Maybe you bought a T-shirt at an event or concert you attended, but the tight crew neck makes you feel like you're suffocating. Or maybe you picked up a shirt because you really love the design on the front, but the neckline...not so much. Many people choose a V-neck because it draws the eye up toward the face and creates a heart shape. It can also create an illusionary effect that elongates the body—and who doesn't want that?
No matter what the reason may be, you can transform your crew neck T-shirt into a flattering V-neck in just a few simple steps—even if you're not an experienced sewer.
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Things You'll Need
One of the secrets to professional-looking hand-sewn or refashioned clothing is using the right tool for the job. Just as construction tools are made to decrease the amount of effort put into a job, sewing tools are also made for a specific purpose. Choosing the appropriate tool will help you get the job done correctly.
For this project, using a good seam ripper will make all the difference in the world. Some of my favorites include this lighted seam ripper or this LED magnifier seam ripper that will make tearing out all of those little stitches a breeze.
Sharp sewing scissors are also a must-have item to pull off this project with a professional finish. Try using these Fiskars 9" RazorEdge fabric scissors or these Fiskars RazorEdge tabletop fabric shears to help bring a polished look to your shirt. You'll find that investing in solid, well-made sewing tools will make a huge difference, and they will become your best friends when it comes to creating all of your fabric masterpieces.
1. Remove the front of the neckband
Use a seam ripper to remove the neckband on the front of the crew neck shirt. Stop when you get to the shoulder seams and leave the back of the neckband attached.
2. Fold the shirt in half
Fold the shirt in half lengthwise, matching up the shoulder seams and folding it along the center front.
3. Cut the new neckline
Use a sharp pair of scissors to cut the new neckline. Angle the cut down from the shoulder seams and be sure not to cut more than 2 inches down on the center front fold. If you cut more than 2 inches, you will need to buy more fabric for the neckband. If you make your cut less than 2 inches, the existing neckband will be enough.
4. Cut the neckband
Cut the center of the original neckband piece in half with a sharp pair of scissors.
5. Stretch the neckband
Stretch the neckband a few times before pinning it back onto the shirt.
6. Pin the neckband to the new neckline
Pin the neckband back onto the right side of the shirt along the newly cut neckline with the raw edges together. Be sure to overlap the ends to form a V shape.
7. Sew the neckband
Starting at one of the shoulder seams, stitch one side of the neckband onto the new neckline with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. Be sure to remove the pins as you sew.
Stop sewing when you get 1 inch away from the V end of the neckband.
8. Pin the neckband
Take the shirt off the sewing machine and turn the neckband so the end is aligned with the raw edge on the other side of the V.
Tip
Note where the edges are marked with pins in the above photo, as you will continue to sew along these edges in the next step.
9. Continue sewing
To continue, sew down the edge until you get 1/4 inch from the end. Leave your needle in the fabric, lift the presser foot, and then turn the fabric so you can sew down the edge of the neckband marked with the blue pin. Be sure to remove the pins as you sew.
10. Turn the neckband right-side out
Turn the neckband portion that you just sewed right-side out. This is what it will look like.
11. Sew the other side
Now, starting at the other shoulder seam, stitch the other side of the neckband to the other side of the neckline with a 1/4-inch seam. Again, stop when you get 1 inch from the bottom of the V.
12. Pin the corner
Take the shirt off the sewing machine again and turn it slightly so the raw edge of the neckband is aligned with the sewn edge on the other side of the neckband. Pin the corner in place.
Tip
Again, note the placement of the pins in the above photo, as you will continue to sew a 1/4-inch seam along the pin lines.
13. Continue sewing
To continue, sew until you get 1/4 inch away from the end. Leave the needle in the fabric, lift the presser foot, turn the shirt so the other edge is facing forward, put the presser foot back down, and continue to sew a 1/4-inch seam along the other edge. Be sure to remove the pins as you sew.
Your shirt will now have a much more flattering and feminine neckline.
Looking for more T-shirt transformation inspiration?
Learn how to cut fringe sleeves on a T-shirt to add a little pizzazz to your outfit!