Here is an advanced tutorial on a "new" decoration method, tackle twill adhered with heat transfer vinyl. This process gives you the simulation of a kiss cut applique. The advantage to this process is that you can apply the twill fabric to a t-shirt without having to own embroidery equipment and software. Items needed to reach the finished result are as follows: a heat press, a vinyl cutter (twill compatible), design software, heat transfer vinyl and pressure sensitive poly-twill. Any questions feel free to post them
Newbie question here...but what is twill and why would I want to use it?
Tackle Twill is a process where designs are cut from polyester twill fabric and sewn or heat pressed to a garment. An adhesive backing tacks the material in place and the edges are sewn with a zig-zag or satin stitch or heat pressed with transfer vinyl. Tackle Twill is most commonly known for its use for athletic lettering on the uniforms of professional sports teams. The use of twill to create "appliques" is a great alternative to filled areas of embroidery and creates a cool look by adding dimension and texture. The main advantage of tackle twill is the reduction of embroidery stitches needed to fill a design area. Tackle twill looks great on hoodies as well.
Tackle Twill is a process where designs are cut from polyester twill fabric and sewn or heat pressed to a garment. An adhesive backing tacks the material in place and the edges are sewn with a zig-zag or satin stitch or heat pressed with transfer vinyl. Tackle Twill is most commonly known for its use for athletic lettering on the uniforms of professional sports teams. The use of twill to create "appliques" is a great alternative to filled areas of embroidery and creates a cool look by adding dimension and texture. The main advantage of tackle twill is the reduction of embroidery stitches needed to fill a design area. Tackle twill looks great on hoodies as well.
Thanks for the breakdown Josh I knew it looked familiar, but I wasn't sure what the main market for it was and I wanted to be sure I was thinking of the same thing.
this is your 2 color traditional twill material cut.
the adhesive on the blue bonds to the black background. No fraying on the blue. there is also adhesive on the black background but the black would need edge stitch to prevent from fraying.
If a customer comes to you, do they usually say "can you print tackle twill?" or do they call it something else?
can I answer that ?
perhaps a Sports League type customer may as for "Twill", but the average customer that needs stuff printed i dont think they would know about "Twill".
Like Josh said, its more geared towards real rough tough sports uniform names/numbers/logos or for a somewhat emb. type look/application.
for sure on heavy knits, on thin fashion/t-shirts it does not hang well, kind of stiff looking.
Some more fashion oriented companies are using it as well. Neighborhoodies refers to it as "stitched". Its also referred to as applique. And a generic term would be fabric stitched down (since thats the traditional method) or that authentic look. Mitchell and Ness did a pretty good job of creating an awareness for twill.
Heat Transfer Vinyl / Tackle Twill Tutorial 
Re: Heat Transfer Vinyl / Tackle Twill Tutorial 
