How to Make a Jersey Template in CorelDRAW for Sublimation

A sublimation jersey template in CorelDRAW is a file with every pattern piece drawn at real print size, bleed around each cut line, and separate, clearly named fields for the name, number and size. Build it once at size M and reuse it for every team in that design.

1. Start from the pattern

Get the pattern pieces from your cutting department or pattern software: front, back, sleeves, collar and shorts if you print them. Import them into CorelDRAW (File, Import) and check the dimensions against a printed piece. A pattern that is off by a few millimetres will cause misaligned seams on every shirt.

2. Set up the page

Use millimetres or centimetres as units.
Set the page to your printer's roll width, for example 1,600 mm, so you can see how pieces nest.
Create layers: CUT (pattern outlines), ART (design), TEXT (name and number), GUIDES (name area, safe zones).

3. Add bleed

Extend the artwork 1 to 2 cm outside every cut line so fabric shrinkage during pressing does not leave white edges. Keep the cut line on its own layer and set it not to print, or remove it before export.

4. Design the artwork

Design on the front and back pieces, and carry patterns across seams so they line up after stitching. Put logos and sponsor marks on the ART layer and convert brand text to curves so it never changes.

5. Add the variable fields

Type a placeholder name such as PLAYER NAME on the back, in the final font, colour and height (6 to 7 cm for football).
Draw a no-fill rectangle for the name area, the widest the name may be. Put it on the GUIDES layer.
Add a placeholder number, for example 88, which is one of the widest two-digit numbers, so you can check spacing.
Add front, shorts and sleeve numbers if the kit needs them.
Name each object in the Objects docker: NAME, NUMBER, NUMBER_FRONT, NUMBER_SHORTS.

6. Plan the sizes

Decide how the design changes per size. Usually pattern pieces change and the artwork scales with them, while names and numbers follow a size chart: for example 85% of the M size on small sizes and 115% on 2XL and up. Write these rules down once; they are the same for every team in this design.

7. Save it as a template

Save as a normal .cdr in a TEMPLATES folder, or use File, Save As Template. Name it by sport and design, such as FOOTBALL_STRIPE_2026.cdr. Keep a read-only master copy.

Using the template with AJILE

AJILE's template tool marks the name, number and size fields for you and centres each one. After that, loading a roster builds each player's pieces from this template and fits names to each size automatically.

Make a jersey template for AJILE (Tamil). Full course: /ajile/modules/

Checklist before the first team

Print one piece at 100% and lay a real pattern on it.
Test the longest name in the order on the smallest size.
Check number 88 or 00 for spacing.
Confirm the colour on fabric with a test print.

Questions

What size should a sublimation jersey template be?

Draw each pattern piece at its real print size for your base size, usually M, with 1 to 2 cm of bleed outside the cut line.

Should I use one file per size?

You can, but a better approach is one template at the base size plus a size chart, so names and numbers scale per size from one file.

How should I name objects in the template?

Give the variable parts clear names such as NAME, NUMBER and SIZE so you, and any automation, can find them. AJILE uses fields you mark in its template tool.

How to make a jersey template in CorelDRAW