Fixer Uppers- Changing the Neckline

Let's get started!

First, lay out your shirt flat and determine if you want to drop the neckline lower than the bottom of the ribbed band. It’s up to you how low you wish to go.

If you only want to remove the band, go ahead and grab the scissors, and carefully cut as close as you can to the seam where it was attached and remove it.

If you want to lower the neckline it front, after marking the lowest point with chalk/wonder marker, re-fold the shirt in half along the center front, laying it out flat again on the table. We used the wonder clips to hold the neckline and keep everything even in the next steps.

Using a tape measure if you wish, or just eyeballing it, draw a curve from the shoulder seam to the new low point you marked already. The goal is a smooth slope, otherwise you will have more of a sharp V-neck look, also an option.

Once you are happy with your line, use the scissors to cut along the line to the shoulder seam, then cut as close to the seam of the old neckline as you can.

Double check your cutline, make sure it is relatively smooth, tidy it up with the scissors if needed.

Re-lay the t-shirt out flat on the table.

Next, cut the bottom hem of your donor shirt or cut the length of ribbon/binding that you wish to use.

Since we used the hem of a shirt before gluing we played around with the look with the stitching up or down and decided we liked the stitching faceup, either is fine and up to you.

Grab the Flex Stretch glue, starting at the center front, working toward one shoulder seam, apply a line of glue along the neck opening. Lay the trim down and position it, clip it in place with the wonder clips. Working in small sections, gluing and clipping is the easiest way to control things and keep the glue tidy. We did the front neckline and then let everything dry for an hour or so. After the glue is set enough, take off the clips, flip the shirt and then continue going around the neckline until you meet up the ends of the trim. Overlap and glue the ends, hold with a clip, clip any excess trim off.

Once the glue is fully dry and set after 24 hours, your shirt is ready for wearing and washing again. The Flex Stretch with dry clear and will still give a little when the garment is pulled on and off over your head.

Stay comfortable and fashionable in your updated threads!