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    The Ultimate Guide to Embroidery

    • 20 min read

    When it comes to making sorority merch, screen printing is our first love. It's what you're used to when you think custom sorority merch, but why not mix it up every once and a while?

     

    Embroidery is a great way to switch up your merch game, giving your chapter more variety throughout the year. It's high quality and sets your chapter apart from the rest. But where do you start?

     

    That's where the ultimate guide to embroidery comes in! Learn about the most popular styles to embroider, designs that work best, and how to decide which is right for your chapter! From sweat sets to totes to hats to regular t-shirts, there's a lot of options!

     

     

    When it comes to making sorority merch, screen printing is our first love. It's what you're used to when you think custom sorority merch, but why not mix it up every once and a while?

     

    Embroidery is a great way to switch up your merch game, giving your chapter more variety throughout the year. It's high quality and sets your chapter apart from the rest. But where do you start?

     

    That's where the ultimate guide to embroidery comes in! Learn about the most popular styles to embroider, designs that work best, and how to decide which is right for your chapter! From sweat sets to totes to hats to regular t-shirts, there's a lot of options!

     



    Let's start with the MOST popular style - sweatshirts! Nothing makes your sorority crewneck or hoodie stand out more than an embroidered design that will last a lifetime.

     

    If you're looking for something classic, simple text across the front might be the design for you! This will keep costs low and give your sorority merch that won't run out of style soon.

     

    If you want a larger font but don't want to break the bank, just outline the letters to keep that bold look going! You can also add smaller, filled in text underneath for something a little extra.

     

    Embroidery doesn't mean everything has to be straight across, either! You can arch your design, have it wave across the front - whatever you want. No matter the design you have in mind, chances are we can embroider it!

     

    Embroidery is also great for different fabric textures. Screenprinting a design will work on a corduroy or fuzzy fleece fabric, but embroidery will last longer and look bolder. If you're investing in a high quality, exclusive style like the corduroy hoodie, elevate it even more with embroidery!

     

    Let's start with the MOST popular style - sweatshirts! Nothing makes your sorority crewneck or hoodie stand out more than an embroidered design that will last a lifetime.

     

    If you're looking for something classic, simple text across the front might be the design for you! This will keep costs low and give your sorority merch that won't run out of style soon.

     

    If you want a larger font but don't want to break the bank, just outline the letters to keep that bold look going! You can also add smaller, filled in text underneath for something a little extra.

     

    Embroidery doesn't mean everything has to be straight across, either! You can arch your design, have it wave across the front - whatever you want. No matter the design you have in mind, chances are we can embroider it!

     

    Embroidery is also great for different fabric textures. Screenprinting a design will work on a corduroy or fuzzy fleece fabric, but embroidery will last longer and look bolder. If you're investing in a high quality, exclusive style like the corduroy hoodie, elevate it even more with embroidery!

     

     

    Embroidery isn't just for the classic designs! You can have complex, graphic designs with needle and thread. Cost is a bigger concern with these types of designs, but making the graphic smaller or only outlined will help save your chapter some cash!

     

    Show some love for your sorority with a heart shaped design, fitting the name inside the outlined heart. If you want something that doesn't scream "sorority merch," showing off your hand sign instead is a more detailed but subtle choice.

     

    If you want a filled-in design, a small graphic on the front like an American flag will give you that pop without breaking the bank. You can add your chapter name or established date to make this timeless design complete.

     

    These trendy design options are great for Winter PR,Spring Bid Day, or a themed Sisterhood event! Treat your chapter with designs they know and love, but elevated with embroidery.

     

    And don't feel limited with colors - our thread options are truly endless! Match the thread to the sweatshirt for a monochrome look, or make it pop with a bright color! Either way, you won't feel boxed in with embroidery options.

     

    Embroidery isn't just for the classic designs! You can have complex, graphic designs with needle and thread. Cost is a bigger concern with these types of designs, but making the graphic smaller or only outlined will help save your chapter some cash!

