How to Repurpose Old Soccer Jerseys: 15 Creative Tips |

A jersey is not just a piece of clothing. It holds stories, emotions, victories, heartbreaks, and a sense of belonging. It reminds you of games played under the sun, nights spent cheering in front of the TV, and favorite players you tried to imitate in the backyard.

And when that jersey becomes too small, too worn, or just no longer worn, it feels wrong to just shove it into the back of a drawer or toss it in the donation bin without a second thought. It deserves better.

Repurposing an old soccer jersey is a way to keep that memory alive, to take the energy from the pitch and channel it into something new and creative.

Whether it’s for home decor, fashion, a thoughtful gift, or just something fun, you can turn your beloved jersey into a new expression of your soccer passion.

Here are 15 creative and meaningful ways to repurpose your old soccer jerseys:

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1. Frame It and Hang It with Pride

1. Frame It and Hang It with Pride

How to Repurpose Old Soccer Jerseys: 15 Creative Tips

Some jerseys are timeless. Maybe it’s your childhood team’s kit, your first national team jersey, or the one you wore to your first live match.

These kinds of jerseys are worthy of a place on your wall.

Framing a jersey gives it honor. It becomes more than fabric—it becomes art. If you’ve got the space and the sentiment, this is the most elegant way to showcase a jersey that holds a special chapter of your life.

Be it you do it professionally or DIY it with a frame from your local store, you’ll end up with a bold, meaningful centerpiece.

2. Cut Out a Patch for a Backpack or Jacket

Sometimes, it’s not the whole jersey you want to save; just a crest, a name, a number.

Cutting out a small but meaningful part of the jersey and stitching it onto a denim jacket, duffel bag, or backpack is a subtle but stylish tribute.

It tells a quiet story to those who notice.

It also adds character to everyday items you use. Perfect for those who love carrying a piece of the game with them, without wearing a full jersey.

3. Turn It into a Stylish Tote Bag

Here’s where you can get both creative and practical. Old shirts make perfect material for tote bags. They’re lightweight, colorful, and loaded with personality.

There’s something undeniably cool about grocery shopping or heading to the gym with a bag that was once your lucky matchday shirt.

You can keep it simple with a few basic stitches or follow an online pattern for a more structured look. Either way, you’ll end up with a one-of-a-kind bag that blends function with football flair.

Here’s a simple way to create a basic bag from a jersey:

Cut off the arms of the jersey.
Sew up the remaining armholes and the neck hole.
Sew one or two handles onto the bottom of the jersey, where it would normally sit on your waist if you were wearing it.
Test it out to make sure the seams are secure and it’s functional.

4. Donate It to Someone Who’ll Wear It with Pride

You might be ready to part ways with your jersey, but someone else out there might be dreaming of owning one just like it.

Donating your jersey is a beautiful act.

Especially when given through initiatives like the US Soccer Foundation’s Passback Program, your old shirt can find a second life with a young player who’s passionate about the sport but lacks the gear.

You’re not just giving away a shirt, you’re passing on inspiration.

5. Sell It to a Collector or Fellow Fan

Jerseys have value, both financial and sentimental.

If your jersey is rare, vintage, or from a popular club or player, you might be surprised how much someone is willing to pay for it.

Sites like SidelineSwap, eBay, or even local Facebook groups are great places to list it.

Someone else gets a prized addition to their collection, and you get some cash to maybe buy your next favorite kit.

6. Recycle It (Responsibly and Sustainably)

Not every jersey can be turned into something wearable or artistic.

If it’s too worn or damaged, recycling is the kindest goodbye you can give it. Look for textile recycling centers in your area.

Some sportswear brands, like Nike, even have in-store recycling programs.

That old jersey could be turned into something entirely new—maybe even another jersey one day.

7. Make a Soccer Scarf for Match Days

A scarf is a staple for any true soccer fan.

If you’ve got sewing skills (or patience to learn), you can slice up your old jersey and turn it into a scarf to wear during games.

