How to Reattach Plastic Lettering to a Jersey

Co-authored by Lois Wade

Last Updated: December 23, 2021

So you've got a team jersey that needs some TLC? Are those great looking plasticized letters starting to curl up and peel off? Not a problem. Keep reading for instructions on how you can re-attach them neatly and easily.

Steps

1
Launder the jersey on gentle cycle to remove any debris. Allow it to dry. Turn your jersey inside out when laundering it to avoid additional loosening of the lettering.
2
Lay the jersey on the ironing board with numbers smoothed out.^{[1]
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3
Set your iron to the hottest setting and turn the steam feature off.^{[2]
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4
Position the number carefully, and place the edge of a sheet of plain paper over it.^{[3]
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5
Press the edge (not the whole bottom) of the iron to the edge of the letter.
- Notes:
  - Place the edge of the paper even with the edge of the plastic number so that you can see what you are doing more easily.
  - Use only the edge of the iron, not the entire flat surface. The object is to seal the two layers of plastic to each other along their edges. Using the entire flat part of the iron will place too much heat over too much surface area at once.
  - You will need to experiment with heat, time, and pressure applied to find the best combination. Start with very short pressing time... almost a "tap" and gradually increase it until you come to a (few seconds) time period which will adhere the plastic layers without melting them so much that they stick to the paper.
6
Gently press down and slide the edge of the iron slowly along the edge of the paper.^{[4]
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- You do not want the iron to actually touch the plastic, as this will melt the plastic and leave ugly goo on your iron. See "Tips" below.
7
Continue until every edge is tacked back down into place.
8
Leave the jersey on the ironing board until everything has cooled down.
9
Pat yourself on the back and prepare for your kid to say "Hey! You fixed it! Thanks!"

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Community Q&A

Question

How can I iron the letters of a hockey jersey?

Community Answer

Try putting a thin layer of cloth over top of the jersey, like a cotton t-shirt, and iron the letters over the cloth. Keep the iron on a lower setting.
Question

If I use notebook paper on my jersey, do I have to use two sheets or one?

T. Chinsen

Top Answerer

Test it first with 2 sheets to see if it will adhere the letter back on. Repeat with a single sheet. Adding a layer of foil under the fabric can provide an even heat level across the fabric surface.
Question

Would wax or parchment paper work better than white paper?

Community Answer

Parchment paper would not be thick enough, and the wax on wax paper would melt.

Warnings

This process is specifically for heat transfer lettering and will not work on silk-screened or sublimated designs. Attempting these steps on such a garment may further damage your product.

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Irons can get very hot. Handle with appropriate care.

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