| Every major university is overflowing with Greek | | | | stitch or satin stitch (double satin). Zig-zag stitching |
| apparel - from Greek letter shirts to Greek | | | | 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 sorority letters, it is helpful to know how | | | | typically selected to match the letter color being |
| the product is made and what to look for when | | | | sewn down, but contrasting colors can be used, |
| purchasing your own set of sewn-on letters. | | | | especially with satin stitching. These additional colors |
| Sewn-on sorority letters come in various sizes, with | | | | create dimension and detail on the sorority sweatshirt |
| the most popular being 2", 3", and 4". Often times | | | | or sorority t-shirt. |
| the type of sorority gear selected will determine the | | | | The whole Greek apparel production process goes as |
| size of letters used. A tighter fitting sorority t-shirt | | | | follows: |
| will not have the horizontal space that a unisex t-shirt | | | | 1) the sewn-on Greek letters are cut from the fabric |
| has, so in turn smaller letters will be used. Or for | | | | of your choice |
| example, a tote bag that is less than 18" wide will | | | | 2) the Greek sweatshirt, t-shirt, jacket, or bag is |
| need smaller letters like 2" or 3". In addition to the | | | | hooped with backing and put on the embroidery |
| gear type, the placement of the letters on the | | | | machine |
| clothing will also influence the size. A location like left | | | | 3) the machine sews an outline stitch so that the |
| chest will need much smaller lettering than a center | | | | background sorority letter can be placed down |
| chest design. | | | | 4) the letter is precisely placed and then sewn down |
| Sewn-on sorority letters come in one and two layer | | | | with the stitch type selected - zig-zag or satin |
| designs. One layer lacks the dimension a two-layer | | | | 5) the foreground outline stitch is then sewed down |
| design has, but does keep the sorority gear looking | | | | for placement on top of the background letter |
| simple, which appeals to some. Most often the design | | | | 6) the foreground letter is precisely placed and then |
| is done with two layers of fabric. The background | | | | sewn down with the stitch type selected - zig-zag or |
| layer (back color) is usually a solid color or metallic, | | | | satin |
| but a pattern can be used. The foreground layer | | | | 7) the gear is removed from the machine, unhooped, |
| (front color) is mostly seen and is available in all sorts | | | | and trimmed |
| of colors and patterns. Most popular these days are | | | | 8) the sewn-on Greek letters are heat pressed to |
| animal prints, stripes, dots, and designer prints like | | | | the gear and packaged |
| Vera Bradley. | | | | 9) the final product is delivered to the customer! |
| The sewn-on Greek letters are cut from a multiple of | | | | Sorority letters will always be a staple in the Greek |
| fabrics including poly pro twill, metallic, cotton, and | | | | community. To find high quality custom Greek |
| cotton/polyester. The letters are cut using either a | | | | apparel, it is beneficial to know how it's made. There |
| laser, blade, or water. Laser cutting is superior, as it | | | | are many steps and details that go into creating |
| reduces fraying, and creates a very clean cut. | | | | sewn-on sorority letters - educate yourself and shop |
| Greek letters can be sewn down using a zig-zag | | | | wisely! |