Alright, so lemme tell you ’bout this Clemente baseball jersey I just finished. Been wanting one for ages, and finally decided to just go for it and make it myself. Here’s the lowdown on how it all went down.
First things first, finding the right fabric. I knew I wanted something that felt legit, ya know? Not some cheap, flimsy stuff. So, I hit up a local fabric store and spent a good hour just feeling different materials. Ended up going with a double knit polyester. It had a nice weight to it and looked like it could handle some wear and tear.
Next up, the pattern. This was a bit tricky. I couldn’t find a perfect pattern for a vintage baseball jersey, so I had to Frankenstein one together. I took a basic t-shirt pattern that fit me well and modified it. Lengthened the body, widened the sleeves, and adjusted the neckline to get that classic baseball jersey look. I used some old jerseys as reference points, pinning them down to get the right shapes, that was fun.
Cutting and sewing. Okay, this is where things got real. I laid out my fabric, pinned the pattern pieces, and started cutting. I always double-check my measurements, because there’s nothing worse than realizing you cut something too short. After cutting, it was time to sew. I used a serger for the main seams, which gave it a nice, clean finish. Then, I used a regular sewing machine for the collar, button placket, and hems.
The lettering and numbers. This was the part I was most nervous about. I wanted to get the font and placement just right. I ended up using a heat transfer vinyl. First, I designed the lettering and number in some software (Canva worked fine), mirrored the image, and then cut it out with my cutting machine. Weeding out all the extra vinyl was painstaking, but it had to be done. Finally, I ironed the vinyl onto the jersey, being careful to apply even pressure and heat.
Adding the details. Of course, no Clemente jersey would be complete without the right details. I found some vintage-looking baseball buttons online and sewed those on. And then, I added a little patch on the sleeve, just for that extra touch of authenticity.
The final result? I’m actually pretty stoked with how it turned out. It’s not perfect, but it’s definitely wearable, and I think it captures the spirit of the original. Plus, I learned a ton in the process. Now, I’m already thinking about what jersey I should tackle next. Maybe a Koufax…or maybe a Mays. We’ll see!
