How to Design a Goalkeeper Jersey

Design a color block GK jersey for your team.

Soccer and hockey are games associated with the goalkeeper's jersey. Although the goalkeeper (GK) is part of the team, the jersey is generally different than the jerseys of the rest of the players. GK's generally include a team patch, number, and insignia as part of the design. The jerseys also have bright color-blocked inserts as well as complementary color contrast trimmings. Designing and coloring several versions of the GK jersey, will give alternative options of the design prior to pattern-making and construction.

Things You'll Need

• GK outline
• Sketch pad
• Drafting paper (optional)
• H pencil
• GK template
• GK template copies (optional)
• Pencil sketch copy (optional)
• Markers
• Watercolor pens (optional)

Instructions

1. Draw the outline of your goalkeeper's jersey according to your sport in your sketch pad or drafting paper. For instance, a hockey GK generally has a v-neck front. Use an H pencil to define the outline. It is also important to sketch your GK jersey with a long, ¾ length or short sleeve.

2. Draw in your shirt details such as sleeve seams and specific team inserts that can not be altered. This will be your GK jersey silhouette's template. For instance, the hockey GK jersey's set-in sleeve seam usually cuts into a wide shoulder panel shaped insert. If this silhouette shape is part of the team's uniform, draw in the seam lines.

3. Make several copies of the GK template. Although this step is optional, you will be able to draw a variety of GK concepts as well as add color placement ideas and avoid re-drawing the full garment outline.

4. Draw in color-blocked panel seams, which is a term used to describe complementary contrast fabric inserts, also referred to as panels, with an H or B pencil. The contrast fabric panels are typically stitched at the sides as well as underarm or shoulder. Draw in asymmetrical, vertical or horizontal seam inserts at the front and back body as well as sleeves. If your team has a specific pattern print, draw in the print in the areas of the jersey it will appear in.

   For instance, soccer GK jerseys generally have a high crew neck. Draw in a vertical center stripe from the crew neck to your bottom hem and draw a thin line at each side of the stripe seam representing a contrast piping insert.

5. Draw in your team trims such as embroidered patches, numbers, as well as logo or insignias to complete the pencil sketch. You can opt to make a separate copy of the finished pencil sketch to color in several versions in the following step.

6. Color in your contrast panels and trims with markers or watercolor pens. For instance, color in the vertical stripe from step 4 in blue and the side panels in green. The contrast piping will be the color white. Contrast the crew neck with a green rib collar with blue and white stripes.

7. Repeat steps 4, 5 and 6 and develop several versions of your GK jersey. Keep in mind that the more contrasting panels as well as trims you have drawn into your GK template, the more pattern parts will be required to construct the garment.

Tips & Warnings

• An H pencil is used for line definition and the B pencil is used for contours and soft lines.

References

• "The Fashion Designer's Directory of Shape and Style: Over 500 Mix-and-Match Elements for Creative Clothing Design;" Simon Travers-Spencer and Zarida Zaman; 2008