7/7/09

Monogram Tutorial

So my Fave Crafts link is gone! {aahhh!} SO sorry about that!!! I should have posted the original tutorial on my blog anyway - but I figgered "why do it twice?" So here we are - back to this same 'ol monogram frame - with instructions this time. I'm doing this from memory - so bear with me here.

This is probably the easiest project ever - a child could do it start-to-finish. So here's what I did:

1.) Find a cute font on your computer, type your monogram letter and increase the font size as big as you need it. I'd suggest staying away from curly, intricate lettering - stick with solid, simple ones. Print that out on cardstock, cut it out.

2.) Using the WRONG side of the letter (flip it over mirror-image-like) and the WRONG side of your felt, trace your letter. This way your markings won't show and your monogram will be facing the right way, too. Cut out your monogram.

3.) Iron a piece of fabric big enough for your frame. Using a tiny bit of fabric glue or tacky glue, secure your monogram onto the fabric by putting a little, teeny tiny strip of glue down the center of your letter. You don' t want glue anywhere else because you won't be able to stitch through it, silly. Gently press your letter onto the fabric and let it sit for a minute.

4.) Using 2 strings from some DMC floss or 2 or 3 strings of sewing thread, thread a sharp needle (not the blunt ones). I use the amazing Heather Bailey technique HERE, but do whatever works for you.

5.) Time to stitch! If you have a letter with a circular shape in the middle like "e", or "R" - start on the lower left-hand, inside line of the curve. So you'll stitch the inside edge of your curved section and then move on to the outside edge of the lettering without having to stop. Make sense? Now stitch your letter all the way around.

6.) If you're going to embellish your monogram, cut out shapes - mine was a little birdie - and stitch them on, as well, careful not to create too many layers if you're framing behind glass. If you're not framing behind glass, then pile it on, baby.

7.) Time to frame. Using your frame's glass as a template, cut out a piece of thin cardboard (like from a cereal box) and secure your fabric to the cardboard using spray adhesive or tape on the back. Secure your frame and you're done!

SO easy - now go out there and make a bunch. OH! I almost forgot - you can also make a banner with this technique, too - just sew right sides together with a coordinating fabric, leaving the top open, turn right-side-out, press, top stitch, and string the lettering together using a long string of bias tape.

19 comments:

Amanda said...

This is so cute! Thanks for the tutorial :)

The Barrow Bunch said...

So cute and so fun! How did you do your bird? Not a drawer, could you do a template.
Thanks!

Rachel@oneprettything.com said...

Very cute! I'm so glad you put it up here, I'll be linking.

Chandra said...

Hey, I just found your little blog and I love it! This project is terrific and I will definitely be doing it in my home, down the the little birdie and everything!! Thanks for the wonderful inspiration :)

Jeanne said...

I used this idea to make one for my granddaughter this spring. It turned out so cute! Thanks! I wish I could post a picture in comments but I don't guess that's possible...

KiwiLisa said...

LOVE this. I will certainly be blog-napping your idea for my daughters room.
:)

Terri said...

That's a great idea - thank you! :)

Joanna said...

This is such a cute idea!

Caley said...

Hey Abby!

So sorry about the broken link!! We've been moving some things around here at FaveCrafts into better organized sub-categories. Tracking down all the links is a bit of a nightmare. =0
Your tutorial is definitely still at the website here: http://www.favecrafts.com/Home-Decor/Guest-Project-Framed-Monogram

Unknown said...

this is great! i've been trying to think of something simple that i could make as gifts for people. i think this will work!

Carin Davis said...

ADORABLE!!!!!!! I am going to do this with my daughter!!! She will LOVE it!

Never A True Aggie said...

I saw this a while ago and recently went to the store to get the stuff. Was all set to get started and the tutorial was gone! Ahhh! Thanks for putting it up. I can now get started.

mandbrid said...

Just made it this afternoon...THANKS!!! It's a bridal shower present for my sister (getting married next weekend). I had everything on hand and threw it together pretty quick. It looks pretty cute.

Misti of Studio M Designs said...

This is so darn cute! If I start now, I could possibly make a few by Christmas. My pace is getting slower and slower these days! LOL!!! Glad I found you, it's my first visit and I love you already. What a great personality you have; it shows in your pictures and your writing! I'll be making some of these for sure.

~Misti

Tami (Pixeltrash) said...

Very cute. Love the bird. Maybe I'll have to give this one a go.

Have a great week!

As Told By Molly said...

Hello Abby! I am a native AZ girl, too, and love your style. So great of you to share your ideas, I look forward to checking back here often.

...I never thought of pregnancy as crafting, but I'm loving it and think I will have to borrow your button (I’m due in Oct.). I’ve been multi-tasking and didn’t even know it. ;)

krissygimenez said...

I absolutely love your blog! I stumbled upon it a wee bit ago and have been following it ever since. This is Such an adorable project, I can't wait to give it a whirl! Thank you for sharing this with everyone =)
Krissy G

Missy said...

I am new to your blog and have just spent the past hour looking through all of your fun stuff!
Thanks for some wonderful ideas!
I am definetly doing this one, and others!
You're awesome!

Anonymous said...

Itlook amazing...great job!


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