Crew Neck to Scoop Neck T-Shirt Neckline Conversion

So many cute graphic T-shirts are only available in crew neck. Unfortunately, while the graphic maybe appealing, the crew neck is unflattering to many women. It's easy to convert that graphic T-shirt into a graphic layered-look scoop-neck T-shirt with trendy raw edges and deconstructed look using only basic sewing skills. Create your own custom look T shirt with your preferred color variations, and enjoy getting more wear out of your wardrobe with this simple update.

Supplies Needed

Graphic crew-neck T-shirt
Flattering scoop-neck T-shirt for pattern
Matching T-shirt to cut up for binding
Chalk
Scissors, thread, ruler, sewing machine with zig-zag stitch

Choose the T-Shirt Neckline

Tuck the crew neck T-shirt inside the scoop-neck T-shirt, lining up the back tags and shoulder seams. Using the chalk, trace the new neckline onto the crew neck T-shirt. Trace about ½" inside the neckline to allow some "wiggle room." The neck will stretch slightly during the sewing process, and you can always trim a little more away later. Try the shirt on and make sure the chalk line falls a little inside where you want the new neckline, and that the graphic won't be trimmed away. Trim the unwanted part of the neckline away, and try the shirt on again carefully for fit. Trim a little more if needed. Remember the neckline fit will be looser without the tight crew-neck binding.

Prepare the Neck Binding

Trim the bottom off the old t-shirt. Cut a strip of fabric one inch wide across the bottom of the shirt. Notice which way the edges of the fabric are curling. Starting at the back of the neck, pin the underlayer to the inside of the raw neckline all the way around with the edges curling out and ½" of the fabric exposed. Overlap the edges of the strip slightly and trim off the excess.

Sew the New T-Shirt Neckline

Using a zig-zag stitch, sew the strip to the T-shirt neckline ¼ inch from the edge. Trim the excess threads, and trim away any excess binding from the inside. Wash the T-shirt and tumble dry briefly to encourage the neckline to curl further. Enjoy wearing!

Variations

Use a contrasting fabric color for the under layer binding, or even two stacked strips of fabric. Use the same treatment on the sleeves and bottom of the T-shirt for further contrast.

Use a contrasting thread color to highlight the seams for even more of a deconstructed look.

Save strips of the under layer T-shirt to tie knots in the bottom of the T-shirt for a fitted look.

Cut the bottom of the T-shirt into 2" fringe and knot the individual strips.

Source

T-shirt from Swallowtail