How to Make Greek Letters

The Greek alphabet originated from the Phoenician alphabet. Its origins date back to the 8th century, BCE, and it is the first alphabet of its kind using a separate character to represent a separate sound. Over time, the Greek alphabet evolved to drop lesser-used letters and also broke into different alphabetical variants. There are four such obsolete letters. Today, Greek is used in non-Greek cultures to clarify letters and identify sororities and fraternities as well as in scientific language.

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft Word
• Printer
• White paper
• Cardboard
• Permanent markers
• Scissors

Instructions

Create and Print Letters Using the Computer

1. 

   Open Microsoft Word or another word processor. Go to the file menu and select "New" to open a new document.

2. 

   Create your Greek letters in the document using the special characters menu. To begin, select "Symbol" from the "Insert" menu as shown.

3. 

   Select "Basic Greek" in the menu on the screen that comes up, then click the "Greek" letter you wish to use and hit the "Insert" button.

4. Repeat step three until all of your Greek letters have been put into the document.

5. 

   Highlight your letters and then resize the font as large as you'd like. Keep in mind the size of the project you will be completing during this step.

Print Your Letters and Make Templates

1. 

   Go to the file menu and select print. Hit "OK" to print your letters. Once your letters have printed, carefully cut them out using scissors.

2. Trace around the paper letters onto cardboard to make templates for various projects. Cardboard templates are sturdier than paper and reusable.

3. Cut out the cardboard templates using a sturdy pair of scissors.

4. Use these templates to trace letters on to fabrics to make shirts, pillows, bags, and banners. Trace onto larger pieces of paper for signs to advertise events.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are making a large project, consider printing one letter per page.

• Make several templates if multiple people need to use them.

• For Greek letter shirts with layered material, make two sets of templates: one about a half inch smaller than the other.

• Always take caution using scissors. Cut away from yourself especially if cutting cardboard.

Resources

• Microsoft Word Help