Best Pickleball Gift Ideas: Sublimated Paddle Covers & MORE! (2024)

Learn how to make custom Pickleball Gift Ideas, like sublimated paddle covers!

It’s a big dill. I’m talking about pickleball, the hottest new sports game around! With this new past time getting more and more popular, you’re bound to have a pickleball player in your circle! And I’ve got some awesome new designs to help you make Pickleball Gift Ideas like T-shirts, towels, and pickleball paddle covers. You can use my new PNGs to create the perfect present for your ace dinker to sport on the pickleball court!

By now, there’s a good chance you’ve noticed the new craze sweeping the courts: Pickleball! Maybe you’re a pickleball lover, or you have a friend or family member that is into this new, mega popular sport. I’ve got a list of the best pickleball gifts you can make for your favorite player in this handy pickleball gift guide! These unique pickleball gift ideas are perfect for serious players or the casual pickleball fan.

First, let’s talk paddle covers. Have you tried my neoprene coasters sublimation tutorial yet? You can apply the same times, temperatures, and techniques to sublimate pickleball paddle covers! Just make sure you follow the steps for the neoprene coasters. Both the coasters and the paddle covers are made from a polymer material, with a white surface, which is a must for sublimation, because that’s what the dye is infused into.

These pickleball paddle covers are the perfect way to protect your paddle in style. They’re even better with my super cool pickleball designs! Just make sure you measure the sublimatable area on your paddle cover before you resize your design and print it with your sublimation printer. And don’t forget to place a cardstock-protected pressing pad inside the cover instead of underneath it like in my coaster process.

To sublimate a pickleball paddle cover, you’ll need the standard sublimation supplies like a sublimation printer, a heat press, and some other materials and tools you’ll find in my materials list below. I’ve got links where to easily find them, too! If you have any further questions about sublimation, check out my Sublimation For Beginners post, and my Sublimation Startup course to help make sure your sublimation crafting is easy peasy and FUN!

I’ve got a bundle of six pickleball designs perfect for a paddle cover’s “sweet spot.” The sweet spot is the large area on a pickleball paddle where players get optimal contact with the pickleball — meaning nice, accurate shots. This is the same large area on the paddle cover where you’ll sublimate your design. These make the best pickleball gift because every pickleball enthusiast can use one!

What other items can you sublimate with these fun designs? Use my pickleball designs with the tutorials below to create the perfect gift for your pickleball partners this summer, for birthdays, or during the holiday season! Browse these helpful links:

• Pickleball Socks: follow this or this tutorial
• Pickleball T-Shirt: sublimate using this or this tutorial, or use printable vinyl with this tutorial
• Pickleball Hoodie: follow this tutorial
• Pickleball Tote Bag: follow this tutorial (from Step 4 onward)
• Pickleball Bags for Gifting: follow this tutorial
• Pickleball Baseball Caps: follow the infusible ink steps in this tutorial
• Pickleball Athletic Towel: follow this tutorial
• Pickleball Tumbler or Water Bottle: follow this tutorial for straight-sided cups, or make wine tumblers, 40 oz tumblers, or tapered tumblers
• Pickleball Mug: follow this tutorial
• Pickleball Christmas Ornaments: follow this tutorial
• Pickleball Stickers: sublimate them with this tutorial, or Print Then Cut them with this or this tutorial

Looking for more sublimation options to inspire even more pickleball gift ideas? Go online and do a product search for sublimation blanks, and see what comes up! Once you get comfortable sublimating my pickleball designs onto the paddle covers, feel free to experiment with your own designs, different patterns, and even custom personalizations.

Whether they’re a total newb or consider themselves the Lebron James of pickleball, any of these options would make a thoughtful and affordable gift with a personal touch for a pickleball player of any skill level. My designs and techniques will make you want to grab your paddle, lace up your pickleball shoes, and hit the court in style!

Sublimation Startup

Need a little extra help understanding how to get started with sublimation? JoinSublimation Startupfor a logical, step-by-step guide to getting setup for success with sublimation! You can ask questions and feel confident that you’ll get help! The Sublimation Startup mini-course is also great for those who enjoy learning from my easy-to-understand, calm, and clear method of teaching. This is a no-fluff, no-mess, no-distraction workshop … it’s like sitting down with me in my craft room to learn directly as we go! We work in logical steps to build your understanding and confidence with sublimation, and then provide support to keep helping you as you continue on your journey!Register now!

Let me show you how easy it is to make pickleball gift ideas like paddle covers, T-shirts, and more! This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more)! Read myfull disclosure policy.

How to Make Your Own Sublimated Pickleball Gift Ideas

Remember, follow the steps for the neoprene coasters!

How to Sublimate Coasters

Yield: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Active Time: 15 minutes

Additional Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Estimated Cost: $2 - $5

Learn how to sublimate coasters with cute winter designs!

