DIY Clothespin Crafts for Sports Teams

My niece brought these PINS to my attention and her creativity is pictured here! In youth sports, it’s not just about winning. It's about building friendships, fostering team spirit, and celebrating each other. One fun, simple, and meaningful way kids are doing this is by creating clothespin crafts for their teammates. You may have seen these cute little pins clipped onto bags, water bottles, or jackets at softball games, cheer competitions, or soccer tournaments.

These small tokens of encouragement are spreading smiles and strengthening bonds. Want to know how to make them and why they're such a hit with young athletes? 

Why Make Clothespin Crafts for Teammates?

💖 Build Team Spirit

A decorated clothespin with a teammate’s name, jersey number, or a motivational word fosters a sense of belonging. It’s a simple way for kids to show, “Hey, I see you. You matter to this team.”

🙌 Encourage Positivity

Sports come with wins and losses, and sometimes kids need little boosts of confidence. These pins often have phrases like “You Got This,” “Shine Bright,” or “Go #12!” Simple reminders that someone believes in them.

🎉 Celebrate Milestones

Many teams use them to celebrate big games, tournaments, or end-of-season events. They can also mark achievements like a great catch, awesome cheer performance, or an amazing goal.

🔗 Create Lasting Memories

Years from now, these pins become keepsakes: small but powerful reminders of teamwork, friendship, and all the hard work that went into their sports journey.

Supplies:

• Wooden clothespins (standard or mini size)
  
  

• Acrylic paint or paint pens
  
  

• Permanent markers
  
  

• Stickers (sports-themed, stars, hearts, etc.)
  
  

• Mini pom-poms, rhinestones, or glitter (optional)
  
  

• Hot glue gun or craft glue
  
  

• Mod Podge or clear sealant (optional but helps them last longer)
  
  

Instructions:

1. Prep the Pins:
   Start with plain wooden clothespins. If you like, lightly sand them to smooth the surface.
   
   

2. Paint the Base:
   Paint each clothespin in your team colors — one solid color or half-and-half (like one side blue, one side white). Let dry completely.
   
   

3. Add Names or Numbers:
   Use paint pens or permanent markers to write each teammate’s name, jersey number, or nickname along the length of the pin.
   
   

4. Decorate:
   Add stickers, rhinestones, glitter, or mini sports balls (tiny soccer balls, softballs, or megaphones for cheer). Get creative!
   
   

5. Add Motivational Words:
   On the other side of the pin or the back, write short phrases like “Go Team!”, “All Star,” or “Keep Smiling.”
   
   

6. Seal It (Optional):
   Brush a thin layer of Mod Podge or clear sealant to protect the artwork and make it more durable.
   
   

7. Let It Dry Completely:
   Once dry, the pins are ready to be clipped onto backpacks, water bottles, duffel bags, or warmup jackets.

Fun Ideas & Themes:

• ⭐ Softball: Use yellow pins with red laces painted on to look like softballs.
  
  

• 📣 Cheer: Add mini pom-poms or glitter to match their sparkle on stage.
  
  

• ⚽ Soccer: Black-and-white patterns or mini soccer ball charms glued on.
  
  

• 🌈 Tournament Themes: Match the colors to a special tournament, holiday, or cause.

Clothespin crafts are more than just cute decorations. They're small acts of kindness that kids can share with one another. Whether it’s before a big game or just to say “I’m glad you’re my teammate,” these pins show that encouragement doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated to be meaningful.

So grab those clothespins, break out the paint, and let your kids craft something that spreads joy both on and off the field!