What Is Poly Twill Tape?

Poly-TWILL tape is used to sew numbers onto athletic jerseys.

Poly-TWILL is a trademarked product. It has a thermal adhesive back and is used for sewing lettering on athletic uniforms or for custom applications like banners. It is easy to use and apply.

Uses

Poly-TWILL tape is most commonly used on the uniforms of professional sports teams. It can also be used for a multitude of other applications, however, including creating banners or other large applique projects.

Availability

Poly-TWILL tape is generally sold in 51-inch-wide rolls that are available by the yard. It comes either coated with iron-on sticky tape or uncoated, in which case it has to be completely sewn on.

Fabrics

Poly-TWILL tape can be applied to a wide variety of fabrics, including 100 percent cotton or polyester, polyester/cotton blends, fleece, wool, woven nylon or caps.

Application

In the application of numbers on athletic uniforms, the poly-TWILL tape is first ironed on using an adhesive backing and then stitched around the edges to prevent fraying. Tape without adhesive backing can also just be directly sewn onto the fabric.

Accessories

The use of Kraft paper to apply the tape is necessary when ironing the poly-TWILL tape on before stitching.

References

• Stahls' Hottronix: Poly-Twill
• Wellington House: Stahls Letters & Numbers: Varsity Poly-Twill