Finding the Best Monogramming Machine

If you’re looking for a machine to sew monograms, you need an embroidery machine as this piece of equipment will do not only monograms, but other embroidery designs as well. So once you get a sewing machine for monogramming, you’ll also have the option to do other sorts of embroidered designs with it.

We’ve taken a look at the best reviewed embroidery machines to use for monogramming both for home use and commercial/professional use. If you're looking specifically for a monogram decal machine, we have reviewed those as well.

Home/Domestic Use

If you’re just looking to do monograms on personal items, gifts, home decor or other craft projects, a home embroidery machine with the right features is all you need to create great monograms. Each embroidery machine comes with different levels of features specifically for monogramming. If you would like to get more creative with the monograms you create beyond the features on your machine, you can use a monogramming software program to get different fonts and designs.

Take a look at our table of the best home embroidery machines to help you choose one or we've already selected the easiest monogramming machine to use.

Commercial/Professional Use

If you’re looking for a machine for commercial/professional use, you can get started with a higher end home embroidery machine, however if you will be doing large volumes, a commercial machine offers the durability and efficiency you need.

As monogramming is usually only done in a single or small amount of colours, a commercial single head, 6 needle machine will be sufficient. The more expensive commercial machines with up to 15 needles are really only needed if you will be doing other embroidered designs that may have a number of colours in them. You can still use a 6 needle machine for embroidery that has larger amounts of colours in them, it just means the thread needs to be changed more often.

Take a look at our table of commercial embroidery machines where you can sort them by price, number of needles, number of heads and other features.

How Much Are Monogramming Machines?

Monogramming machines can vary greatly when it comes to cost as there are a variety of features that they may have included with them, and if you’re looking for top of the line, you’ll be paying a premium. You can choose to purchase a machine that is intended for home use or one that is commercial grade. The price range can vary anywhere from 300 to 5,000 dollars. The lower end of the price point is going to those monogramming machines intended for home use as they tend to be slower and not have as many features as the commercial grade machines will offer.

Are Monogramming Machines Hard to Use?

If you already know how to use a sewing machine, the learning curve to start using your monogramming machine shouldn’t be too steep depending on the model that you purchase. Also, some allow for you to use computer programs to create your monogram designs, so your level of expertise will also determine how hard or easy it is for you to get started with a computer. The good news is that many of these models come with instructional guides and videos that you can use to get up to speed on your particular model. If you find that the instructions are lacking, you may want to check out YouTube or other online sources for helpful tutorials. Your dealer can be another potential source of information as some may offer classes.

When Monogramming Which Letter Goes in the Middle?

Traditionally, when monogramming a woman’s initials or a couple’s initials, the middle letter that is usually larger than the other two letters will be their last name. So, for Jane Ann Johnson, the initials would read JJA. A couple’s monogram for her and John Edward Doe would be JDJ. After her marriage, her initials would be her middle name and maiden name rather than her middle name, so it would be JDJ. Traditionally for men’s monograms, it can either be his initials in order or his last name in the middle. If the initials are in order, the middle letter is typically not larger than the other letters.

What Does a Monogramming Foot Do?

A monogramming foot can turn a sewing machine into a monogramming machine. It will attach to the sewing machine, and allow the user to see the stitches that are being made because it’s larger than the traditional foot on the sewing machine. It can also be used for other decorative stitches, creating eyelets, hemming, scallops, and heirloom stitches.

What is Cypher Monogramming?

Ciphers are letters in groups of two or more that have been combined in an artistic fashion, but the viewer can still identify the letters that create the cipher. These letter patterns are usually shown to be overlapping or they may be intertwined with each other. While they do connect, they do not share any parts with the other letters they are combined with in the cipher. This makes the letters distinct, but they may be formed in a particular shape to make the cipher work, such as two Os connected together like the Olympic rings with artistic flourishes.

What is Blind Monogramming?

Blind monogramming is when a monogram is embossed on leather without any foil or other other coloring to leave a contrast to the leather and the monogram. The monogram is just the indent that was made with the leather, and can be felt along with being seen as an indent hence the terminology of it being blind. There may be some burnishing in the area where the monogram was made, but that will be about it when it comes to color changes. This is considered a more classic style that is a subtle way of adding initials to items.

How Hard is Monogramming?

Learning how to monogram is taking up a new skill, and if you’re not familiar with sewing and sewing machines it may be a little more difficult for you to pick up, but that doesn’t mean it’s necessarily hard. The key to becoming a good monogrammer is that you need to practice with your machine when it comes to getting the design to fit into the hoop just right and the placement on the items you’re monogramming. Jumping right into using a new machine without practicing is sure to net you some mistakes, so take the time to learn your monogramming machine.

How do Monogramming Machines Work?

A monogramming machine works by taking the preprogrammed or software fonts, and then stitching your design. Each machine may work a little differently when it comes to the number of needles that it uses to create the design. For your part, you’ll start by creating your design. Then, you’ll use a hoop to center where you want your monogrammed design to sit on the item that you’re monogramming, and then, put the machine to work. Unlike a sewing machine, you shouldn’t have to guide the fabric or change the stitches. Most machines will handle this for you.