Renewing a hoodie is one of the trendiest fashion statements in 2026. It could be that the neckline is tight, or you may want a different style. Learning how to cut the neck of a hoodie is a simple DIY task, for sure. By this way you will personalize your streetwear fashion. The information in this article is easy to follow as we based it on our practical work experiences. As Clothing Manufacturer Ltd., clothing manufacturing has been our game for over a decade now. We will gladly give you some helpful tips to ensure the result you achieve is neat and stylish every single time.
The Main Learning Outcomes
- Prepare Beforehand: It should always be a rule to wash and dry your hoodie before cutting it. With this, you will be certain it shrunk before you start. Always use sharp fabric scissors and tailor's chalk for the best finish.
- Fabric is Important: The cut edge will be affected by the fabric type. Poly-blend or cotton fleece fabrics will roll a little. They won't fray that much.
- Choose Your Look: You can choose from various styles. You may try a simple raw-edge crew neck, a classic V-neck, or a trendy wide scoop neck. Each of them needs a slightly different method.
- Finishing Touches: To add a stronger finish, you can incorporate a simple stitch line close to the cut edge. You can also hem the neckline or use a no-sew fray-stop liquid.
Before Starting: Tools and Preparation
Having the correct tools when starting off will lead to successful outcomes. This easy preparation helps avoid mistakes. It ensures you get a clean, professional-looking cut.
First of all, you will need to assemble the necessary materials.
- A Quality Hoodie: The best option is to go with a well-made piece. A quality hoodie will have stable fabric that is cut-resistant and will remain stable after cutting.
- Fabric Scissors: Sharp fabric scissors are indispensable. Using normal kitchen or paper scissors risks crushing the fabric fibers, thus resulting in jagged edges.
- Measuring Tape or Ruler: This is essential to making straight lines for the new neckline.
- Tailor's Chalk or Fabric Marker: You can use one of these to mark the cut line. They are also easy to wash out from the fabric.
- Seam Ripper (If Needed): In case you want to detach the hood from the body with care, a seam ripper can do a great favor by helping you eliminate the old stitching.
Next, get your hoodie ready. You always have to wash and dry it first. This initial step will shrink the fabric. Your new neckline won't change size after the first wash.
Finally, make sure that the hoodie is laid flat on a clean, hard surface like a table or a floor. This will avoid the fabric from bunching up. Bunching can be a source of an uneven cut.
Getting to Know Your Hoodie's Fabric and Structure
Having a good understanding of your hoodie fabric will help you obtain the best finish while cutting. What type of fabric it is and how it is constructed will influence the look and behavior of the new edge.
During the more than ten years we have been in clothing manufacturing, we have learned that different fabrics behave differently when they are cut. Knowing what to expect is the first step toward a great DIY project.
Here are some common hoodie fabrics along with descriptions of how they behave:
- Cotton Fleece: This is the most popular material available. When cut, 100% cotton fleece tends to curl or roll at the edge. This gives you that typical, effortless raw-edge look. It doesn't fray much either.
- Poly-Cotton Blends: Blends of cotton and polyester are usually more stable. The raw edge is less likely to roll than pure cotton. It might fray slightly more, but it is very likely that it will keep its shape.
- Tri-Blends: These are soft fabrics (usually cotton, polyester, and rayon) that offer very good drape. They are great for the relaxed look they give, but they can be stretchy. You should be careful when working with them during the cutting process.
Another critical factor is the way the fabric is made. Hoodies are made from knit fabrics, not woven ones. Knits are made of a series of interlaced yarns that bind together through loops. This is why they don't unravel completely like woven fabric would if cut. This makes them perfect for this kind of change.
A note on quality: High-quality hoodies often have safety labels like OEKO-TEX or GOTS. These usually have a more stable and denser knit. We use these certified materials in our work since they provide a high-quality base that sustains well, even after changes.
How to Cut the Neck of a Hoodie: 3 Step-by-Step Methods
Now we get to the central theme: how to cut the neck of a hoodie. There are three common methods we've picked to share with you below. They are of various difficulty levels, from easy to medium. Each gives off a different style. You can choose the one you wish to go for.
| Style | Difficulty | Final Look | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw-Edge Crew Neck | Easy | Casual, Distressed | Quick, relaxed style |
| Classic V-Neck | Medium | Flattering, Open | More structured, custom look |
| Wide Scoop Neck | Medium | Off-the-shoulder, Trendy | Fashion-forward styles |
For a great visual overview of the basic process, the video below shows a simple way to remove a hoodie's neck.
Method 1: The Simple Raw-Edge Crew Neck (Removing the Hood)
This is the quickest and most accessible way to open up your hoodie's neckline.
Step 1: Mark Your Line
Lay the hoodie flat, making sure the front and back are smooth. Use tailor's chalk to draw a line on the seam right below the point where the hood connects to the body. Following the natural curve of the existing neckline is the easiest way to get an accurate shape.
Step 2: Make the First Cut
Using your sharp fabric scissors, carefully cut along the chalk line. It is usually better to cut a little less at first. You can always trim more later if needed. Remember, you cannot add fabric back.
Step 3: Clean Up the Edge
Check your work and trim any small, uneven parts. To get the classic raw-edge look, just gently pull and stretch the newly made neckline. This way the cut fabric will roll over on itself. This trick creates a clean and finished-looking raw edge.
Method 2: How to Cut a Classic V-Neck
A V-neck is an iconic style. It can make a bulky hoodie feel more open and structured.
