Your Ultimate Guide to Monogramming | Gilly Nicolson

The art of monogramming has a rich history that can be traced back to some of our earliest civilisations. In Ancient Egypt and Rome, such embroidery was a symbol of status and wealth, reserved for the highest members of society, whose initialled clothing marked them as someone of importance. Later on, in the Middle Ages, monogramming became a popular way for artisans to sign their work, while monarchs and the nobility used the designs to distinguish themselves from the general population. The Renaissance period saw more complicated designs flood the scene as embroidery became a common clothing accessory among the elite. However, it wasn’t until the 18th and 19th centuries that monogramming began to appear on an assortment of linens, handkerchiefs and more personal items. 

The Industrial Revolution welcomed an increase in monogramming’s accessibility, widening its reach to the middle classes as embroidery machines enabled mass production of even the most intricate designs at more affordable prices. Since then, the practice has continued to grow, blossoming with the evolution of technology – nowadays, skilled craftsmen around the globe use modern machines to add a personal touch to everything from clothing to bags, accessories and (to save the best till last) home decor.