> Education Resources > Library > Application > Handbag 3-Letter Monogram

Handbag 3-Letter Monogram

Detailed Application Instructions

Personalized hand-bags are an extremely popular application for embroidery. And because it's considered a high-end product, the markups for this type of work are typically quite high. The challenge with monogramming a handbag is hoping, as many bags are made of materials that are too thick to get a proper grip with a standard hoop. In addition, the available space for embroidery may be quite small.





STEP 1:Determine Where To Place The Monogram
The first step is to determine where the Monogram can be placed. Discuss with the customer what their preference is. Carefully examine the area for any hidden obstructions such as straps, pockets, zippers, snaps, buttons, etc. Once you have identified a clear area for sewing, you can determine the boundaries of the sewing space, which in turn will define the size limitations for the monogram.

For a small to medium size handbag, the typical size is 2.5" to 3.0" in height with a total width not more than 5.0".





STEP 2:Determine The Monogram Style
There are two common styles of Monograms - 1 Letter and 3 Letter.

With the 1 Letter Style, the monogram is typically a person's last initial and is usually in a script style of font.

Traditional 3 Letter Monogram layout is: FIRST INITIAL - LAST INITIAL - MIDDLE INITIAL. The center letter is usually taller than the two outer letters, typically by 50%.

Alternative 3 Letter Monogram layout is: HUSBAND'S FIRST INITIAL - COUPLE'S LAST INITIAL - WIFE'S FIRST INITIAL. The center letter is usually taller than the two outer letters, typically by 50%.





STEP 3:Setup The Monogram
In this example, the Monogram was created using Tajima DG/ML Software By Pulse. The following property settings were used:

Font: Diana Script
Height: 2.5"
Pull Comp: 100%
Underlay: Perpendicular & Zig-Zag
Letter Width Compression: 80%
Total Width: 5.0" (The Text Box was manually adjusted.)

Your actual settings will be determined by the style of Font and the type of Fabric.





STEP 4:Hoop And Sew The Bag
For a hand-bag, there is no better method of hooping than to use a Clamping System such as the one manufactured by Hoop Tech. In this example the TSC-2 base with a 7.5" x 6.0" window was used. For lightweight cotton hand-bags you may be able to use tubular hoop, but for the thicker fabrics, and for materials such as nylon, leather and cordura, a standard hoop will generally not be reliable. A Window Frame system, such as Hoop Tech's 7 In 1 system can be used as well, though a clamp is much easier to work with. (For more information about the Hoop Tech Clamping System or Window Frame System, visit the Hirsch Online Store.)

Backing will be chosen based on the fabric. A hand-bag made of a stable woven fabric or leather, will generally need only a lightweight tear-away or in many cases none at all. A Topping will only be used for fabrics that are textured.