Most hockey fans are aware of the significance that the name on the back of a hockey jersey can have. The name on the back of a jersey usually contains a lot of information about a player. Some hockey jerseys even come with the player’s complete name printed on the back! While there is no rule stating that players need to have their name on the back of their jerseys, most teams and players seem to prefer it that way. Another popular trend that emerged in the 2000s is for the names of players’ families to be printed on the back of their jerseys. Families that have been associated with the game for a long time may decide to commemorate their association with hockey by having their family name on the back of the jerseys. Another option is to have coaches’ names or team names printed on the back. Sometimes it is even a combination of the two! We will show you how to sew name bars on your hockey jerseys, so you can personalise your team’s identity.
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What Are Name Bars?
A name bar is a small piece of cloth that you will pull along the length of the sleeve of your sweater when you wear it. The sleeve will have a small notch cut out of it, which you will pull the name bar through. The cut will be on the underside of the sleeve, near the cuff.
Usually the name bars will be attached to the sweater with small magnets or buttons. If you use buttons, make sure to put them on the inside of the sweater so that they do not show on the outside.
Why Are They Important?
Apart from commemorating your association with the game or the team, name bars can also be used to display the name of your alumni association or the name of a famous relative. Most Hockey jersey manufacturers do provide a location on the inside of the garment where you can put these bars, so they do not compromise the beauty of the jersey.
If you are a passionate hockey mum, you can even use the name bars to display the names of your children, or those of your grandchildren who play the game. Just remember to keep the tradition alive and pull the bars whenever your child or grandchild wears their jersey!
How Do You Sew Name Bars?
There are simple sew-it bars, which you can download and print at home, or you can purchase them from sports stores. Sew-it bars usually come in an 8.5 inches by 6 inches size, though there are also bigger or smaller ones available. Some companies, such as JOVANI, make them in even larger sizes, like 10 inches by 7.5 inches for example.
With your garment, the ideal size for the bar will be a bit smaller than the width of the shoulder seam. Once you have cut out the bar, you will need to gather the edges toward the centre, to make a seam. This is called a raglan sleeve and it will give you the flexibility to pull the bar through the shoulder seam when you wear the garments.
If you are wearing a knit jersey, you may want to use a needle and thread to sew the bars onto the garment. With a woven jersey, you may want to use an iron to create the seam. Make sure not to pull too tight, or else you will ruin the shape of the jersey. You should then be able to pull the bar easily through the shoulder seam when you wear the garment.
Variations
Although most people will wear their jerseys with the standard black bands around the sleeves, some teams and players may prefer a white band on their sleeves. If this is the case, you may want to order a black band along with your white sleeve to be with the same colour scheme as your team or player. Make sure to use a different coloured thread when you are sewing the band to the sleeve so that it is visible while keeping the jersey’s original colour scheme.
When To Wear Them?
You will want to wear your name bars whenever your team or player’s jerseys are on in public. This can be done at any time during the year, though it is best if you put them on before you leave the house. If you are going to be around other people, you do not want to have your hands full when you are trying to pull a small piece of cloth along with you.
Some players and teams prefer to use their sleeves to keep their hands warm during games and practices. If this is the case for you, put a small bar on the inside of the front of the sleeve to keep your hands from getting cold and clunky while playing the game.
If you are the proud mother of a talented hockey player, you can also put the bars on the back of their jerseys. Displaying your association with the game on the back of their jerseys will provide your child with a unique identity and allow others to know of your involvement in the game.
Final Takeaway
We hope we were able to provide you with enough information on how to sew name bars on your hockey jerseys. Personalising your team’s identity is now easier than ever and you can do it at home, with the help of a little bit of technology and some old-fashioned elbow grease.
Along with commemorating your team or player, having the name of your association or a famous relative on the back of a jersey is one of the most popular ways to show support for your team or player. You can also put bars on the inside of the front of the sleeve to keep your hands warm during games. Putting the bars on the back of a jersey will allow others to know of your association with the game and create a conversation starter with your fellow hockey fans.