Fans over the years not only support, cheer, and boast about their favorite soccer teams, they also wear their jerseys. They see this as a way to fully represent their favorite soccer team not only in the stadium but everywhere they go.
Soccer jerseys are highly regarded and upheld and they come in different eye-catching designs and colors which helps in differentiating one team from another. They also cost a whole lot, especially for the authentic ones.
Soccer jerseys are at risk of getting torn due to the nature of soccer. In a competitive game, there is continuous tussle and struggle for the ball among opponents which makes the soccer jersey weak and in due time leads to wear and tear.
Discarding a torn soccer jersey can be difficult putting into consideration its cost and intrinsic value, this is why patching torn soccer jerseys is a preferable alternative.
Putting a patch on a torn soccer jersey helps to extend the useability of the fabric and also enhances the original design. Patches can be applied to soccer jerseys either by making use of the iron-on patch method or sewn patch method; these methods have been proven effective.
We understand that people often make better options from the ones they made in the past which is normal and okay. Just in case you decide to remove and replace an already installed patch, there are easy step-by-step methods you can follow.
You wouldn’t have to seek help or guidance from other sources after reading this article because we have done all the research that you need. We laid out easy-to-do steps for you on how to remove that installed patch from your soccer jersey.
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3 Techniques to Remove a Patch from A Soccer Jersey
The history of patches can be traced back to the 3rd-5th century BC in China. The Chinese employed numerous sewing methods when patching or mending torn clothes which most times produced decorative patterns and designs on the clothes.
In the past, patches were synonymous with slaves and poor people who were known for sewing patches to their garments. For example, in Tudor England, it was humiliating to have patches on clothes.
Patches were the perfect description of hopelessness and despair in novels by the famous British writer Charles Dickens. Patches throughout history were regarded less fashionable than it is today.
In the early 1960s, the hippies were the first subculture to change the public’s perception of patches.
This happened during a protest against America’s involvement in the war in Vietnam, protesters dressed in headbands, patched regalia, and flags as they held placards bearing different messages.
Due to the experimental nature of the fashion industry, patches are today seen as fashionable pieces that can be used for many purposes. Amongst other numerous purposes, patches are mostly used on clothes to cover up holes.
Nevertheless, in a situation where you wish to remove a patch that was previously put on a soccer jersey, maybe it doesn’t suit you any longer or because it was not attached properly in the first instance, we have helpful methods for you.
Below, we have outlined diverse techniques you can use to remove a patch from a soccer jersey.
Seam Ripper Technique
This technique is carried out on a patch that is sewn onto a soccer jersey.
A hot iron or an adhesive remover is not needed for this method.
It is easy to follow although it takes time and needs patience and accuracy to avoid tearing the soccer jersey.
To carry out this technique, you need the following:
- The soccer jersey you wish to remove the patch from
- A scissors
- Seam ripper
Last update on 2023-11-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Step 1
Locate the stitch holding the patch to the soccer jersey.
Step 2
Pull out one of the stitches using the seam ripper. The seam ripper’s sharp edge will cut the thread. When you want to pull out the thread, make sure the edge of the seam ripper goes under the stitch and not the soccer jersey.
Step 3
Carry out step 2 continuously around the patch. After a while, without pulling out any stitch, you will be able to pull out the thread but be mindful not to pull too hard. Pulling too hard can widen the initial hole on the soccer jersey.
Step 4
After successfully removing the stitches from the patch, cut the knot holding the thread to the soccer jersey with scissors and safely remove the patch.
Step 5
Remove all the threads that might linger on the soccer jersey using seam ripper.
Pros
- Doesn’t require electricity
- Doesn’t need scrubbing
Cons
- It takes a lot of time
- If you drag the thread too hard, you might widen the rip on the soccer jersey
Pressing Iron Technique
Polyester fabrics although not heat-friendly, heat can be cautiously applied to them to add and remove patches. You must do well to stick to available instructions to avoid causing damage to the soccer jersey while using this technique.
It may sound scary but you don’t need to be scared, it’s easy to do once you accurately follow the steps outlined below.