Materials

• Four (4) MDF Sublimation Coasters
• Four (4) Neoprene Sublimation Costers
• One (1) 4-Pack of Cricut Square Infusible Ink Coasters
• One (1) 4-Pack of Cricut Round Ceramic Infusible Ink Coasters
• One (1) Sheet of 8.5” x 11” A-Sub Sublimation Paper
• One (1) Sheet of 12” x 12” White Cardstock (for Sublimation)
• White Butcher Paper
• Design #562 (My free PNG/PDF design files are available in my free resource library – get the password by filling out the form at the bottom of this page)

Tools

• Sublimation Printer or Printer Converted for Sublimation
• Sublimation Ink
• A way to cut your sublimation print - I’m using the Cricut Maker 3 but you can also use the original Maker, an Explore series machine, the Venture or Joy Xtra.
• Heat Press - I used my EasyPress, but you can also use an Autopress or a traditional heat press
• Cricut EasyPress Mat
• Cricut Blue LightGrip Machine Mat, 12" x 12"
• Proper Ventilation - I like to use this fan
• Heat Resistant Tape
• Brayer
• Lint Roller
• Measuring Tape

Instructions

STEP 1: GET MY FREE HOW TO SUBLIMATE COASTERS DESIGNS

First, download my Vacation Sublimation designs from my free library – look for Design #562. Alternatively, you can use the Save This Project form near the top of this post and the design link will be emailed to you.

TIP: If you’re not sure how to upload, go to jennifermaker.com/svgs to learn how to unzip and upload SVG files.

There are four cute winter animal designs in the PNG folder. I will demonstrate how to resize the designs for a 2.5” MDF coaster with the owl PNG, but you can choose to make whichever designs and coasters you’d like.

I’m using Design Space’s Print Then Cut feature with my Cricut Maker 3 to print and cut these designs, but you can also use a regular Maker, an Explore series machine, Cricut Venture, Cricut Joy Xtra, or another cutting machine that works with Print Then Cut.

STEP 2: PREPARE YOUR DESIGNS

If you have not recently used your Cricut’s Print Then Cut feature, you may want to calibrate your machine for the most precise cuts. If you aren’t sure how to calibrate for Print Then Cut, check out this helpful video.

1. Open Cricut Design Space and click “New Project.”
2. Click “Upload” and then “Upload Image”
3. Click “Browse”
4. Select the owl PNG file.
5. On the next screen, click “Upload”
6. On the Upload Image screen, select “Complex” and click “Continue”
7. No changes are needed on the next screen. Click “Apply & Continue.”
8. On the next screen, select “Print Then Cut Image” and click “Upload”
9. Repeat steps 1-8 for the other three coaster designs.
10. Find your designs in Recent Uploads and click each one to select it.
11. Click “Add to Canvas.”
NOTE: You may see a low-resolution warning even after resizing your images, and that’s OK. They will print just fine at the size needed for this project. However, I don’t recommend enlarging these images for larger projects.

See Also

The 35 Most Comfortable Shoes of 2024, Including Tennis Shoes, Slides, and Heels

12. Click Shapes and select the Circle.
NOTE: If you are making a square-shaped coaster, you only need to resize the image to the size of the coaster since the images are already square-shaped. Once resized to fit your square blank, skip ahead to “Step 3: Print and Cut Your Coaster Designs” below.

13. With the circle selected, click in the Size Menu to change the Width (W) and Height (H) to 2.5”. Press Enter.
NOTE: If you are using the same blanks as me, this is the size for the MDF sublimation coaster. If you are using something different, measure your blank and enter the dimensions accordingly.

14. With the circle still selected, click on the Operation menu and select “Guide.”

15. Select the image and change the size to 2.5” for both the width and height.

16. Move the image and the guide to a blank area on the canvas.
17. Drag your mouse over the guide circle and the image. Click “Align” and “Center.”

18. With both layers still selected, click “Slice.”

19. Drag the guide circle out of the way and delete the layer that has the corner edges from the image.
20. Repeat steps 15-19 for the other three designs.
21. Select the guide circle and delete it.

STEP 3: PRINT AND CUT YOUR COASTER DESIGNS

PREPARING
1. Make sure the correct machine is selected
2.. Click “Make”
3. If prompted, click “On Mat,” choose your mat size, and click “Confirm.”
4. On the Prepare Screen, make sure your Print Then Cut mat’s paper size is set to 8.5” x 11”

5. Turn on the “Mirror” toggle.

6. Click “Continue.”

PRINTING
1. On the Make Screen, click “Send to Printer.”
2. Select your sublimation printer from the Printer dropdown.
3. Toggle “Add Bleed” on
4. Toggle “Use System Dialog” on.
5. Click “Print”
NOTE: You may need to minimize or move your Design Space window to see the print dialog window.

