Best Blanks for Machine Embroidery on Amazon

I am still a beginner at machine embroidery, so I am always looking to find fun, but also inexpensive things to try monogramming. Since I already buy a lot of supplies for my Brother SE400 on Amazon, I’ve also used it to source several “blanks,” or items that are plain or undecorated.

In this post I’ll share:

• Links to my favorite blanks from Amazon
• The stabilizers I use to embroider on each of these items, and
• Inspiration for how to personalize each item

Unlike some bloggers do, I have personally purchased and can recommend each of these items. I will add to the list as I discover new favorites.

Affordable Blanks for Machine Embroidery on Amazon

1. Cloth Diapers

Stabilizer Used: Cut Away Stabilizer 4×4 Hoops or 5×7 Hoops  + Water Soluable Stabilizer

These are my go-to baby gift. Cloth diapers make the perfect burp cloths. They are inexpensive, absorbent and well sized.

I have made myself almost 20 that we have on rotation and use every day! I have seen hundreds ideas for monogramming and applique designs, but my favorite thing to do is applique one and add a simple monogram, then sew a strip of coordinating fabrics down the other two and give as a set of three.

These were the item that I used most when learning how to do machine embroidery and applique. They are inexpensive and if you mess up a little, no one really cares because they’re just going to have spit up on them!

Tip: Make sure to get the prefold version. Also, the 3-ply are just fine for burp cloths. The 6-ply are twice as expensive and not worth it unless you are using for diapering.

Inspiration:

2. Beach Towels

Stabilizer Used: Tear Away Stabilizer for 4×4 Hoops or 5×7 Hoops + Water Soluable Stabilizer

Who doesn’t love a good embroidered beach towel? They are a fun gift for kids, friends or family. My mom recently purchased this set of beach towels from Amazon for gifts for our family vacation in Scottsdale. She had our family names embroidered on them.

I often worry about the quality of towels when purchasing online, but I found these to be great for the price. They are soft, the colors are bright and pretty, they aren’t super thin and the color didn’t fade the first time in the washer. We’ve had these towels for three years now and they’re still going strong, no fading or steams ripping!

Inspiration:

3. Hemstitch Cocktail Napkins

Stabilizer Used: Sticky Tear-Away Stabilizer  + Water Soluable Stabilizer

I think linen cocktail napkins are just so chic. Whether they’re used to dress up a bar cart or served up with cocktails, having embroidered napkins is just plain classy. I’ve been dying to try these for a while, so I ordered these off Amazon. I plan to give them as gifts in sets of four. These delicate linen napkins are just what I was looking for and I can’t wait to try out some fun designs.

Tip: Send me your tips on this one! I have these and think they’re great quality but haven’t tried embroidering on them yet.

Inspiration:

4. Gingham Dinner Napkins

Cotton Craft 12 Pack Gingham Checks Oversized Dinner Napkins

Stabilizer Used: Sticky Tear-Away Stabilizer + Water Soluable Stabilizer

Amazon has tons of cloth napkin options, but I just love these that come in a gingham/buffalo check design. Add a monogram and they are even cuter! I also love that they come in a set of 12. These would be a great wedding gift or just spice up your own table for any occasion!

Tip: Purchase these in red and use them for ALL the holidays! I got them an red and plan to stitch on them in white so I can use for Valentines Day, Christmas, 4th of July, Memorial Day and more!

Inspiration:

5. Nylon Longchamp-Inspired Tote Bag

• Laptop Bag, Multifunction 15 Inch Laptop Case Shoulder Handbag
• Women’s Stylish Waterproof Tote Bag Nylon Travel Shoulder Beach Bags
• Longchamp Women’s Medium Le Pliage Shoulder Nylon Bag Tote

Stabilizer Used: Sticky Tear-Away Stabilizer + Water Soluable Stabilizer

A few years ago my mom bought me a Longchamp bag. It is one of my favorite bags for travel and I love using it as a purse for everyday use as well. I have the red bag and she had it monogrammed with my initials. While I don’t know that I trust myself yet to try embroidering on an expensive bag, I did find a great knockoff on Amazon that is a great gift. It gets awesome reviews and most people say the only difference is in the zipper.

I have a large scripty monogram on mine, but I love the idea of doing a smaller monogram, or even applique.

This would make a great gift for a sister, mom or girl friend. After all, a girl can never have too many bags!

Inspiration:

6. Cotton Shoe Bags

5 Pack Organic Reusable Produce, Cotton Muslin Drawstrings Bags

Stabilizers Used: Cut Away Stabilizer 4×4 Hoops or 5×7 Hoops + Water Soluable Stabilizer

A few years ago I visited a hotel that had hair dryer clothed in a cute embroidered bag that said “hair dryer.” I loved the idea and decided I needed one for myself. These cotton shoe bags are the perfect size to house a travel size hair dryer. They could also be used for lots of other things like toys, shoes,  or even vegetables!

Tip: There are lots of varieties of shoe bags on Amazon in lots of colors and sizes. Be sure to look for cotton or linen and avoid “non-woven” varieties. They are usually less expensive but in my opinion they look cheap and don’t stitch out as well.

Inspiration:

Do you have any favorite blanks you’ve found on Amazon? If so, leave them in the comments, and I’ll add them to the list!

Shop this Post

Stabilizers Used

Getting started with machine embroidery? Read my ultimate guide to embroidery supplies you need to get started!