Getting Started

• Before you embark on your T-shirt shredding project, check to make sure you have a T-shirt that needs a breath of new life. In other words, you may want to pass on shredding a new designer shirt if you have a plain or dated shirt that is more deserving of a total transformation. Think about the parts of the shirt you would like to alter, as well as the things you like about it that you would like to emphasize with the shredding. Brainstorm a basic design and then prepare to shred your shirt.
  
  

Sleeves

• The sleeves are part of your T-shirt's identity, so factor these into your shredding design. Maybe you prefer a sleeveless look, in which case you can use a pair of shears to remove the material completely. Otherwise, you could cut a pattern of vertical slits into one or both sleeves for an edgy result, or you could trim the fabric of the sleeves into vertical strips to create a fun, fringed effect. If you go with the latter option, consider stringing a pattern of colorful beads onto the resulting fabric strips and tying a knot at the end of each one to secure the beads in place.
  
  

Neckline

• The neckline of your T-shirt might benefit from some shredding, so consider which kind of style would go well with your overall shredded design. For instance, if you dislike crew-necked shirts, you could use a pair of scissors to trim the entire neckline; the end result will be a boat neck that will expose your collarbone and shoulders. Similarly, you can create other kinds of necklines, including V-necks or keyhole necklines, to transform your T-shirt. And if you're up for a bit of tailoring, consider making a halter top by lopping off both the sleeves and neckline from your shirt to expose your arms and chest.
  
  

Body

• The body of your shirt is where you can really go to town with your shredding. There are a variety of possibilities, one of which could be to shred vertical lines, starting at the base of the T-shirt and going up to the midriff to create a fun, fringed crop top. You could also shred a pattern of holes in places like the back of the T-shirt or the sides for an edgy look. Consider adding embellishments to highlight the shredded alterations you have made.