How to Properly Iron Numbers on a Jersey at Home

Last Updated on: 21st September 2025, 07:32 pm

Maintaining your jersey can take effort, but it’s important because it represents your identity on the field with your name and number. If your jersey gets damaged, it doesn’t look professional, which isn’t ideal for your team. To avoid this, you must keep your jersey’s name and number intact.

One simple way is to iron numbers on a jersey carefully, which helps them stay sharp and fresh. Most jerseys get damaged during washing or when they become too old, but with the right steps, you can protect them.

Repairing New Plastic Numbers on a Jersey

If you want to put a number on your jersey or repair an old one, you’ll need the following items:

• A piece of soft paper
• Ironing board
• Iron
• Jersey
• New numbers or names
• Scissors (for cutting the new numbers or names if needed)
• Measuring tape or ruler for the placement to be accurate)

How to Start Iron Numbers on a Jersey?

Wash the Jersey

Before working on your jersey, clean it. You can wash it in a washing machine, but remember to turn the shirt inside out before washing it to avoid further damage. 

After washing, let the shirt dry completely, and you can confidently start your work.

Prep Your Space For Repair

Now, turn your shirt right since it was inside out during washing. Next, place the soft paper inside the shirt to protect the other side while you work on it. 

This will make the area flat, which will help you work more efficiently. If the area isn’t flat, smooth it out before starting.

Align Numbers Properly

First, you need to ensure that the number adjustment on your jersey is correct before you place it. Remember to adjust the number first; if the numbers are too big, you can resize them using scissors. 

Then, carefully measure the placement with tape to ensure accuracy. This step is crucial because removing it won’t be easy once you iron it.

Place a White Piece of Paper Over the Numbers

Having a piece of white paper before using the iron is important. This paper acts as a barrier between the iron and the numbers. 

This step is essential because the numbers are plastic, which cannot withstand high heat directly. Therefore, paper is necessary to protect the plastic.

Let the Iron do the Work

After preparing everything, take your iron and turn off the steam function because steam can damage your jersey. Once the iron is hot, gently pass it over the plastic area where the number is. This will help the number stick to the jersey. Remember not to let the iron stick to the jersey because this can cause permanent damage. 

After some time, lift the paper slightly to check if the number has adhered properly. If it hasn’t, repeat the process for a little longer. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Ironing Numbers on a Jersey

Many jerseys get damaged not because the method is wrong, but because of small mistakes during the process. Avoiding these errors will keep your name and number looking sharp for a long time.

Using too much heat

High heat can melt or warp the plastic numbers. Always stick to low or medium heat, around 300°F (150°C), to stay safe.

Skipping the protective paper

Ironing directly on the numbers is one of the quickest ways to ruin your jersey. Always place a sheet of white paper or parchment paper between the iron and the numbers.

Forgetting to turn off steam

The steam function might seem harmless, but it can weaken the glue holding the numbers and even damage the fabric. Keep your iron set to dry heat only.

Not aligning the numbers properly

Once heat is applied, fixing the placement becomes difficult. Always measure and adjust before ironing to avoid crooked numbers.

Moving the iron too quickly

If you rush, the heat won’t spread evenly, and the numbers may not stick. Slow, gentle passes give the best results.

By avoiding these mistakes, you can iron numbers on a jersey safely and make them last much longer without damaging your kit.

Can Jerseys be Ironed?

Ironing your jersey is possible, but always remember to use minimal heat. Avoid ironing directly over the numbers or names on the jersey, as this can damage them. 

If you must iron those areas, turn the shirt inside out first. Never iron over fabric areas directly, as this can cause further damage.

FAQs:

How to remove a name on a soccer jersey?

You can remove a name from a soccer jersey by heating the letters with an iron or hairdryer and gently peeling them off. Be careful not to burn or damage the fabric.

What temperature to iron a jersey?

Always use a low to medium heat setting, around 300°F (150°C). Place a thin cloth or parchment paper between the iron and the jersey to avoid direct heat.

Can I heat press a jersey?

Yes, you can use a heat press, but keep the temperature low and always protect the jersey with a cover sheet. Too much heat or pressure can ruin the fabric or print.