6. Set the Media to “Premium Photo Matte” and the Quality to “Best.” “Flip Horizontally” should be unchecked.

7. Make sure the sublimation paper is loaded correctly
8. Click “Print”

CUTTING
1. Place the printed sublimation designs face up, with the top and left edges aligned along the guide, on a blue LightGrip machine mat.

2. Put a piece of copy paper on top of the sublimation print and use a brayer to secure the print to the mat.
3. Select the “Light Cardstock - 65 lb” setting with “Default” Pressure.

4. Load the mat into your Cricut and make sure the Fine-Point Blade is clean and in the clamp.
5. Press the flashing button to begin cutting.

6. Unload the mat, flip it over onto your work surface, and gently roll the coaster designs off of the mat.

STEP 4: SUBLIMATE YOUR WINTER COASTERS

Before you begin, make sure you are in a well-ventilated area with a fan on or a window open.

NOTE: If you are using a different heat press, refer to the Sublimation Cookbook for times and temperatures.

PROJECT 1: MDF COASTERS
1. Turn on the EasyPress and set the temperature to 390° Fahrenheit (198° Celsius) and set the time to 50 seconds.
2. If your coaster has a protective film, remember to take it off.
3. Use a lint roller on the coasters to remove any dust or debris.
4. Cover the MDF coaster blank with a sheet of white cardstock.
5. Preheat the coaster for five seconds to remove excess moisture.
6. Put a sheet of white cardstock on the pressing pad.
7. Place the sublimation print face down on the coaster and align the edges.
NOTE: Be sure that any important parts of your design are not over the cutout of the coaster. I found it best to keep the cutout to the left or right of the design.
8. Place heat-resistant tape on all edges of the sublimation print to hold it in place on the coaster.
make-sublimation-coasters-add-tape
9. Place the taped coaster on top of the cardstock and pressing pad with the coaster facing up and the design facing down.
10. Place a piece of plain white butcher paper on top of the stack.
11. Press at 390° Fahrenheit for 50 seconds with medium pressure.
12. When the time is up, remove the press by lifting it straight up.
13. Allow the coaster to cool for a couple minutes and then remove the blowout paper, tape, and printed sheet to reveal the design.

PROJECT 2: NEOPRENE COASTERS
1. Turn on the EasyPress and set the temperature to 385° Fahrenheit (196° Celsius) and set the time to 40 seconds.
2. Use a lint roller on the coasters to remove any dust or debris.
3. Cover the neoprene coaster blank with a sheet of white cardstock.
4. Preheat the coaster for ten seconds to remove excess moisture.
5. Put a sheet of white cardstock on the pressing pad.
6. Place the sublimation print face down on the coaster and align the edges. Place heat-resistant tape on all edges of the sublimation print to hold it in place on the coaster.

7. Place the taped coaster on top of the cardstock and pressing pad with the coaster facing up and the design facing down.
8. Place a piece of plain white butcher paper on top of the stack.
9. Press at 385° Fahrenheit for 40 seconds with light pressure.
10. When the time is up, remove the press by lifting it straight up.
11. Allow the coaster to cool for a couple minutes and then remove the blowout paper, tape, and printed sheet to reveal the design.

PROJECT 3: CRICUT SQUARE COASTERS
1. Turn on the EasyPress and Set the temperature to 400° Fahrenheit (204° Celcius) and set the time to 60 seconds.
2. Use a lint roller on the coasters to remove any dust or debris.
3. The Cricut Square Coasters do not need to be preheated.
4. Put a sheet of white cardstock on the pressing pad.
5. Place the sublimation print face down on the coaster and align the edges.
6. Place heat-resistant tape on all edges of the sublimation print to hold it in place on the coaster.

7. Place the taped coaster on top of the cardstock and pressing pad with the coaster facing up and the design facing down.
8. Place a piece of plain white butcher paper on top of the stack.
9. Press at 400° Fahrenheit for 60 seconds with no pressure.
10. When the time is up, remove the press by lifting it straight up.
11. Allow the coaster to cool for a couple minutes and then remove the blowout paper, tape, and printed sheet to reveal the design.

PROJECT 4: CRICUT CERAMIC ROUND COASTERS

1. Turn on the EasyPress and set the temperature to 400° Fahrenheit (204° Celcius) and set the time to 240 seconds.
2. Use a lint roller on the coasters to remove any dust or debris.
3. The Cricut Ceramic Round Coasters do not need to be preheated.
4. Put a sheet of white cardstock on the pressing pad.
5. Place the sublimation print face down on the coaster and align the edges. Place heat-resistant tape on all edges of the sublimation print to hold it in place on the coaster.
6. Place the taped coaster on top of the cardstock and pressing pad with the coaster facing DOWN and the design facing UP.

