These monogram letters will take your projects up a notch by using them to create beautiful applique. Free printable letters make applique easy!
If you can’t find a pre-made tote I have a step by step tote bag tutorial. Making a tote is a super easy sewing project.
What is Applique?
Applique is pieces of decorative fabric are attached to another piece of fabric with decorative stitching.
Monogram Applique Letter Supplies
- Lightweight Heat n’ Bond Lite’ -this is a fusible web (found at fabric stores like JoAnn’s)
- something to applique, a tote is used in this project -I purchased the totes a awhile ago (okay years ago and found them in the “great craft room clean-up”. Find similar totes at large craft stores or make one. This machine applique technique can be used to embellish t-shirts, onesies for babies, aprons, etc.
- fabric
- iron
- sewing machine
- thread
- scissors
- pencil or pen
- printer and paper to print the templates
- printable letters templates
How To 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 to machine applique! I use interfacing to make monogramming simple. HeatnBond lite is a two-sided iron-on interfacing that has a paper backing on one side.
Make it Easy With Printable Letter Templates {FREE Download}
You can use any shape but I used these printable alphabet letter templates. Each link below has the upper and lowercase alphabet letters.
Click the link for an instant download PDF, and print the free alphabet stencil templates. They are perfect to cut out for a template. It makes tracing letters a breeze.
These cut-out printable letters have both uppercase and lowercase letters on each page. They are about 3-4 inches in size. The letters are simple using the best font for applique letters.
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 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 turning the fabric into a fusible applique letter. Flip the fabric letter over and it is ready to be attached to the background fabric.
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. You can hand or machine stitch the alphabet letters. You’ll see, sewing letters on fabric is easy and really makes your project stand out.
Machine stitch around the letter. If you prefer to hand applique a blanket stitch looks cute!
I used Fray Check around the raw 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 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 hope you will give it a try. Let me know if you have any questions.
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What a great idea!. I want to make my nieces and gransdon a bag with their initial. I think they would look good on throw pillows, pillowcases, or small personal quilts. I love all of your ideas. Thanks so much.
What a cute tutorial. Is there any way I could get a V? Thanks.
I really hate to ask, but I thought these would be cute done on pillow tops for ladies in my bible study…….and I am missing the W! I would certainly appreciate it. Thanks!
I absolutley love your font!!!! Could you please add g and n for me? Thanks!!!
Thank you very much for the idea! This such a great way to personalize anything, and very easily.
I also like Tracey’s idea about the zig zag stitch, this could add a really cute touch.
is it possible for you to do a W? thanks so much – love it
FUN!!! we can put that on EVERYTHING!!!
I just took an applique class! I would love it, if you could put up an I. My little girl, Isabella, needs one!
I have been looking for letter templates to do this for a t-shirt for my daughter’s swim team – these are perfect!! I still need a Y please. Love your website!!!!
thank you thank you for all your ideas. i love you website and have gotten so many great ideas from it. i have been wanting some letter templates so this is great. i love that you are so willing to share your brilliant ideas with us. thank you thank you.
How FUN! Thanks! I would LOVE p, y, i ,r 🙂
This is great! I’ve made two tote bags for my daughter for two years of preschool and when she goes to Kindergarten, I want to fancy-up : ) a canvas tote bag for her. This will be perfect. Thanks for the idea.
Oh these are great!I want to spell out my nieces entire name on a fabric backing and then frame it for her bedroom! I’d take a ‘ y ‘ when you get a chance… all the other letters are there already (maddy). Thanks for these clever ideas.
It looks like you’ll be doing the entire alphabet eventually — tee hee — but I’d like to request a “U” and an “R” for some projects I have in mind. Thanks for doing all the work and sharing it. I love this idea and see lots of applications (excuse the pun) for it.
Nice job. Thanks for taking the time to share with us.