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    What is digitizing in machine embroidery?

    By Irina, in Machine embroidery materials and technology, , 1 comment, 3,658 views
    Original text by Marina Belova 
    There are numerous names people give the process of transforming an image into a design. Just as with naming software, everyone is saying whatever he or she can think of: 
    punching  digitizing programming for machine embroidery  embroidery file creation  planning a stitching sequence  pattern creation  design development  design creation  So what is this process, whatever the name you use for it? Does it mean converting analog data into numeric one? Transforming a regular image into a file an embroidery machine understands, with the help of special tools? A complex technical process that includes a row of steps, based on the profound knowledge of theory? A creative process that requires artistic training and a great talent? All of this is unclear and boring. Too hard to understand, too. 
    Whatever highfalutin definitions others give this process, I like John Deer's one the most: "All that you need to do is to look at the image and apply stitches to it. You merely choose an appropriate stitch type and direction and use various gimmicks and tricks." These words inspire hope. A hope that everyone with basic digitizing knowledge can create a machine embroidery design. There is only one thing left to decide: where to obtain the knowledge and from whom? One needs to remember that gaining skills requires practice and time. 
    This knowledge should help you answer these questions: 
    How to give consideration to all of the input parameters of the image before digitizing?  What types of stitches to apply?  How to make an efficient embroidery sequence?  What tricks to use so that the embroidery is by all definitions a work of quality?

    Embroidery navigation

    By Irina, in Machine embroidery materials and technology, , 0 comments, 2,989 views
    Original text by Marina Belova 
    Embroidery navigation is planning the embroidery sequence from the beginning to the end. 
    In Russia this is usually described as follows: 
    Navigation  Sequence  Embroidery process  Arranging the objects in a sequence from the first to the last   In English-speaking countries this process is called by the following names: 
    Pathing  Sequencing  Routing  Mapping  The goal of all this planning is to create an optimal sequence of embroidery elements so as to reduce the production time. 
    Sequencing starts even before digitizing, with studying of the image that is to become the future embroidery, printed in full size. Mapping your embroidery will allow you to become more productive: 
    you spend less time creating designs  you need to modify them less often  you reduce the number of stitches and, therefore, limit the production time  Main factors that should be regarded as a foothold when mapping a design: 
    The logic of the embroidery path  Using as few color changes as possible  Using as few trims as possible  The rational embroidery path is in many ways defined by the start/end points position. The start/end points should be at a minimum distance during color changes and trims, and also between connector stitches. This minimizes the hoop trajectory and the time spent on the embroidery. 
    It is often necessary that all elements of the same color were embroidered before color change. The reason for this is that every color change can be equaled to 130 stitches. So, by using as little colors as possible, we save time. 
    Having as few trims as possible is also closely connected with the time saving because every trim is equal to 65 stitches. Therefore, digitizers try to avoid trims with the help of several tricks. 
    For example, you can substitute a trim for a connector stitch if the distance between two outlines is less than 2 mm. A jump stitch is not visible at such a short distance. That is, if the threads are not contrasting to each other in color. Another way involves hiding a connector stitch of one color behind the objects of another color in case they will be embroidered later. 
    Unfortunately, you cannot always follow the "minimize everything" motto. The designs differ from each other, and the fabric on which these designs are embroidered are also different. To give you an example, the aforementioned factors are less important for the embroidery on stretchy fabrics or a rounded surface of a cap. In that case, the quality standards are in the foreground – the embroidery should have no defects. The minimization requirements are often sacrificed in favor of quality. 
    Besides the minimization factors, there are also general recommendations on sequencing. They are: 
    Begin the embroidery from the biggest object in the design and move to the smaller ones.  Begin the embroidery from the center outwards.  Studying the designs digitized by others help a great deal. You can view the designs created by others in a sewing simulator software or during the embroidery. Also: you yourself should embroider, embroider again and then embroider some more. 

     

    Checklist of a machine embroidery design creator 

    By Irina, in Machine embroidery materials and technology, , 0 comments, 4,450 views
    Original text by Marina Belova 
    The checklist is the terms of reference a digitizer should stick to. A freelance digitizer gets terms of reference from a client and a hired employee – from a manager. A checklist contains the input parameters of a design which a digitizer should consider even before getting to work. 
    Terms of reference usually contain: 
    the image that will become a design  the size of that image  type of material on which it will be embroidered  where on an item the embroidery will be placed  the number of colors in the design  thread type and thickness  number of supposed stabilizers and their type  and, of course, the customer preferences.  Also, one should not forget a very important thing – the time frame. 
    Taking all the factors into account will help a digitizer to decide how the design will be digitized. And whether it will be possible to modify the image to get the embroidery of a high quality. 

