Monogrammed napkins add a nice touch to the dining table. Though many make use of traditional single or three letter monograms, it is also quite common to use a small machine embroidery design such as a flower. Regardless of the choice of embellishment, napkins are quite easy to work with.
Monogram Size Typically 1.00 in height. The most common application is a single-letter embroidery monogram. Less common is a 3-letter monogram with the center letter being 1 in height and the two outer letters being 50 % of the height of the center letter. The center letter is the persons last initial, with the outer letters being their first and middle initials. Another variation is for a married couple, where the center letter is the last initial, the left letter is the wifes first initial and the right letter is the husbands first initial. The most commonly used embroidery fonts are embroidery scripts. If sewing a design in lieu of lettering, the design may exceed 1 in height, as long as it is tasteful and not overwhelming. Monogrammed napkins are meant to add a touch of class to the home decor, not serve as a billboard (subtle is good). Tone-on-tone machine embroidery is also quite popular with linen napkins.
Stitch Property Settings Napkins are generally constructed of a woven material, though heavy knits are gaining popularity.
Density 65 spi (may need to increase for knits)
Underlay Perpendicular (may vary when using a machine embroidery design)
Backing Tear-away stabilizer is preferred since the backside of the machine embroidery will be seen. For knit napkins, you will need at least two layers and may have to switch to cut-away stabilizer.
Topping Not necessary, unless the napkin is textured.
Needle 65/9 sharp-point is ideal for woven materials, but a 75/11 ball-point or sharp-point may be necessary depending on the fabric.
Placement 1/2" to 1" from the edge. Bottom center or angled in bottom right corner. |