Sometimes the neckline on a regular hoodie can feel too tight. One easy trick to do the opposite is to cut a hoodie neck. It also gives you the chance to personalize the hoodie. This is a hot fashion trend for 2026. It gives your trendy closet pieces a more relaxed and individual look. With 10+ years of our garment manufacturing knowledge, becoming your go-to partner is a no-brainer. Currently, we are dealing with over 1000 fashion brands and counting. Our cutting-edge technology guarantees double-stitched seams to keep your apparel durable. Under the right conditions, cutting fabric can really show off your skills and get you the kind of results that are always sought after. It will look like it was planned that way.
Key Points
- Preparation Comes First: Before you cut your hoodie, it is a good idea to wash and dry it first. This way, you pre-shrink the fabric. Use only good quality scissors. You can mark your cut lines with chalk. This will ensure that your cut is straight and even.
- Pick Your Style: You can create a simple V-neck slit for small changes. You can take away the whole neckband to create a raw-edge crewneck. Or just make a wider cut for an off-the-shoulder look.
- Fabric Counts: Fleece made of 100% cotton or cotton-blend will roll back beautifully at the raw edge. Blends that are made of polyester tend to get loose at the edges. Be sure to give them a finished edge when needed.
- Final Tweaks: Bring the raw edge in line. The next step is to run the hoodie through the washer and the dryer. These two processes will help you achieve the perfect roll.
Before the Cutting: Necessary Preparation and Required Tools
Proper preparation is the first most essential step in any garment modification. Skipping this step is usually the primary cause of messy outcomes. It is really a help taking some time to find the required tools. Arranging your clothes the right way can make you cut them cleanly. It will give you peace of mind.
Making the Right Choice of Tools for a Precise Cut
You will get no results if you don't have the company of the right tools on your journey to the professional status. Your kitchen scissors will not work properly here.
- Sharp Fabric Scissors: These are built to give a clean cut through the fabric. They do not have a tendency to snag or crush fabric fibers.
- Fabric Marking Pen or Chalk: This pen or chalk helps you create a clear, even guide for your future cut. If you need it, a sliver of bar soap also works fine.
- Ruler or Measuring Tape: You need these to make sure your marks are even. This way your final cut will be symmetrical.
Selecting and Preparing Your Hoodie
Not all hoodies are made the same. The fabric choice and the original preparation will massively affect how your project will turn out.
- Consider the Fabric: Go for fabrics containing 100% cotton or a high-cotton blend fleece. These fabrics will look that way when cut. This results in a classic raw-edge look.
- Wash and Dry the Fabric First: Always ensure that your hoodie has been washed and dried before you cut it. This prevents the fabric from shrinking or warping after you make your change. If the fabric shrinks, it can change the shape of your new neckline.
- Work on a Flat Surface: Spread your hoodie on a flat table or floor that is clean. Remove all the wrinkles smoothing them out. That way, you will be able to mark and cut the line the right way.
How to Cut Your Hoodie Neck: 3 Step-by-Step Methods
Below are three popular methods for cutting a hoodie neck. They go from a barely noticeable change to a complete different style. Each method offers a different look and feel. For a quick visual overview of the process, the video below gives a great demo so you can see it in action.
Pick the method that fits best to the style you want. Remember to always start with a smaller cut. You can always take off more fabric. But you can't put it back.
Method 1: V-Neck with a Slit
This is the simplest and most subtle way to breathe in a tight neckline. It adds space for air movement without altering the hoodie's overall style too much.
- Mark the Center: Spread the hoodie. Fold the neck part of the hoodie in half to locate the exact midpoint. Sketch a small point there with the chalk.
- Decide the Cut Depth: Think of how deep you want the slit to be. Usually, it's nice to begin with a small cut of about 1 to 2 inches long. The endpoint of the cut can be marked with chalk.
- Snip the Cut: If you want to cut the hood, use your sharp fabric scissors. Cut a clean cut in a single motion. Slice the neckband from the upper edge to your mark.
- Stretch the Edge: Gently hold rock the fabric apart from the cut. This will cause the raw edge to roll a little. In this way, it got a more polished look.
Method 2: The Raw-Edge Crewneck (Removing the Neckband)
This technique includes removing the whole rib neckband. It results in a wider, more relaxed crewneck that fits a casual, comfortably worn style.
- Identify the Seam: Spread out the hoodie flat and inspect the neckline closely. You should see a stitching line. This indicates where the ribbed neckband merges with the hoodie body.
- Cut Carefully: This is the most critical step. Please note that your scissors should only just be above this seam. On the side of the hoodie that is the one without the neckband, cut. Proceed slowly and cautiously. Follow the seam's shape all the way around the neck. Be sure to remove the neckband only once, in one cut.
- Clean any Uneven Places: After the band is taken off, verify the new raw edge. Look out for any jagged or uneven areas. Refine them with small, careful snips to round them off. This provides a nice, consistent curve for you.
Method 3: The Off-the-Shoulder / Wide-Neck Look
For a more bold style, a wide-neck cut creates an off-the-shoulder or boat-neck look. This style has gained immense popularity in today's streetwear fashion.
- Mark the New Neckline: Spread the hoodie on a flat surface. Ensure that the shoulders are perfectly aligned. Using the chalk, sketch a new, wider neckline. Start your line about 1-2 inches out from the original neck seam on one shoulder. Curve it down across the front to the matching point on the other shoulder.
