Decide the Monogram, Fonts and Design

• 1). Decide the monogram that you will create on your cooking apron. You can use either all of the initials of your names or initials of your first name or last name only. Be as creative as you like to personalize your apron.
  
  
• 2). Decide the font and style that you will use for the monogram. Calligraphy looks very beautiful and intricate, and you can easily look up calligraphy monograms online.
  Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase block letters or letters written in elaborate cursive designs to add an elegant look to your apron.
  
  
• 3
  Trace your design over the apron
  
  Using a pencil, trace or draw the letters on the front of the cooking apron. You can use a vanishing fabric marker pencil or a tailor's chalk if you have them on hand.
  Place the printout or pattern of the monogram you want to trace over the apron. Use a sharp pencil to go over the monogram so that you can see the design clearly. Once the design is on the cloth, use the tailor's chalk to go over it one more time so that you can see the pattern clearly.
  
  
• 4). Refer to the sections below to decide the method you will use to create your monogram on the cooking apron.
  
  

If You Decide to Paint

• 1
  Paint your monogram to personalize your apron easily
  
  Shake the paint bottle well and using a clean paintbrush, carefully paint over the pencil outline of the monogram. Go over at least two times so that the letter looks legible. While the paint is still wet, sprinkle fabric sparkles over the letters to add a glittery finish.
  
  
• 2). Alternately, use paint tubes to go over the monogram design. This way, you don't have to use paintbrushes or bottles of paint.
  
  
• 3). Allow the painted apron to dry at least 24 hours before using.
  
  

If You Decide to Embroider

• 1
  Hand-embroider your cooking apron
  
  Thread the needle with embroidery thread. Embroidery thread is usually thicker than sewing thread and comes in colorful skeins. Divide the skeins according to the thickness that you want to embroider with.
  
  
• 2). Attach the traced pattern of the apron between embroidery hoops. Make sure you attach it firmly so that the apron is held taut between the frames.
  
  
• 3). Use a basic embroidery stitch to go over and under the fabric so that you see the traced pattern being sewn over with the thread. A basic stitch is the stem stitch where you insert the needle following the lines in the pattern and go over and under the fabric without leaving any gaps between the stitches.
  For detailed instructions on how to stem stitch, see Resources section below.
  Use more advanced embroidery stitches if you want to experiment and create a decorative monogram.
  
  

If You Decide to Do Applique

• 1
  Apron embroidered with applique
  
  Draw the monogram you want to use on fabric. Use the tracing method, or draw block letters freehand so that you are able to cut and use them easily. You can use solid colored or patterned fabric to cut out the letters.
  
  
• 2). Cut the fabric following the outlined letters. Make sure there are no frayed edges so that the cut letters look neat.
  
  
• 3). Use fabric glue to stick the letters on the apron. Let dry at least overnight. Alternatively, you can sew the edges of the cut letters over the apron so that you don't have to use fabric glue at all.
  
  
• 4). Embroider the edges of the applique to enhance the overall appearance of your monogrammed apron. Use a contrasting thread to show off your stitches and add to the decorative look.
  
  

If You Decide to Use a Sewing Machine

• 1
  Embroider your apron on a sewing machine quickly
  
  Select the thread and machine stitches that you want to embroider with. Sewing machines have a wide variety of stitches that you can experiment with. A zigzag stitch outline filled with a satin stitch is an attractive way to monogram a cooking apron.
  
  
• 2). Attach the apron between embroidery hoops to hold the cloth taut while embroidering. You can omit this step if you are comfortable using the sewing machine without hoops to embroider.
  
  
• 3). Complete the embroidery and iron the apron lightly to lay the stitches flat.
  
  

If You Decide to Use Beads

• 1
  Colorful beads add a unique touch to your personalized cooking apron
  
  Thread the needle with embroidery thread or sewing thread.
  
  
• 2). Insert beads onto the needle, go over and under the fabric of the cooking apron, and stitch beads on the outline of the monogram. Use beads of different shapes and colors to add to the overall look of the apron.
  
  
• 3). Sew beads on the edges of the apron to add to the overall beaded look of your cooking apron.
  
  

If You Decide to Use Ribbon

• 1
  Ribbon embroidery is quick and easy enough for a novice
  
  Thread a big-eyed needle with ribbon. Follow the traced outline of the letter and stitch ribbon over the monogram of your cooking apron.
  Use different colored ribbon to create an easy designer look.
  
  
• 2). Sew long and short stitches with the ribbon to create a ribbed look for the monogram.
  
  
• 3). Sew beads on the ribbon or along the edges of the ribbon to create a beautiful jeweled monogram apron.