Varsity letter ring monogram hand embroidery pattern
Intermediate · 1 color · 26 letters
Download letter A (free PDF)PDF, US Letter · 7 KB
The capital letter A stands in a block face with square ends, inside a round frame: an inner line of stem stitch, then a band of 8 small satin stitch diamonds with 2 French knots between each one and the next (16 knots), and round them a rope made of a row of chain stitch between two lines of stem stitch. The letter is satin stitch, worked across each stroke. The whole design is worked in one color of floss, a deep teal.
Size and details
Intermediate. Some letters of the set have long satin stitches from a 5 or 6 inch hoop up, by the letter.
1 color of floss and 4 kinds of stitch:
| Hoop | Inches | Centimeters | Satin stitch up to |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 in (8 cm) | 1.8 × 1.8 in | 4.6 × 4.6 cm | 3/16 in (5 mm) |
| 4 in (10 cm) | 2.8 × 2.8 in | 7.1 × 7.1 cm | 1/4 in (6 mm) |
| 5 in (13 cm) | 3.7 × 3.7 in | 9.4 × 9.4 cm | 5/16 in (8 mm) |
| 6 in (15 cm) | 4.6 × 4.6 in | 11.7 × 11.7 cm | 3/8 in (10 mm) |
| 8 in (20 cm) | 6.5 × 6.5 in | 16.5 × 16.5 cm | 9/16 in (14 mm) |
- In an 8 inch hoop the widest satin stitch shape is 9/16 in (14 mm) across. Satin stitches longer than about 12 mm (just under 1/2 in) tend to work loose: divide the shape into sections, or work it in long and short stitch.
- In a 3 inch hoop the French knots are drawn smaller than about 2 mm (a little over 1/16 in). Use one strand of floss for them there, or choose a larger hoop.
- In a 3 inch hoop the French knots are drawn smaller than about 2 mm (a little over 1/16 in). Use one strand of floss for them there, or choose a larger hoop.
- In an 8 inch hoop the widest satin stitch shape is 5/8 in (16 mm) across. Satin stitches longer than about 12 mm (just under 1/2 in) tend to work loose: divide the shape into sections, or work it in long and short stitch.
- In a 3 inch hoop the French knots are drawn smaller than about 2 mm (a little over 1/16 in). Use one strand of floss for them there, or choose a larger hoop.
- In an 8 inch hoop the widest satin stitch shape is 1/2 in (13 mm) across. Satin stitches longer than about 12 mm (just under 1/2 in) tend to work loose: divide the shape into sections, or work it in long and short stitch.
- In a 3 inch hoop the French knots are drawn smaller than about 2 mm (a little over 1/16 in). Use one strand of floss for them there, or choose a larger hoop.
The pattern is drawn inside a circle about half an inch (1.3 cm) smaller all around than the hoop.
What you need
- DMC 3808 Ultra Very Dark TurquoiseInner line of the frame, diamonds of the band, knots of the band, two lines of the rope, chain stitch row of the rope and letter
The floss is six-strand cotton; the stitch guide says how many strands to use. You also need a hoop, an embroidery needle (a size 7 to 9 suits two or three strands) and plain cotton or linen fabric. To frame the piece in its hoop, cut a square 3 inches (8 cm) wider than the hoop: a 9 inch (23 cm) square for a 6 inch hoop.
Stitch guide
- Stem stitch 2 or 3 strandsInner line of the frame, two lines of the rope
- Satin stitch 2 strandsDiamonds of the band, letter
- French knot 2 strands, two wrapsKnots of the band
- Chain stitch 2 or 3 strandsChain stitch row of the rope
Getting it onto your fabric
The PDF holds the pattern twice at actual size: once as drawn, and once mirrored for an iron-on transfer pen. Print it at 100% with scaling off and check the one-inch square (25.4 mm) with a ruler before you trace. How to transfer a pattern explains tracing, carbon paper and the other ways. The files are under Downloads.
Downloads
- Download letter A (free PDF) A, PDF, US Letter, 3 pages, for a 6 inch (15 cm) hoop
- Download letter A, A4 (free PDF) A, PDF, A4, 3 pages, for a 6 inch (15 cm) hoop
For your own stitching, gifts and handmade pieces you sell. Do not resell or share this PDF.
Set from Graduate, an open typeface. Typeface credits and licence.
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