The Embroidery Digitizing field is amongst the most prominent and striking fields in the world. Amazingly, this automated work has been passed down to us for many generations. Our ancestors were such geniuses!
If you have a look around you, you will see yourself surrounded by a lot of embroidery work even in this day and age. Probably because this work is not only intricate, but, it also hasn’t lost its charm even after being cherished for decades now. We all love ourselves some good embroidered garments, don’t we?
If you love the results of these threads and needles, then we suggest you get acquainted with the embroidery digitizing techniques to understand them better. But, where to start?
Start right here! We are here to throw light on how this digitizing works, to help you understand everything that you need to.
So, let us dive straight in!
All About Custom Embroidery Digitizing
You might be wondering how embroidery digitizing really works. Well, we are here to walk you through the process as your guardian angel. This technique starts by uploading the artwork to the digitization software, which converts the image into a format that is readable by the machine.
This format creates a path for the needle to work on. Once you have the format, you have to select the size, and types of stitches, as well as their directions. Deciding the direction of stitches is crucial to create a desirable outcome. And, lastly, you have to choose the colours of threads that complement your design and finally transform this file for processing. And voila!
Important Steps Of Embroidery Digitizing
To convert your designs into a digital format to make them readable by machine, we have compiled some must-know steps to make you understand them better. So, below is your step-by-step tutorial for digitizing your artwork expertly.
Step No. 1 – Creation of Design
To embroider anything, you must have a proper design in the first place. Channel your inner artist and create a beautiful design that you want to have on your garments. You can either use digital software or create this design all by yourself to reveal your artistic talents. If you are not feeling creative, then we totally get it.
Do not be hard on yourself by forcing yourself to create a design, we assure you no matter how hard you try, if your creative ideas are not flowing, then all your effort to make a picture-perfect design will be futile. So, what can be done now? Hmm, think bigger!
Yes! That’s right! You can use any design available online to have it digitized on your garment. This will ensure that your design is perfect, without you having to suffer from the hassles of creating one on your own. Who said only our ancestors were geniuses?
Step No. 2 – Software for Digitizing
After you have successfully created your artwork, it is time to import it into digitizing software. By importing them into this software, you will transform them into a digital format that can be understood by the embroidery machine.
If you are a digitizing agency, then opting for costly digitizing software makes more sense. However, for the likes of us, who only do it out of our passion for embroidered products, non-tech-savvy software is also present in the market (or on the internet) for our pleasure. Take your time and understand how this software works and you will be using these digitizing programs like a pro in no time.
Step No. 3 – Stitch Type
Once you have chosen the best software that meets your requirements, it is your cue to select the stitch type that you want to use in your artwork. During this process, make sure to select the perfect stitch density, length, as well as their direction to make them look symmetrical and perfect.
There are 3 types of stitches that are widely used by digitizing machines to make the artwork pop. We have discussed each type briefly below.
- Satin Stitch: This type of stitch applies a right-left-right-left rule, making it appear like a zigzag pattern. It is the most widely used machine embroider stitch and is referred to as jump stitch, zigzag stitch, as well as damask stitch. If you wish to create shiny and neat designs for your hat embroidery then this type of stitches are greatly recommended.
- Fill Stitch: As the name implies, these stitches are able to cover a large area of designs that cannot be covered by the formerly discussed stitch type. These stitches are known as ceding stitches or tatami stitches.
They are used to fill large spaces with beautiful woven stitches in alternate rows. Fill stitches run in a single direction and you can also benefit from their artistic variation in stitching i.e. embossing patterns
- Run Stitch: Mainly used to show detail in the artwork, run stitches are the simplest stitches for embroidery. It is a single straight stitch which is used to create smaller details by repeating the same pattern. Such stitches can be spotted in monogram fonts and logos.
Step No. 4 – Pathing:
Next, the digitizing expert decides on the stitching’s application sequence, which is called ‘Pathing’. This amazing step has the potential to affect the final embroidery’s overall quality. By controlling the needle’s path the digitizer enables itself to sequence components, decide the starting and ending points of each element, as well as masterfully plan the ‘travelling stitches’.
The process of pathing might sound like child’s play, however, it is not. Instead, it is the most difficult step to master. But with enough dedication, we are sure that you will become a pro with time.
Step No. 5 – Trimming:
It is the responsibility of the digitizer to specify where the thread must be cut as the machine works on each section of the artwork. This step is known as trimming.
Step No. 6 – Run Test:
When you are done trimming, now is the perfect time to run tests. In this step, the design that you created must be tested on a sample of cloth to ensure it behaves and looks just as you planned. If anything is not up to the mark, now is the time to address it and make any necessary modifications.
Step No. 7 – Manufacturing:
The last step is to manufacture your design after running tests and making any necessary adjustments to it. The embroidery machine gets the supplied automated artwork and executes the digital instructions to tailor the completed embroidery on the selected fabric. And that is all you have to do to get your hands on a custom embroidered masterpiece.
Summing It All Up
We hope that this blog was helpful for every embroidery enthusiast. Digitized embroidery says a great deal about its importance. We can see a lot of people adopting this type of embroidery over simple embroidery. This type of embroidery is way more accurate and faster as compared to the traditional method. One wrong step in the process can make or break the entire process, so you have to be patient and attentive at the start. But, once you get the hang of it, there is no going back at all.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I Digitize My Own Embroidery Artwork?
Yes, you can digitize your own embroidery artwork. To be frank and honest, it might be tricky at the beginning, but if you stay persistent, we assure you that you will be able to digitize your own embroidery designs in no time.
- What Fabric Is The Best For Embroidery?
Wool, Silk, Linen, as well as Cotton, are all highly recommended fabrics that are perfect for embroidery. This is because these fabrics are tightly woven and therefore create a sturdy surface which is perfect for embroidery.
- How To Start My Own Embroidery Business?
Definitely yes. Instead, it is a great idea for a start-up business plan. Not only this business can be done from home, but it does not require you to become a website expert too. If these factors excite you, then we suggest you execute this genius plan as soon as possible.
- Is Custom Embroidery Profitable?
The answer to this question is definitely yes. You can earn high profits with this business. A lot of entrepreneurs that start this business with only a 15-needle embroidery machine, end up having a massive amount of loyal customers with time. The key is to be consistent with your work. The main reason behind the success of this field is the low cost of embroidery supplies in the market.