How to Sew on a Varsity Letter

Sew your varisty letter on your school letterman jacket.

Varsity letters honor students who have played varsity level sports. Show off your varsity status by sewing your varsity letter onto your Letterman's jacket. The letter is typically a large "V" but there are other variations that correspond to the school. Since the letter presented to the student, students or parents must sew the letter onto the jacket. Because the letters are felt, it makes sewing a basic stitch a little more difficult. Create an elegant look and use the blanket stitch to attach the letter without the worry of it falling off as you walk around campus.

Things You'll Need

• Pins
• Needle
• Thread

Instructions

1. Pin the letter to the jacket in the spot and position you want. Varsity letters typically go on the sleeve and other insignia is positioned around the letter. The pins will keep the letter attached while you sew, as you sew along the letter simply remove the pins.

2. Thread your needle with a color of thread that corresponds to the colors of the letter and jacket. Most letters will be in school colors that will match or coordinate with the Letterman jacket. Pick a thread that is the same color as the felt, one that blends easily or thread that stands out but coordinates with the overall look.

3. Hold the loose end of the thread, about 1/2 inch, on one corner of the letter. Place your needle a quarter inch over from the loose end of the thread and push through the fabric of the letter and the jacket. Some Letterman jackets are double-layered and contain an outer layer of fabric above another layer of interior fabric. Sew the letter to the top layer of fabric only, if possible.

4. Insert the needle through the fabric. Then hook the thread behind the point of the needle. Wrap the thread around the back of your needle and pull downward through the fabric, this will create and added layer of strength to each stitch.

5. Move the needle over another quarter inch, and repeat the process until the letter is attached.

Tips & Warnings

• Have a professional attach the letter, if you are unsure how to sew.

• Always have a Letterman's jacket with a varsity letter affixed to it dry cleaned, as the colors of the felt on the letter may run if machine washed.

References

• "Threads"; How to do a Blanket Stitch; Kenneth King; Oct. 26, 2009
• "Country Living" How to Do Blanket Stitch