How to Monogram Socks

Monogramming socks is a fun way to add personality to a plain pair of socks.

Monogrammed socks are a great way to complete an outfit. Monogram with an initial or name to not only personalize but also to identify socks to keep them from going home with the wrong person from the locker room or gym. In addition to monograms, you can add any small design to a sock with machine embroidery. Machine embroider socks with a team mascot in school colors for a great way to show team spirit.

Things You'll Need

• Pair of cuffed socks
• Sticky-back stabilizer
• Machine embroidery hoop
• Straight pins
• Water soluble stabilizer
• Embroidery machine
• Selected threads
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Hoop the sticky-back stabilizer in your machine's hoop. Leave the paper on while hooping. Be sure the paper side is facing up in the hoop.

2. Peel back the stabilizer's paper inside the hooped area to reveal the sticky part. You don't have to peel back the entire inside hoop area, just a center area where you will place your sock.

3. Unfold the cuff on one sock.

4. Stick one side of the sock onto the hooped stabilizer. To secure, press gently against the back of the stabilizer and on top of the sock. Note which direction the foot is facing. Your second sock will need to face the other direction.

5. Pin the edge of the sock that is on the stabilizer to the stabilizer. The pin should insert from the top of the sock, into the stabilizer, and back through the sock.

6. Pull back the top of the sock that is not adhered to the stabilizer to reveal the one that is.

7. Pin the top part of the sock back and away from the bottom part that is adhered to the stabilizer.

8. Lock the hoop into place on your embroidery machine.

9. Turn the embroidery machine on and set the name or initial to be monogrammed in the machine's font program. Rotate it so it will not be upside down when the sock is cuffed.

10. Use the machine's trace or outline function to be sure the design will stitch within the area of the sock stuck to the stabilizer. Make adjustments as needed.

11. Lay a sheet of water soluble stabilizer on top of the frame, then start the machine.

12. 

    Try embroidering other small designs to create unique socks.

    Remove the hoop when the design is completed. Tear the sock from the sticky stabilizer and tear away the excess water soluble stabilizer as well. Trim any loose threads and turn the cuff back down. Repeat with the other sock, making sure the foot faces the other direction when stabilizing.

Tips & Warnings

• Knee high and ankle socks don't have to be turned down, so pull the excess sock back before sticking the embroidered area onto the sticky-back stabilizer.

• After removing the first sock from the sticky-back stabilizer, just repair the hole left behind instead of re-hooping all over again. Cut a piece slightly larger than the hole, remove the paper covering, and stick it to the underneath side of the hole.

• The most common mistake when making embroidered socks is not paying attention to the "outside" of the sock. If the foot faces left when stabilized the first time, the second sock should face right.

• Be careful not to embroider over the pins.

References

• SWAKEmbroidery.com: Embroider on Socks