Whether you are making a gift for a loved one or want to create something for yourself, there is something special about a monogrammed t-shirt. Adding your (or the recipient’s) initials to a plain shirt is a great way to personalize it and make it truly unique. Monograms come in several different styles, though, and when you’re working on a design, it’s important to make sure you do it right. There are also certain things that you need to keep in mind when monogramming t-shirts made specifically from cotton. Here are a few mistakes to avoid when monogramming cotton t-shirts.
Getting the Monogram Wrong
This is the big one. Depending on the style of monogram you are creating, the letters that make up the person’s initials need to be ordered in a certain way. There are several different styles and designs but, generally, monograms are usually either designed with the letters all the same size or with the middle letter being larger than the first and last letters.
Things are pretty simple if the letters are all the same size. The monogram simply goes in order of the person’s name. This means that, if the wearer’s name is Stephanie Dianne Williams, a monogram with letters that are all the same size should be written as SDW.
Where some people make mistakes is when the monogram features a larger center initial. In this case, it should be written as first initial, last initial, middle initial. Using the Stephanie Dianne Williams example from above, a monogram with a larger center initial should be written as SWD.
When trying to decide which style to use for your t-shirt, keep in mind that monograms with a larger middle letter are most often worn and used by women. Men tend to prefer the more straightforward monograms with all letters the same size.
Not Pre-Washing Your Shirts
If you are working with 100 percent cotton t-shirts, they may shrink the first time you wash and dry them. Failing to wash and dry prior to monogramming could result in the design becoming distorted or the shirt no longer fitting. Always pre-wash and dry cotton shirts prior to decorating, or purchase pre-shrunk cotton shirts.
Pre-washing also helps eliminate excess dye that could potentially bleed onto your monogram. If, for example, you plan on embroidering a monogram on a deep purple shirt using white thread, pre-washing could prevent dye from bleeding onto the design.
Using the Wrong Customization Method
There are all sorts of ways to add a monogram to customize a t-shirt. Not all methods are as good as others, though. Embroidery is one of the best ways to add a monogram to a cotton t-shirt. It’s permanent and it looks amazing. It’s also one of the more challenging options. You could use fabric paint or markers, but you need to have excellent art skills if you want it to look professional. Inkjet iron-on transfers work, but they tend to have a stiff feeling. And when you are doing a monogram, you will want to completely cut out the design, which can be extremely time-consuming. If you choose this method, you also need to be careful to not accidentally burn the shirt with the iron.
When you want to add a monogram to a cotton t-shirt that will look great and stand up to repeated washings, a vinyl cutter may be your best friend. With a vinyl cutter, you can create and cut out your exact design and apply it directly to the shirt. Using vinyl is an extremely effective method of customizing plain t-shirts, and it’s well-suited to precise jobs like monogramming.
Conclusion
Monograms are a stylish way to give a plain shirt an upgrade. Whether you are trying to create an amazing wedding gift, make something special for a friend or give your own wardrobe a new spin that’s uniquely “you,” adding a monogram is a great option.
Before you get started, make sure you have the letters in the right order. Pre-wash and dry the shirt you are using to ensure that it won’t shrink after the design is applied and to help prevent dye from damaging the monogram. Choose the right technique for decorating your shirt and, before you know it, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind garment that you or the gift recipient will love showing off.
