How to Monogram Handbags

It's easy to add monograms to handbags for personalized gifts.

You don't have to be a sewing expert or even have embroidery supplies to create a monogrammed handbag. All you need to create homemade, thoughtful gifts for friends, family members or bridesmaids is an empty canvas handbag and a few supplies. Remember to keep the rules of monogramming in mind when you buy your supplies: The first letter of the person's last name is larger and placed in the center of the monogram with the first letter of the first name to the left of it and the first letter of the middle name to the right.

Things You'll Need

• Canvas handbag
• Doily
• Spray adhesive
• Fabric paint
• Sponge brush
• Letter stencils
• Masking tape

Instructions

1. Purchase a solid-colored canvas handbag from an online retailer or at a local craft store. Wash and iron the handbag.

2. Lightly coat one side of a doily with spray adhesive. Press the doily onto the corner of the handbag so it leaves a partial circle empty space on that corner. Dip a sponge brush in a complementary color of fabric paint and coat the front side of the doily in paint so the paint seeps through the holes in the doily and onto the canvas handbag.

3. Remove the doily and allow the pattern to dry for about six hours. Position the three letter stencils inside the doily pattern on the handbag to create a monogram. Place the larger letter of the person's last name in the center with the first letter of her first name to the left and the first letter of her last name to the right. Tape the stencils onto the handbag with masking tape. Use either cursive letter stencil styles or plain text, depending on how much you want the monogram to look as if it has been embroidered rather than painted.

4. Paint the empty spaces inside the letter stencils with the same color of complementary fabric paint and a small paintbrush. Remove the stencils and allow the paint to dry completely, about six hours.

5. Fill the handbag with candles, lotions and soaps or give it to the person as is.

References

• Embroidery Arts: Rules of Monogramming
• Tidy Mom: Monogram Stenciled Canvas Bag

Resources

• Bags Purses Totes: Personalized Bridesmaid Gifts
• Parrott Canvas Company: Totes and Handbags