As the stylist at Zazzle, I am always on the lookout for new ways to fashion a basic t-shirt. Whether it’s a half-tuck, cuffed sleeves, or paired with a high waisted skirt, I love how versatile a classic tee can be. (Can you tell I also love a good rhyme?)
I especially love a simple no-sew project to elevate a t-shirt.
Recently, I’ve been seeing a lot of fun alterations made by cutting out pieces of the material to give the shirt a new look. Specifically t-shirt neckline cutting ideas. So in this DIY, I thought I’d take a crack at a choker-style cut out. And then to double-up the 90s feel (because why not?) I paired it with one of my favorite vintage designs.
It ended up being super easy to do, and resulted in a really cute product. Want to try it yourself? Follow the steps below.
Note: Zazzle no longer offers the design presented in this DIY. However, this DIY project can be applied to any t-shirt! We encourage you to find a design that best represents you and your style! Shop through thousands of t-shirts on Zazzle!
Project: DIY Choker T-shirt
Time: 5 minutes
Difficulty level: Beginner
Here’s what you’ll need:
- Zazzle Custom T-Shirt
- Scissors
- Pins
Here’s how you do it:
Time needed: 5 minutes
Grab your supplies and follow these steps to make your own DIY choker t-shirt!
- Pins Mark the Spot.
Start by trying on your t-shirt. Determine where you want the lowest point of the cut out to be, and mark it with a pin. In other words, how deep do you want the V-neck?
Then figure out where you want it to hit on your collar. It’s up to you whether you want it to be a skinny or wide-set V shape. Mark this high point with a pin, too.
- Fold It Just So.
Next, remove your shirt and find a clean, solid surface to work on. Start by grabbing the collar and folding it in half lengthwise. Then lay the shirt flat, so that the shirt sleeve is in the middle, and you can see half the t-shirt design.
The pin on the breast should be along the front folded edge. To make sure you cut evenly, match the collar seams and pin both sides together so when you start cutting everything stays in place.
- Cut It Out.
Now it’s time to cut! You only need two lines First, from the lower breast pin, cut a straight line to the higher, collar pin. Be sure to stop cutting as soon as you reach the collar. Then cut along the edge of the neckline to meet the first cut.
- Your Shirt’s Ready!
Unfold the shirt and there you have it! Try it on to get the full-effect of the super-fashionable end result.
Modeling the look is my friend and coworker, Kaezel. I just love this style on her—isn’t it adorable?!
Creating this choker cut-out was simple and it really elevated the overall look of the t-shirt, adding both edge and femininity to a basic tee.
Expert Tips:
- Worried about messing up a shirt you love? Test it out on an old shirt first to ease your nerves.
- The choker effect works best if you pick a t-shirt with a thick collar band.
- You can use a fabric chalk pen instead of pins if you have one handy. Just be sure to cut outside the chalk lines.
- Always cut on a clean, solid and flat surface. You don’t want to accidentally cut into a table cloth or bed sheets!
- You can always make the V deeper, but you put back what’s already been cut. So start small if you’re unsure.
Even More Ways to Cut a T-shirt
Once you get the hang of cutting your shirts I’m sure you’ll want to try more! I especially love the idea of taking an old, favorite shirt and making it new again. Follow these DIY projects for more unique ways to cut (and sometimes sew) a t-shirt!
- For a similar t-shirt cut-out idea, go for the classic v-neck: https://www.allriot.com/diy-t-shirt-cutting-tutorial-v-neck/
- Give your old shirt the cold shoulder. Follow this cut-out DIY: https://www.cutoutandkeep.net/projects/diy-cold-shoulder-sweater
- Try this adorable bow-backed project to add a feminine touch to a basic tee: http://alldaychic.com/bow-back-T-shirt-diy/
- Discover all the different shapes you can cut into your t-shirts, front and back, all with an easy stencil: https://www.buzzfeed.com/pippa/2-cool-new-ways-to-cut-up-a-t-shirt
- Love the color and fabric of your shirt, but craving a new neckline? Alter your top with a halter! http://www.starsforstreetlights.com/diy-how-to-make-a-T-shirt-halter-top/
- For an unexpected embellishment, add pearls to your neckline and sleeves: http://misyellestore.blogspot.com/2016/06/diy-cut-out-t-shirt-with-pearl-neck.html
- Add a bit of flair to your fitness routine—you won’t even break a sweat with this easy workout top upcycle: https://www.alittlecraftinyourday.com/2017/08/14/diy-cross-cross-workout-shirt/
What’s your favorite way to style your shirts? Let us know in the comments below or on social media!
If you try this DIY choker shirt project, please share it with us by using the hashtag #zazzlemade on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. We’d love to see the unique ways you transform a basic tee!
All Photos: Zazzle.com
Jenny is Zazzle’s Associate Art Director. She loves DIY projects and making things with her hands. When she’s not getting crafty, you can find her hosting dinner parties, reading books, or cuddling her cat, Luna.
