How to Alter a Crew Shirt into a V-Neck

Turn a crew neck into a "V" neck shirt for back to school.

Upcycling T-shirts is an ideal project for a sewing beginner. The best thing about T-shirt upcycling is you're using something you already own and giving it a new look. For instance, the neckline of a basic crew-neck T-shirt can be drastically modified by changing the tee into a V-neck. Using a band T-shirt or one you bought at a sporting event gives you a chance to customize your wardrobe without purchasing new pieces.

Things You'll Need

• Iron
• Seam ripper
• Scissors
• Sewing machine

Instructions

1. Turn the crew neck shirt inside out. Fold the front of the crew neck shirt in half and iron to make a mark in the middle. This mark needs to be perfect because it is the guide for the rest of the project.

2. Remove the neckband in the front of the shirt, while leaving the back of the neckband intact. A seam ripper works best for removing the neckband. Start at one shoulder and remove the stitches while moving across the shirt to the other shoulder seam. Be gentle when removing the stitches; jersey fabric can tear easily. Cut the neckband in the middle to separate it.

3. Fold the shirt on the ironed mark and lay it out flat. Separate the back of the shirt from the front so you don't inadvertently cut both pieces. The fabric should be straight to avoid mistakes like jagged edges. Draw a diagonal line with chalk, and cut along the line starting from the ironed seam and working back toward the shoulders. The fabric removed should resemble a triangle. A deep-neck "V" can be achieved by removing more fabric.

4. Turn the neckband into the shirt so your seams will be on the inside. Stretch the neckband and pin it back on starting from the shoulder and working toward the middle. The neckband needs to stretch 1 cm past the middle mark on the T-shirt. Cross the two pieces of neckband to make the "V" shape in the middle and pin them to the shirt.

5. Sew a straight stitch to attach the neckband to the shirt, pulling the fabric tight as you go. Pulling the fabric will allow the neckband to stretch when you put the shirt on. Crossing the neckband in the previous step allows one band to hide behind the other when sewn.

6. Turn the shirt right side out and iron the neckband flat. Make a second stitch around the neckband 1 cm away from where it attaches to the shirt. Use your presser foot as a guide.

Tips & Warnings

• Make fabric roses to embellish your new V-neck T-shirt.

• Take your time to avoid unnecessary mistakes like ripping the fabric.

References

• Roosterfield: DIY V-neck