    Padded appliqué in machine embroidery

    By Irina, in Machine embroidery materials and technology, , 3 comments, 7,047 views
    Original text by Marina Belova 
    Padded appliqué that creates volume is an ordinary appliqué with a special material under the appliqué fabric called padding. 
    3D Puff (Foam), polyester batting, foam rubber and other materials can be used as such. The number of layers in the padding can vary depending on the thickness of the material and the desired effect. According to my experiments with trapunto, knitwear is the best appliqué fabric that does not crumple the padding too much. 
    I didn't find the process of creating a padded appliqué too different from the one of the traditional patched appliqué. 
    It is simple and includes 3 steps: 
    First, a running stitch outline that will show where to put the "layer cake" (the appliqué fabric together with the padding). Having embroidered an outline, the machine stops and the frame comes out. It is necessary for the better placement of the fabric and the padding.  After that, a running or a zig-zag stitch joins the appliqué fabric and the padding together. Having stitched them to each other, the machine stops and the frame comes out for trimming of the fabric and the padding along the perimeter of the running stitch or zig-zag.  The finishing border that covers the edges is embroidered next.  There can be a slight variation to the process. It involves first stitching the padding to the main fabric and trimming it, then stitching the appliqué to them and trimming all three together. Everyone should choose what is more convenient for them: stitch and trim all the layers together or separately. 
    If you ask my opinion, there are not too many variations to a finishing border: 
    Satin  Fill  Digitizing a padded appliqué by hand: 
    Create a running stitch outline that will show where to place the fabric and the padding.  Insert a stop so that the frame will come out for positioning of the appliqué fabric together with the padding. The way of adding commands depends on the type of your embroidery machine.  Create an outline that stitches the appliqué fabric to the main one.  Insert a stop so that the frame will come out for positioning of the appliqué fabric together with the padding. The way of adding commands depends on your embroidery machine type.  Create a finishing stitch column border.  The width of a finishing border should be no less than 4–5 mm. It is necessary because it is rather hard to trim extra fabric with the padding so that the edges of this "layer cake" didn't show from under the thin outline. Therefore, you can't be too cautious with the width of the finishing border. 

    Secrets of prolific digitizers. Operational standards in machine embroidery software

    By Irina, in Machine embroidery materials and technology, , 0 comments, 1,920 views
    Original text by Marina Belova 
    I want to return to the question of digitizing efficiency raised in my previous article. Today I want to add 2 more methods that I learned from the
    Western embroidery professionals and tried out myself – they do indeed work. 
    These methods are standard regardless of the software you've chosen: 
    you need to digitize all designs at a scale of 6 in 1 (i.e. increase them 6 times in size)  and avoid drawing too many points on the curves  A 6 to 1 scale is a legacy of the pre-computer digitizing era. So why do modern punchers, operating in the up-to-date software, stick to that standard? 
    I think the answer is, "They got used to it". When you digitize on the same scale over and over again, you get in the groove. 
    So you can work out every object in detail and estimate the distance between the elements by the naked eye. To reckon whether there is enough compensation to counter-balance push&pull. Actually, many parameters can be worked out in advance. Therefore, an experience of using one and the same scale can help to prevent a lot of mistakes. 
    On top of that, with this scale, you can avoid drawing too many points. Superfluous points > unnecessary details > waste of stitches. 
    When digitizing on a big scale you'll get lots of possible points defining the shape of an object, whether you like it or not. You'll need some time to mark the object out. To substantiate my statement here is the classic example: To define the circle, 4 pairs of points will enough (image A).
    But you can go overboard and draw a lot more of them (image B). 

    The result will be the same in both cases. Therefore, as the commercials put it, "Why pay more?" 
    That's where goes the lion's share of the digitizer's effort – additional points. As a consequence, they have low digitizing speed and low efficiency, and the design needs modifications after testing. 
    To be honest, I had trouble growing out of a habit of zooming. I had to reconfigure my embroidery software so that there was no zooming when I spun the mouse wheel. You can always see how the design looks in the preview window. But I liked the result – my digitizing speed went up. 

