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Instructions on How to Cut a T-Shirt

Changing an old, drab T-shirt into something new-looking and stylish is a very simple matter of using scissors to cut off what you don't want and changing what you do want. Most T-shirt cutting is done to take out the neckline, the arm seams or the bottom seams to crop the T-shirt to a shorter length. Another way is to cut and tie the tee so that a tank top or camisole ("cami") can be seen under it. Either way, the old T-shirt is different enough that it looks completely new.

Things You'll Need

T-shirt
Marker
Scissors (sharp sewing scissors are best)

Instructions

- 1
  Turn the T-shirt inside out. With a marker, mark where you want the sleeves and neckline to fall.
- 2
  Cut off the hemming seams on the neckline and the sleeves. This is the part of the T-shirt with the machine-stitched stitches. Cut the neckline carefully, snipping away just a little bit of the material at a time, trying the T-shirt on frequently to make sure that the neckline isn't too low. Usually an inch or less from the original neckline will allow the T-shirt to show a hint of collarbone. Cut the sleeves using the same method, cutting off either 3/4 of an inch or removing the sleeve altogether for a tank top style. Be sure not to cut the seam at the top of the shoulder that pieces together the two T-shirt pieces.
- 3
  Cut the side seams carefully so that the sides are separated from each other, leaving only the shoulder seam to hold the shirt together. Cut several cuts, as though adding a fringe. Only cut an inch or so into the fabric. Cut the same number of lines on each side.
- 4
  Match up each strip of fabric and tie together in a secure knot. This will re-seam together the T-shirt without sewing. Whether it is see-through depends on the size of the strips and the tightness of the knots.

Sewing