Two Free Alphabets and Making Monograms

Did you know that if you have two alphabets similar in style but different in height and width, it’s easy to combine them to make two-letter monograms? That’s exactly what a vintage cross stitch book suggests doing with this week’s alphabets. Both of them work fine on their own, and together they make magical monograms.

Remember to click on the alphabet pictures for the full- size charts.

Tall & Narrow Alphabet

This alphabet is straightforward, with a clean modern look. Along with monograms, it would also work really well for samplers.

These letters are 18 stitches high.

Wide Embellished Alphabet

This wide alphabet is a bit more embellished, with additional curves and flourishes. It is still very clean and modern. It makes a great pairing with the tall & narrow alphabet. Because it is only nine threads high, you will want to combine it with either small (5 thread) capitals or lower case letters to make words.

Making the Monogram

When planning your monogram, be sure to pick two different colors of thread, one for each letter. A single color only works well in needlepoint if the letters are arranged in a single line, like a word. If the letters are superimposed or intertwined, additional colors are needed to define each letter.

Assign one color and alphabet to each letter in the monogram. By convention the larger letter should be the last name. It will stand out nicely if it ids the more attention-getting thread as well.

Get graph paper or use charting software to try out the combination. Most sample monograms, such as the combinations shown here, assume the letters are squares or rectangles and center accordingly. While this works for most pairs, it will not work for all of them, so be prepared to make more than one monogram to find the best.

Find the center of both letters. When you chart the centers should line up.

Come back next week for more great vintage charts!