Sublimation jerseys are made in eight steps: collect the roster, prepare artwork for each player, send files through a RIP, print mirrored on sublimation paper, heat-press the paper onto polyester fabric (around 190 to 200 °C), cut the panels, stitch, and check. Artwork and pressing are where most delays and faults happen.
The steps
- Roster and sizes. Collect names, numbers and sizes in one sheet. Count pieces per size for cutting. (Size counter)
- Artwork per player. Fill each player's name and number into the template at their size and export every piece. This is the step AJILE automates.
- RIP. The RIP software applies the ink and paper profile, mirrors if needed, and nests pieces on the roll.
- Print on transfer paper. Wide-format sublimation printers print the nested pieces on sublimation paper.
- Heat press. Paper and fabric go through a calender or flat press, typically around 190 to 200 °C for 30 to 60 seconds.
- Cut. Panels are cut along the printed lines by hand, with a laser or a cutting table.
- Stitch. Front, back, sleeves and collar are stitched together.
- Check and pack. Compare each jersey with the roster before packing by player or by size.
Typical faults and causes
| Fault | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Dull colours | Low heat or time, wrong profile, low-polyester fabric |
| Ghosting (double image) | Paper moved during pressing |
| White lines at seams | Not enough bleed on the artwork |
| Wrong name or size | Roster errors or manual typing mistakes |
| Panels do not match the pattern | Export or RIP scaling not at 100% |
Where shops lose the most time
Printing and pressing run at machine speed. Artwork runs at designer speed, one player at a time. When orders pile up in peak season, the printer often waits for files. Automating step 2 keeps the printer busy.
Questions
What temperature is used for sublimation jerseys?
Typically around 190 to 200 °C for 30 to 60 seconds on a calender or flat press, depending on fabric, paper and ink. Follow your supplier's settings.
Is the transfer printed mirrored?
Yes, normally, because it is pressed face down. Many RIPs mirror automatically.
Why are the colours dull after pressing?
Common causes are low temperature, too short a press time, a wrong ICC profile, or fabric with too little polyester.
Try AJILE free for 7 days
Install it on your own CorelDRAW, load one real roster and see the time saved before you pay anything.