Have you ever seen those memes where a player tries to put a “pat”—a hockey puck—on their jersey? It’s a running joke in hockey because, well, it’s hard to do. If you’re not from Canada, you might not understand the reference. But if you have ever seen a professional hockey game, you might know exactly what it is, and why it’s funny.
The problem is, if you actually try to put a hockey “pat” on your jersey, it will either be crooked, or it will stick out in the wrong place. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with the idea of putting a puck on your jersey. It’s that the way it’s usually done is wrong. It’s supposed to be done skillfully and with a bit of an artistic eye so that it looks like the puck was always there, even when it wasn’t. So here’s how you should do it.
Table of Contents
First, Start With A Solid Foundation
When you’re doing any kind of craft or artwork, you need to start with a solid foundation. This means getting the paper or surface you’re working on free from any wrinkles or other imperfections. It also means making sure that your materials are the right size and shape for what you’re making before you start painting or crafting on them. If you’re not sure what dimensions or shape your materials have, you can usually find this out by looking at the specifications or instructions that came with them. The same goes for the tools you’ll be using to perform the task. If you’re not sure what type of tool is suitable for the job, you can usually find this out by looking at the instructions or online documentation that came with it. This kind of preparation will prevent you from wasting time and energy while working, and ensure that your end product looks exactly like you planned it.
Next, Add The Puckering And Sticking
Adding puckering is all about making sure that your work will hold up under pressure. When you’re puckering fabric, it’s important to make certain that the puckering you’re doing is even and won’t distort the look of your work under normal conditions. But it’s also important to add enough puckering so that the piece will retain its shape under more extreme conditions, like when the jersey is being worn. Another important factor in adding puckering is keeping track of the direction of the wrinkles while you’re doing it. This will prevent you from accidentally creating a design that will curve the wrong way when it’s worn.
Sticking is about preventing your work from moving around while you’re working on it. It’s usually caused by the material you’re working with being too thick or too thin, or by something being glued to the surface. Whether you’re doing leather work or wood work, it’s important to work on a surface that’s been prepped with a product called “glue”, which is usually a water-based product. If you’re not sure what product to use for this, the craftsman in your local hardware store can usually help you figure it out. Avoid using hot glue in places where you need to protect the fabric from heat, like near the collar or where the arms meet the body of the shirt, because this will make the stitching come apart.
Last, Dye It To Match The Material And Design
Once you’ve got a solid foundation and some puckering and sticking under your belt, it’s time to start making some designs. When using dye, always remember that the darker the color, the longer it will take to dry. It’s also important to make sure that the dye you’re using is water-based and won’t run or drip like crazy if it gets wet. Most importantly, be sure to use the correct dye for the type of fabric you’re working with. Most people use dye to add patterns or designs to their work, but these items are usually meant to be seen from a distance, so they use light colors like white or cream colored dyes. However, if you’re trying to get a more realistic looking garment like leather or a vinyl record, you’ll need to go for darker colors like red or black.
Once Your Work Is Ready, Let It Air Dry
When you’re done adding all the patterns and colors, it’s time to let it air dry. This is usually done by hanging your work on a clothesline or in the breeze near a window, or by setting it on a flat surface in the sun. There is no exact science to when and how long it should take for your work to air dry, so just let it happen naturally. If you’re not sure whether your work is dry or not, you can always touch it up with a hair iron or spray it with water.
If you find that your work is still a little damp, but nothing more, you can usually leave it alone and it will only get better with time. However, if you find that your work is still wet and hasn’t gotten dry even after a couple of hours, then it’s time to either go over it with a heat press or leave it as is and hope that it dries as it hangs.
The above steps should get you there. Then all you have to do is apply the patches and you’re good to go. Of course, if you want a unique look that doesn’t come off as too much like a joke, then you can always add a bit of a design on the front of your jersey. Remember, it’s all about making it look like it was always there, even when it wasn’t.