How to do Embroidery Monograms
An embroidery monogram is a distinctive way to personalize objects for your home or embellish a special gift to impress a loved one. Imbued with the traditions of the past, embroidered monograms reference a time when the upper classes educated daughters in the "gentle arts" to display their talents and affirm their status. Needlecraft remains a leisure activity; its products are labors of love sure to please their recipients.
A monogram makes use of initials to stand in for a complete name. For an individual, a monogram can be composed of one, two or all three initials. The family name is usually featured in the center in a place of honor, larger than the other two letters. When combining the names of a couple, hard-and-fast rules no longer apply. Be sensitive to the way the couple wishes to be identified as much as to the aesthetics of the design.
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Things You'll Need
- Monogram design
- Computer and printer or photocopier
- Pencil
- Tracing paper
- Tape
- Sunny window or light box
- Project fabric (tea towel, pillow case, handkerchief, etc.)
- Embroidery hoop
- Embroidery needle
- Wool, cotton, silk or acrylic threads,
- Scissors
- Steam iron
- Pressing cloth
Instructions
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Getting Started
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1
Size the monogram design using a photocopier or your computer. Print it several ways to get an idea what style lettering you like best.
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2
Transfer the monogram to your project fabric. Tape the monogram to a sunny window or a to light box. Tape the fabric over the monogram and lightly trace the design onto your fabric.
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3
Secure the fabric in an embroidery hoop. Taut fabric encourages even stitches.
The Monogram
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4
Thread the needle and knot the end of the thread.
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5
Stitch the monogram. Use the back stitch, the satin stitch, the padded satin stitch or consult a glossary of embroidery stitches found online or at the library.
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6
Remove the embroidery hoop and gently steam the monogram with your iron. Do not press. Use a pressing cloth to protect delicate fabric.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Use the back stitch alone or to outline the satin stitch. To do the back stitch, bring the needle up through the fabric. Make a small stitch by pushing the needle down through the fabric behind the starting point. Bring the needle up again, this time in front of the starting point. Push the needle into the starting point and bring it up a stitch-length in front of the first stitch.
Use the satin stitch to fill in small areas. Make strait stitches parallel to each other to fill in a shape. Keep the stitches short, don't overlap or pull too tight. The direction of the stitches is an important element of the design--keep stitches going in the same direction.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit handkerchief with pink monogram image by Maria Brzostowska from Fotolia.com
