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.
I would love to keep you fully stocked with creative ideas, yummy recipes, fun crafts, and loads of free printables. Subscribe to Skip to my Lou to get new ideas delivered to your inbox. Follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, and Instagram for all my latest updates.
Love , love . love your blog. So many fabulous ideas and I use them all the time. I especially love your paper crafts and cones. How was this years Valentines party. I can’t wait to see the pics!
Cute stuff, as per usual! Thanks!
I love your site! I have identical twin grandsons that are having their “1st” birthday party on Satureday. I was planning on making them inital t shirts so people can tell them apart. How lucky to pop in today and see this post! I would love the letter J for Jace, and a Q for Quinn! Thanks so much!
Love this — Could I have a T for my goddaugher and an E for my daughter. Thank you for sharing!
I love this idea. I’ve made similar bags here:
http://rainytuesdaymornings.blogspot.com/2008/09/very-hungry-caterpillar-bag.html
and here:
http://rainytuesdaymornings.blogspot.com/2008/09/quiet-bag-for-church.html
BTW – I just LOVE your blog and have made SEVERAL ideas from your site!
Love the bag! I also have some I purchased about a year ago. They were on clearence and I thought oh, I’ll use this for something! I would like to get the letter L, if possible? Thanks!
http://www.bowsbagsandthingsboutique.blospot.com
http://www.princesitascloset.blogspot.com
Wow I love all you great ideas! I’m not a crafty person, but I love to try! Thank you for all the ideas, and SIMPLE directions! I love reading your blog!!! I would love an H, L, and an O. Thank you again so much!!!
Lovely and super easy project!!!! Love it!
Thanks for sharing the idea!
So cute! Really fresh and crisp. I love the dotted fabric!
I’ve been going through a phase of personalizing things with embroidery, applique, and other methods (including some totes you can see on my blog!) so this one hits close to home. Thanks for sharing!
Very cute! I’ll take a letter M please! Love that font choice.
I am not a seamstress BUT I do think I could tackle this project! You gave great directions and it seems pretty easy to do. I’d love to have A for Anna. Thanks for sharing.
Fabulous idea! Love it! Thanks for sharing.
Not to mention seemingly simple too! By the looks of it, I would say my oldest daughter (8) would be able to help with this project. Thanks for sharing it!
Those look fun, and the best thing about buying something and then forgetting about it for years is that now it’s stash, and using it has become a virtuous thing!
I use a simple zig-zag stitch for appliques (I call it a cheater’s satin stitch!) and it works beautifully, and even lasts through all the laundering that the item may have to endure. I do love the effect that the machine stitch offers, too! Thanks for sharing!
Also, your readers will have a plethora of fonts if they just open up their Word program, type a letter, pick a font, enlarge the letter and print it out!