Goaltenders put a great deal of strain on their leg pads, especially in the knee cup area. The knee locks wrap around the back of the goaltender's knee to keep the knee snugly in the knee cup and to help avoid injury. The knee lock can lose its function if the Velcro stops working properly, or if the elastic portion of the knee lock rots or get stretched out.
Step 1
Cut the stitches holding the Velcro to the goalie pad. The rough part of the Velcro is usually attached to the small outer knee pad, and the stitches should be easy to locate and cut. The soft part of the Velcro is usually sewn into the seam of the pad, so it may take a little work to cut the stitches holding the seam together. You need to be careful to not cut the pad open, or you may risk losing some of the stuffing inside the pad.
Step 2
Cut pieces of Velcro the same size as the pre-existing Velcro pieces. Lay the old pieces of Velcro on top of the new Velcro strips to make sure you get an accurate measurement. Use elastic Velcro for the soft side of the Velcro, since this piece must be adjustable to wrap around the back of the knee.
Step 3
Stitch the rough side of the Velcro to the knee pad using the industrial needle and heavy thread. Stitch through the top layer of material, but make sure you don't go all the way through the pad when you sew. This could make the knee pad flatten out, reducing the protection on the knee.
Step 4
Place the end of the soft side of the Velcro in the open seam on the goal pad. Place at least a half-inch inside the seam so the knee lock does not rip out during game play. Stitch the seam using the same needle and thread as in Step 3.
Step 5
Place your knee in the goalie pad and wrap the new knee lock around the knee, fastening it in place. Make sure your knee fits in the knee cup and tug on the knee lock to make sure it will not rip out of the seam.
Tips and Warnings
- Visit a shoe repair store if you are unable to replace the knee locks yourself. Shoe repair stores usually have more heavy-duty equipment used to sew leather and thick materials.
- Be careful when cutting the seam and stitching. Make sure you do not cut yourself or cut your goalie pad.
Things You'll Need
- Scissors
- Industrial needle and thread
- Elastic Velcro strips
