Are you a fan of monograms? If so, I am sharing all my tricks to teach you how to make a monogram using Cricut Design Space! You can carry this method over to almost any design program and I am sharing interlocking monograms and circle monograms with a picture tutorial + video!
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Monograms are a fun and trendy way to add personalization to any project! From wine glasses and coffee mugs to shirts and hats. You may even see monogrammed car decals! If you have a blank, a monogram can go on it!
You can find many things to personalize in my Amazon Shop!
If you don’t already have Cricut Design Space you can download it for free here. You will first need a Cricut ID if you do not have one already.
In fact, you can find a monogram maker and monogram generators online but you have very limited ability to edit what it produces. Once you see how easy it is to make a monogram yourself you will never make one another way.
What Is a Monogram?
A monogram is a person’s full name initials in a precise order! In general, monograms are laid out first initial, last initial, middle initial. By all means, you can read in detail everything about monograms and how monograms differentiate from initials, different styles, design elements, and more on this post here.
You can also find my favorite 30 Free Monogram Fonts, How to Install those fonts on your Computer, as well as FREE SVG Monogram Border SVGs.
Ideas to Monogram:
Really it would be faster if I listed items you couldn’t monogram! Here are a few of my favorites! You can use your Silhouette or cricut machine to cut the monogram to apply in iron-on or adhesive vinyl. You can also laser engrave many of these items with an xTool laser.
- Mugs
- Tumblers
- Tote bags
- Hats
- Phone Cases
- Car Decals
- Wine Glasses
- Pillows
- Linens
- Ornaments
- Blankets
- Shirts
- Shorts
- Sweatpants
- Swimsuits
- Beach Towels
- Binders
- Wallets
- Stationary
- Backpacks
- Robes
- Logos
You can find lots of items to personalized here in my Amazon Shop!
Besides cutting the monogram borders with your Cricut or Silhouette machine from craft vinyl or iron-on you can also use the .png file to create cards, stationery or wedding invites.
Monogram Maker Video
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The tutorial below is using Cricut Design Space. This is the same process for Adobe Illustrator, Silhouette Studio, Embroidery software, Word Document, or any other program you can add and manipulate text! Ultimately, don’t worry if you are not #teamcricut!
How to Make a Monogram in Cricut Design Space
Time needed: 5 minutes
- Download your favorite monogram font.
Start by choosing your font. You can find awesome ones on my 30 FREE Monogram Fonts post! You can find details on how to install them on your computer here.
- Open Cricut Design Space to a blank canvas.
- Type your FIRST NAME INITIAL using the Text Tool.
- Select your font.
Next, with the initial text selected, choose your font (Monogram) from the font drop-down located in the text layer panel. I like to size this first initial at 1.25 inches.
- Add the MIDDLE name initial.
While that initial is selected, click Duplicate in the Layers panel and change the text to the middle initial letter.
- Add the LAST name Initial.
Repeat Step 5 for the LAST initial and change the size to 1.75 inches.
- Center the Three Initials
For alignment, I like to start by selecting all three initials and aligning the vertical centers of the letters. From there I can use my mouse or my arrow keys to adjust as needed.
- Weld or Attach Your Initials
For Interlocking Monograms (pictured above) where your paths are overlapping, you want the monogram to cut as one piece versus 3 pieces. To accomplish this, we will select all three initials and choose the WELD tool at the bottom of the Layers Panel.
For Non-Interlocking Monograms (ex. circle monograms) where your paths are not overlapping, you want the monogram to cut as it appears on your Canvas screen. To accomplish this, we will select all three initials and choose the ATTACH tool at the bottom of the Layer’s Panel.
- Make It! Cut Your Design.
Lastly, click the Make It button in the top right and follow the instructions in Design Space to cut your finished design! If you think you will use this again, don’t forget you can SAVE it in your projects in Cricut Design Space.
NOTE: If using Iron-on, don’t forget to MIRROR your design!
Supplies for Pesonalized Projects:
- Cricut Machine (Maker or Explore)
- Adhesive Vinyl & Transfer Tape
- Iron-on
- Weeding Tools
- EasyPress & Mat
- Your favorite blank
If you need detailed instructions on cutting a specific material on your Cricut machine, you can find more Cricut Tutorials here:
- Cut Vinyl on a Cricut
- How to Cut Iron-On
- Master the Print then Cut Feature
- How to Curve Text in Cricut Design Space
More application tutorials here:
Get more Cricut Tutorials!
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Comments & Reviews
Kelly from JooJoobs says
Hi Cheryl,
Thanks for the awesome tutorial. We’re Cricut newbies so every bit of guidance helps.
Pinned and followed!
Kindest Regards
Kelly
Cheryl Spangenberg says
You are so welcome Kelly! Glad to have you along for the fun!
SelieneHacker says
Hi Cheryl
Thank you for the tutorial. Question, I am stuck on the last step. When I weld them they do not interlock. All the letters are selected & I am using the same font. Any idea of what I am doing wrong? Thank you
Cheryl Spangenberg says
In order for the weld tool to work, the letter’s edges (paths) must be overlapping. Are yours overlapping? If they are not you will just use the “attach” tool to keep them in place.
Seliene Hacker says
It worked. Thank you
Cheryl Spangenberg says
Great Seliene!
joanne Kerr says
Thank you so much!!! Can you please tell me how to change the letter one e you duplicate it?
