| Every major university is overflowing with custom | | | | stitch or satin stitch (double satin). Zig-zag stitching |
| Greek apparel - from Greek letter shirts and | | | | looks just as it sounds and leaves some of the fabric |
| sweatshirts to Greek bags, there is no shortage of | | | | edge exposed. Satin stitching, on the other hand, |
| sorority letters and fraternity letters. Sewn-on Greek | | | | creates a thick border of thread around the letter. |
| letters (aka appliqué or tackle-twill) are by far the | | | | For this reason, satin stitching is more expensive as |
| most popular form of lettered apparel. With so many | | | | the time and stitch count increases. Thread colors are |
| options for fraternity apparel and sorority apparel, it | | | | typically selected to match the letter color being |
| is helpful to know how the product is made and | | | | sewn down, but contrasting colors can be used, |
| what to look for when purchasing your own set of | | | | especially with satin stitching. These additional colors |
| sewn-on letters. | | | | create dimension and detail on the greek sweatshirt |
| Sewn-on greek letters come in various sizes, with | | | | or greek t-shirt. |
| the most popular being 2", 3", and 4". Often times | | | | The whole Greek apparel production process goes as |
| the type of greek gear selected will determine the | | | | follows: |
| size of letters used. A tighter fitting sorority t-shirt | | | | 1) the sewn-on Greek letters are cut from the fabric |
| will not have the horizontal space that a unisex t-shirt | | | | of your choice |
| has, so in turn smaller letters will be used. Or for | | | | 2) the Greek sweatshirt, t-shirt, jacket, or bag is |
| example, a tote bag that is less than 18" wide will | | | | hooped with backing and put on the embroidery |
| need smaller letters such as 2" or 3". In addition to | | | | machine |
| the gear type, the placement of the Greek letters on | | | | 3) the machine sews an outline stitch so that the |
| the clothing will also influence the size. A location like | | | | background letter can be placed down |
| left chest will need much smaller lettering than a | | | | 4) the letter is precisely placed and then sewn down |
| center chest design. | | | | with the stitch type selected - zig-zag or satin |
| Sewn-on letters come in one and two layer designs. | | | | 5) the foreground outline stitch is then sewed down |
| One layer lacks the dimension a two-layer design has, | | | | for placement on top of the background letter |
| but does keep the Greek apparel looking simple, | | | | 6) the foreground letter is precisely placed and then |
| which appeals to some. Most often the design is | | | | sewn down with the stitch type selected - zig-zag or |
| done with two layers of fabric. The background layer | | | | satin |
| (back color) is usually a solid color or metallic, but a | | | | 7) the gear is removed from the machine, unhooped, |
| pattern can be used. The foreground layer (front | | | | and trimmed |
| color) is mostly seen and is available in all sorts of | | | | 8) the sewn-on Greek letters are heat pressed to |
| colors and patterns. Most popular these days are | | | | the gear and packaged |
| animal prints, stripes, plaids, florals, dots, and designer | | | | 9) the final product is delivered to the customer! |
| prints like Vera Bradley or Coach. | | | | Sorority letters and fraternity letters will always be a |
| The sewn-on Greek letters are cut from a multiple of | | | | staple in the Greek community. To find high quality |
| fabrics including poly pro twill, metallic, cotton, and | | | | custom Greek apparel, it is beneficial to know how |
| cotton/polyester. The letters are cut using either a | | | | it's made. There are many steps and details that go |
| laser, blade, or water. Laser cutting is superior, as it | | | | into creating sewn-on Greek letters - educate |
| reduces fraying, and creates a very clean cut. | | | | yourself and shop wisely! |
| Greek letters can be sewn down using a zig-zag | | | | |