Cutting the collar off a t-shirt is one of the simplest ways to transform a basic tee into a trendy, relaxed piece. Whether you want an off-shoulder look, a wider neckline, or a grunge-inspired raw edge, you can achieve it with just a few tools and a bit of patience.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to cutting the collar off your t-shirt like a pro.
✂️ What You’ll Need
Before you start, make sure you have:
- A t-shirt (cotton works best)
- Sharp fabric scissors
- Chalk or washable marker
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Pins (optional)
- Sewing machine or needle & thread (optional for hemming)
👉 Tip: Wash and dry your t-shirt first so it doesn’t shrink after you cut it.
👕 1. Decide on the Neckline Style
Different collar cuts create different styles. Here are the most popular options:
- Crew Neck to Wide Neck: Cut just outside the existing seam for a casual, looser neckline.
- Off-Shoulder Style: Cut a deeper curve below the collar seam to allow the shirt to sit on one shoulder.
- Boat Neck: Cut a straight horizontal line from shoulder to shoulder for a classic, wide shape.
- V-Neck: Cut a “V” shape starting from the center front for a sporty or feminine look.
👉 Use chalk to draw the line first. This helps prevent uneven cuts.
🪡 2. Lay the T-Shirt Flat and Mark Your Line
Lay the t-shirt on a flat, smooth surface. Straighten it out to remove any wrinkles.
- Use a ruler or measuring tape to keep both sides even.
- Mark the cutting line clearly with chalk or a washable pen.
- Double-check the front and back to ensure the neckline is symmetrical.
✂️ 3. Cut the Collar Off
Using sharp fabric scissors, cut slowly and steadily along your marked line.
- For a raw edge: Cut carefully in one clean motion and stretch the neckline slightly to encourage a soft curl.
- For a finished look: Leave extra seam allowance (about 1 cm) so you can fold and hem it later.
- Make sure the front neckline is slightly lower than the back for a natural fit.
👉 Pro Tip: Avoid cutting too close to the shoulders on the first try — you can always widen it more later.
🧵 4. Finish the Edges (Optional)
If you prefer a clean hem instead of a raw cut:
- Fold the edge inward by about 1–1.5 cm.
- Pin it in place evenly.
- Sew using a zigzag or straight stitch, either by hand or with a sewing machine.
- Press the neckline flat with an iron for a polished finish.
👉 If you're going for a grunge or vintage vibe, you can skip hemming and let the fabric naturally curl after washing.
👚 5. Style Your New Neckline
Once the collar is removed, you can style your transformed t-shirt in different ways:
- Wear it off one shoulder for a relaxed, effortless look.
- Layer it over a tank top or bralette for extra detail.
- Pair it with high-waisted jeans or skirts for a balanced outfit.
- Add DIY graphics or prints to elevate the style even more.
📝 Final Tips
- Always start with small cuts — you can widen the neckline gradually.
- Use sharp scissors for clean lines (avoid dull household scissors).
- If making multiple shirts, use the first neckline as a template for consistency.
- Practice on an old or thrifted tee before cutting your favorite one.
📌 Related Keywords
- DIY t-shirt collar cut
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