Thanks!!
Cheryl Spangenberg says
Hi Joanne, after you duplicate, select the duplicate letter and double click, the text box will open and you can adjust the letter there.
joanne says
Thank you bunches!!! I so appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge!!
Cheryl Spangenberg says
You are very welcome, Joanne!
Lori says
THANK YOU! I couldn’t figure this out for the life of me! Just got this awesome machine!
Cheryl Spangenberg says
You are welcome, Lori!
Chelsea says
What font is it that you are using?
Cheryl Spangenberg says
It’s in the screenshot there, Monogram KK. It’s on my list of 30 Free monogram fonts!
CINDY GROH says
Thank you for this.
Cheryl Spangenberg says
You are welcome Cindy!
Therese says
What do I do after I download the fonts? I don’t know how to see the font in Cricut Design Space.
Cheryl Spangenberg says
Hi Therese, Step 4 shows where to select the font. Click that dropdown and make sure you have “all” or “system fonts” selected and you will see your downloaded font there to select.
Laura Angelo says
Thank you for not being so complicated! I love how short and right to the point you are, it makes it so easy to comprehend. I am very new at this and I can’t wait to watch more of your videos. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!! Xoxo
Cheryl Spangenberg says
Laura that makes me so happy! Thank you for the nice compliment! I know how valuable time is and I just want to give you the info and move on! I am not big on the fluff! So happy to have you here!
Lyn says
Thank you for all of your help. I was able to make a monogram. I am not having a problem actually creating the monogram. What I need help with is adding these monograms to the circuit design center. I downloaded the monogram on my computer and when I go to design space there isn’t a dropdown to select it like it shows in your video.
Cheryl Spangenberg says
Hi Lyn, What program are you making the monograms in and what file type are you saving them as?
kathy says
HI Cheryl ~ How do I use the & to connect the two initials ?
Cheryl Spangenberg says
Hi Kathy,
Same way as you would the initials. Substitute the Last name initial for the & and then make them slightly overlapping, select all and weld them together!
Rebecca says
Hi There! I am having trouble with cutting a monogram in vinyl. Using the same font and the letters at a larger size, my cricut has alot of trouble cutting the thin lines. Any tips?
Cheryl Spangenberg says
Hi Rebecca, what type/brand of vinyl are you using? Do you have a new blade? What Machine? What cut settings? I know, I know, lots of questions back, lol!
Alisa says
I’m trying to create a vinyl decal for a water bottle. It is circle monogram inside a starfish. I want it to cut like the image I create rather than me having to piece everything together after the cut. Does that make sense? I guess it’s like welding or flattening but I don’t want it to print. TIA
Cheryl Spangenberg says
I know exactly what you are talking about Alisa! Select all your design elements and click the “attach” button in the bottom of the layers panel. This will cut everything as it appears on your Canvas screen!
Ann says
I am completely a newbie here. Question, How to upload the round fonts. I have tried and it wasn’t allowed.
Cheryl Spangenberg says
Hi Ann, which font specifically? I just tried them and they all worked.
Allison Gaida says
This has nothing to do with monograms, but do you know how to soften the edges of an imported image so that it cuts smoothly?
Cheryl Spangenberg says
Hi Allison, there is not a way to do that in design space, unfortunately. If you have Adobe Illustrator you can use the smooth tool.
TMKING says
THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! I’M GOING TO USE THIS TUTORIAL TO PERSONALIZE MY CONVERSE SHOES
Cheryl Spangenberg says
You are welcome! I would love to see how they turn out! If you post on social be sure to tag me or #thatswhatchesaid xo
Catie says
Where did you find the circle dot border?
Thanks!
Cheryl Spangenberg says
Hi Catie, it’s been a while since I published that post but I am almost certain I made the circle border. If you don’t want to make it yourself there are a ton on Etsy: http://tidd.ly/f06988bd
nancy says
I am new; so new! I cannot figure out what monogram you used and how to get it.
Cheryl Spangenberg says
Hi Nancy, You can find 30+ Free Monogram fonts here: https://www.thatswhatchesaid.net/the-best-30-free-monogram-fonts/ I am using Monogram kk for this tutorial! You can also find out to download and install fonts to your computer and use them in Design space here: https://www.thatswhatchesaid.net/how-to-install-fonts-on-your-computer/
Nancy says
Sorry, now I see your reply. Thank you so much and no need to reply again.
Rae Alley says
I am using the exact same font, and even after welding the overlapping letters in the monogram, there are overlapping pieces that are not “welded” together….meaning there are places that should be continuous but aren’t even after welding. I can’t find any tutorials covering this! I thought it was a problem with the font, but it’s the same popular one everyone uses for this type of monogram. Help, please & thank you!
Cheryl Spangenberg says
Hi Rae, can you email me screenshots of what’s is happening and your layers panel? Or share your project with me in DS? cheryl at thatswhatchesaid dot net.
Rae Alley says
Thanks, Cheryl! I tried to email you an image of the problem I’m having! Please let me know if you get it and if you can help :)
Luana says
Cricut Joy – Day 1. Do all of these steps have to be on the computer? I can’t seem to find it easily on my mobile app.
Cheryl Spangenberg says
Luana, are you using the Design Space App or the Cricut Joy App?