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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 Letter Supplies
- Lightweight Heat n’ Bond Lite’ -this is a fusible web
- something to applique, a tote is used in this project -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.
- 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 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.
Printable Letters
You can use any shape but I used these printable alphabet letters. Each link below has the upper and lowercase alphabet letters.
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 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. You can hand or machine stitch the alphabet letters.
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.
Karen says
I have a set of Kimberbell alpha letters I have used over and over as I love to appliqué for the kids. Thank you so much for making these letter pattern for FREE! I have made pillows, bags and over 30 baby quilts which each child’s name on them.
Julie Blanner says
So fun! This tutorial was super easy to follow and gave great tips! Thanks for sharing.
wilhelmina says
This is so neat and fun! Perfect for my daughter’s backpack!
eden says
Such a fun craft!! Loved doing this, it was perfect for our aprons!
Mary Ann says
When do you apply fray check. Before sewing it to item or after?
Kristyn says
Thanks for the easy instructions! These would be fun to add to personalize bags!
Carrie Robinson says
These are so cute! I am not super crafty, but this looks easy enough to do. 🙂
Jessica says
This is so cute, I can’t wait to make one!
Kimberly says
These are adorable! I can think if several projects I’d like to use these for with my kids, thank you!
Laura Reese says
This tutorial is amazing. I can’t wait to monogram something. Thanks.
Connie Owensby says
Thank you so much for the letters to applique. It was the perfect finishing touch for my
granddaughter’s college graduation quilt.
Cindy Hopper says
So glad it helped Connie!
Rosie leach says
I’m trying to download the printable letters from your applique monogram post but I can’t. Is it possible for you to send to my email. Thanks
Carol Broyles says
You have made it so easy to understand how to reverse your letter with the heat n lite. I could not figure it out. I wish I could print the free letters.
Lora says
These alphabet letter sand numbers are exactly what I am looking for. Thank you. I love your website/blog and have signed up for your emails. Thanks for sharing your fun and great ideas.
Cindy Hopper says
Thanks so much Lora!
Susan J Y says
First attempt using ancient iron-on without original markings- ironing cloth with all the letters firmly stuck to it (moral – try just one first!!).
Second attempt, fantastic grandson’s name looking impressive. Many thanks.
P.s. do you want photos?
Cindy says
Yes, Susan please email me photos!