How to Make Basketball Jersey Graphics

Create your own basketball jersey to get into the spirit of the game.

The graphic elements common to basketball jerseys are the team’s name, the player’s numbers for front and back, and the player’s name. Using a computer, you can execute graphics for your school or club basketball jersey, or you can make a homemade version of your favorite college or professional team jersey. Once you have created the graphics, you will apply them to a jersey using the ink jet heat-transfer technique.

Things You'll Need

• Computer
• Graphics software
• Scanner, optional
• Ink jet printer
• Printer paper
• Ink jet transfer paper
• Basketball jersey, blank
• Iron

Instructions

1. Open a letter-size file on your computer in a graphics program. The file should be landscape-oriented, 11 inches wide by 8 1/2 inches tall. Type in the name of the basketball team in capital letters and center it. Select a bold font such as Verdana for letters that are easy to read, or a serif font such as Times Roman if you want more style. Resize the letters as large as possible, while leaving at least a half-inch margin on each side of the page, to about 150 to 200 points. Name and save the file.

2. Open another letter-size file, horizontally oriented. Type the player’s name in capital letters and center it, in the same font used for the team name. Resize the letters to 150 to 200 point type, being sure to leave a margin of least 1/2 inch on either side of the letters. Name and save the file.

3. Open a new letter-size file, horizontally oriented. Type in the number for the basketball jersey and center it, using a basic font such as Verdana. Center the number and resize it to 400 to 500 points. Name the file and save it.

4. Add a team icon or logo to the basketball jersey, if desired. Scan the icon or logo into the computer at 300 lines per inch. Resize it to no more than 4 inches tall. Name the file and save it. A small version of an icon can be placed above the team name on the front left side of the jersey, or on the left or right side of the jersey near the bottom hem.

5. Print the graphic files onto regular printer paper. Place the printed graphics over the blank basketball jersey to check that they are the proper size, and that all words and numbers are correct.

6. Open each graphic file and flip the image horizontally, so the graphic reads backward. It is possible to flip images horizontally in graphics programs such as Photoshop. It is also possible with many printers to select “print mirror image” in the print dialog box. Load the ink jet printer with ink jet transfer paper and print each graphic file. Print two copies of the number.

7. Turn on an iron to the cotton high-heat setting. Place each graphic in the desired position, facedown on the jersey, and firmly iron the back of the ink jet paper for four minutes. Remove the paper to reveal each print. Iron the team name 3 inches down from the collar on the front, centered across the chest. Iron the player’s name 4 inches down from the collar on the back, centered across the shoulders. Iron the numbers on both front and back, centered 2 inches below the team or player’s name.

Tips & Warnings

• Create you graphics as black letters and numbers for printing on white or light color jerseys. For white or light color printing on black or dark jerseys, select each and change the color. Use specialized ink jet paper for dark fabrics.

• For large numbers of jerseys, consider using a sports apparel decorator or screen printer. Tell the company you will be supplying the graphics.

• Wash the basketball jersey inside out in cold water to insure long life for the graphic imprints on the shirt.

• Use a cotton or cotton-polyester blend jersey, as 100-percent polyester jerseys will melt when the iron is applied.

References

• Mr. Inkjet: Tshirt transfer instructions

Resources

• Imprints Wholesale: Imprintable Sportswear