About

Mary Corbet

writer and founder

 

I learned to embroider when I was a kid, when everyone was really into cross stitch (remember the '80s?). Eventually, I migrated to surface embroidery, teaching myself with whatever I could get my hands on...read more

Contact Mary

Connect with Mary

     

Archives

2024 (30) 2023 (125) 2022 (136) 2021 (130) 2020 (132) 2019 (147) 2018 (146) 2017 (169) 2016 (147) 2015 (246) 2014 (294) 2013 (294) 2012 (305) 2011 (306) 2010 (316) 2009 (367) 2008 (352) 2007 (225) 2006 (139)

Iron-On Monogram Transfers

 

Amazon Books

I love it when products geared toward simple yet tasteful surface embroidery hit the needlework market. Last week, I showed you a new line of surface embroidery projects out from Rouge du Rhin – kitchen towels ready-printed for embroidering. The same company is catering to the surface embroidery crowd with a line of iron-on monograms, too, and the ones they have out so far are pretty nice! So I thought I’d show them to you…

Monogram Iron-On Transfers

Rouge du Rhin is a French company. Here in the US, their products are available through The French Needle. Mostly, the company produces cross stitch products, but they also have a small line of interesting things for surface embroiderers.

Right now, they have two monogram alphabets available as iron-on transfers. This is one of them – a “block” alphabet adorned by leaves and berries. It’s pretty! The other alphabet is more script-like, and adorned with a ribbon & bow.

Monogram Iron-On Transfers

Each package of transfers comes with an instructional folder demonstrating how to iron on the monograms. Though the text is French, the pictures suffice.

Monogram Iron-On Transfers

Then, of course, there are the iron-ons themselves, which are printed backwards (which is normal). I haven’t tested the quality of the transfer because (just between you and me) I don’t generally use iron-ons as iron-ons. I use them as patterns.

I know, I know! It’s silly, to purchase iron-on transfers and not use them in their most convenient form! I trace them, because I like to keep the whole transfer sheet intact, and I like the designs to last longer than just the few transfers they guarantee. Of course, this doesn’t prohibit you from using them as an iron-on!

The letters are a standard “medium-sized” monogram, about 3″ high.

Monogram Iron-On Transfers

One page of the instructional book is devoted to stitch diagrams and explanations. The diagrams are typical for this type of publication – there’s enough there to get the gist of the stitch.

Monogram Iron-On Transfers

The best feature of the whole pamphlet (aside from the alphabet itself) is this little strip of images at the top of the back page. This is a “skill level key,” and I think it’s a Really Smart Idea. They show examples of how the monograms can be stitched, depending on the skill level of the embroiderer, and they suggest certain threads for the techniques illustrated at each level. Each of the skill levels produces a pretty monogram, but the techniques used require progressively more skill in stitching. I don’t think I’ve seen this done on commercial embroidery products before; I like the way it gives an option for interpretation and rates each option according to skill level.

These iron-on monogram sets are out there now, and if you’re looking for pretty transfers for marking your linens or for making gifts, you might look these up! The only shop in the States that carries their line is The French Needle. Needlework shops in Germany, Belgium, Canada, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, and Switzerland also carry their products, though. You can check for stores locations here.

Yes. I do like monograms!

On a side note, if you haven’t signed up for my give-away of Trish Burr’s new Needle Painting Book, today’s your last chance! I’ll announce the winner tomorrow morning!

 
 

Leave a Reply to Coeur de freesia Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*


(8) Comments

  1. Oh my! I have a little packet of iron on transfers similar to these, only full monograms (first, middle and last initials in a design) that were my great-grandmothers! She did cut some out and use them as iron ons, but she also traced them to use as well. I have the same initials and love to use them on my belongings.

    Thank you for letting us know about this lovely product, now I can do more monograms for myself and my family. My five year old daughter loves getting new monogrammed handkerchiefs from me.

    3
  2. Count me in as another Lover of Monograms!! I also use them as patterns (and never iron them on)! I teach a “monogram” course, and that is the tactic I use — to start with simple, but effective, stitches and materials up to the highly padded, over-the-top monograms. I have never seen a book/pattern approach it this way. Very good idea. If an embroiderer has an interest and patience, he/she can do ANYthing!!

    4
  3. i’m the same. i have scads of iron-ons. a large selection are vintage. would i ever cut them up? heavens no. i use them for patterns too. i love monograms so i might have to saunter over to the french needle. you got me going there long ago. true their surface embroidery selection is not large but what they do have is wonderful.

    5
  4. The French Needle is changing the Boutique I cannot find these to buy. I sent her a email to find them, also I tried to purchase them on the Rouge du Rhin website and they are not listed. So I am stummped. I also wanted those towels you featured last week.

    Thank you for showing us these, as always you have the line on the newest and best items to embroider. I am excited to find them, I am part blood hound I will find them. I just love your site.

    BJ

    6
  5. Where can I find the DVD and the book order place? I have looked at almost every link you have provided. I went to your web site, but I can’t find it. I would appreciate some information via email. Thanks.

    7
More Comments