    Secrets of prolific digitizers. Getting started 

    By Irina, in Machine embroidery materials and technology, , 0 comments, 3,776 views
    Original text by Marina Belova 
    We often search for the ready scenario of what and how to do in order to digitize successfully. But we never touch the subject of getting prepared.
    It is, perhaps, our biggest mistake. 
    Last year I was surprised to hear a few tips on how to digitize in a more effective way from several embroidery veterans. Those were 2 simplest actions that should be taken before digitizing starts: 
    1) to print the design in the full size 
    2) to create the embroidery sequence on paper even before you sit in front of your computer. 

    Isn't it ridiculous? Not it the very least. I tried these myself. 
    Printing the design on paper gives you the opportunity of taking an unbiased look at the design. I, for instance, conceptualize my future embroidery by looking at the size of the design and the number of stitches in it. First, I determine what stitches and stitch directions I'm going to use. Then, I assess the small details: is it possible to embroider them all or should some of them go. After all, you can draw the stitches on paper.
    And then many things will become clear. 
    Outlining your future embroidery sequence on paper saves a lot of time. The only thing left is to digitize the design as planned. You won't have to modify the design afterward, set the start/end point of every object and do such routine tasks. Except perhaps for some small things that escaped your attention. But in general, it makes the project much quicker to carry out. 
    A not-so-unknown pro by the name of Ed Levy states that preparation is 75% of digitizer's work and is done without a computer. I think we should listen to these words. Besides, he's not the only one who says so. 

    Kitten in your pocket: a master-class

    By Irina, in Machine embroidery materials and technology, , 3 comments, 11,010 views
    Original text by slavyankarusi
    Free download design 
     
    Today I want to share my first (and, hopefully, not the last) master-class with you
    It's called "A kitten in your pocket" and was inspired by a Japanese embroiderer Hiroko Kubota. 

    Of course, machine embroidery cannot entirely convey the charm of the hand embroidery, but I tried to create something similar, nevertheless, and you get to evaluate the result. I used Janome 126x110 mm embroidery frame. 
    For this occasion, I cut out a blouse with patch pockets according to a shirt sewing pattern, out of cotton calico; you can also embroider this design on a ready blouse with patch pockets, but you need to rip the pocket off before the embroidery. 

    The design consists of two parts that are printed. (Beside the stitch files, there 3 .jpg files in the folder: the first and the second parts of the embroidery and the entire kitten, with the enter line and center lines, full-size, for printing). 



    On the placket the sewing line is drawn, the first part of the design is put on top of it; the lines on the pattern and on fabric should match together.



    Center lines are marked with chalk, and the fabric is hooped in accordance with them. (On the wrong side is the adhesive tear-away stabilizer). 



    Embroider the first part of the design, with the alignment crosses, unhoop the embroidery and sew on the pocket. 


    Put the second part of the pattern on top (the paw that "lies" on the pocket) so that the alignment crosses superimpose. Join them with pins and adjust center lines. 


    The crosses are embroidered first; they should exactly match with the ones embroidered previously. 

    When embroidering the second part, I lowered the machine embroidery speed 400 SPM because of pocket's thickness. 
    You be the judges of the result. I'm sure not a superpro, but I hope that you'll like the cat and also that someone will have a go at the embroidery, too. It would be splendid if you shared your results with us.  


    Alternately, you can stick the design onto Filmoplast and embroider the paw separately, then sew on the pocket so that it can be opened. 
     

    A creative patch for your jeans or the "Hole with the fringe"

    By Irina, in Machine embroidery materials and technology, , 3 comments, 5,246 views
    Free download design 
     
    Although the entire topic on our forum is dedicated to mending jeans, I dare to suggest a creative patch of my own design, which I affectionately named the "Hole with the fringe". Generally, we do either what we like or what we need to do. This time I tried to combine business with pleasure. The business in my case involved my husband's jeans in need of a repair (he tried to sit down in them and here you are; someone here sure needs to eat less ), and the pleasure lied in my interest in what I could do with them, so I hoped that he will discard these old jeans entirely and buy a new pair (those were his exact words the moment he saw the design I created in Wilcom). But it didn't work out that way at all. After the work was completed, my hubby refused to let go of his favorite jeans, what's more, my daughter literally demanded to winterize her trendy ripped ones. Which is something that I still have to face. I hope someone likes my idea. 
    But let's get to the point. 
    What you'll need: 
    1. Torn jeans. 
    2. A piece of dense fabric (denim is preferable). 
    3. A tear-away stabilizer or embroidery paper. 
    4. A set of embroidery threads (I use sewing polyester ones). 

