You can cut a crew neck T-shirt into a V-neck one, using an awl, tailor's scissors and basic sewing knowledge. Follow these instructions to cut a t-shirt into a raw V-neck or a beaded neck.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Measure the New Collar
Step 1. Find a crew neck t-shirt you want to modify
For your first try, you may want to use an old shirt or one you bought second hand. After you get some practice, you can try on a shirt you like or try out different types of fabric and composition.
Step 2. Wear a V-neck shirt you like
If the neckline is exactly where you want it, measure the distance from the top of the shoulder to the end of the "V" on your chest. Write down the measure. Make sure you lay the t-shirt on a flat surface and lay it out well. Measure from the point above the collar on the shoulder to the stitch of the "V".
- If you don't have another V-neck sweater, you will need to estimate the depth of the V. In this case it is best not to overdo it, as you can always stretch it later.
- You could try on the t-shirt to measure how deep you want the V. While wearing it, look in the mirror and mark where you would like the top of the V to fall.
Step 3. Fold your t-shirt vertically
The front of the collar should be on the outside of the fold. Make sure your neck, shoulders and arms are aligned exactly. Place the folded shirt on your work table. Roll it out well so it doesn't crease.
Step 4. Draw the V
Place a ruler diagonally from the point where the shoulder meets the neck to the center of the chest. Using the measurement you took in the previous step, mark the vertex of the V with a marker, then draw a line between this mark and the point where the shoulder seam meets the collar.
Flip the shirt over and repeat on the other side
Part 2 of 3: Remove the Neck and Cut the V-Neck
Step 1. Remove the seam
Unfold the shirt and lay it out on the table, with the front side facing up. Take an awl and unscrew the points that attach the collar to the body of the shirt. You may need to do this both in front of and behind the collar.
- If you don't have an awl, you can use a sharp pair of scissors.
- Stop behind. Start separating the collar and leave it loose for now.
Step 2. Spread the shirt on your table
Make sure the still attached part of the collar is folded back, away from where you will be cutting.
Step 3. Cut evenly along the line of fabric marker on the right side
Stop when you reach the tip of the "V". Be careful to cut only the front of the shirt. Cut along the line of fabric marker on the left side. Put away the 2 pieces of fabric you cut.
If you want a raw edge for your shirt, instead of a hemmed collar, cut the remaining part behind the collar just below the seam line. If that's how you want it, your V-neck top is complete
Part 3 of 3: Reattach the Neck
Step 1. Cut the collar in the center
First you will need to determine where the center is: to do this, lay out the t-shirt with the front in front of you; measure the width of the collar, and using a marker pen mark a dot in the center. This is where you will need to cut.
Step 2. Iron the 2 sides of the collar as much as possible
Most t-shirt collars are ribbed and stretch a few inches.
Step 3. Stretch the right side of the collar until you reach the tip of the "V"
Pin the cut edge of the collar to the top layer of the shirt. Use pins approximately every inch (2.5cm) to make sure it stretches and stays put before you sew it. Repeat the same process with the left side of the collar.
The cut edge of the collar, where it was unstitched, should match the cut edge of the shirt. You will sew them by making a hem and then turning the collar out
Step 4. Sew a tight stitch from the beginning of the collar to the end of the "V"
Sew about 1/4 inch (0.6 cm) from the edge of the two layers.
- Sew up from the bottom of the "V" to the top of the other side.
- Hand sew the point where the collar shoulder meets the beginning of the "V". Iron the hem with an iron to keep it in place.
