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10 DIY T-Shirt Neckline Cutting Ideas

By ShirtSpace | Jul 11, 2023 | Updated Sep 26, 2024

Are you tired of wearing the same old t-shirts with basic crew necklines? If you want to revamp your wardrobe and add a touch of creativity to your outfits, we’ve got some DIY t-shirt neckline cutting ideas for you! Whether it’s to repurpose an old and outdated tee or to alter a brand-new shirt, with just a few simple tools and imagination, you can transform your plain t-shirts into stylish and unique fashion statements. In this blog post, we'll explore various t-shirt neckline cutting techniques, share important tips, and guide you through the process of customizing your shirt to suit your style.

Hero image credit: Andrii Zastrozhnov

Exploring T-Shirt Neckline Cutting Techniques

What Are The Different Necklines?

The first step in DIY t-shirt neckline cutting is to familiarize yourself with different cutting techniques and types of necklines. Crewneck, V-Neck, scoop neck, boat neck (AKA wide neck), asymmetrical, cut out, lace-up, plunging, “X” button placket, turtleneck and slit neck are a few neckline examples.

Popular T-Shirt Necklines

But, for the purpose of t-shirt neckline cutting, there are some popular options we recommend. Consider this information when reviewing t-shirt neckline cutting ideas:

Crew neck: A crewneck t-shirt features the most common neckline for the classic t-shirt. Crewneck tees give you a lot of creative freedom when creating a custom neckline, because you start with a lot of fabric and can slowly remove sections to achieve the look you desire.

Hanes 5180 Beefy-T t-shirt necklines, laid flat, in the colors red pepper heather, mauve pepper heather and sapphire pepper heather.
Shirts pictured: Hanes 5180 Beefy-T in the colors red pepper heather, mauve pepper heather and sapphire pepper heather.

V-Neckline: To create a V-neck, start by marking a point at the center of the neckline. Make two diagonal cuts towards the shoulders from that point, forming a V-shape. You can make the V-neckline as deep or as shallow as you desire.

Woman sitting near a graffitied garage door wearing the Fruit of the Loom L39VR ladies’ tee in black.
Shirt pictured: Fruit of the Loom L39VR ladies’ tee in black.

Off-the-Shoulder: For a trendy off-the-shoulder look, determine how wide you want the neckline. Then, cut horizontally along the collar, removing the top portion. Try the shirt on periodically while cutting to ensure you achieve the desired width.

Woman wearing a pink off-the-shoulder top and silver necklace on a chain.
Image credit: Joshua Mcknight

Scoop Neckline: To achieve a scoop neck, make a curved cut along the collarbone area. The curve should extend from one shoulder seam to the other. Be cautious not to make the cut too deep, as it might cause the t-shirt to lose its shape.

Front view of woman wearing the Bella+Canvas 8816 women's tee in heather olive. Side view of woman wearing the Bella+Canvas 8816 women's tee in heather olive.
Shirt pictured: Bella+Canvas 8816 in heather olive.

Boat Neck: A boat neck t-shirt, also known as a bateau neck or a wide neckline, is a t-shirt style characterized by a wide, horizontal neckline that extends across the collarbone area, revealing the shoulders and a bit of the neck. It has a wide, shallow neckline that typically runs horizontally across the upper chest. It starts near the edge of one shoulder and extends to the edge of the other.
Asymmetrical Neckline: An asymmetrical neckline adds a unique touch to your t-shirt. Sometimes this looks like a one-shoulder top (think the neckline of a Roman toga or Tarzan). You can create this look by cutting the neckline diagonally from one shoulder to the opposite side of the collarbone. Experiment with different angles to find the style that suits you.
Cut-Outs: Also called a peek-a-boo tee, another interesting option is to create cut-outs along the neckline, such as this choker neckline. You can make small geometric shapes or even try intricate patterns like hearts or stars. There are many options, so let your creativity soar with this neckline style. Just use sharp scissors or a craft knife to cut out the desired shapes carefully.

Image credit: Brooke Cagle

What Neckline is Most Attractive?

Ultimately, the most attractive t-shirt neckline suits an individual's personality and complements their body shape, allowing them to feel confident and comfortable in their unique style. Regarding women's t-shirts, sweeping necklines like scoop necks and v-necks are often considered appealing choices. Scoop necks create a soft and feminine look, accentuating the collarbone and adding a touch of elegance. V-necks, on the other hand, can elongate the neck and create a flattering silhouette. As for men, unique crewnecks with interesting designs or textures can add a stylish twist to their t-shirt choices. Additionally, slit necklines can offer a modern and edgy look, making the garment stand apart from a classic tee.

