I just added a Hebrew monogram to one of my tote bags and thought I’d share how I did it.

The project was one of those “wouldn’t it be fun” ideas that’s bumped around in my head whenever I’ve reached for a tote bag over the past couple of years.

With the Hebrew letter pattern collection done, it was time! I used the letter sin, for Sarah, from the Hebrew letter pattern collection. I used it without the dagesh—dot—on top.

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Monogram pattern

Monogram fabric

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I used vinyl for the monogram because it’s hard wearing and it doesn’t fray so I didn’t have to finish the edges of the applique. Leather would also work.

Also, I happened to have some on hand in a cool turquoise-aqua color that works great with the tote (shout out to my fabric stash).

This vinyl is manufactured by Spalding. I picked it up from a fabric store some time ago, but it’s available on Amazon by the yard. It’s also available in some colors as 3″x3″ swatches. That’s a big enough swatch of fabric to make a monogram from a lot of the patterns in the Hebrew letter collection, although not all of them. For example, it would not be wide enough to make this sin. If you want to use the 3″x3″ swatch option be sure to check the height and width of the letter pattern you plan to use. 

How I made the monogrammed tote

Print the pattern

I used the Hebrew letter pattern collection. I printed a copy of the backwards shin/sin letter pattern and cut it out. 

Then I traced the pattern onto the reverse side of the vinyl. I used a transfer pencil for even though I was just tracing the pattern. The lead of the transfer pencil is harder than that of a regular number 2 writing pencil, so it’s less likely to leave smudgy bits on the fabric or my fingers. 

Cut out the applique

Here’s a tip I learned from my eighth grade shop teacher: Cut accurate inner corners by placing the tip of the scissors at the corner before you snip. Cut the other line of the corner in the same manner. 

Tacked the applique in place with glue

Pins will leave permanent holes in the vinyl, so to hold the applique in place I used a very sticky high tack glue that dries flexibly. I only used a small amount of glue and I kept it well away from the edges of the applique so the needle wouldn’t go through the glue later during stitching. (I went looking for a link to the glue I used, and it turns out the bottle I have on hand is one I must have picked up in London some years ago. I found a similar hi-tack glue on Amazon that can be ordered in the States.)

Stitch around the edges of the applique

I stitched around the applique a little less than ⅛” (3mm) from the edge. When you stitch vinyl, keep in mind that any needle holes you make will be permanent, so take your time. As you approach corners and work your way around curves you can maintain control by walking your machine using the hand controls.

A note about the sewing machine: Because the vinyl is a thick material I used my heavy duty sewing machine. You don’t need a heavy duty machine for this, but it’s my go-to machine when I use thick fabrics. I picked the machine up for less than two hundred bucks a few years ago, and it’s a dependable workhorse.

A note for needle aficionados: The vinyl manufacturer recommends using a 16, 17, 18, 21, or 22 gauge needle. I used a 14-gauge needle intended for leather because it’s what I had on hand, and that worked great.

Finish strong

For a neat finish, I used a hand needle to bring the ends of the thread to the back of the project.

Then, from the back, I inserted the needle with thread between the applique and project fabric and brought it back up again. I trimmed the thread close to where it emerged from the project fabric, and let the end of the thread bury itself between the layers of fabric.

I can not wait to use this tote out in the world. (And I’m thinking monogrammed tote bag Hanukkah gifts for my daughters.)

What in your life could use a monogram?

You can find the complete collection of Hebrew letter patterns ready for immediate download in the SewJewish Etsy shop.