You need the following materials to carry out this technique:
- The soccer jersey you wish to remove the patch from
- Pressing Iron
- A flat surface or an ironing board
- A tweezer
- A thin cloth or wax paper
- A towel
Last update on 2023-11-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Step 1
If you are using a flat surface, spread a towel over the surface but if you are making use of an ironing board, just set it up.
Step 2
Set the pressing iron in conformity with what the manufacturer stated on the iron-on patch pack, the same heat needed to put the patch is the same heat needed to remove the patch from the soccer jersey.
Step 3
The patch should be covered with either a thin cloth or wax paper and then, press the iron on the coverage for about 10-15 seconds.
Step 4
Remove the iron and raise the covering and check the patch edge to confirm if the adhesive below the patch has become weaker.
Step 5
If the adhesive on the patch is still hard, cover the patch and heat it with the iron again for about 10-15 seconds.
Step 6
Repeat step 4 and step 5 until the adhesive weakens. Once you notice the patch has begun to flake on the edges, use tweezers to raise the edge and other parts of the patch until it comes off completely.
Pros
- If instructions are followed, it will be easy to carry out
- It does not take much time
- Materials needed are readily available at home
Cons
- Hot irons can cause serious damage to polyester soccer jerseys.
- It requires maximum concentration and attention when executing
- Pushes up your utility bill
Using an Adhesive Remover
Most people feel at ease using this technique because the use of hot iron is risky and this method is easier to execute even though you still need to follow a few instructions.
This technique is only applicable to iron-on patches.
To carry out this technique, you need the following:
- The soccer jersey you wish to remove the patch from
- A scissors
- Hand towel
- A fabric-safe liquid adhesive remover
Last update on 2023-11-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Step 1
Carry out a test of the adhesive remover by applying a small quantity of it on an area of another similar but less important fabric and let it sit for some minutes, then rinse it off. If the adhesive remover causes discoloration on the fabric, you will have to pause on this technique otherwise move to step 2.
Step 2
Turn the soccer jersey inside out and pour a moderate amount of the adhesive remover over the patch.
Step 3
Use your fingers or hand towel to rub the liquid into the soccer jersey for about 1 minute in slow motion, then check if the patch has peeled off partially or completely.
Step 4
If the patch peels off partially, use a scissor to trim off the peeled part. Apply more adhesive remover to peel off the remaining adhesive.
Step 5
Remove the remaining patch once the adhesive comes off.
Pros
- This technique does not require heat, unlike the iron technique
- It takes less time to accomplish the work
- It is easy to carry out
Cons
- When you make use of the wrong adhesive remover, it causes discoloration on your soccer jersey.
- If you scrub too hard, it can cause a tear.
When an iron-on patch is removed from a soccer jersey there is a tendency that residues from the adhesive will be left on the soccer jersey.
Below are the steps you need to follow to adequately remove these residues.
How to remove adhesive residues from a soccer jersey
- Pat adhesive removal solution simultaneously on the residue
- Scrub the residue gently with your fingernails or hand towel
- If any residue is still left, scrub it off with an old tooth or hair bush
- When all the residue seems to have come off, pour a liquid detergent on the area and scrub gently again
- Wash the soccer jersey either manually or with a washing machine
- After washing the soccer jersey, check if the residue has come off completely, if it hasn’t, do not dry the jersey, apply steps 1-5 over again until the residues come off completely
- When it finally comes off, spread the soccer jersey under the sun to dry or tumble dry instead
Conclusion
Putting patches on torn soccer jerseys makes them last longer and also adds some form of decoration to them. Patches have come to stay and can only gain more attention.
If you wish to remove a patch from your soccer jersey, perhaps to replace it with a better alternative, you need to choose the step that is both convenient and will not further ruin your jersey.
It might seem more difficult to remove a patch from a soccer jersey than applying them but we believe following our guidance on this article will cut down the stress for you.
Hi there, I’m Jay.
Soccer is everything in my life! My friends and I have created this blog with all our enthusiasm, passion, and understanding after years of playing pro soccer. Hope you will enjoy it!