Updated November 24, 2020.
Ioften get questions about where and what to use as initials for signing a needlepoint piece.
Like an artist’s signature on a painting, this will generally go in the lower right corner. If your border is wide, you should plan on putting your initials there. If it’s elaborate, you might want to think of it as a frame or matte and put your initials in the corner of the main part of the design.
Picking the font is fairly easy. You don’t need to be too fussy about picking a font, unless you want it to be an obvious part of the design. I usually use a very simple and there are tons of charted alphabets available free online.
Based on the elements around your signature and the letters in your initials, I figure out what size I want (usually 9 stitches or less) and then look at the alphabets that fit.
When you are talking about smaller alphabets, they probably don’t have too much detail anyway, but I would look for ones that aren’t italic, script of fancy. In other words, plain block letters. I often use my bungalow alphabet, below.
Once you have picked out your font, you need to chart out your initials. Here you’ll have to make some choices: vertical or horizontal, in a border or not, initials touching or not. I’ve charted my initials for this post several possible ways, which do you like better?
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
Whitney says
I love the interlocking initals, Janet. Thanks to the links for the charts! I think I’ll use one for my husband’s initials on the belt I’m currently stitching him.
Janet Perry says
Whitney —
Glad you like them. The Interlocking ones are the ones I generally use.
Keep Stitching,
Janet
Ali says
Interlocking gives such a great effect! Just added to my current project! Thank you for the tip!