Transforming T-Shirts: Diy V-Neck Creation Guide

how to turn a t shirt into a v neck

There are several ways to turn a crew neck T-shirt into a V-neck. The first step in most methods is to determine how deep you want the V-neck to be. You can do this by trying on the T-shirt and marking the desired depth with a pin, or by using a V-neck shirt you already own as a guide. Once you've determined the depth, you can cut the collar off your T-shirt directly underneath the seam. From here, you can either sew the V-neck collar back on or simply cut the shirt to create a V-neck shape.

Characteristics Values
Required materials Crew neck shirt, ruler or measuring tape, stick pins, fabric marker, fabric scissors, seam ripper, ribbed fabric (optional), sewing machine or sewing needle, thread
Measuring the V-neck Mark the desired depth of the V-neck with a pin, then fold the shirt vertically and measure the distance from the collar to the pin
Sewing a V-neck collar Remove stitches from the front collar, cut the front of the detached collar, stretch and pin the collar to the V-neck, sew the collar to the shirt, and finish by sewing the collar ends together
Cutting a V-neck (no-sew option) Cut along the V-neck outline on the front side, remove the back of the collar by cutting under the seam, and pull on the neckline to roll the edges

shunvogue

Measure the V-neck

Before you start cutting, you need to measure how deep you want the V-neck to be. A good way to do this is to 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 this measurement down.

If you're planning on 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 to use as a guide, 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 T-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, shoulders and arms match up exactly. Smooth down all the edges until the shirt is free of wrinkles.

You can now 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 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.

shunvogue

Sew a 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 thread that matches the colour of your shirt. You will also need a sewing machine or a sewing needle.

First, unfold your t-shirt and flip it inside out, laying it flat on a table with the front side facing you. Next, use a seam ripper to remove the stitches around the front collar by pushing the tip of the tool under the stitch sewn between the collar and the shirt at the shoulder seam. Continue cutting through the thread until you reach the other shoulder seam. Make sure to leave the collar attached to the back of the shirt.

Now, unfold your t-shirt and flip it back so that it is right side out. Lay it on the table and press it down to remove any wrinkles. Then, fold the front of the collar backward so that it is away from the front of the shirt, which will help you make a smoother and straighter cut.

Starting on one side of the V-neck outline, use sharp fabric scissors to cut along the marked line, being 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.

Lay your t-shirt flat with the front side facing you and measure the length of the collar with your ruler. Use your fabric marker to place a dot in the middle, and then cut through the collar at this point.

To get your collar to reach your new neckline, you will need to stretch it out. Most crew-neck t-shirt collars are made of a ribbed fabric that stretches easily. Just tug and pull each side of the collar down to the V point to lengthen it. If your collar doesn't reach all the way to the point of the V, pull and stretch each side again. If it still doesn't stretch all the way, your V might be too deep, and you may need to buy some additional 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 one 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 are 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 in place, and then sew the rest of it to the shirt. 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 should overlap to create a V point. Simply sew the collar ends together to finish off your shirt!

shunvogue

Cut a V-neck (no-sew option)

Cutting a V-Neck (No-Sew Option)

If you don't want to sew your new V-neck, there is a way to do it without stitching. However, you will still need a few tools to get the job done. Gather your crew neck t-shirt, a ruler or measuring tape, a fabric marker, and a pair of fabric scissors.

First, try on the t-shirt and decide how deep you want the V-neck to be. Mark the spot you'd like the point of the V to fall with a pin. If you have a V-neck shirt that you like, you can use it as a guide. Fold your crewneck t-shirt in half vertically, matching up the back neck seam, side seams, and shoulders. Place your V-neck shirt over the crewneck shirt, lining up the shoulders, and mark the point of the V on the crewneck shirt.

Next, unfold your shirt and cut along the V-neck outline on the front side. Cut down the center of the collar to the tip of the V, stopping at each shoulder seam. Be careful to only cut through the front side of the shirt. Then, remove the back of the collar by cutting under the seam. You can cut along the curve of the collar to detach it from the shirt.

Finally, if there are any jagged edges along the V-neck or around the back collar, trim them with your scissors. Pull on the edges of the neckline to roll the edges, which will help hide any rough edges.

shunvogue

Determining the depth of the V

Firstly, try on the T-shirt and assess how deep you want the neck opening to be. It is important to consider your comfort and personal style. Use a pin to mark the spot you'd like the point of the V to be. This will be your reference point for creating a symmetrical and well-fitted V-neck.