    5. And your embroidery machine, of course. 
    6. I created the design myself for this occasion. 

    The making process goes like this: 
    Hoop the tear-away stabilizer.  Stick a piece of denim (it can be of a matching or a contrasting color) onto it. 
    Embroider the design at a low speed, making 15 color changes instead of all 18 (polyester sewing thread is a bit coarse for such a small design, so it can rip off the stabilizer; also, in my opinion, jeans require stronger threads than the embroidery ones but this is a matter of preferences; the size of the design is fitted to the hole on the jeans). 
    Then, there is a stop. Without unhooping the fabric, put the torn jeans on top of the already embroidered fragment and secure them with needles. (If necessary, unseam the jeans prior to that). 
    Insert the hoop back into the machine and embroider the three remaining color changes. 

    After that, make incisions from the center of the hole toward its edges (preferably at the right angle). 
    Fluff up the incisions, picking out the threads you don't need with the blunt side of scissors (the way kids curl strips of paper). 
    Cut out the patch from the wrong side, leaving allowance, and remove the stabilizer wherever possible (the rest will gradually wash away).  If you unseamed the jeans, now is time to sew them up.  The "hole with the fringe" is ready for use. 
    By the way, this method is good not only for mending accidental tears but also for winterizing ripped jeans. 
    In between, I repaired the hems: 
    I cut away the frayed parts. 
    Divided the leftover denim into strips.  Formed them in two circles matching the hems in circumference: 
    Folded these welt pieces in two, stitched them to the hems and serged the edges. 
    Folded the hems to the face and added two stitch lines along the serge finish. 
    In such a way I repaired the frayed edges without changing the jeans length. 
    This is how the jeans look on a person. 
     


    And in case they tear again I'll think of some other technique. 
    Good luck and good day to all!

    How to change the colors of a design in My Editor?

    By Irina, in Machine embroidery materials and technology, , 1 comment, 7,730 views
    You can do that by either using a color palette from a .EDR file (what's this?) or change the color of every object manually. Today we’ll focus on the second method. It will be handy for those who like to create their own color schemes.
    Open the design in My Editor and see that the colors are all wrong. 

    Look at the top left corner of My Editor window and find the Color Manager icon. Click on it. 

    A pop-up window will appear, divided into several parts. On the left, you see the available palettes and the colors they contain. On the right are the colors used in your design.

    You can use a color chart that comes with the order as a reference point or choose any color you like from any of the available palettes. 
    The color chart for this particular Bunny is for the Robinson-Anton Rayon threads.
    1.Set your cursor at the color you want to change. From the color chart that comes with the order, you know that this object should be painted ruby glint instead of yellow. 

    2. Choose Robinson-Anton color palette from the drop-down list.

    For your convenience, the items in the palette can be arranged either by name…

    …or by colors.

    3. Find Ruby Glint on the list, set your cursor at it and click on Set Color.

    You’ll instantly see how the embroidery design looks with this new color.

    Repeat the steps 1–3 until you are satisfied with the result, then press OK. 

    In this example, I used Robinson-Anton color palette, but you can choose any one you like. You can even combine them if you’re going to use different types of threads.
    Don’t forget to save the design after you’ve completed tinkering with it!

    Openwork machine embroidery

    By Irina, in Machine embroidery materials and technology, , 0 comments, 4,374 views
    Original text by Marina Belova 
    Beside FSL and artistic embroidery with complex tone renditions, there is much hype around the various types of openwork (broderie à jour, the word "ajouré" meaning "openwork" in French). 
    There are several types of openwork in machine embroidery: 
    Cutwork that can be made with "bridges" or without. Cutwork is a pattern in which pieces of fabric are cut out and outlined with satins.  Pulled thread work. Yarns in the fabric are pulled in a specific way to create the lacy effect. It should be noted that the yarns are not pulled out. Various motifs are used to create the interweaving.  Lacework – pieces of fabric are cut out and the holes are filled with lace. In my opinion, lacework is similar to FSL, which looks as if it has been "embroidered" into the openings in the fabric.  Richelieu embroidery consists of holes of varying size and shape. Holes can be stand-alone or arranged in a chain-like fashion. They are usually outlined with thick satin columns.  All of the above types of openwork are widely used in combination with other techniques or on their own, giving the embroidery the rich outer look, which is why they are so popular. 
    Almost all of them can be created both in advanced embroidery software and in the simplest one. Although, creating such a design in an ordinary editor will take more time. The same can be said about the type of an embroidery machine: You can embroider on any one of them but you'll use different devices. 

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