6 Ways to Cut a T-shirt

ummer is here and if you live anywhere in the south you are definitely feeling it! There is something about the summer heat I just love… maybe that just comes naturally with my southern blood but the temperatures rise and even though we are all talking about how hot it is theres something comforting about it. Not to mention its another excuse to head out to the beach/river/pool more often! Then there are those days that the heat makes you absolutely crazy. You walk in the door and the first thing you do is strip down and sit in front of the a/c or rub ice cubes on your neck. Its those kind of days that inspire projects like these. It never fails that when summer rolls around I loose at least 2 or 3 T-shirts to the wrath of my scissors. Anything that helps the air flow and keeps the sweat to a minimum. Today I’m sharing with you six of my favorite T-shirt cutting techniques complete with easy-to-follow diagrams. All of which can be completed in less than 30 min.

GATHERED CROP TOP


First up is a simple gathered boxy crop. This style works best starting with a t-shirt thats a few sizes too big and goes great with anything high-waisted on bottom. Skip the “cropped” step for a more modest look.




GILLS

This one is probably one of my favorites. I call it “gills” because it reminds me of the gills on a fish. In the summer I wear a lot of cute bandeaus and soft bras. This style shows them off without being too revealing. Plus if your man finds you a great motorcycle T at a thrift shop like this one.. you look extra badass!




SIMPLE RACERBACK


I use this technique to turn a lot of old T’s into workout shirts. I just cut mine by eye, but if the diagram isn’t enough you could lay a racerback T you already have over another T-shirt and mark your cut lines. This could work with a tight or loose fitted shirt.




CROPPED & GATHERED RAGLAN


I wear this style a lot as a cover up over my swimsuit top and a pair of shorts. It also looks great with a cute bra top or simple tank underneath, it all depends on how much skin you want to show. Again, you can eliminate the “cropped” part and go for a longer style that’d work just as well. I recommend looser fitting shirts for this project.




SPINAL SLASH

Business in the front… party in the back! (If you can call vintage Garth Brooks “business” – I say you can) Another fun style to show of a cute bra top or bandeau. This would look great with a fitted T as well. Cut the slashes as thick or thin as you like. Cut more “fish-eye” shaped slashes to reveal more skin.




V-BACK


Probably the trickiest technique (and the only one that involves a bit of sewing) but it gives you a really cool effect. Also if you plan correctly, it will cover your bra line. Slightly more fitted shirts recommended for this technique, but keep in mind your shirt will be a little tighter since you’re taking it up a bit in the back.




There are SO MANY great T-shirt cutting tutorials out there so go explore! These are just a few of my tried-and-true styles. I hope you like them, and if you have any questions don’t hesitate to  contact me or leave a comment!


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Amy Nicole Studio
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