IMPORTANT: These coasters are pressed in the opposite direction of the other coasters above.
7. Place a piece of plain white butcher paper on top of the stack.
8. Press at 400° Fahrenheit for 240 seconds with light pressure.
9. When the time is up, remove the press by lifting it straight up.
10. Allow the coaster to cool for at least 10 minutes and then remove the blowout paper, tape, and printed sheet to reveal the design.

STEP 5: SHOW IT OFF

Here are what my sublimated winter coasters look like!

We put the coasters to the test and left some with water, some with coffee, and some sitting in the sun. They all held up to the different elements. The neoprene coasters needed a little dish soap to remove the coffee but came clean after they’d been sitting for over 3 days.

Notes

Finished Sizes: MDF coasters are 2.5”, neoprene coasters are 2.6”, the square Cricut coasters are 3.75”, and the round Cricut ceramic coasters are 3.6”.

Care instructions: All of the coasters wipe clean with a damp towel. The neoprene coasters may need a dab of dish soap and warm water for darker stains.

Answers to Your Questions About Making Pickleball Gift Ideas with Sublimation

Q: What is pickleball and why is it called that?

A: If you’re new to pickleball, you might be wondering: “What does this game have to do with pickles?” The answer is nothing, actually. Pickleball was invented by a father and son team Joel and Frank Pritchard. One bored day on a badminton court, while using a mish-mash of other sports equipment like wiffle balls and ping-pong paddles, they decided to create their own game — and it took off like wildfire! The origin of the name “pickleball” is the brainchild of Joan Pritchard, the mom of the family, who named it after the least competitive boats in a rowing race: the pickle boats. Pickle boat crews are often thrown together randomly at the last minute, not unlike the game the family created!

Q: What is a “dink” in pickleball?

A: A “dink” is a softer, more controlled shot made by a pickleball player that goes over the net and is intended to land in the opponent’s non-volley zone or “NVZ” — also known as the “kitchen.” A pickleball player who successfully makes this move is often called an “ace dinker.” This game has the best lingo, don’t you think?

Q: What do you get someone who loves pickleball?

A: A sublimated pickleball paddle cover makes a practical gift for your favorite pickleball player, but you can use vinyl, or other materials to make pickleball gifts too! No matter your equipment or materials, there are projects you can make. Still not sure what to make? Craft them a homemade card and stick a gift card to their favorite sporting goods store inside!

Q: Can you sublimate on a pickleball paddle?

A: There are ways to sublimate certain wooden paddles available on the market, but the designs wear away quickly from hitting balls! So this tutorial is for sublimating Neoprene pickleball paddle covers. Stay tuned for a possible pickleball paddle sublimation project in the future!

Q: Why does my sublimation print look dull?

A: When you print your image on sublimation transfer paper, you may notice that your printed sheet has different colors than shown on your computer screen. The colors look dull and washed out, but why? That’s because the dye needs heat applied to become fully vibrant! Even if your image looks different than you expect, your real life colors should match the ones on your screen once sublimated.

Q: How long does dye sublimation last?

A: Indefinitely! Sublimation transfers won’t crack or peel over time like vinyl, and with proper care (and white 100% polyester fabric) the designs should stay vibrant for the life of the item! That makes sublimation projects a great gift since they’re so durable and colorfast, with unlimited color options.

Q: What are the fonts that you used?

A: I used Varsity Team (free alternative: Varsity Team) and Cattieshine (free alternative: Simple Farmhouse).

Q: Can I use these designs for other projects?

A:Absolutely! You can use these designs (and all others in my free library) for any project you’d like! These designs would make the best gifts like T-shirts, tumblers, towels, a pair of socks (make sure they’re polyester, not regular athletic socks), sublimated or Print Then Cut stickers, and more. Check my list above or browse my blog for ideas and other gift guides — you’re sure to find a great pickleball gift for your player!

Q: Are your free SVGs and PNGs just for personal use or also commercial use?

A: First thing, I’m honored that you’d ask! Yes, you can sell completed projects using these designs (with limitations) along with other designs in my free library — please read about licenses here so you know what you can and cannot do. If you use them, please share photos with us! We love to see them.

Q: What causes ghosting on sublimation?

A:Ghosting refers to a blurred or smeared-looking sublimation result, and is caused by moving the sublimation paper while the materials are still hot and before the sublimation process has finished. To avoid this, do not move your sublimation project while it’s still hot, and wait until the sublimation transfer sheet (and the item) is cool before removing it.

Get my free PNG files to create sublimated pickleball gift ideas!

(If you do not see the signup form above, click here.)

I love seeing what you make with my designs and how you use them! Please share a photo of your Pickleball Gift Ideas in our Facebook group or tag me on social media with #jennifermaker.

Love,

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