Since I’ve been on sort of a wedding registry kick, I thought it would be appropriate to write about monogramming your registry items. You probably know that you can monogram your bed linens, table linens and towels, but you can also have your monogram put on your china, barware and silver.

Before you decide to monogram anything, you need to decide how you want it to look. What design it should have as well as the number of letters. To make sure I give you all the correct information on this topic, I asked Jane Scott Hodges, founder of couture fine linens company Leontine Linens to fill me in on what couples should know about monogramming.

Q. What’s the proper order of a couple’s intials?

Many modern couples wish to forego the tradition of monogramming registry items with only the wife or husband’s initials, and incorporate both the husband’s and wife’s first initials. In this case, the proper order is wife’s first, married surname, husband’s first. The below example above would be for Jane and Timothy Hsu.

Q. What if the wife doesn’t change her last name to her husband’s? Can you create a monogram with just first initials?

If you have decided not to change your last name, and still want to create a monogram, you can have a 2-letter cipher designed. A cipher is when 2 letters are combined one on top of the other. A couple can combine their two last names or even their first initials – sometimes it depends on what letters lend themselves to a monogram best. An example of a cipher appears to the left.

Another option would be to do single initials, one on each pillow of the bed, as a clever “his and hers.” Single initials add interest and variety when mixed with more traditionally monogrammed items as well.

 Q. How does one select a monogram style?

One thing to consider is what type of monogram you like. There are typically two types to consider:

Appliqué is a needlework technique wherein the design is “applied” using fabric stitched to another piece of fabric. The applied fabric creates the design or monogram. Appliqué is a rare technique that is difficult to find.

Embroidery is a needlework technique wherein the design is stitched in thread. There are several stitch styles and techniques to allow for elaborate and complex designs. The thread itself creates the design or monogram. While embroidery is still commonly found, most embroidery companies offer computerized embroidery and only one or two different stitch styles. Hand and Hand-guided embroidery is much more difficult to find, but allows for much more freedom in the design, stitch technique, and complexity.

Q. Do you recommend one style over the other?

From a purely aesthetic point of view, appliqué tends to be more bold and graphic, wherein embroidery appears more delicate. Appliqué is more difficult to find and may be more attractive to you if you are looking for something more unique that will stand out amongst your peers. For both appliqué and embroidery, there’s a wide range of designs that will compliment your personal style.

 

To purchase linens for your home or as a gift for someone else, visit the Leontine Linens Web site.