How to Monogram a Vintage Apron with 4D Monogram & Vision Software

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Jennifer Stern, contributor

7 users recommend

Here's my "vintage" apron all ready to go into the box to send to my mom!

Jen Stern

I think the mix of fonts that make up the monogram combined with the delicate design above and below really work well on this apron.

Jen Stern

Here's what you get in the box--Installation CD (including the latest update to the 4D Embroidery software), instruction and inspiration booklet, product license code (don't lose that!) and the dongle (the key to the program--don't lose that either).

Jen Stern

Here's my "vintage" apron all ready to go into the box to send to my mom!

Photo: Jen Stern

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The number one thing that many sewers want to do with their embroidery machine involves letters--whether you're looking for the perfect font to embroider a name, or a monogram that goes beyond the "run-of-the-mill", you'll find it in this amazing software! Here's why I'm excited about this new program. First, it's really easy to use without skimping on features. You can personalize your monogram by selecting which letter(s) will stitch out smaller than the larger, full size letter(s)! Plus, you're not limited to a straight or diamond orientation. Choose among many different letter silhouettes--stack your monogram vertically or array it like a fan, it's up to you. To add even more interest mix up the fonts. Choose one for the larger letters and another for the smaller ones. You can also design two-letter monograms or a single initial.

One of the most frustrating things I've experienced when I'm embroidering fonts is that sometimes the spacing between the letters is not alway attractive. Not only can you move the letters closer or farther apart (in millimeter increments), but you can also move the balance of a name or word until it's in perfect alignment with the first letter. This is especially helpful when you pick an uppercase letter that has a lot of detail. Now you can snug the rest of the word right into perfect position!

If you are software-shy, there are excellent step-by-step tutorials included right in the program. All you have to do is click on the 4D Embroidery Learn Center button--It's located on the right side of the work screen so you don't have to search for it!

I have a vintage inspired apron that I've been meaning to embroider as a gift for my mom. I thought it would be the perfect project to show you how to use this software.

What you'll need:

• 4D Monogram & Vision Software from Pfaff
• A vintage (or not-so-vintage) apron to monogram
• Embroidery threads of you choice
• Soft tearaway stabilizer of your choice

Before we get started, I want to point out that you won't be able to see the tiny details in these screen grabs. I included them because they do show the process. There are two larger icons in the upper left edge of the computer screen--The top one is the ExpressMonogram Wizard and the bottom one is the Background Wizard. Click on the top icon to open the ExpressMonogram Wizard.

The first text box that opens offers you the opportunity to choose the style of your embroidery. Either select the monogram or the name option. If you select the monogram option, you will also choose the style of the monogram from the monogram envelopes in the window on the right side of the screen. I selected the name option, typing "Mom" into the name box. (By selecting the name option, the monogram envelopes are ghosted and cannot be selected.)

The next step is to select the fonts you want to use for your name. You have the option to use a different font for the first letter, or you can keep them all the same. (Similarily, you would have the option of selecting different fonts for the larger and smaller letters that make up a monogram.)

• Click "Next" to bring you to the second ExpressMonogram Wizard page--First Letter Option (or Full Letter Option if you were working on a monogram.) I selected Daisy, one of the multi-colored fonts for the first letter.
• Click "Next" to bring you to the third ExpressMonogram Wizard page--Name Option (or small letters options.)

After selecting a font for the rest of the letters (om), I noticed that they were too high and too far to the left, touching the first letter. Have not fear, the fix is a click away!

Click "Next" to get to the Set Name Orientation. You can fix the vertical position here by adjusting the Vertical Offset. Simply slide the arrow to the right to lower the letters, or to the left to raise them. In this example, I moved the arrow over to the right, lowering the "om" 33 mms. You can reposition letters up to 50 mm in either direction. You also have the ability to rotate the entire word on this screen if desired.

We're not done yet...Notice that the "om" is a little too close to the "M". To fix this spacing problem, scroll back to the First Letter Option by clicking the "back" button a couple of times. Increase the distance between the first letter and the rest of the word by increasing the number that is displayed in the Spacing After the First Letter box. I adjusted the number to 7 mm, moving the "om" just to the right of the first letter. I love this feature!

While I'm on the First Letter Option page, I'll take note of the thread color of the "M" so I can match the rest of the letters to in on the next page. By clicking on the green thread, the Thread Selection box pops up and I can take note of the thread color (40 wt. Rayon Sulky No. 2321).

Click "Next" to scroll back to the Name Option Page. Click on the red thread to access the Thread Selection box. Enter the thread color of the first letter into the Find Thread box (Sulky No. 2321). Press "OK" and all the letters that spell "Mom" are now the same color green.

Now, let's dress up our Monogram a little bit--Click "Next" to scroll to the Frames and Flourishes Page. There are lots to choose from--corners, frames, flourishes and side piece embroideries that really add personality to your monogram. I wanted to add a "flourish" above and below my monogram, so I chose Flourishes Duo--something light and scrolling to complement the Daisy Font I used for the Large "M". Finally, I changed the thread color of the flourish to match the thread color of the flower in the Daisy font (white).

The final page in the ExpressMonogram Wizard is the Design Preview, it provides information about the design--stitch count, dimensions and number of thread colors. You can also choose to remove overlap and color sort the design before you save it for your embroidery machine to stitch out!

Here's my monogram embroidered on the apron. I used the stripe in the fabric to help position the apron in the hoop. The basting in the hoop feature confirmed that I was perfectly straight! I picked colors that coordinated with the printed bird design that was already there...I'm thinking that I might need some free-motion thread painting to add some sparkle to the birdie, what do you think?

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