Matting and Framing Sports Jerseys 

One of the most rewarding framing projects is that of sports memorabilia, especially jerseys from your favorite team!  There are several elements you must consider when framing fabric art and collectables.  First is the light to which the item will be exposed, second is the degree of moisture in the area of display and third is the quality of backing and support materials used in the framing project.

Often overlooked when framing art items is the amount of light the art will be exposed to during display.  Ordinary home light is usually subdued, while office lighting is bright and constant for long periods of time.  Ordinary clear or non-glare glass blocks roughly 44% of the UV light to which the art is exposed.  Conservation glass (a coated product) reflects approximately 98% of the UV.  Clearly, conservation glass gives your project better protection from fading and deterioration.

Fabric is a natural wick and will absorb any moisture that manages to creep into a frame.  If the fabric piece is allowed to rest against the glazing material, there is a very good chance that moisture will collect and cause the item to mildew.  In extreme cases, the mildew will escalate to such a degree that permanent damage will occur.  Mildew is impossible to remove from an item once it accumulates.  Not even cleaning the item will totally remove the stain and damage.  Try never to display fabric art in highly humid areas such as steamy baths or kitchens.  And, during the planning of projects, include a bit of space between the fabric art and the glass.  This spacing can be accomplished with specially designed spacers or strips of matting or foam board.  Another thing you can do to elevate the glass is to plan your project using matting and elevate the mats above the jersey mounting mat with strips of foam board.

A special trick to help in blocking moisture penetration is to tape the entire circumference of the frame at the point where the art is fastened in the frame.  A layer of framer’s tape will go a long way in helping to stop moisture penetration.  Additionally, double dust covers add more protection than their simplicity might indicate.  Moisture must penetrate two layers to get to the substrate, and that is a major improvement over no dust cover or a single one.

When you are attaching your jersey to a background and supporting that material in the frame, select the best materials possible.  Acid-free mats are ideal as a direct foundation for the attachment of the jersey.  Acid-free foam board is helpful behind the matting – it limits acid migration from the frame and gives great support to the finished project.

Attachment of the jersey is best done by sewing the item into place.  Use good quality sewing thread or monofilament line to attach the fabric in place.  Use the construction of the jersey as guidelines for the sewing.  Try to hide your stitches within the seams already made in the garment.  To make the sewing easier, create pilot holes with a push pin and thread the needle through these openings.

Keep the lint and dust as low as possible.  Always cover your project when you are not working on it.  It is much easier to prevent dust than it is to remove an accumulation.  Once you have sewn the item into place, use a soft brush to lift away bits of fiber or dust that may have gotten into the project.  Plan to do this immediately prior to compiling your project under glass.

Jerseys represent very personal and dramatic framing projects.  They are collectable and often very valuable.  Treat these items as treasures, using the best materials you can afford.  You will be glad you did in years to come.  Your investment will be protected and the results will be permanent.

These same suggestions hold true for other fabric mounting projects.  Doilies, garments, fabric art, quilt samplers, handkerchiefs, flags, etc., can all be mounted and presented in this manner.  So don’t delay.  Gather the materials and create a family heirloom.