Alphabet Design Embroidery

The following templates of alphabet design embroidery were used initially by Victorian ladies to mark household linens. The beauty of the stitching, whether white on white or using colors, was so evident, it became common place for young ladies to embroider initials on handkerchiefs and other items to be used as gifts.

Ladies, who are able to copy, will have no difficulty in following these simple characters — in drawing and enlarging them on the material to be embroidered. Victorian ladies would have to use carbon paper to enlarge any design they chose to use. Today, luckily for us, the computer is great (and fast) for this. Even the simplest of graphics programs to do this with ease. Today’s embroiderer may choose also to use carbon paper or may choose to purchase transfer paper from the local craft store that can be used in a printer.

The instructions for making this alphabet design embroidery is as described in A Treatise on Embroidery-Crochet and Knitting with Illustrations, by M. Hemingway & Sons Silk Company, dated 1899:

In embroidering letters make a foundation with Persian Floss, and cover the design with Spanish Floss, taking the stitches in opposite direction to those made in the filling, giving it a slightly raised effect.