Blog Two: Appliqué

Title: Appliqué & Tackle Twill: The Art of Dimensional Custom Apparel

When it comes to creating bold, durable, and visually stunning custom apparel—appliqué and tackle twill are two techniques that truly stand out. At TTN Custom Apparel, we specialize in both, bringing craftsmanship and modern technology together to deliver professional-grade gear for sports teams, businesses, and organizations across our community.

But what exactly is appliqué and tackle twill, and why does it matter?

What Is Appliqué?

Appliqué (pronounced ap-lee-kay) is a decoration technique where one piece of fabric is sewn on top of another, forming letters, numbers, or designs that literally stand out from the garment.

Think of a high school football jersey with bold, layered numbers or a university hoodie with thick, colorful lettering—those dimensional elements are likely appliqué.

What Is Tackle Twill?

Tackle twill is a specific type of appliqué made using heavy-duty twill fabric, which is known for its durability and crisp, clean appearance. It’s most commonly used in athletic wear—especially in team names, numbers, and logos on jerseys, jackets, and sweatshirts.

Tackle twill gives a premium, professional look that lasts through countless games and washes.

Why Choose Appliqué and Tackle Twill?

Here’s why these methods are favored by sports teams, universities, and brands that value quality:

Long-Lasting Durability

Tackle twill holds up incredibly well to wear and tear, making it ideal for athletic gear and uniforms.

Professional Look

Layered, textured lettering and logos give your apparel a standout, elevated look.

Color and Design Flexibility

Multiple colors and textures can be layered for maximum visual impact.

Custom-Built Per Order

Each appliqué design is cut and stitched for your specific order—no off-the-shelf solutions here.

Blog One: Embroidery Process

In our first ever blog post, here are some of the steps involved in our Embroidery process. This will be a work in progress so please bear with us!

• CONCEPT: Determine concept and what the end goal is, including time frame.

• DESIGN: Allow 1-2 days for TTN to take the concept and turn it into a mock-up which typically includes a few different layout options. Revisions are common and typically require an additional 1-2 days.

• DIGITIZE: Once a design is nailed down in the design phase. We will then move forward with production, starting with digitizing the file created during design. The file is essentially converted to a SEW file which is where some of the magic happens.

• EMBROIDER: Now the fun part. We bring the concept to life!