Monogrammed Scarves: How to Embroider a Personalized Scarf

A monogrammed scarf is one of those gifts that looks expensive but takes less than an hour to make. A plain scarf, a pretty monogram font and maybe a frame are all you need. Below you will find how to embroider a scarf so it looks good on both sides, plus scarf ideas from Apex customers.

Choosing a Scarf to Embroider

Two styles are easiest to work with:

• Traditional long scarves and pashminas. The ends hang flat and give you a natural spot for a monogram.
• Infinity scarves. A single loop with no ends. Embroider on the part that sits at the front of the neck, away from the seam.

Fleece, acrylic knit and soft cotton blends are the most forgiving. Very sheer or silky scarves can be done, but they need wash-away stabilizer and a light, open design.

What You Need

• A plain scarf (see above)
• A monogram font, and a frame if you want one. Browse our monogram embroidery fonts.
• Stabilizer suited to the scarf fabric (see step 1 below)
• Embroidery thread and a matching bobbin
• A 75/11 needle, or a ballpoint needle for knits
• Temporary spray adhesive if you plan to float the scarf
• A water-soluble marking pen

How to Embroider a Scarf

1. Pick the right stabilizer

Scarves are seen from both sides, so you want as little stabilizer left behind as possible.

• Fleece and thick knits: a water-soluble topper to keep stitches on top of the pile, with tear-away or no-show mesh underneath.
• Thin knits and pashminas: no-show mesh cutaway, trimmed close after stitching.
• Sheer or silky scarves: fibrous wash-away stabilizer that rinses out completely.

Read our Stabilizer 101 guide if you are unsure which is which.

2. Mark the placement

For a long scarf, center the monogram 3 to 4 inches above the bottom edge of one end, so it shows when the scarf is worn. Mark the center with a water-soluble pen or a pin.

3. Hoop or float

Thin scarves can be hooped with the stabilizer. Thick fleece is better floated: hoop the stabilizer alone, spray it lightly with temporary adhesive and smooth the scarf on top. Keep the rest of the scarf rolled up and out of the way of the needle. See how to use an embroidery hoop for more on hooping and floating.

4. Match the bobbin

Because the back of the scarf shows, wind a bobbin in the same color as your top thread, or a color that blends with the scarf.

5. Finish the back

Trim or rinse away the stabilizer. For scratchy knits, you can iron a soft fusible backing over the stitches so they do not rub against the neck.

Idea 1: Monogram with a Frame

A frame around the initials makes the monogram stand out, especially on busy knits. We love these scarves made by one of our customers:

Eiffel Tower (center scarf): our Eiffel Tower frame with the Master Circle font gives a classic, elegant look.

Anchor (left and right scarves): an anchor frame from our Anchor Frame Pack with the Curlz Circle Embroidery Font.

More frames that work well on scarves:

• This charming Circle Frame comes in three sizes.
• The Penguin Applique Frame is a sweet choice for little girls.

Browse all embroidery frames and accents.

Idea 2: Monogram Only

Keep it simple and classy with just the initials or a name.

The scarf above uses our Circle Full Embroidery Fonts. These fonts are other customer favorites:

• Double Satin embroidery font, elegant enough for any age.
• Round embroidery font, a fun, bold circle monogram.
• Giggles embroidery font, a playful choice for teens.
• Circle Stacked Monogram Embroidery Font, a stacked circle monogram that fits neatly on a scarf end.

For help choosing a monogram style, read how to choose the right monogram embroidery font and how to embroider monograms step by step. Our interlocking fonts guide covers another popular scarf look.

Idea 3: A Seasonal Design

Monograms not your thing? A winter or holiday design makes a scarf into a seasonal accessory. Look through our Christmas embroidery designs or pick her favorite animal from our animal designs.

• Our Snowflake applique adds a fun fabric print to a plain scarf.
• Let everyone know who your little angel is with a design from our Angel Embroidery Designs Bundle.

For more holiday ideas, see our top 25 Christmas embroidery designs.

Monogrammed Scarf FAQ

Where should a monogram go on a scarf?

On a long scarf, center it 3 to 4 inches above the bottom edge of one end. On an infinity scarf, place it on the section that sits at the front, away from the seam.

What size monogram looks best on a scarf?

Two to three inches tall works for most adult scarves. Go smaller on thin, drapey scarves so the stitching does not stiffen the fabric.

Can I embroider a cashmere or silk scarf?

Yes, but use a light, open design, a fine needle and a wash-away stabilizer. Test on a scrap of similar fabric first.