     

    Show some love for your sorority with a heart shaped design, fitting the name inside the outlined heart. If you want something that doesn't scream "sorority merch," showing off your hand sign instead is a more detailed but subtle choice.

     

    If you want a filled-in design, a small graphic on the front like an American flag will give you that pop without breaking the bank. You can add your chapter name or established date to make this timeless design complete.

     

    These trendy design options are great for Winter PR,Spring Bid Day, or a themed Sisterhood event! Treat your chapter with designs they know and love, but elevated with embroidery.

     

    And don't feel limited with colors - our thread options are truly endless! Match the thread to the sweatshirt for a monochrome look, or make it pop with a bright color! Either way, you won't feel boxed in with embroidery options.

     

    The sweatshirt options don't end there! You can do way more than simple text across the front, if that's what you're looking for. You can mix up the font, placement, thread type - whatever you want!

     

    If you want to make the most classic sorority sweatshirt possible, an applique embroidered design is the perfect choice. It looks and feels just like the stitched letters on a Greek letter jersey (we can do those too, don't worry,) but can be any design. Your sorority name with a baseball style underline is the most popular choice, shownhere!

     

    If you want to mix up the thread type, try out one of our multicolored threads! This is a great way to get more colors in your design without having to use multiple threads. It also adds more dimension to a simple design, shown here with large Greek letters!

     

    You can also embroider almost anywhere! The current trend is featuring your sorority name or motto around the collar. Make it extra dreamy with a thin cursive font, arching up the collar of the hoodie or crewneck.

     

    You can also add a design on the back of the sweatshirt - the most popular is right below the collar. Show off your Greek letters or college state, matching embroidery on the front!

     

    The sweatshirt options don't end there! You can do way more than simple text across the front, if that's what you're looking for. You can mix up the font, placement, thread type - whatever you want!

     

    If you want to make the most classic sorority sweatshirt possible, an applique embroidered design is the perfect choice. It looks and feels just like the stitched letters on a Greek letter jersey (we can do those too, don't worry,) but can be any design. Your sorority name with a baseball style underline is the most popular choice, shownhere!

     

    If you want to mix up the thread type, try out one of our multicolored threads! This is a great way to get more colors in your design without having to use multiple threads. It also adds more dimension to a simple design, shown here with large Greek letters!

     

    You can also embroider almost anywhere! The current trend is featuring your sorority name or motto around the collar. Make it extra dreamy with a thin cursive font, arching up the collar of the hoodie or crewneck.

     

    You can also add a design on the back of the sweatshirt - the most popular is right below the collar. Show off your Greek letters or college state, matching embroidery on the front!

     




    What goes best with a sweatshirt? Matching bottoms, of course! Sweat sets are gaining more and more popularity, so make your sorority set stand out with an embroidered design!

     

    You can match your crewneck or hoodie with sweat shorts or joggers - whatever your chaper is feeling! We have a ton of styles to choose from, letting you match your bottoms to your sweatshirt perfectly.  

     

    **Our current fav sweat set**

     

    For bottoms, there are a couple placements that work the best, but aren't your only options. If you're wanting sweatpants or joggers, a small design next to or underneath the pocket is the most popular. You can feature your Greek letters, a smaller version of the sweatshirt design, or anything you want!

     

    For shorts, right above the bottom seam is the current trend. This placement will give you the most room to play around with font, size, and graphics!

     

    Just because we have basic examples shown here doesn't mean you can't step out of the box! You can add a graphic, have multiple colors, or switch up to a bolder font. Whatever you decide, we'll help make it happen with embroidery.

    What goes best with a sweatshirt? Matching bottoms, of course! Sweat sets are gaining more and more popularity, so make your sorority set stand out with an embroidered design!

     

    You can match your crewneck or hoodie with sweat shorts or joggers - whatever your chaper is feeling! We have a ton of styles to choose from, letting you match your bottoms to your sweatshirt perfectly.  

