Cut Out Monogram

Prewash all towels. Select desired size and style of monogram in a word processing computer program. Print letter and place on towel to ensure proportions are visually appealing. Pin letter to washcloth, hand towel or towel selected in a color that contrasts with the towel that will be monogrammed. Use sharp scissors to cut around letter, leaving about 1/4-inch border. Remove pins and paper from letter. Trim and clean edges with scissors, if necessary. Tip: Select a block letter style. A font with lots of curves, details and skinny lines will be hard to cut and sew.

Pin Monogram

Center monogram cut-out on towel about an inch or two above bottom border. Pin letter into place, making sure it's straight and centered.

Sew Monogram

Set sewing machine to straight-stitch setting. Since terrycloth can bunch easily, use a long stitch for this step. Using a thread color that matches monogram, sew around letter perimeter, tacking it into place. Remove pins. If letter accidentally shifted while sewing, use a seam ripper, reposition letter and sew again. Once letter is tacked into place, trim edges, if necessary, to make them sharp. Tip: Terrycloth will unravel and shed a lot. Trimming the edges on this step will give a neater edge and minimize bulk for step 4.

Cover Raw Edges

To prevent shedding and give the monogram a clean edge, sew around perimeter of letter. Use a thread that matches monogram and set sewing machine on a zigzag stitch with a 0 stitch length. Allow machine to sew back and forth over edge of monogram, making sure all raw edges are covered. Trim loose threads. Tip: If using zigzag setting for first time, practice on an old towel or piece of fabric until satisfied with results. Terrycloth can be a challenge to work with, but using it for the monogram makes the entire towel absorbent, so it's functional and looks great.