What You Need to Know Before Cutting Your Shirt

Before you start cutting into your beloved t-shirt, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

Choose the Right T-Shirt: Not all t-shirts are created equal when it comes to neckline cutting. Choose a t-shirt with a neckline and fabric that will hold up well to cutting. If the shirt is too thin and lightweight, it might be difficult to cut. Avoid shirts with too much stretch or those made from delicate materials that may fray easily. Also, men’s and unisex tees tend to be a bit boxy, with a wider silhouette and more fabric. Ladies’ tees are typically more fitted. Keep this in mind when selecting which tee to start with to achieve your desired look. When it comes to fabric, cotton and cotton blends might be easier to work with than stretchy, athletic materials.
Plan and Mark Your Cuts: Before cutting, plan out your design and lightly mark the lines with chalk or a washable pen. This will help ensure you achieve the desired look and avoid any mishaps.
Practice on Old Shirts: If you're new to DIY t-shirt cutting, it's a good idea to practice on old or thrifted shirts before attempting it on your favorite pieces. This way, you can refine your technique and gain confidence.
Secure the Fabric: To prevent the t-shirt from stretching or moving while you cut, secure the fabric with pins or use fabric weights. This will help you achieve cleaner and more precise cuts.

How Do You Cut a Neckline?

Lay the t-shirt flat on a clean surface. Smooth out any wrinkles and ensure the front and back layers are aligned. With a pair of sharp fabric scissors, carefully make a small snip at the center of the neckline. Cut along the desired shape from there, keeping the scissors close to the fabric for accuracy. Carefully follow the markings you have made with chalk or a fabric marker. Remember to cut slowly and smoothly, maintaining a firm grip on the fabric to prevent slipping. Once the cut is complete, gently shake off loose threads and try on the tee to ensure the desired fit. Make any necessary second-round tweaks.

Person cutting fabric on their crafting table.
Image credit: freedomz

Customizing Neckline Cuts to Suit Your Style

One of the fantastic aspects of DIY t-shirt neckline cutting is the ability to personalize the cuts to match your style. Choose your favorite neckline style and add some extra flair! Here are some DIY t-shirt cutting ideas to get you started:

Go Wider or Deeper: Completely transform an otherwise basic crewneck or V-neck into a trendy off-the-shoulder style or plunging neckline.
Cut The Hem: Creating a raw edge makes for a casual, alternative look that stands apart from the standard finished tee. You can do this around the neckline and seams along the shoulders for a distressed look.
Add Fringe: To give your t-shirt a boho-inspired look, create fringe along the neckline by making vertical cuts from the top of the collar downward. Be sure to keep the cuts even and uniform for a polished finish. To take this look to another level, you can create tassels with fringe that you create.
Lace Inserts: Consider adding lace inserts to your t-shirt neckline for a feminine touch. Cut a small slit on each side of the neckline and sew in a strip of lace using a needle and thread or a sewing machine.
Decorative Edging: Instead of a simple straight cut, use pinking shears or decorative scissors to create a unique edge along the neckline. This adds visual interest and gives your t-shirt a playful twist.
Braided Neckline: Cut several small vertical slits along the neckline for an artsy and textured look. Take three strands of fabric from the cut slits and braid them together. Tie knots at the end to secure the braid, creating a braided neckline.
Convertible Neckline: Make your t-shirt versatile by creating a convertible neckline. Cut along the collarbone area to create a scoop or boat neckline. Attach small snaps or buttons on the shoulder seams, allowing you to switch between different neckline styles.
Cut a Vertical Slit: You can add some style to an otherwise plain t-shirt by cutting a slit down the center of a crewneck or scoop neck t-shirt.
Cut Horizontal Slashes: Cutting slashes under the neckline and on the check of the shirt will create a look that’s perfect for your next concert or night out on the town!

Image credit: Bleachin’ Tees by Cheiree
Add Laces: Start by measuring the desired length of the neckline opening and mark it evenly on both sides of the t-shirt's front neckline. Leave enough space between the marks for the laces to pass through comfortably. Next, use scissors to carefully cut small slits on the marked spots, creating evenly spaced openings along the neckline. Take caution not to cut through the back layer of the t-shirt. Now, take the string or shoelace and thread it through one of the slits from the inside of the t-shirt, pulling it out through the next slit. Continue threading the string through all the slits until you reach the end. Once the string is threaded through all the slits, adjust the laces to your desired tightness and tie a knot at the end to secure them.