- Cut Through Both Layers: With the hoodie laying flat, carefully cut along your chalk line. Do this bygoing through the front and back layers of the hoodie at the same time. Thus, your front and back necklines will be perfectly symmetrical.
- Stretch and Style: Forcefully pull and stretch the new, wide neckline. This way, the edge will roll and shape up to its final form. The hood will remain unstructured and loose easily.
Beyond the Cut: How to Complete and Wear Your Modified Hoodie
Learning how to cut a hoodie neck is just the beginning. The finishing touches are going to be the ones that will make your DIY project look clean and professional.
The Secret to Getting the Ideal Rolled Edge
Achieving the long sought "rolled edge" on raw-hem sweatshirts is simply accomplished by using cotton materials. Simply pull and stretch the new edge out after the cut has been made. The actual rolling of the edge happens in the washing machine. First, the hoodie's cotton fibers curl up through washing, then drying it with high heat will set it permanently. Thus, you will achieve a perfect roll. For more information, guidelines on the proper care for cotton garments can be very helpful.
Reducing or Stopping Fraying
Knit materials won't come apart like a woven t-shirt. However, you may want to control fraying.
- To Avoid Fraying: Applying a thin, clear liquid seam sealant will give you a fully professional edge. Products like Fray Check can be used on the inside of the raw edge.
- For Controlling Fraying: If you're after a distressed look without it running wild, you can let the first wash do a natural fray. After that, you can trim any extra long threads.
Styling Your New Look
Your modified hoodie gives you new choices of styling. A V-neck slit of the neck can be a good addition to underneath long necklaces. With an off-the-shoulder cut, you can wear a decorative bralette or tank top under. This gives a layered, intentional look.
A Manufacturer's Insight: What to Know Before You Cut
After a decade in production, we have realized that there is one thing that is of utmost importance. The first and foremost factor is the quality of the original product when it comes to a truly successful modification. The type of fabric and the way it is constructed determine how your hoodie will react to cutting.
Why Hoodie Construction Matters
The ribbed neckband and the double-needle stitching on a hoodie are there for a reason. They ensure it is durable and retains its shape. By getting rid of them, you are altering the structure of the garment. As an experienced hoodie manufacturer, we possess essential knowledge. When you start with a solidly constructed hoodie, the garment will keep its shape even after you modify the neck. The hoodie with poor quality threads may have more problems in the future, due to having been modified.
How Different Fabrics React to Cutting
The kind of fiber in your hoodie will determine the way the raw edge behaves. We have manufactured many different types of fabrics and observed how they react. To know more, understanding different knit fabrics is a resource that is awesome to check out.
| Fabric Type | How it Reacts to Cutting | Best For… |
|---|---|---|
| 100% Cotton Fleece | Curls cleanly with a thick roll. Minimal fraying. | The classic, durable raw-edge look. |
| French Terry | Creates a thinner roll. Can fray more than fleece. | Lightweight hoodies and distressed styles. |
| Polyester Blends | Tends to fray without rolling. | Projects where you plan to finish the edge with sewing or an anti-fray liquid. |
The Mark of a Quality Hoodie
A truly durable and long-lasting hoodie will be the best source canvas for your creative projects. The process of quality production leads to better garments. Our proprietary "5-step QC production method" is one such example, which leads to a stable fabric and durable seams in the resulting product. This, in turn, means that when you decide how to cut your hoodie neck, the garment will behave predictably. The rest of the hoodie will retain its structural integrity as well.
The Final Step: A Quick Summary
Hoodie customization is a fun and rewarding project. You get to make a piece that is unmistakably yours. Go back to the preparation process. Pick your favorite method of cutting the fabric. Finish it with the right techniques. It's simple to change the way a hoodie neck feels and looks when you follow these steps. Keep in mind that the first step towards getting a good result is using materials of the best quality.
At Clothing Manufacturer Ltd., we have helped many successful brands for over 500. These stylish clothes are perfect to wear as they are or for creative customization. Our commitment to quality comes from our ISO 9001 and BSCI certifications. This assures the longevity of each and every item.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will cutting my hoodie neck make it unravel completely in the wash?
No, fabric knit materials like fleece and French terry do not come apart in long threads as woven fabrics do. The edge of the fabric itself will either curl or slightly fray. But the garment itself will not come apart. Pre-washing the hoodie before you cut will help.
Can I cut the hood off my hoodie completely?
Yes, you can. The best way to do this is to carefully cut along the seam where the hood is attached to the body. This process is very similar to the raw-edge crewneck method. It will result in a wide, circular neckline.
What's the best way to make the cut look intentional and not just messy?
The three keys to an intentional look are important. Use very sharp fabric scissors for a clean line. Measure and mark carefully for perfect symmetry. Choose a finishing style. Stretching the edge to create a uniform roll is the best way. It makes it look like a deliberate design choice.
My hoodie neck is still too tight after a V-slit. What now?
If a small slit isn't enough, you have two options. You can carefully extend the V-slit an inch at a time until it's comfortable. Or, you can commit to a larger alteration. Use the raw-edge crewneck method and remove the entire neckband. This creates a much wider opening.
Does the weight of the hoodie fabric (GSM) affect how I should cut it?
Yes, it does. Heavier fabrics with a higher GSM (Grams per Square Meter) will create a thicker, more defined roll at the raw edge. This includes fabrics like 350-500 GSM. Lighter-weight fabrics will have a subtler roll. They may stretch out more easily. So it's wise to be more conservative with your initial cut on a lighter hoodie.
