By Julie on September 22nd, 2024 This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
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Getting tired of monogramming the basic pillow sham and linens? Why not take your embroidery to the next level by personalizing a piece of furniture using your embroidery machine? Sound crazy? Well – it’s actually not -perhaps you’ll recall a while back that I actually monogrammed a chair! Well – we are taking it a step further this time. In this post – I’ll show you exactly how to make a monogrammed headboard. And you’ll see how this unique piece can transform any bedroom into a stylish haven, reflecting the owner’s personality and flair.
Oh – and here’s the best part. This project is easy! So, whether you’re a super experienced machine embroiderer or a complete newbie, making this cute custom monogrammed headboard may be right up your alley.
Ok – I have to admit – the idea to make a monogrammed headboard didn’t just pop into my head one day. The project was inspired by a need to appease my picky daughter while saving a bit of dough.
You see, my daughter Ilse, was heading off to college this fall. Being that she was attending a university in the South (University of Florida – GO GATORS!) where fancy dorm rooms reign supreme – she had some pretty high standards for the look and feel of her new abode.
The nonsense of today’s dorm decor
Let me back up just a bit…. If you don’t have a college aged daughter – perhaps you are unaware of the nonsense that college dorm decoration has become. It seems like these days most college aged girls are more concerned about decorating their dorm room than they are with picking out classes . And if you think the college girls have gone a bit crazy – wait until you meet some of the moms. For some of them – decorating a dorm room has become a VERY serious endeavor.
I have to admit – It’s hard not to get sucked into this craziness. But fortunately I have a life, a job, a husband and other kids to attend to – so I can’t fall too deep down the rabbit hole. But I do want my middle daughter (the aforementioned Florida Gator) to have a decent place to rest her head. So this summer – I tried to work with her to achieve the perfect vision of a room.
Repurposing an old headboard
One small issue was that some of the leftover dorm room furniture that she inherited from her older sister (such as the headboard) just “wasn’t her style.” The organic tones favored by her big sis were just not vibing with her perfect Florida pastel vision.
So what’s a mom to do? I wasn’t about to throw away the headboard I had just purchased two years prior. It was time to get creative. Why not convert this generic, grey headboard into a custom and stylish work of art for my little pastel-loving Florida Gator?
Very quickly I realized that I could alter the entire look and feel of the headboard by simply covering it with some new fabric. So i scoured the aisles at Joanns looking for an attractive piece that would satisfy our vision. Unfortunately, nothing was really speaking to me. None of the patterned fabrics were the right color or style.
Elevating the headboard with a monogram
But, then I had the genius realization- why not buy a plain fabric and add some color and style by stitching out a decorative monogram? This would truly make the headboard unique and reflective of my daughter’s personality. And if I chose the right thread colors, it could really bring the whole look together.
And thus, the monogrammed headboard project was born.
Read on to see how we did it.
How to Make a Monogrammed Headboard
Creating a monogrammed headboard may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually pretty simple, especially if you start with an existing headboard. In our case, this is what we had, so that is what we used.
If you don’t have an existing headboard, you can make one yourself with a piece of plywood and two legs made from 1 by 3 posts (3/4″ x 2-1/2″). The benefit of making your own headboard is that you can make it to spec. You will have it the exact size you need with the legs a suitable length spaced the appropriate distance apart. In my experience – the height of the bed will depend on how you want to set up the room and the spacing of the legs is dependent on the style of the bed. We had to modify the off-the-shelf headboard to work with both of my daughters’ beds, so in retrospect – it probably would have been easier to make the headboard from scratch.
If you make the headboard from scratch, just trace the desired rectangular shape onto a piece plywood, cut it out and sand away any rough edges. Attach two legs to the back of the plywood, having the posts overlap about 10″ onto the plywood. Next, cut out a piece of 2″ thick foam in the same dimensions and glue it to the front of the plywood. Now you are ready to start the project.
If making a headboard seems like too much work – consider buying a used headboard on Facebook marketplace. When kids move out of the dorms, parents will probably pay you to pick up their old furniture. (To test my theory , I just checked Facebook Marketplace and found plenty available for $25 or less.)
If you are using an existing headboard for this project, I would suggest a plain, rectangular style of headboard. This will make your upholstery much easier.
