I remember when I started to do machine embroidery, I did not understand "lettering" and the differences between a "font", a "letter", and a "monogram."  In life's nomenclature, those are rather similar.

Simply put, these three things have different jobs in embroidering. When you purchase (as I did in the beginning) it could be money not well spent. Who needs that??

Fonts: These are generally a proprietary group that work only with a particular software. For instance, AnnTheGran has its own font software, Alphabet Xpress that has 50 fonts from which to choose. The original fonts that come with the software are very usable. However, the fonts do not work with other software. Likewise for other software products for fonts.

These, that are incorporated into software can be typed on your computer in whole words, sentences and paragraphs. The wording can be left, right or centered spaced. In other words, the software does the work for you.

Lettering: Before there was software to create consecutive letters and words, there was lettering. These items are placed one at a time as was hand embroidery. A sampler that your grandmother did was created one element at a time, that is, all 26 letters had to be positioned by hand. So when that work was on the wall, any discrepancies in position would be obvious.

You cannot just 'type' lettering. In a computer style, you must place each letter at a time accurately. There may be some method of getting a straight format, but most of the computer lettering is a task that I leave to my software, and, I do use Alphabet Xpress. It is really easy to use - user friendly - a term that I don't take lightly.

Letters on your embroidery machine are a little better for laying out because the computer in your machine will make sure everything is in alignment. You still have to put words in one letter at a time. (Thank goodness for font software!!)

Some site don't make it clear which is which is a font and which is a letter style. You really need to read all the fine print. Usually the price will govern what you are getting.

Monograms:While fonts and lettering can be used as monograms, monograms are not useful as writing fonts. They are generally ornate and frequently not small enough to use in words. Monograms are consistently noted to be just monograms, but never trust that fine print.

Some monograms state that they are "not keyboard fonts." But some might not. Watch for that disclaimer. I did another Monogram Blog I hope you stop by and take a look!

I like to post this "Oops it slipped . . . from time to time. Everyone has this issue at one time or another.

Here is the Freebie for today. I am wondering if anyone is enjoying my work with the Freebies? I am still learning digitizing and as John Deer said last blog - How long does it take to learn to digitize? - - a Lifetime!!

 
heart love design from The Avid Embroiderer.zip (50.3KB)