Kristian Ferrell
Whether you're looking to alter an NBA swingman jersey or a baseball jersey, there are several ways to tailor a basketball jersey. If your jersey is too big, you can try shrinking it yourself by using heat. This can be done by putting it in the washing machine with hot water, tumble drying it, or even putting it in the oven at 400 degrees for a minute. If you're looking for a more professional finish, a tailor can shorten a jersey, make the sleeves slimmer, or create more room in the armhole. One method to achieve this is to cut a jersey in half and stitch the front and back of two different jerseys together.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons for tailoring | Jersey is too big |
| Sleeves are too big | |
| Garment is too tight near the armhole | |
| Jersey is too long | |
| Methods | Using a sewing machine |
| Shrinking the jersey | |
| Cutting and stitching two jerseys together | |
| Returning the jersey and ordering a smaller size |
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What You'll Learn
Shortening a basketball jersey
Another approach is to attempt to shrink the jersey. This can be done by heating the jersey to a higher temperature than it was produced at the factory. Some jerseys can be shrunk in a high-heat dryer, but if this doesn't work, the jersey can be placed in an oven at 400 degrees for about a minute. It is important to note that this method may not work for all fabrics and could potentially ruin the jersey, especially if the jersey has screen printing or sublimation ink.
Before attempting to shrink the jersey, it is recommended to check the fabric content and care instructions. Polyester jerseys, for example, can be shrunk using high heat. If you are unsure or uncomfortable with attempting this method, it may be worth consulting a professional cleaner, as they may have better equipment and expertise to handle the task.
Additionally, some jerseys may have a label at the bottom that includes size information, so it is important to be mindful of this when deciding where to hem the jersey.
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Stitching two jerseys together
Stitching two basketball jerseys together is a complex process that requires the right tools and techniques. Here is a detailed guide to help you get started:
Prepare the Jerseys
Before you begin stitching, it's important to choose jerseys with similar fabric compositions. Ideally, both jerseys should be made of the same material, such as cotton or polyester, to ensure that they sew together smoothly and have the same stretch and durability characteristics.
Choose the Right Needle and Thread
When stitching jerseys, it is crucial to use a ballpoint or stretch needle. The ballpoint needle has a round tip that smoothly passes through the fabric, preventing tears and skipped stitches. Select the needle size based on the weight of your jersey fabric; for light to medium-weight jerseys, use a size 75/11 or 80/12 needle, and for heavier jerseys, opt for a size 90/14. You can also use twin ballpoint needles for a professional finish, especially when stitching hems. As for thread, regular polyester thread works well on jersey fabrics.
Cutting the Jerseys
Use sharp scissors to cut the jerseys neatly, ensuring that the edges do not stretch or become frayed. Cut along the exact grain of the fabric to minimise distortion when sewing. It is recommended to cut on a flat surface and ensure that the fabric is not hanging off the table, as this can cause stretching.
Sewing Technique
When sewing the jerseys together, use a stretch stitch, such as a lightning stitch, zig-zag stitch, or triple stretch stitch. These stitches allow for flexibility and prevent the seams from snapping when the fabric is stretched. If using twin needles, a standard straight stitch will also work, as it inherently has some stretch. Adjust the stitch length and width on your sewing machine as needed, and always sew slowly to maintain control and avoid over-stretching the fabric.
Stabilising the Fabric
To prevent puckering and messy seams, gently guide the fabric as you stitch through the layers. If your sewing machine allows, reduce the presser foot pressure slightly. You can also use stabilisers, such as clear elastic tape or iron-on seam tape, to reinforce the seams and prevent them from stretching out of place. Alternatively, use thin strips of cotton fabric or iron-on interfacing.
Finishing Touches
After stitching the jerseys together, you can finish the seams with a three-step zigzag stitch or an overcast stitch for a neat appearance. Press the jersey fabric from the wrong side to avoid leaving shiny iron marks.
Remember to practise on scrap fabric first to perfect your technique before stitching your final garment. With the right tools, techniques, and patience, you can successfully stitch two basketball jerseys together to create a unique and personalised garment.
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Using a dryer to shrink a jersey
While there are several methods to shrink a jersey, using a dryer is one of the most popular methods. It is important to note that not all jerseys are made from heat-resistant or shrinkable fabrics, so checking the fabric composition is crucial to avoid irreversible damage. Natural fibres like cotton, wool, silk, linen, and hemp are more prone to shrinking than synthetic fibres.