Image credit: Nicolas Postiglioni

Tips for Safe and Effective T-Shirt Neckline Cutting

To ensure a safe and successful DIY t-shirt neckline-cutting experience, follow these tips:

Use Sharp Scissors: Invest in sharp fabric scissors or craft scissors specifically for cutting t-shirts. Dull scissors can lead to uneven cuts and fabric damage.
Start with Small Cuts: It's easier to make your cuts larger if needed than to repair a shirt with cuts that are too big. Begin with small cuts and gradually increase the size until you achieve your desired neckline.
Test the Stretch: Before making any permanent cuts, stretch the fabric gently to see how it reacts. This will give you an idea of how the neckline will look and whether it requires any adjustments.
Consider Reinforcement: If you're cutting a neckline that will be subject to a lot of stress, such as an off-the-shoulder style, consider reinforcing the cut edge with fabric glue or a zigzag stitch to prevent fraying.
Experiment and Have Fun: DIY t-shirt neckline cutting is all about experimenting with different styles and expressing your creativity. Don't be afraid to try new techniques and enjoy the process!

Best T-Shirts For Custom Neckline Projects

Now that you have some DIY t-shirt neckline cutting ideas, if you don’t already have some on hand, you may wonder which t-shirts are the best for a project like this. Well, we have a few suggestions!

Tips for Choosing The Right T-Shirt for Custom T-Shirt Cutting Projects

Ensure the shirt has enough to work with for your desired design, such as a crewneck. You can always remove more fabric, but can’t as easily add fabric.
Heavier fabrics are easier to cut. They also fray and curl less easily than lighter-weight fabrics. A heavyweight cotton tee is a great choice!
Cotton and cotton/poly blends can be easier to cut than synthetics like 100% polyester, spandex and rayon.
Pay attention to the sleeve type. Raglan sleeves are sewn up into the collar and might appear differently when cut into your desired neckline.

Comfort Colors C1717 Heavyweight Ringspun Tee

Man laying in the grass, using a hoodie as pillow, and wearing Comfort Colors C1717 Heavyweight Ring Spun Tee in “melon”.
Shirt pictured: Comfort Colors C1717 Heavyweight Ring Spun Tee in “melon”.

This 100% cotton t-shirt is a superb choice for any t-shirt-cutting ideas that you may have. Coming in 75 garment-dyed colors and weighing in at a durable 6.1 oz., the C1717 is an awesome choice for easy cutting. Often worn oversized, this shirt would be ideal for an asymmetrical tee or convertible neckline. If you love the C1717, but want a little more texture, try the Comfort Colors 1745 Adult Heavyweight Color Blast T-Shirt.

Gildan H000 Hammer T-Shirt

Woman wearing the Gildan H000 Hammer T-Shirt in “lagoon blue” while standing on blue painted palettes.
Shirt pictured: Gildan H000 Hammer T-Shirt in “lagoon blue”.

A heavy weight, but a soft cotton feel, the Gildan Hammer T-Shirt is another great option for your next custom t-shirt neckline project. It’s 6 oz. weight won’t put up a fight when cutting, and the heaviness of the cotton will lay flat for creative cuts.

Port & Company PC145 Crystal Tie-Dye Tee

Shirts pictured clockwise, starting with the top left: Port & Company PC145 Crystal Tie-Dye Tee in colors “black/red”, “black”, “teal” and “purple”.

The varying colors throughout a tie-dye tee make it a perfect choice for your next t-shirt-cutting project. Plus, since tie-dye tees are usually made from 100% cotton, the fabric will be easy to cut through with a good pair of fabric scissors. There are dozens of top-notch tie-dye tees at ShirtSpace, but we love the Port & Company PC145 for its unique crystalline pattern and affordable price point. Cut up the “black” PC145 for the perfect outfit for a rock show, or add lace to the “black/red” neckline for your next night out on the town!

Now Cut Away!

DIY t-shirt neckline cutting is an excellent way to breathe new life into your wardrobe. With various cutting techniques to explore and endless possibilities for customization, you can create unique t-shirts that look flattering and reflect your style.

Now that you know how to cut shirt neckline patterns, just remember always to choose the right t-shirt, plan your cuts, and practice on old shirts before attempting it on your favorites. With the tips and ideas in this blog post, you'll be well-equipped to embark on your t-shirt neckline cutting journey. With your newfound knowledge, you might even try transforming a t-shirt into a tank top, tube top, halter top, or crop top.

So grab your scissors, unleash your creativity, and transform your t-shirts into fashion statements that are truly your own! Which DIY t-shirt neckline cutting ideas were your favorite? And if you have any more t-shirt-cutting ideas, be sure to share in the comments below!

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