There are various steps involved with framing sports shirts, here we take you through the process from start to finish.
Step 1 – pin the shirt
To ensure the shirt is not loose within the frame, we cut a piece of lightweight 5mm foamboard slightly wider than the shirt, and cut away the appropriate amount of board around the collar, to ensure the board is not visible once in the frame. We then stretch the shirt over the board to keep it taut. We use tapestry pins at the sides and back to ensure the shirt is stretched evenly and neatly over the foamboard.
Step 2 – cut the mount
Once the shirt has been pinned, we measure the width and height so we can calculate the overall mount size. Often we print a plaque with information about the shirt, so we allow space for that. We cut the main aperture for the shirt and a smaller aperture for the plaque. We also cut the glass and MDF backing board at the same size as the mount.
Step 3 – make the frame
Next we mitre cut the deep-rebate wooden moulding, and join the wood with our underpinner. It is important we use a deep-rebate moulding as there needs to be enough depth in the frame to house the different constituent parts of the frame. We check the glass, mount and MDF all fit snugly in the frame, then we are ready to assemble.
Step 4 – assembly
Once the constituent parts are all ready, we are ready to put the frame together. First job is to fix the plaque to the smaller aperture, then we position the shirt in the larger aperture. Once the shirt is in the correct position, we cut strips of 5mm foamboard to pack out the frame so that the shirt cannot move once framed. We then add a backing mount to go behind the shirt (which is visible above the collar).
Next we put the MDF at the back, then flip everything over so the shirt is facing upwards. We then clean the glass and lay it over the shirt, checking for any dust. Next we position the frame over the top, then flip the whole thing again. We then pin the boards in place, and finish with tape and string – all ready to go on the wall!
Check out our reel to see these techniques in action