     

    **Our current fav sweat set**

     

    For bottoms, there are a couple placements that work the best, but aren't your only options. If you're wanting sweatpants or joggers, a small design next to or underneath the pocket is the most popular. You can feature your Greek letters, a smaller version of the sweatshirt design, or anything you want!

     

    For shorts, right above the bottom seam is the current trend. This placement will give you the most room to play around with font, size, and graphics!

     

    Just because we have basic examples shown here doesn't mean you can't step out of the box! You can add a graphic, have multiple colors, or switch up to a bolder font. Whatever you decide, we'll help make it happen with embroidery.

     




    Maybe the most fun merch to embroider - hats!! Your chapter will be dying for custom embroidered trucker hats, especially as Summer PR or Work Week merch!

     

    Like all embroidery, you have a ton of options when it comes to style & design. First off, what kind of trucker are you looking for? The same designs can work on foam and canvas trucker hats, but the fabric makes them a little different. The thread sinks into the foam a little bit more than the canvas, adding some extra texture!

     

    You can fit three lines of basic text easily on the front of the hat. No matter what you want on the front, we'll help make it fit. You can add multiple colors, have a mix of different fonts, or outline the words for a minimalistic look.

     

    One way to make your text design stand out is with 3D puff embroidery! This option, shown with the all-white Emerson Coast trucker hat, adds a piece of foam to your design to give it a raised look. This adds texture and is perfect for monochrome designs!

     

    It's not all just text! We can get really detailed on a trucker hat - just look at thisAOII surfer hat! We can take almost any design and make it work for a trucker hat. Your chapter will be dying for one of these trendy truckers come Summer!

     

    Maybe the most fun merch to embroider - hats!! Your chapter will be dying for custom embroidered trucker hats, especially as Summer PR or Work Week merch!

     

    Like all embroidery, you have a ton of options when it comes to style & design. First off, what kind of trucker are you looking for? The same designs can work on foam and canvas trucker hats, but the fabric makes them a little different. The thread sinks into the foam a little bit more than the canvas, adding some extra texture!

     

    You can fit three lines of basic text easily on the front of the hat. No matter what you want on the front, we'll help make it fit. You can add multiple colors, have a mix of different fonts, or outline the words for a minimalistic look.

     

    One way to make your text design stand out is with 3D puff embroidery! This option, shown with the all-white Emerson Coast trucker hat, adds a piece of foam to your design to give it a raised look. This adds texture and is perfect for monochrome designs!

     

    It's not all just text! We can get really detailed on a trucker hat - just look at thisAOII surfer hat! We can take almost any design and make it work for a trucker hat. Your chapter will be dying for one of these trendy truckers come Summer!

     

     

    It doesn't end with basic trucker hats! If you can wear it on your head, chances are we can embroider it.

     

    Some of our most popular styles, bucket hats and beanies, are perfect merch items to mix up your sorority PR. Make them match a sweat set or hoodie to really help your chapter stand out!

     

    Since these hat styles have less room for a design, simple text is the go-to. Small graphics can work, but you'll have less space than on a regular trucker hat.

     

    Just text doesn't mean you have to stick with the basics, though! We can embroider just about any font - just look at this super thin cursive on the Delta Zeta beanie.

     

    For beanies, the folded over part in the front is the best spot for your design. It's tall enough to add your Greek letters large in the center, and long enough to fit your entire sorority name. If you want large letters but don't want a ton of thread, just outlining your Greek letters is a great way around that!

     

    For bucket hats, the same basics apply. One or two lines of text can fit on the center front, and we can do any of the same fonts!

     

    It doesn't end with basic trucker hats! If you can wear it on your head, chances are we can embroider it.

     

    Some of our most popular styles, bucket hats and beanies, are perfect merch items to mix up your sorority PR. Make them match a sweat set or hoodie to really help your chapter stand out!

     

    Since these hat styles have less room for a design, simple text is the go-to. Small graphics can work, but you'll have less space than on a regular trucker hat.

