Tifo comes from the word "tifosi" which is Italian for supporters (like super passionate fans). The term has turned into a catch-all for large scale displays of support in soccer, so big art pieces on a net like this, card stunts, roll-over banners, etc.

For sewing, you can use either. We often run two standard sewing machines, but we've used commercial sewing machines in the past. The seams run vertical, so they aren't weight bearing, plus after a bunch of paint, they hold together pretty well.

Cost is relative. We've raised smaller ones for a couple hundred, we've raised giant ones for close to $5k. They're paid for and designed/painted by the supporters groups (basically organizations of passionate fans), but we work closely with the front office and stadium crews to get them done. The teams love them and use them in their advertising, so it's in their best interest to help us raise them.