How to Embroider Letters by Hand

Embroidering letters by hand is useful for adding monograms to personal items. Monograms can be added to linens and clothing for a distinctive touch of personalization.

If you choose to embroider the letters by hand, you will find that this is a simple and satisfying process. Hand embroidery is an old skill that has largely been replaced by automated machines. When you hand embroider letters onto a towel or a napkin, however, the result cannot help but be of higher quality than what you would have with a machine.

Embroidering can be a relaxing craft with which to experiment. You will likely find it enjoyable and easy.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Word processing program
• Printer
• Linen to be embroidered
• Tracing paper
• Embroidery needle
• Scissors
• Embroidery floss
• Embroidery hoop
• Iron (optional)

1. Select a font to use for the letters. If you are creating a monogram, for example, you will typically use a script font. Look at the fonts you have available on your computer by opening your word processing program. When you find a font you like, experiment with it to determine the best size. Print the necessary letters out when you have made them the appropriate size.

2. Transfer the lettering to your linen using tracing paper. Determine the placement desired for the lettering, and place the fabric in the embroidery hoop around this spot on the fabric. Place the tracing paper face down on the fabric, and place the printed lettering on the tracing paper. Trace over the lettering carefully with a pencil to transfer the pattern.

3. Choose the color of embroidery floss to begin filling in the letters with satin stitches. Thread the needle with this color, and knot the thread at the end.

4. Sew the satin stitch by bringing the needle up on one side of the outline of the first letter. Insert the needle down into the fabric directly across the outline of the letter. Poke the needle back up through the fabric right beside the point you brought it up initially. Repeat the satin stitch to fill in the open spaces of each letter. Knot and cut your thread between letters. Change embroidery floss colors as desired.

5. Stitch an outline around each letter after completing the satin stitch. Use the same color or a contrasting color embroidery floss.

6. Remove the embroidery hoop, and press the fabric if necessary to finish.

Resources

• Tracing Paper