How to Make Basketball Jersey Letters on a T-Shirt

Putting jersey letters on a T-shirt is a very simple process.

Adding your own letters to a T-shirt is an inexpensive way to create team shirts or support your favorite professional player without the expense of a real basketball jersey. Iron-on letters come in many fonts and styles and are so simple to apply you can make your shirt and be on your way within an hour. Putting letters on a T-shirt requires only a plain shirt and an iron-on transfer kit from your local craft store.

Things You'll Need

• Plain T-shirt
• Iron-on transfer letters
• Cardboard
• Straight pins
• Iron

Instructions

1. Prewash your plain T-shirt to make sure that it has shrunk all that it is going to. Dry the shirt thoroughly and iron any wrinkles out.

2. Lay your shirt flat with the side you are adding letters to facing up. Place a piece of cardboard in between the shirt layers to give you a more solid base to work on.

3. Select the letters you need from your iron-on transfer kit and lay them out on the shirt where you want them to be. Use straight pins to mark where the top of each letter will be, and then remove the letters from the shirt.

4. Place the first letter adhesive side down on the shirt. Set your iron to the heat recommended by the letter transfer manufacturer and press the iron down on the transfer for the instructed amount of time. Allow the transfer to cool and carefully peel the paper backing away. If any part of the letter begins to lift with the paper, reapply heat and try again.

5. Continue to iron the letters on, using the pins as your placement guides. Follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding stretching or washing the newly placed letters.

Tips & Warnings

• Iron on transfer kits can be found at most craft stores. Letters come in both vinyl and flocked material as well as many fonts and sizes.

References

• SEI Crafts: Iron-On Letters
• Joann: Iron-On Letters