Be it braided, stitched, or patched together with other jersey scraps, your new scarf will be a stylish reminder of your soccer journey. And it’ll keep you warm during chilly matches, too.

8. Craft a Sweat-Wicking Headband

Whether you’re playing five-a-side, jogging around the block, or just want to keep your hair in check, a headband made from jersey material is soft, sporty, and practical.

Cut a strip from the sleeve or hem, sew or knot the ends together, and you’ve got a headband that carries a piece of your soccer heart.

9. Use It for Custom Shoelaces

Shoelaces are a necessity for almost everyone, and I can practically guarantee you own at least one pair of shoes that could use a fresh set.

Why not repurpose your old soccer jersey into unique shoelaces?

While they might not be ideal for your soccer cleats, they could be perfect for your casual sneakers the next time you head out to watch a game, adding a subtle nod to your passion for the sport.

To make shoelaces from an old jersey:

First, decide on the length of the shoelace you need. The easiest way to do this is to measure an existing shoelace from the shoe you intend to use them in.
Next, cut a small, narrow strip of the jersey to your desired length.
Then, thread them through the eyelets in your shoe. To make the ends durable and easier to thread, you can purchase heat-shrink tubing (like that found on Amazon) to create the hardened aglets (the plastic tips on shoelaces).

10. Sew It into a Pillowcase

There’s something comforting about resting your head on a team you love.

Turn that old jersey into a pillow cover; it’s a fun project, even for beginners. If you’re crafty, you can even stitch multiple jerseys into a large floor cushion or reading pillow.

It’s a cozy, creative way to keep your passion on display.

11. Make a Tug Toy for Your Dog

Got a jersey that’s too damaged to save but too sentimental to throw away? Let your dog enjoy it.

Twist it, braid it, knot it—whatever works for your pup’s play style.

It’ll give the fabric a fun second life, even if it ends up slobbery and chewed. Just be sure to remove any zippers, buttons, or patches that could pose a choking risk.

12. Piece Together a Quilt of Memories

If you’ve got multiple jerseys collecting dust, consider stitching them into a quilt.

Each square can represent a year, a club, a memory.

A jersey quilt makes for an emotional gift or a family keepsake. It tells a story, not just of your love for soccer, but of how that love has evolved over the years.

No two quilts are ever the same.

13. Weave It into a Rug

Rugs don’t have to be boring.

If you’ve ever seen a braided t-shirt rug, you know how colorful and fun they can be. Now imagine one made from jerseys.

Cut the fabric into strips, braid or crochet them, and you’ll create a durable rug filled with memories. Whether for your bedroom, man cave, or kid’s room, it’s a way to keep the game underfoot, literally.

14. Sew a Soft Toy for a Soccer-Loving Kid

Take your jersey and turn it into a teddy bear or plush soccer ball.

This is a heartwarming way to introduce a young child to the sport through something cuddly and comforting. For new parents, a jersey from their favorite team, turned into a stuffed toy, could be an unforgettable baby gift.

It combines sport, love, and family all in one stitch.

15. Convert It into a Small Towel or Gym Wipe

Some jerseys, especially older cotton blends, make great small towels.

Use them to wipe sweat during a workout or keep them in your gym bag. It’s not a glamorous repurpose, but it’s incredibly useful.

Bonus: Jersey fabric can be gentler on your hair and skin than standard towels, especially if you have curly or textured hair.

Final Thoughts

Repurposing an old soccer jersey is more than just a creative project. It’s an act of love. It’s about giving memories a new shape, giving fabric a second life, and staying connected to your passion in ways that are personal, practical, and often emotional.

Framing it with pride, stitching it into a pillow, or cutting it into a scarf for the next big match, the point is to keep it alive. These jerseys witnessed your wins, your fandom, and maybe even a few tears. They don’t deserve to sit in a drawer forever.

So pick one. Cut it. Sew it. Frame it. Gift it. Wear it again in a new way. Let the game continue, not just on the field, but in everything around you.

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