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 bagย tutorial.ย Making a tote is a super easy sewing project.
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What is Applique?
Applique is pieces of decorative fabric 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 -Iย 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.ย 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, and 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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Hello! I am so thankful you posted these! I am making coasters for my coworkers out of muslin with the first letter of their name appliqued on it, and these are perfect…I love your blog!
Thank you so much for sharing these templates. I am going to use them to make a Christmas banner.
Thanks for the letter templates! They were EXACTLY what I was looking for, I didn’t want to mess up on free-hand painting my sign, I’m a first timer!
Thank you so much! I am also having trouble resizing the letters that I need ( I am attempting to make matching t-shirts for my children and thier cousins to wear on Thanksgiving) I am putting accross the bottom of shirt sizes 12 mos – tyler other sizes, 4, 6, 8 & 10 (paul, evelyn , river & savannah) please advise… thanks again!!
I need letters E,J,L,N, & R first, but I would like the whole alphabet. Thank you.
I would love to have the letters H A N T R . Thanks in advance,
Helen Simmons
Thanks for the letters!
Thank you so much. These letters are perfect for my next project.
Yes, I too would love to have the letters!
Thank you!
I would love to have all of the letters if possible. I make purses and totes for craft fairs and would love to be able to add initials.
Thank you, I am making a quilted sign for my shop and needed easy letters to applique. Your letters are perfect. Great site.
I would like the letters c a t s and need to know how to download and resize Thanks
Thank you so much for posting these directions!! I’m working on a diaper bag and your instructions have been a lifesaver! I do have a question though. When do I put the fray check on?
This is so cool – just what I needed to make a nice pillow for my sick friend. Thanks!
Hi I love these letters Have never appliqued but am going to. Could you tell me how to applique letters onto a tshirt or pillowcase without going through to opposite side? I like to do the firetruck but cant figure out how to get pillowcase or tshirt to lay flat and only sew applique to top layer. Yes Iam a noobie.