If you have a favourite V-neck shirt, you can use it as a guide. Place your crewneck T-shirt on a flat surface and fold it vertically in half, ensuring that the back neck seam, side seams, and shoulders are aligned. Do the same with your V-neck shirt and place it directly over the crewneck shirt, lining up the shoulders. Mark the point on the crewneck shirt that corresponds to the point of the V on the V-neck shirt. This will give you a clear indication of the depth of the V.

Alternatively, if you don't have a V-neck shirt to use as a guide, you can eyeball the depth of the V. It is generally recommended to be conservative with the depth, as you can always make the V deeper later if needed.

Once you've determined the desired depth of the V, it's time to fold your T-shirt again, ensuring that the front of the collar is on the outside of the fold. Smooth out any wrinkles and make sure that the neckline, shoulders, and arms are perfectly aligned. This step is crucial to ensure a symmetrical cut when creating the V-neck.

Now, it's time to trace the outline of the V-neck. Using a fabric marker and ruler, draw a diagonal line from the point where the shoulder seam meets the collar down to the desired depth of the V. Repeat this process on the other side, ensuring symmetry.

Remember, if you plan on sewing the existing collar back onto your shirt, the V should be no longer than 2 inches (5 cm) from the bottom of the collar. This is an important consideration to ensure that the collar fits well around the new V neckline.

shunvogue

Shaping the neckline

Preparation

Before you begin shaping the neckline, it is important to gather the necessary tools and materials. You will need a ruler or measuring tape, fabric scissors, a fabric marker, and pins. It is also recommended to have a V-neck shirt that you like, as this will serve as a guide for marking the desired depth of the V-neck.

Marking the V-neck

The first step is to determine how deep you want the V-neck to be. This can be done by trying on the T-shirt and marking the desired depth with a pin. Alternatively, you can use a V-neck shirt as a guide by placing it over the crew neck T-shirt and aligning the shoulders and seams. Once you have determined the desired depth, fold the T-shirt in half vertically and use a ruler to draw a diagonal line from the point of the V to each shoulder seam.

Cutting the Collar

Now, it's time to remove the stitches connecting the collar to the front side of the shirt. Use a seam ripper or carefully cut through the threads with scissors. Once the collar is detached, cut through the middle of the collar and along the V-neck outline. Be careful to only cut through the front side of the shirt.

Stretching the Collar

To ensure that the collar reaches your new neckline, you will need to stretch it slightly. Most crew neck T-shirt collars are made of stretchy ribbed fabric, so gently tug on each side of the collar to lengthen it. If the collar still doesn't reach the point of the V, you may need to purchase additional ribbed fabric that matches your collar.

Pinning the Collar

Hold the shirt taut and stretch one side of the collar along the length of the V, placing a pin between the collar and the shirt to secure it in place. Continue this process, placing pins about every 1 inch (2.5 cm) along the edge of the V. Repeat this process on the other side of the V.

Sewing the Collar

Use a sewing machine or a needle and thread to sew the collar in place, starting at the top and sewing about ¼ inch (0.6 cm) away from the rough edges of the collar and neckline. Stop sewing when you reach about 1 inch (2.5 cm) above the point of the V. Repeat this process on the other side of the V, and then sew the two ends of the collar together to finish.

Frequently asked questions

You will need a ruler or measuring tape, fabric scissors, stick pins, a fabric marker, and a seam ripper. If you want to sew the collar back on, you will also need a sewing machine or sewing needle and matching thread.

First, determine how deep you want the V-neck to be. You can use a V-neck shirt you already own as a guide. Mark the desired depth with a pin, then fold the shirt vertically and measure the distance from the collar to the pin.

Fold your T-shirt in half vertically, ensuring the shoulders and arms match up. Trace the outline of the V-neck with a fabric marker, using your measurements. Cut along the marked line, being careful to only cut through the front side of the shirt.

No, it is possible to create a V-neck without sewing. Simply cut along the V-neck outline and remove the back of the collar by cutting under the seam. Stretch the neckline to roll the edges and hide any rough edges.

If you don't have enough collar, you can purchase ribbed fabric that matches your collar to fill in the gaps. Sew this fabric to the V-neck outline where you are missing the collar.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment