An embroidered monogram turns a plain towel or pillowcase into an heirloom. In the Victorian era, marking linens with initials was both practical and decorative, and pattern albums offered thousands of letter designs. Here is how to choose a monogram style and stitch it.
Why Victorians monogrammed everything
Household linen was valuable. Sheets, towels and napkins were marked with initials so they could be counted after laundering and passed down through families. Over time the marks became more decorative, from simple cross-stitched letters to elaborate intertwined initials.
Three monogram styles
1. Intertwined initials
Two or three letters woven together into one design. The 1878 Monogram and Alphabet Album contains more than 1,300 monograms and alphabets, including many intertwined two-letter combinations.
2. Decorative single letters
One ornate capital, often with flowers or scrolls. Ideal for handkerchiefs and small gifts.
3. Cross stitch alphabets
Letters charted on a grid, worked in cross stitch on even-weave fabric. Thérèse de Dillmont, one of the most influential needlework authors of the 19th century, published albums full of these charts. Our Dillmont cross stitch collection includes alphabets, monograms and borders.
Stitching a monogram
- Satin stitch: the classic choice. Pad it first with a few running stitches inside the shape for a raised finish.
- Stem or split stitch: for fine outlines and thin strokes.
- French knots or seed stitch: to fill decorative areas.
- Cross stitch: for charted alphabets on linen or Aida.
Where to place it
- Towels: centred, 5–8 cm (2–3 in) above the hem or band.
- Pillowcases: centred on the open end, just above any border.
- Napkins: in one corner, set diagonally.
- Handkerchiefs: a small letter in one corner.
Transferring the letters
Print the monogram at the size you need and trace it with a water-soluble pen using a window or light box. For cross stitch, work directly from the chart. Filet crochet charts also make lovely cross stitch letters; see our guide to reading filet charts.
Find more lettering in the Victorian monograms & alphabets collection.