Materials Needed
Headboard (either made yourself or one you plan to repurpose)
The first step you should take is to design your monogram and set up your monogram as an embroidery file. I combined the two designs using Embrilliance Essentials. For Ilse’s headboard we did a simple, three letter monogram using my Hollie Marie Font surrounded by a pretty floral frame. I sized the design to be about 7″ in diameter. If you want to go bigger and bolder, you can stitch out larger letters one at a time.
Once you have your monogram designed and saved as an embroidery file, transfer it to your embroidery machine via Bluetooth or using your USB stick.
Prepare your fabric and batting
Cut your fabric and batting to the size you need. You want the fabric and bating to cover the entire front of the headboard but have enough excess to be secured onto the back of the headboard.
Locate the center of your headboard fabric. This is where you will place your monogram.
Using a disappearing ink pen, mark the center point and extend the lines horizontally and vertically.
Using the folding method, stick the headboard fabric on the hooped stabilizer. And attach your embroidery hoop onto your embroidery machine.
If your headboard fabric has a significant nap, lay a piece of water soluble sulky topper over the monogram area. This will help to prevent your stitching from sinking into your fabric.
Choose your desired thread color(s) and begin embroidering your monogram design onto the fabric.
Once embroidery is complete, carefully tear away your fabric from the hooped stabilizer. Then tear away any remaining stabilizer from the back of the fabric.
Attaching your batting and fabric to the headboard
Place the headboard on top of the batting (with the soft side down) and secure it to the headboard using your staple gun.
Lay out the fabric on a flat surface with the wrong side facing up.
Place the headboard on top of the fabric (batting side down) and use clamps to secure the fabric in place. Make sure it is straight.
Begin stapling the fabric to the back of the headboard along the top edge.
Continue stapling the fabric and batting to the back of the headboard along the bottom edge, making sure to pull it tight as you go.
Regularly check the front of the headboard to make sure that the monogram is still straight on the front of the headboard.
Finally secure the headboard fabric to the two sides of the headboard, pulling it tight.
Cleaning up the back of the headboard
Once your stapling is complete, trim away any excess fabric or batting.
If desired, cover the raw edge of the batting and fabric by gluing down a 3/4″ ribbon, Alternatively, you can cover the entire back with another piece of fabric to hide those raw edges.
Tips for creating your monogrammed headboard
Before you get started, consider the following trips to help make your project a success:
Choose the Right Font and Size
The font and size of your monogram can significantly impact the final look. Choose a font that complements your room’s decor and ensure it’s large enough to stand out but not so large that it overwhelms the fabric.
Test Your Design
Before embroidering the final fabric, do a test run on a scrap piece. This will allow you to make any necessary adjustments without risking your main piece.
Choose thread colors that complement your overall room decor.
In our case, the white and pink embroidery thread tied together the white duvet cover and the pink storage ottoman and pink reading pillow.
Keep It Simple
Sometimes, less is more. A simple, elegant monogram can be more striking than a complex design.
Check for Remnants
I was able to find the perfect piece of fabric for this project in the Joann’s clearance pile. The entire makeover cost me around $20.
Why Monogram Furniture? What Other Home Decor Items Can You Personalize with Your Embroidery Machine?
Monogramming goes beyond just headboards. With an embroidery machine, you can personalize a wide range of home decor items, adding a touch of elegance and individuality to your spaces. Consider monogramming:
Throw Pillows
Add a personal touch to your living room or bedroom with monogrammed throw pillows.
Towels and Linens
Monogrammed towels and linens can give your bathroom or guest room a luxurious, hotel-like feel.
Table Runners and Napkins
Elevate your dining experience with personalized table runners and napkins.
By incorporating monogrammed items into your home decor, you create a cohesive, sophisticated look that reflects your personal style.
Conclusion
Monograms have been a symbol of elegance and personalization for centuries, often associated with royalty and high fashion. Today, they offer a way to infuse traditional charm into modern decor, making your space uniquely yours. With an embroidery machine, you can bring this timeless design element into your home with ease.
Creating a monogrammed headboard with your embroidery machine is a fantastic way to add a personalized touch to a dorm room or even your own home decor. This project not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your bedroom but also showcases your creativity and DIY skills. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can create a stunning, unique headboard that you’ll be proud to display.
Ready to get started on your monogrammed headboard? Gather your supplies, fire up your embroidery machine, and let your creativity shine. And don’t stop there—explore other home decor items you can personalize to make your space truly your own.
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