To begin the shrinking process using a dryer, start by washing the jersey in hot water. Ensure that the water is not boiling, as this may damage delicate fabrics or alter the colours of the jersey. After washing, gently wring out the jersey to remove excess water. Then, place the jersey in the dryer and set it to the highest heat setting. Leave the jersey in the dryer until it completely cools down to maximise shrinkage.
During the drying process, keep a close eye on the jersey to prevent over-shrinking or fabric damage. Once the jersey is dry, assess the fit by trying it on. If it still feels too large, repeat the shrinking process. However, if you are satisfied with the fit, there is no need to repeat the process.
It is important to note that you should anticipate the jersey reducing by no more than one size. If you only need minor adjustments, a gradual approach may be preferable. This can be achieved by repeating the shrinking process in smaller increments until you attain the desired fit. Additionally, before attempting to shrink the entire jersey, consider testing the method on a small piece of fabric from a hidden area, such as the inside seam.
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Sewing a straight seam
Choose the Right Needle and Thread
Select the appropriate needle size based on the weight of your jersey fabric. For light to medium-weight knits, use a size 75/11 or 80/12 needle, and for heavier fabrics, a size 90/14 needle is recommended. You can use a standard polyester thread, as it works well on knit fabrics.
Prepare Your Fabric
Before sewing, ensure your jersey fabric is flat and smooth. Use a starch spray to prevent the fabric from rolling at the sides, which is a common issue with jersey. Iron the fabric with gentle pressure to remove any wrinkles and create a smooth surface for sewing.
Start Sewing
When using a lighter weight jersey, start each seam 1 to 2 cm in from the edge. Backstitch to the start and then continue sewing the rest of the seam. This technique helps prevent the fabric from being sucked into the sewing machine at the beginning.
Choose the Right Stitch
The best stitch for stretchy fabrics like jerseys is a stretch stitch, which looks like a lightning bolt, or a very narrow and short zigzag stitch. If your machine doesn't have a built-in stretch stitch, adjust the zigzag stitch width and length to a minimum setting. Remember to test your stitches on a scrap of your jersey fabric before proceeding.
Finish the Seam
Jersey fabrics typically don't fray, so leaving the edges raw is acceptable. However, if you prefer a more finished look, you can use a three-step zigzag stitch or an overcast stitch to secure the seams. These stitches provide flexibility and stretch, ensuring your basketball jersey maintains its shape even when stretched.
Remember to test the strength of your seams by pulling them apart gently. Sewing a straight seam on a basketball jersey is a straightforward process, and with the right tools and techniques, you can achieve professional results.
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Dropping the armhole to create more room
Basketball jerseys can be tailored to fit the wearer better. While basketball jerseys are known for not having sleeves, the armhole size can be increased or decreased to create more room.
To increase the armhole size, the first step is to turn the jersey inside out and lay it on a flat surface. Identify the existing armhole seam, and then determine how much larger you need the armhole to be. Mark the new seam line with chalk or fabric pencil, making sure that the line is smooth and even. Cut along the marked line, through both layers of fabric, and then remove the excess fabric.
The next step is to finish the new armhole edge. You can do this by folding and ironing the raw edge of the fabric towards the wrong side of the jersey, and then stitching along the folded edge to secure it in place. This will create a clean, finished edge for the new armhole.
If you want to decrease the armhole size, the process is similar. Start by turning the jersey inside out and marking the new, smaller armhole size with chalk or fabric pencil. Cut along the marked line and then finish the edge by folding and stitching the fabric.
It is important to note that altering the armhole will also affect the sleeve and side seam of the jersey. Therefore, you may need to make additional adjustments to these areas to ensure a proper fit.
Overall, increasing or decreasing the armhole size on a basketball jersey is a relatively straightforward process that can help to create a more comfortable and flattering fit.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can. If your jersey is made of a cotton-polyester blend, you may be able to shrink it in the wash. Try putting it in the washing machine alone with hot water and then tumble drying it on a high heat setting. If this doesn't work, you can try putting it in the oven at 400 degrees for about a minute.
Yes, a tailor can drop the armhole to create more room.
Yes, you can. One option is to cut a home and away jersey in half and then stitch them together so the front and back are different. Alternatively, you can return it and order a youth size.