     

    Just text doesn't mean you have to stick with the basics, though! We can embroider just about any font - just look at this super thin cursive on the Delta Zeta beanie.

     

    For beanies, the folded over part in the front is the best spot for your design. It's tall enough to add your Greek letters large in the center, and long enough to fit your entire sorority name. If you want large letters but don't want a ton of thread, just outlining your Greek letters is a great way around that!

     

    For bucket hats, the same basics apply. One or two lines of text can fit on the center front, and we can do any of the same fonts!

     




    Bringing it back to a sorority classic - quarter zips! These fleece pullovers are a sorority essential, especially once it starts getting colder. The short zipper, deep pockets, and super soft fabric make these jackets a dream to embroider!

     

    Like some of the regular sweatshirts, quarter zips have fabric that's better suited for embroidery. The fleece can make a regular print look bumpy and crack easily, but embroidery solves that problem! The long lasting thread makes any design pop on these popular pullovers.

     

    The best (and most popular) design location for this style is right next to the zipper on the left chest. Most pullover styles have a seam right below the zipper, creating the perfect square window for an embroidered design.

     

    Such a classic style needs an equally classic design! Bold Greek letters are the most popular choice, leaving room underneath for your chapter name or established date.

     

    These timeless quarter zips are great merch items for new members, winter PR, or for Parents Weekend! Switch out the smaller text to "Mom" or "Dad" to give your family some high quality merch to rep!

    Bringing it back to a sorority classic - quarter zips! These fleece pullovers are a sorority essential, especially once it starts getting colder. The short zipper, deep pockets, and super soft fabric make these jackets a dream to embroider!

     

    Like some of the regular sweatshirts, quarter zips have fabric that's better suited for embroidery. The fleece can make a regular print look bumpy and crack easily, but embroidery solves that problem! The long lasting thread makes any design pop on these popular pullovers.

     

    The best (and most popular) design location for this style is right next to the zipper on the left chest. Most pullover styles have a seam right below the zipper, creating the perfect square window for an embroidered design.

     

    Such a classic style needs an equally classic design! Bold Greek letters are the most popular choice, leaving room underneath for your chapter name or established date.

     

    These timeless quarter zips are great merch items for new members, winter PR, or for Parents Weekend! Switch out the smaller text to "Mom" or "Dad" to give your family some high quality merch to rep!

     




    Speaking of new member gifts, let's talk about totes! Canvas totes are the perfect accessory to give babies once they join your sorority, especially on Bid Day. Embroider your Bid Day bags to make them last longer and look more high quality.

     

    If you want something classic that everyone will use, this beach tote style is your best bet! These bags are durable, able to hold a lot, and look great with embroidery. The fabric is thicker than the basic tote bag, giving are more structured and high quality look.

     

    For design, Greek letters are the overwhelming favorite. This makes the beach tote even more timeless, especially if you match the thread to the tote accent color. With as many options as we have, you'll be able to match to your sorority colors perfectly.

     

    You can do more than Greek letters, though! As long as it fits on the canvas, we can make it happen! Get trendy with a bold graphic or match it to your Bid Day tees. If you're worried about using too many threads, switch to a multicolored thread to still get that extra color without the extra cost!

     

    Speaking of new member gifts, let's talk about totes! Canvas totes are the perfect accessory to give babies once they join your sorority, especially on Bid Day. Embroider your Bid Day bags to make them last longer and look more high quality.

     

    If you want something classic that everyone will use, this beach tote style is your best bet! These bags are durable, able to hold a lot, and look great with embroidery. The fabric is thicker than the basic tote bag, giving are more structured and high quality look.

     

    For design, Greek letters are the overwhelming favorite. This makes the beach tote even more timeless, especially if you match the thread to the tote accent color. With as many options as we have, you'll be able to match to your sorority colors perfectly.