Step 1: Find the Center
Fold the hoodie in half horizontally. Line the shoulder seams up as much as possible. This helps you find the perfect center for the neckline. Use your chalk to mark this center point.
Step 2: Mark the "V"
Unfold the hoodie and lay it flat. Decide how deep you want your V-neck. Mark that point below the center of the collar. Use a ruler to draw two straight, even lines from the shoulder seams down to your center depth mark.
Step 3: Cut with Care
Carefully cut along the two chalk lines. To get a clean and precise "V" at the bottom, stop cutting just before the two lines meet. Then, make one final, careful snip to connect them.
Method 3: The Wide Scoop Neck
This trendy look is perfect for an off-the-shoulder or boat-neck style.
Step 1: Plan the Shape
The easiest way to get the right shape is to wear the hoodie. Using a mirror, make small chalk marks for how wide and deep you want the scoop to be. Mark the front, back, and shoulders.
Step 2: Draw the Curve
Remove the hoodie and place it flat. Use your marks to guide you as you draw a smooth, curved line connecting them. For a perfect curve, you could use a large plate or a flexible ruler as a guide.
Step 3: Cut Slowly
Cut along your curved line. For a scoop neck, it is best to cut smoothly and steadily. Turn the hoodie while you cut to help maintain a smooth, even curve.
Professional Finishing Touches to Prevent Fraying
While a raw edge is a popular look, you might want a more polished and lasting finish. Here are a few professional methods to finish the newly created neckline and prevent it from fraying.
Option 1: The "Controlled" Raw Edge
With this technique, you can have the look of a raw edge without allowing it to fray too much. Using a sewing machine or a needle and thread, just sew a single, straight line about a quarter-inch away from the cut edge. The fabric can still roll or fray up to the stitch line, but no further.
Option 2: The Simple Hem
For the cleanest and longest-lasting solution, a hem is the best choice. Fold the raw edge over by about a quarter-inch. Then fold it over again to hide the raw edge completely. Press it with an iron to keep it in place, then sew it down with a sewing machine or a needle and thread.
Option 3: Using Fray-Stop Liquid
If you do not want to sew, fray-stop liquid is a great option. It is a clear glue that you apply directly to the raw fabric edge. It dries clear and flexible, gluing the fibers in place to prevent any unraveling.
Our Professional Insight
Sturdy quality is the essence of professional clothing manufacturing. Necklines are almost always finished with traditional ribbed collars or fabric binding. This process is part of our "5-step QC production method." It ensures the neckline is stable and lasts for years of wear and washing.
Post-Cut Care: Keeping Your Modified Hoodie in Good Condition
Once you've finished cutting your hoodie, proper care will keep it looking great. A raw or newly sewn neckline is more delicate than a factory-finished one. A little extra care can help a lot.
For washing, we suggest turning the hoodie inside out and using a gentle cycle with cold water. This will reduce stress and friction on the new neckline.
When drying, the best way is to air-dry the hoodie on a hanger or by laying it flat. If you use a machine, it is best to tumble dry it on the lowest heat setting. High heat can cause the cut edges to stretch, warp, or fray more quickly.
Over time, you may see a few loose threads, especially on a raw edge. That is normal. Just trim them off with scissors as needed. Knowing fabric types and their care needs will help you prolong the life of all your clothes.
The Professional Difference a Manufacturer Makes
While DIY changes are amazing and trendy, the long-term quality of a piece starts with its original making. A well-made hoodie provides a much more stable base for your creative work.
As an experienced hoodie manufacturer, we make sure to integrate quality into every step. We focus on crucial details such as strong seams, pre-shrunk premium fabrics, and precisely made necklines. From the beginning, they are made for comfort and long-lasting use. We have worked with over 1000 brands to bring their dream projects to life.
For a fashion brand aiming to create consistently high-quality clothing, working with a manufacturer is a key partnership. A partner with strong quality control systems, like our "5-step QC production method," and industry certifications, such as ISO 9001 & BSCI, will ensure each product is up to the highest standard.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I cut the neck of a hoodie without it fraying?
Yes, you can, especially with a hoodie made of cotton-rich fleece. This type of knit fabric usually tends to roll at the edge instead of fraying heavily. For a no-fray guarantee, you can sew a simple hem or apply a fray-stop liquid to the raw edge, as explained in our guide.
What's the best way to get a straight cut on a hoodie?
The key to a straight cut is good preparation. You should always use a ruler and tailor's chalk to mark a clear and accurate guideline before cutting. Also, lay the hoodie flat on a hard surface and use very sharp fabric scissors to make long, confident cuts instead of many short ones.
Should I cut the hoodie while I'm wearing it?
No. While it is a good idea to wear the hoodie to mark where you want the new neckline to sit, you should never do the actual cutting while it's being worn. For a safe, symmetrical, and even outcome, always remove the hoodie and lay it flat on a stable surface before cutting.
How do I make the cut-off hoodie neck lay flat?
To help a new neckline lay flat, especially after cutting a V-neck or a deep curve, you can "clip" the seam allowance. This means making tiny snips perpendicular to the edge, stopping just before the stitch line if you're hemming. This releases fabric tension. Pressing the new neckline with an iron also helps it lay flat.
Can I cut a zipper hoodie?
Cutting a zipper hoodie is possible but much more complex. You can remove the hood, but altering the neckline around the zipper requires advanced sewing skills. You would need to properly finish the area where the new collar line meets the top of the zipper, which can be very tricky. This modification is best left to those with sewing experience.
