I posted a new class to Skillshare this week about stitching custom monograms. I’m going to be teaching monograms in other formats later on this summer, so keep an eye on my calendar for those too.

I’ve always loved monograms. My mom has a gold signet ring with an “S” engraved on it. When I was a little kid I always thought it was for Stafford which is my family name, but it was actually for her great aunt Sarah Saxe. She’s worn it since she was 10 years old. Mom also always signs things with her initials and addressed Christmas packages to my sisters and me by our initials. When I sign artwork it’s almost always with my initials RSR.

The embroidered piece above was my grandma Muriel’s. Those are her initials and she probably did the stitching. I think this is an embroidered case for something delicate; it folds up like an envelope and snaps closed.

In my class I show how to stitch in a satin stitch like that one so you can do a really classic looking monogram. But I also show a couple more modern versions too. In one lesson, I use a chain stitch, which is a fun retro look. Chain stitch machines were really commonly used to do nametags on uniforms and jackets in the 1930s-1940s. Check out fast.doll on Instagram; she does fun demonstrations with her machine. I also show a backstitch and a whipped backstitch which are kind of the most modern looking versions. Lots of options for you to choose and design your own.