     

    You can do more than Greek letters, though! As long as it fits on the canvas, we can make it happen! Get trendy with a bold graphic or match it to your Bid Day tees. If you're worried about using too many threads, switch to a multicolored thread to still get that extra color without the extra cost!

     




    Next up - henleys! Whether it's a thermal long sleeve or a colorblock henley, there's an embroidered design perfect for each style.

     

    Like quarter zips, the left chest is the perfect design location for henleys. The long buttons leave the perfect window for a classic design.

     

    The thermal long sleeve henley is a thick, high quality style that works perfectly with embroidery. The thicker the fabric, the more natural the stitching will look. Add your Greek letters to this high end style to make it look and feel even more luxurious. This is a great style for winter PR, a Christmas Sisterhood, or Exec Board merch!

     

    If you're looking for something a little more ~customizable~ the colorblock henley is the perfect style! You can change the sleeve, body, and collar color of this lightweight tee. Like other henleys, it has a great left chest location for an embroidered design. The 2 button neckline is, however, shorter than the thermal's 4 button neckline.

     

    Since you can customize the henley colors, you can guarantee that the thread color will match the shirt perfectly. This high quality style is great for Recruitment!

    Next up - henleys! Whether it's a thermal long sleeve or a colorblock henley, there's an embroidered design perfect for each style.

     

    Like quarter zips, the left chest is the perfect design location for henleys. The long buttons leave the perfect window for a classic design.

     

    The thermal long sleeve henley is a thick, high quality style that works perfectly with embroidery. The thicker the fabric, the more natural the stitching will look. Add your Greek letters to this high end style to make it look and feel even more luxurious. This is a great style for winter PR, a Christmas Sisterhood, or Exec Board merch!

     

    If you're looking for something a little more ~customizable~ the colorblock henley is the perfect style! You can change the sleeve, body, and collar color of this lightweight tee. Like other henleys, it has a great left chest location for an embroidered design. The 2 button neckline is, however, shorter than the thermal's 4 button neckline.

     

    Since you can customize the henley colors, you can guarantee that the thread color will match the shirt perfectly. This high quality style is great for Recruitment!

     




    We love t-shirts, so why not embroider those too?? It's a great way to make a basic tee feel a little extra fancy, no matter the occasion.

     

    Like every other style, the sky's the limit when it comes to color and font. You can show your sorority name small across the front for a minimalistic look, making it pop with a bright color or trendy font.

     

    Smaller text also means less money, so make a small front design pop with a unique font! Our personal fav at the moment? This hand stitched style cursive tee! It adds a sweet look to the camo tee without being too much.

     

    If you want to add some graphics but don't want it to cost an arm and a leg, stick with small, centered designs! A small rainbow is the perfect way to make your sorority name pop with some color. By keeping it small, you're able to add more color and stay in budget.

     

    Since embroidery will increase the cost a little bit, save these styles for Recruitment, a new member gift, or farewell gift for Seniors! Every other sorority shirt you have is (probably) screen printed, so mix it up with embroidery! It's worth it, we promise :)

     

    We love t-shirts, so why not embroider those too?? It's a great way to make a basic tee feel a little extra fancy, no matter the occasion.

     

    Like every other style, the sky's the limit when it comes to color and font. You can show your sorority name small across the front for a minimalistic look, making it pop with a bright color or trendy font.

     

    Smaller text also means less money, so make a small front design pop with a unique font! Our personal fav at the moment? This hand stitched style cursive tee! It adds a sweet look to the camo tee without being too much.

     

    If you want to add some graphics but don't want it to cost an arm and a leg, stick with small, centered designs! A small rainbow is the perfect way to make your sorority name pop with some color. By keeping it small, you're able to add more color and stay in budget.

     

    Since embroidery will increase the cost a little bit, save these styles for Recruitment, a new member gift, or farewell gift for Seniors! Every other sorority shirt you have is (probably) screen printed, so mix it up with embroidery! It's worth it, we promise :)

     




    If you don't have a Greek letter jersey, are you really in a sorority? These classic jerseys will literally last you a lifetime and are the perfect sorority merch to pass on to someone else.

