The v-neck collar is perfect for most people. This shaped collar draws the eye to the face and makes the body look longer. You can make any t-shirt into a v-neck shape using a razor blade or thread puller, fabric scissors, a pin, and basic sewing skills.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Measuring the New Neckline
Step 1. Gather the ingredients
To complete this project, you will need a T-shirt, a ruler or fabric tape measure (if you are using a fabric tape measure, you will also need a separate item with straight edges), a pin, a fabric marker, fabric scissors, a thread tweezer or puller, thread with the same color as your shirt, sewing machine or sewing needle.
Step 2. Measure the V-shaped collar
An easy way to do this is to use a v-neck shirt you like as a guide. Fold the shirt in half vertically and make sure the shoulders are straight. Spread the shirt on the table. Then, use a ruler to measure the distance from the meeting point of the collar and shoulder seam to the point of the V collar. Record this measurement.
- If you don't have a v-neck t-shirt, you'll need to estimate how deep the V should be. In this case, it's best to start conservatively (not too deep) because you can go deeper later.
- You may want to try on the shirt to gauge how deep you want the V-neck to be. While wearing the shirt, look in the mirror and mark the point you want for the V shape with a pin.
Step 3. Fold your t-shirt vertically
The front of the collar should be on the outside of the crease. Make sure that the neckline, shoulders, and hands are symmetrical. Spread the t-shirt on a table, straightening the fabric if there are any creases.
Step 4. Mark the V shape
Place the ruler diagonally from the point where the shoulders and collar meet to the center of the chest. Using the measurements you did in the previous step, mark the point of the "V" shape with the fabric marker. Then, draw a line between the mark and the point where the shoulder layer and collar meet.
Turn the shirt over and repeat this step on the other side of the shirt
Part 2 of 3: Removing the Collar and Cutting the V-Neck
Step 1. Remove the seams
Unfold the shirt again, turn the inside side of the shirt on to the outside and place it on the table. Make sure that the front side of the shirt is facing you. Then, use a threader to clean the seams on the front side of the shirt collar.
- If you don't have a tweezer, you can use sharp scissors to cut the thread and carefully clean the stitches.
- Stop at the shoulder layer. Leave the collar on the back of the shirt against the shirt, unless you want to sew it to your new shirt, too.
Step 2. Align the t-shirt on the table
Make sure that the spliced collar is folded back, away from where you will be cutting. This is to ensure that the fabric is cut neatly and straight, and to help you avoid mistakes.
Step 3. Cut out the V-neck
Starting from one side of the V, cut the fabric along the marked line. Stop when it reaches the bottom. Repeat this process on the other side. Remember to only cut the front of the shirt.
If you're not planning on making a hemmed collar, then your new t-shirt is done
Part 3 of 3: Sewing the Collar
Step 1. Cut the center of the front collar of the removed T-shirt
You must first determine the middle. To do this, lay out the shirt with the front facing you. Measure the width of the collar, and using a fabric marker, make a dot in the middle. This point is the point where you will cut.
Step 2. Extend each cut side of the collar along the length of your V-neck
Most T-shirt collars usually have ribs and this will make the collar a few inches longer when stretched.
Step 3. Pin the pin to the edge of the collar (including the bottom of the V) of the shirt
Extend one side of the collar at a time (not simultaneously) along the length of the V, pinning the needle. Pin the pins every 2.5 cm to make sure the collar is stretched and still before you sew. Do the same on the other side.
The edge of the collar must match the position of that part on the shirt, with the edge of the collar facing the outside of the shirt
Step 4. Sew the top of the collar to the bottom of the V
Sew approximately 0.6 cm from the ends of the two layers. As you sew the second side of the collar, pause before you sew the V section and sew the end of the section to the back of the first side. Finish by ironing the new seam.
- Make sure the color of the thread on your sewing machine matches the color of your shirt.
- If you don't have a sewing machine, you can also sew the collar side to the V side by hand.
