Initials and Simple Lettering

What you will learn

• Stitching smooth letter curves
• Choosing stitch by letter size
• Handling joins and crossings

Materials and tools

• 5 in (13 cm) embroidery hoop
• Light cotton or linen
• Embroidery needle size 7
• Floss in one or two colours
• Water-soluble pen
• Printed letters to trace

Template

1. Print or handwrite your letters 1 to 2 in (2.5 to 5 cm) tall. Simple shapes without thin serifs are easiest. Trace them onto the fabric and hoop it.
2. Pick the stitch by size. Under 1/2 in (12 mm) tall: backstitch with 1 or 2 strands. Around 1 in (2.5 cm): backstitch, stem stitch or split stitch with 2 or 3 strands. Thick block letters: outline in split stitch, then fill with satin stitch.
3. Stitch each stroke in the direction you would write it.
4. Shorten stitches round curves, to about 1/8 in (3 mm).
5. Where strokes cross or meet, end the stitch exactly at the junction and start the next stroke from the same hole.
6. Do not carry thread across the back from one letter to the next on light fabric. Finish off and restart.
7. For a raised cord effect, whip the backstitch with a second thread.

Tips for a neat result

• Dot the i with a French knot.
• Thin fabric shows trailing threads. Hold the hoop to the light to check before you move on.

Common mistakes and fixes

Check your result

• Lines are smooth and joins are clean.
• No dark threads show through between letters.

Finishing and care

• Rinse out any pen marks in cool water before the piece meets an iron. Heat can set some inks.
• Wash by hand in cool water with a little mild soap. Do not wring. Roll in a towel to remove water.
• Press face down on a folded towel so the stitches are not flattened, with the iron set for the fabric.