     

    Whether you wear them for Recruitment, Bid Day, Founders Day, or just because, every chapter needs to invest in custom stitched letter jerseys.

     

    The jersey style is made exclusively for this design, and is available in a ton of colors! You can match the applique letters to the jersey cuff perfectly. You can customize the main letter color, the background outline, and stitching. The fabric of the applique letters is thick, making them feel more bulky than regular embroidery.

     

    The down side to these jerseys? They're an investment. They will last FOREVER and will never go out of style, but they aren't cheap. The exclusive jersey style and complex stitching makes these jerseys more expensive than any other Greek merch product.

     

    Loving the look of the jersey but don't want to spend that much? Check out this screen printed letter jersey! Similar look, but way less expensive!

    If you don't have a Greek letter jersey, are you really in a sorority? These classic jerseys will literally last you a lifetime and are the perfect sorority merch to pass on to someone else.

     

    Whether you wear them for Recruitment, Bid Day, Founders Day, or just because, every chapter needs to invest in custom stitched letter jerseys.

     

    The jersey style is made exclusively for this design, and is available in a ton of colors! You can match the applique letters to the jersey cuff perfectly. You can customize the main letter color, the background outline, and stitching. The fabric of the applique letters is thick, making them feel more bulky than regular embroidery.

     

    The down side to these jerseys? They're an investment. They will last FOREVER and will never go out of style, but they aren't cheap. The exclusive jersey style and complex stitching makes these jerseys more expensive than any other Greek merch product.

     

    Loving the look of the jersey but don't want to spend that much? Check out this screen printed letter jersey! Similar look, but way less expensive!

     




    Last but not least, polos! When you're not sure what to make for Dad's Day merch, go for a dri-fit polo. It's like their bread and butter - they can't say no to getting one! It's a high quality style that will last a lifetime, especially with an embroidered design.

     

    These lightweight styles are also great for Family Weekend, Homecoming, or gameday merch. With dozens of colors to choose from, you'll be able to get the perfect color for the men in your life to rep! The thread colors are also endless, letting you pick a complimentary color for your sorority or go monochrome with one that matches the fabric.

     

    These are a little more expensive than a basic pocket tee, so think about making it as an extra option for people to buy. Add a matching embroidered hat to give all the parent options! The more merch items, the better! At least we think so :)

     

    Like the quarterzips and henleys, the left chest is the best location for your embroidered design. Go classic with your Greek letters large next to the buttons, choosing a neutral color that dads will want to wear. You can put "Dad" underneath the letters, or whatever works for the event!

    Last but not least, polos! When you're not sure what to make for Dad's Day merch, go for a dri-fit polo. It's like their bread and butter - they can't say no to getting one! It's a high quality style that will last a lifetime, especially with an embroidered design.

     

    These lightweight styles are also great for Family Weekend, Homecoming, or gameday merch. With dozens of colors to choose from, you'll be able to get the perfect color for the men in your life to rep! The thread colors are also endless, letting you pick a complimentary color for your sorority or go monochrome with one that matches the fabric.

     

    These are a little more expensive than a basic pocket tee, so think about making it as an extra option for people to buy. Add a matching embroidered hat to give all the parent options! The more merch items, the better! At least we think so :)

     

    Like the quarterzips and henleys, the left chest is the best location for your embroidered design. Go classic with your Greek letters large next to the buttons, choosing a neutral color that dads will want to wear. You can put "Dad" underneath the letters, or whatever works for the event!

     



     

    So ... turns out there's a lot of options when it comes to embroidery. Though it might seem like a whole other world, the ordering process is the same as a regular design. All it takes is one quick text to get the ball rolling on your custom merch!

     

    And ... once you see how great these embroidered styles look in real life, you won't want to wait another second to get something made for your chapter. So let's get started!