Classical Monogramming Course

Location: Hand & Lock School for Embroidery & Creative Arts, 86 Margaret Street, Fitzrovia, London, W1W 8TE
Duration: 2 Day Workshop  (10am - 4:30pm each day)

Monogramming and embroidered personalisation has long been a mark of style and individuality. For over 100 years Savile Row tailors have sent their luxury garments to Hand & Lock to be monogrammed and today initials are added to pyjamas, bath robes, wedding gifts, wallets, slippers, gloves, hats and more. A hand sewn monogram makes every piece personal and unique.

On this two day course you will learn the core skills of monogramming and personalisation. We begin with design transfer using the traditional Prick and Pounce method, a simple technique that can be applied to any future project. You will then stitch Block font in stem stitch, which forms the foundation of monogramming. Once you are confident, you will move on to Script font, combining stem and satin stitch with the help of prepared stitch direction diagrams. Finally, you will be introduced to a range of other fonts to put your skills into practice. All of your work will be done on a base of white fabric using fine cotton threads. By the end of the course you will understand the principles of monogramming and be ready to apply them to your own garments and gifts.

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• Please read all of the course description information above and the “How the Course Works” information below before booking.
• All courses are non-refundable. If you cannot attend, please let us know as soon as possible and we will try to move you to another course.

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This course was developed to preserve and share the long tradition of monogramming at Hand & Lock. For over a century we have created hand sewn initials for Savile Row tailors and private clients, and the demand for personalisation has only grown. From shirts and robes to wedding gifts and accessories, monogramming continues to be a way to make everyday items special.

We designed the course to give students the same skills our embroiderers use in the atelier. The aim is to provide a practical introduction that covers both historic techniques and modern applications so you can carry the craft forward in your own work.

• The fundamentals of monogramming and personalisation begin with a tutorial on design transfer. We teach you an ancient method called Prick and Pounce where you learn how to transfer lettering onto fabric. This is a transferable skill you can use for any future monogram in any context. Prick and Pounce is an ancient technique that predates even Renaissance frescoes.

• The first font you will learn is Block font. This font is stitched entirely in stem stitch and forms the foundation of monogramming and personalisation.

• Once you have mastered Block font you will be introduced to Script font. Script font combines stem stitch and satin stitch and follows our prepared diagrams showing the stitch direction for each letter. The fundamentals of these stitch directions can be applied to all monogramming projects.

• You will then be given a range of different fonts to practise with so you can apply everything you have learned. All stitching will be worked onto a base of white fabric.
  

Monogramming is one of the oldest forms of embroidery. From the start it was used to show ownership and status. In the ancient world rulers and merchants used initials and emblems to mark identity and authority. By the medieval period in Europe royalty and nobility were embellishing garments, linens and personal items so that prized possessions could be recognised and celebrated.

During the Renaissance and Baroque periods monograms became increasingly decorative with ornate lettering crowns and motifs turning them into works of art. In the 18th and 19th centuries they were closely tied to domestic life with fine whitework initials stitched onto trousseaux and household linens often as part of bridal preparations.

By the Victorian age monogramming was a clear symbol of refinement and pride. The practice carried into the 20th century as fashion houses embraced embroidered initials while new machines made it more accessible. Today monogramming continues in many forms from discreet initials on cuffs and collars to bold showcase pieces. It remains a timeless link between personal identity and centuries of embroidery tradition.

You will receive a full course kit with all the materials and tools you need to take part, so the only thing you need to bring is yourself. You will be able to choose your own colours for the design and work with whichever materials you prefer during the course. If you wish you are welcome to bring your own mug for refreshments and your own embroidery kit, though this is completely optional and not required.