Beginner's Guide to Monogramming Handkerchiefs

We’re sharing a beginner’s guide to monogramming handkerchiefs as we team up with some of our favorite creative ladies for the Handcrafted Society Blog Hop.

Last summer, I was sitting in the pews of a beautiful church surrounded by family members as we shared stories about a beloved uncle who had passed away.

We laughed as much as we cried and frequently passed tissues to each other as if we were playing an old school game of telephone.

As the service ended, I looked down and saw a dusting of white with tiny bits of tissue all over my black dress.

“If we weren’t in Florida, I’d swear you had been in a snowstorm,” my Dad whispered while laughing.

“I know!” I whispered back, “Who bought these tissues,” I said teasing knowing full well he had handed them to me.

On the way home, I thought about all the tender moments we use tissues and how I could have saved my black dress had I simply come prepared with handkerchiefs instead.

While I found a pretty set online, once they arrived, I wanted to find a way to customize and gift them.

As a beginner, monogramming handkerchiefs was a lot easier than I expected.

So, I wanted to share the process in case you wanted to try it too.

Here’s a look at a beginner’s guide to monogramming handkerchiefs.

A Beginner’s Guide to Monogramming Handkerchiefs

(Amazon affiliate links have been provided for your convenience. As an Amazon and Impact Media Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Any sales made through such links will support us with a small commission at no extra cost for you. You can read our full disclosure policy here)

Monogrammed Handkerchief Supplies:

Handkerchiefs (also available with pink and purple flowers)
Water Soluble Paper
Printer
Scissors
Embroidery Hoop (I use a bamboo hoop, but this budget-friendly set comes in multiple sizes with needles)
Needle
Thread

Monogrammed Handkerchief Steps:

Gather your supplies.

If you’re new to embroidery, check out this post by The Spruce, 15 Stitches Every Embroidery Should Know so you can familiarize yourself with all the different types of stitches.

Next, use a program like Word to create a monogram.

Word has a variety of pretty fonts for projects like these.

I used Monotype Corsiva for these handkerchiefs and tried Edwardian Script as well.

Once your monograms are ready, print them out on sticky water soluble paper.

Allow plenty of time for the ink to dry.

Using caution and care, cut out one of the monograms with scissors.

Next, secure the handkerchief in the embroidery hoop.

Then take the backing off your printed monogram and place it on the handkerchief.

Finally, prepare your needle and thread and begin monogramming handkerchiefs using the printed letters as your guide.

I use three strands of floss, a knot at one end of the floss, and the most basic stitch.

It’s literally under, up, and over.

Try not to stress too much if your back stitches aren’t perfect.

You’re a beginner who’s trying new things and learning!

Also, remember to tie a simple knot at the end of the thread once you’ve finished your monogram. This will help prevent it from coming loose or slipping through the fabric.

When you’re finished with all your stitches, remove the handkerchief from the embroidery hoop.

Carefully place the handkerchief under water to dissolve the paper your monograms are printed on.

Lay your handkerchief flat and allow it to dry completely.

Then iron, fold, and gift!

A Beginners Guide to Monogramming Store Bought Handkerchiefs-The Crowned Goat

How Long Do These Handkerchiefs Take…

Adding monograms to these handkerchiefs took me around 30-45 minutes each.

A Beginners Guide to Monogramming Handkerchiefs: Edwardian Sript-The Crowned Goat

Much like monogramming napkins, they’re a great way to ease into customizing linens, fabrics, and home décor items.

Creating a Thoughtful Gift…

What I love about monogramming handkerchiefs like these is that they can be gifted for all sorts of things, from Galentine’s Day to weddings and anniversaries to homegoings like the one my family celebrated over the summer.

They’re nostalgic and thoughtful, yet don’t take a lot of extra time to handcraft.

An Easy Beginners Guide to Monogramming Handkerchiefs-The Crowned Goat

So, the next time you’re looking for heartfelt items to include in a gift basket, care package, or you simply want to be prepared with something more substantial than tissues, consider monogramming handkerchiefs.

It’s a special touch that goes a long way.