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scilk — embroidery digitizing practice.
Published: 2013-10-25 02:46:33 +0000 UTC; Views: 949; Favourites: 15; Downloads: 3
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why is it so frikkin hard???Related content
Comments: 33
Try to find the book "PUNCH, Digitizing for Embroidery Design" by Bonnie Nielsen ISBN 978-3-00-030071-4
That should give you some help.
Looking at your photo there's a few things you could do to improve them.
You're getting gap problems where a fill area is being split up. If your design software does not allow overlapping then you could try manually splitting the fill area into overlapping segments.
Also have a look at your machine tensions, if they are far too high they could be pulling the fabric (felt?) around so that the 2 sections of a fill don't align when the stitches meet up.
Do you have any underlay stitches and are you using any backing (stabiliser) ? A contour underlay set in about 0.5mm will anchor the fabric to the backing and also support the stiches at the edges of the fill area. Additionally with fill areas like these a wave of fabric tends to get pushed ahead of the fill stitches, moving the fabric around and also leaving tufts sticking up between stitches. You can control this by putting down an underlay of really low density fill (say 2mm density) at about 45 degrees to the final fill stitch direction.
Underlay and backing will help prevent the steps in the edges of the fill areas but they can also be caused by incorrect pull compensation to suit the fabric and the stitching. If there is still a problem after trying the underlay and backing then try percentage pull compensation instead of a fixed value so that it adjusts to the width of the fill stitch. If your software does not provide enough control then split the segments up and manually set the pull compensations for the different widths.
Hope that helps, if you need to talk give us a shout.
Lawrence
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Thanks for the tips! Yeah I'm using stabiliser on the back. I recently started including underlay stitches in my digitizing too! I think it is coming out better already. I also need to get a feel for a good stitch density. 10stitches/mm seems too high... but the default 6/mm for the program is too low... It hadn't occurred to me to change the stitch tension, I shall try it! Thanks!
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Density and tension both depend on the thread used. Different threads need different settings (sometimes very different) so try to get yourself setup on one brand and range of embroidery thread, in one weight. Try to use a quality thread type designed for embroidery and stick with it. Our standard thread is madeira classic 40 rayon, because there is no noticeable stretch in the thread we find that we can run it at lighter tensions than stretchy threads. Our standard density for the classic 40 is 0.4mm spacing ( = 2.5 stitches per mm). We run a single head industrial machine so if you are using a domestic machine different threads may suit you better, check the machine manual and see if they have recommendations on thread type and tensions, or ask the dealer. Correct and consistent machine settings are very important. Main settings affected by thread changes are top tension and bobbin tension but also hook timing and hook clearance, which are part of the machine adjustments that you will not want to get involved with, so stick with the manufacturers recommendations for threads!
The standard quick test for machine tensions is to run a test design of satin stitch of say 3mm to 5mm width and 20mm length (run as embroidery, not freehand, and with backing etc on the fabric you are using). A single straight run of satin is a good quick test but it is sometimes recommended as a FOX test because the word FOX tests in all directions. Assuming you've first set the bobbin tension to the manufacturers recommendations you then adjust the top tension so that you get a band of bobbin thread 1/3 of the width of the satin on the back.
Always make sure that the backing is smooth and tight, not loose or wrinkly in the hoop.
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thanks, I'll try those things! ^_^
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Very spiffy ^-^ ... you should increase your stitch density a bit.
I use Stitch Era Universal too (and I pay the connection fee because apparently once you update your version it forces you to buy it). So if you need any tips or anything feel free to ask :3
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Thanks! yeah I think that might do it XD
thanks I may have to ask you for adice then!
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I used to use lower densities but once I upped it to around 5.6/mm to 6/mm my designs started coming out crisper and more vibrant looking ^-^
These do look really good though, I can tell your digitized designs are well done!
You're welcome ^^ always eager to help someone learn how to use that program lol. I had such a hard time with it at first because it seems like very few people use the program. Trying to troubleshoot was impossible. I've messed up enough designs by now though to know what I'm doing...for the most part... 
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Thanks, that's really generous of you! I had a look at your embroidered stuff, you're so good!
I use the program cos it was the only good free one, but I will soon be forced to buy it, or buy another program because the free downloads are being terminated...
But you own the full version, right? Was it expensive?
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Aw it's no problem ^^. Thank you!! I've been using SEU since last...er...October I think lol. So nearly a year of tinkering around with the program 
The free part is why I started using it too XD. I bought it because I didn't want to learn how to use a new program and every other one seemed to be sooo pricey! I got the most expensive full version of SEU, it was $98 for the connection fee for a year, but that year doesn't start until Dec 31st I think because it says I have 426 days left. There's a cheaper version, but it only lets you do up to a certain number of stitches per design (I think it's 12,000 but I'm really not sure). I do up to 4 patches in one design file, so it can be 20,000+ stitches. That's pretty much the main reason why I bought the more expensive one. It's well worth it though.
Most programs I've looked into are $400+ and I don't know if they're any good and I can't test them... so I didn't want to risk it. I figure 4 years from now I probably won't be using the program lol. Who knows though? Oh and when you pay that connection fee the ads go away. So you have more working room.
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thanks! They're my friend's pony OC cutie marks
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Oh thats interesting
I really like the one with the cards XD
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so much better than mine.... Tried to embroider serperior's eye
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wow these came out really well! Who would have thought making these takes such difficult work! But it looks like you are getting the hang of it, because these are so nice!
I was going to send you a logo (when I designed it) but now I'm thinking it would be cool to have a little Saturn instead! To stick on my bag or something : D
Anyways, shall discuss with you laters
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Oh my gosh! I have to say I love how these turned out though! The skull is cute >u< And I love the power button one <333
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Digitizing is a pain >-< But you're definitely getting better! What program do you use?
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thanks XD Still not great at it though! I'm using Stitch Era Universal... but soon I'll have to buy another program, cos it was a free download that's going to stop working after this year.
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Haha, me either. Ah yeah. I tried to download it just after they decided they were going to start charging for it, so I bought Embird instead.
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Ohh, how much is embird? do you like it?
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You have to buy the basic program which only allows editing of pre-existing designs, and then the Studio plug-in which is the actual digitizing part of it. The basic program was $182 and Studio was $167. You can get it here: www.ggcreations.com.au/althea/…
You basically download the trial version, then pay for the product key to activate it. I quite like it. I've never used Stitch Era, so I can't really compare them, but it's pretty much like vectoring. You can import pictures and either use the magic wand tool to create objects from the picture, or just trace around it like you would a vector. It's so much better than the program I bought to begin with. PE Design Lite was terrible. It only did autodigitzing, so I couldn't edit my designs to fix gapping between colours >-<
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holy cow, what frikkin capitalist mercenaries! Who would JUST buy it to edit? That's a LOT of money... >_> But I sort of have no choice, and if you think it's worth having, then I'll definitely think about it!
Thanks for the info!
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Yeah, unfortunately digitizing programs don't come cheap 
No problem
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sweet babies that's a lot >___<''
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