These monogram letters will take your projects up a notch by embellishing them with applique. Printable letters make applique easy!
What is Applique?
Pieces of decorative fabric are attached to another piece of fabric with decorative stitching. I made one of these monogrammed totes for a little birthday gift and it was quick and easy. You can even include a coordinating crayon roll.
I purchased the totes awhile ago (okay years ago and found them in the “great craft room clean-up”). Find similar totes at large craft stores. Use this machine applique technique to embellish t-shirts, onesies for babies, aprons etc. No worries if you can’t find a premade tote bag. I have a step by step tote bag tutorial. Making a tote is a super easy sewing project.
Monogram Letter Supplies
- Lightweight Heat n’ Bond Lite’
- something to applique, a tote is used in this project
- fabric
- iron
- sewing machine
- thread
- scissors
- pencil or pen
- printer and paper to print the templates
- printable letters templates
Applique Step by Step
It just a few easy steps you can embellish a variety of projects. You won’t believe how easy it is! I use interfacing to make monogramming simple. HeatnBond lite is an two-sided iron-on interfacing that has a paper backing on one side.
Printable Alphabet Letters
You can use any shape but I used these printable letters. Each link below has the upper and lowercase letter. Click, download and print the free printable alphabet stencils templates. They are perfect to cut out for a template. It makes tracing letters a breeze.
Types of machine applique
Here are three different types of applique that you can use to monogram your projects with these letters.
Straight Stitch Applique
For this project, I am using a technique called straight stitch applique. It is the simplest method and easily dressed up any project. Once washed the edges of the fray can fray giving texture and interest. No worries if you don’t like that I show you what product to use to prevent fraying below. Another example of the straight stitch without interfacing is on this birthday hat.
Zig Zag Applique
These monogram letters could also be zig-zag appliques. This technique keeps the edge of the fabric from fraying. The stitch length on the sewing machine can be adjusted to sew a wide zigzag or close together to make a satin stitch.
Reverse Applique
I think reverse applique gives a wow. I think it is especially great for felt projects. You can see how I used reverse applique for this birthday crown.
How to machine applique monogram letters
Trace your letter onto the paper (smooth) side of the HeatnBond Lite. The letter must be reversed. Following the HeatnBond instructions, iron it to the wrong side of the fabric that you want to applique to the tote.
Cut out the letter and peel off the paper.
There is now adhesive on the back (wrong) side of the letter. Flip the letter over and it is ready to go.
Again following package instructions, iron your letter to the tote bag. Keep the letter towards the top so you are able to easily sew with the sewing machine.
Machine stitch around the letter. You can also hand stitch around the letter. A blanket stitch looks cute!
I used fray check around the edges to keep the fabric from fraying. You might decide to let the edges fray—–it looks good too!
Finished! It is so quick and you have a really useful gift. These monogram letters could be used to monogram towels, shirts, blankets. The possibilities are endless.
I hope you will give it a try. Let me know if you have any questions.
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