Jersey Framing Made Easy

Framing is not only meant for painting or photos. Many collectors invest in frames to memorialize and display some collectibles- mainly collectible sports jerseys from their favourite teams and athletes. 

Some people believe that putting their prized collectible inside a jersey frame is a daunting and challenging task. So, they end up taking help from someone else to frame the valuable jerseys. However, there are budget-friendly and smarter ways to prepare jerseys. 

You can save some money by considering the tips below and frame a jersey in a DIY way. 

Materials you need

The materials necessary to frame a jersey (apart from the jersey itself) include:

• A standard or a shadow-box frame
• Foam backing board (if you use a standard frame)
• Matboard (if you use a shadow box)
• Acrylic or Plexiglas (if you use a standard frame)
• Needle
• Thread
• Measuring tape
• Foam inserts
• Pins

What jersey frame size will you need?

Try to start by measuring your jersey, which will make it easier to find the correct frame. Most jerseys will measure 30” by 32’’ or 32’’ by 40’’. We recommend carrying your jersey along with you while shopping for a standard or a shadow box frame. That way, you can lay the jersey out while in the store and ensure that the frame is the right fit for your jersey. Also, make sure that the jersey frame displays the uniform’s important parts like the name, number, etc. 

If you purchase a standard frame, check out whether there is a foam backing board and glass that is acrylic or Plexiglas. It will be easy to frame your jersey if you use a shadow box, as it will offer more space between the glass and the object. 

How to display the jersey?

Once you have selected the shadow box or the frame, it is time to chalk out how you want to frame the jersey. Fix the jersey either on the foam backing board or the mat board and fold it. Ensure that the player’s name, number, and the logos on the sleeve patch are visible. We recommend using a foam insert that will make the jersey appear more filled out. If you are using a foam insert, cut it in a rectangular shape to fit cosily in the uniform’s torso, leaving enough space to fold the arms. 

If you are sure that the jersey looks precisely the way you want it, pin the cloth in the necessary positions. Now, it is time to iron the folds made on the jersey to make it stay in place. 

How to secure the jersey?

To secure the cloth in the jersey frame, you need a thread and needle to stitch the jersey with the backing board below the neckline, at the beginning of each sleeve, and on the bottom hem. Make sure to stitch through the back of the jersey so that the stitched lines are not visible. Now, make knots at the end of the thread and use tape to ensure the uniform is secure and will not unknot when the jersey is hanging. 

The way you pin the jersey in the frame and present it makes all the difference.