How soccer balls are made
Nowadays, soccer balls - as well as the balls used in some other sports - are often made from synthetic materials, moulded into the correct shape. However, the balls used by the professional teams have always been made from leather panels, stitched together around a rubber bladder, and the best balls are still made this way. Leather balls have better air resistance so they don't wobble in flight.
1. CUTTING THE PANELS
The leather is coated in special paint to make it waterproof, and a strong lining is stuck to the back to make the leather stiffer and stop it stretching. The firmest leather is used to make the most expensive balls; softer leather stretches more easily and is used for cheaper, practice balls. Two types of panel are cut using special knives. There are 18 panels in this type of balls.
2.STITCHING THE PANELS TOGETHER
Now the stitcher begins to join the leather panels together, using two needles and a special waxed thread made up of five strands. The wax makes the thread waterproof and easier to use. The panels are held together in a special clamp(see opposite) gripped between the stitcher's knees, so he can have both hands free.