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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Thank you for your tutorial, I’ve learnt heaps! What is the name of this font please? I’m trying to do applique smaller but am too stupid to figure it out! Tried sooooo many times! Thanks so much for your help!! Julie
Do you have the numbers and symbols also? I am adding a date to a project and need the “and” sign.
Thanks!
Hi Leanne, The letter “V” is above. Let me know if you have any questions.
Hi Julie,
You could reduce them to the size you need on a copy machine. That way you get exactly what you want. Each link for the letters has both upper and lowercase.
Hi Stasia,
Click on the link for the individual letter and it will have both upper and lowercase.
Hi Carolyn,
Each sheet has upper and lowercase letters.
Hi Sharon,
Each letter has upper and lower case on the sheet.
Hi Yvonne, The entire is included. Just click the links above.
Hi would it be possible to have the whole alphabet please, if not I would like S,T,E, V, O, P, H, I If I could many thanks Yvonne
Hi I love your letters as am currently making some bunting for charity. Please would it be possible to have all the letters both lower and upper case on sheets. So that I can print them out as I am using a hudl and it is proving to be a bit of a challenge.
Thanks Sharon
I love your alphabet letters. I would like upper and lower case. I’ll be making a few sets of them for my daughter who teaches Kindergarten. The kids love to hold things like that. I’ve made stuffed animals and also working on rugs for them to sit on the floor to read. Thank you so much for sharing…Carolyn
Upper case please 🙂
I love your applique letters and if it’s not too much trouble I would love to have a set of upper and lower case letters , approx. 2 1/2 or 3 inches high. I’m making a personalised beach bag for my granddaughter.
Thank you
I would love the letter v & s please. 😉
Thank you so much for sharing. If possible I would love to have a copy of the upper and lower case letters. I’ve been looking for the chinky look and these are perfect! I’m trying to make some birthday gifts for my grandchildren and these look like the size I’m looking to use.