Sewing a Number on a Football Jersey

The number is one of the most important components of a football jersey, as it makes for quick and easy player identification both on and off the field. Football players have to wear a lot of equipment, including helmets, which can make it difficult for teammates and coaches to tell everyone apart, let alone referees and members of the opposing team. While most jerseys also include a last name across the top of the back side, numerical identification is the clearest method of keeping players straight during the game. Fortunately, sewing these numbers on a jersey is a simple process that you can complete quickly.

Things You'll Need

  • Football jersey
  • 2 Teflon pressing sheets
  • Iron (optional)
  • Numbers
  • Straight pins
  • Sewing machine
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lay the jersey out on a flat, clean work surface.

    • 2

      Iron the jersey and the numbers if they have wrinkles. Place the numbers between two Teflon pressing sheets before ironing.

    • 3

      Assemble the numbers in the center of the side of the jersey that is facing you. Pin them in place with straight pins.

    • 4

      Sew the numbers in place along the outer edge with a sewing machine; use a zigzag stitch.

    • 5

      Lock the zigzag stitches in place with five or six straight stitches at the end.

    • 6

      Remove the pins from the sewn numbers.

    • 7

      Turn the jersey inside out and repeat the sewing steps on the back of the numbers.