How to Embroider Letters by Hand
Embroidering letters by hand is useful for adding monograms to items such as linens and clothing, for a distinctive personalized touch. If you choose to embroider the letters by hand, you will find it a simple and satisfying process. Hand embroidery is an old skill that has largely been replaced by machines. When you hand-embroider letters onto a towel or a napkin, the result has a warm, organic quality that can't be matched by a machine's perfect, regular stitching.
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Things You'll Need
- Word-processing program
- Printer
- Linen to be embroidered
- Tracing paper
- Embroidery needle
- Scissors
- Embroidery floss
- Embroidery hoop
- Iron (optional)
Instructions
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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 available on your computer by opening your word processing program. When you find a font you like, experiment to determine the best size, based on the scale of your item. Print the necessary letters out when you have made them the appropriate size.
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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. 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.
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3
Choose the color of embroidery floss to begin filling in the letters with satin stitches. Thread the needle with this color, and do not knot the thread at the end.
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Sew the satin stitch by bringing the needle up on one side of the outline of the first letter, being careful not to pull the thread through the fabric. 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. Work the tail end of your thread through your finished work to secure. Change embroidery floss colors as desired.
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Stitch an outline around each letter after completing the satin stitch. Use the same color or a contrasting color embroidery floss.
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Remove the embroidery hoop, and press the fabric if necessary to finish.
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Tips & Warnings
If you need more tension when working your letter, knot your floss and put it into the fabric several inches away from the start of your letter. Stitch your letter and clip the knot after the letter is complete and the tail end is secured under the satin stitch.
Embroidery floss is not always color-fast. Hand wash your item in cold water to color from bleeding onto your item.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Fotolia.com
