-7.6 cm) below the collar, depending on the desired depth.
• For a V-neck, fold the T-shirt in half vertically and use a favourite V-neck shirt as a guide, or mark the desired depth with chalk.
• For a choker V-neck, mark a point between the middle of the collar and the shoulder seam, closer to the seam for a shallower V.

Cutting the T-shirt:

• Using sharp fabric scissors, cut along the marked lines, ensuring both layers of the shirt are cut simultaneously for a straight neckline.
• For a scoop neck, cut in a curve following the shape of the collar.
• For a V-neck, cut in a straight line up to the shoulder seams.
• For a choker V-neck, cut a straight line from the marked point to the collar, then cut out the fabric triangle below the collar.

Finishing the new neckline:

• Gently pull on the neckline to roll the fabric and hide any jagged edges.
• If desired, sew the edges to secure them and prevent fraying.
• For a V-neck, stretch the collar along the new neckline and pin it in place before sewing.

This process is a creative way to update an old T-shirt and customise the neckline to your preference.

Dealing with sleeves that are too long or too tight

If your sleeves are too long, there are several hacks you can try. Firstly, if you are wearing a dress shirt, you can fold your sleeves so that no excess material hangs over your wrists and hands, and then put on a pullover or overshirt. Alternatively, you could try the "faux French cuff" by folding your sleeve up once and then buttoning it up in reverse, creating a contrast cuff. If you are wearing a dress shirt in a casual setting, you can simply roll up your sleeves to show off your forearm and wristwatch.

If your T-shirt sleeves are too long, you can roll them up, which can be an attractive look. You can also use a safety pin or a ladies' bobby pin to isolate the excess material near your underarm and then roll up the sleeve neatly.

If your sleeves are too tight, a simple solution is to remove them altogether by unpicking the seam where the sleeve joins the body of the top. You can then reshape the armhole and use bias binding to neaten the raw edge. Alternatively, you could add extra room to the sleeves by inserting a panel of fabric or lace, or by adding a gusset in the underarm.

Frequently asked questions