By the Numbers

You finally spend the $100+ on a frame to frame that special jersey, but then you open it up and there are five stick pins and instructions that are no help. Yikes, and yes I did the same thing. Five or six framed jerseys later I am 96% sure I know what I am doing and willing to share what I learned with you.

Materials

24 x 30 shadowbox frame

24 x 30 Matte board

30x 20 Foam board

Clear thread

Drapery needle/ long push pin

Regular needle

Iron

Ironing board

Starch

If you pay full price for a frame then you are doing it wrong. Frames can often be found at Hobby Lobby or Michael’s for 40% - 50% off. If not then you can always use the weekly coupon, which is typically about 40% off one full price item. Golden to have in a project like this. My frame of choice and can be found at both stores.

Preparation

• Matte board is not commonly found precut to 24 x 30, so take this time to resize your board if needed.
• The foam board will help your jersey hold its shape. The board will need to be shaved at the shoulders and neck.if the front of your jersey is facing out you will need to cut the foam out of the neckline, so it does not show.
• Once your insert is done try laying out the jersey how you want it to fit in the frame. When you know how the jersey will fit on the matte it is time to break out the ironing board. Iron out any wrinkles, and crease arms how you want them to be folded. Then starch the daylights out of the thing. You want the shirt to be able to stand up on its own. The better the shirt holds its shape the easier it is to frame.  

This college shows the several stages of jersey prep: ironing, creating inserts and laying it out on the mat. 

Framing

• Slide the foam insert back into the jersey. Arrange the jersey how you want it to be on the matte board. Look for gaps, wrinkles, and flat spaces where there is no foam board. During this ti, e I often end up making small triangle fillers for the sleeves if needed.
• Below is a picture of the best places to attach the jersey to the matte board

The lines and markings will help you to know where to make holes. So that holes arsymmetricalal.

• Use the tapestry needle or straight pin to make a set of holes through the matte board and foam board. Use the regular needle threaded with clear string to attach jersey to the matte board, using the set of holes you made like a button.
• I recommend starting with the four corner, so your jersey will stay in place while you finish taking the rest of the jersey down.  
• Use glass cleaner to clean out the frame. Test the stability of your handiwork by holding the board up vertically and see what movement happens.
• Place matte board inside the frame and secure the back and have a glass of wine. You are ready to hang your jersey!