First and foremost, in order to understand the variants falling under embroidery digitizing, it is imperative for you to understand the word ‘digitizing’. Digitizing renders the file into a series of instructions for the embroidery machine, which translates those instructions into a pattern for the needle to work upon. This process implies the absolute difference of ‘precision’ between the digitized method and the conventional hand technique.
The embroidery process could be broken down into five general steps listen below:
So far with the pace of advancements in technology, a range of possibilities are being made available for the embroiderer. There are lots of options in which you could have a go through the combination of machine and software applications. We’ll now observe the different functions surrounding digital embroidery, and a range of possible options they’ll allow the embroiderer to shape their fabric from:
In FSL technique, the object is prepared exclusively out of a thread stitched to the machine that resembles lace. This threading technique allows the embroiderer to get more creative with tons of options he could try from it.
Initially, digitizers attempt to construct outlines specifically for a free-standing place. It is recommended to use a water-soluble stabilizer when making a free-standing lace because it is impossible for the machine to make it in mid-air. Once the design is being stitched, you could dissolve the stabilizer and you’ll be having yourself only the free-standing lace.
This approach is quite easy to administer due to its standardized process that also results in flawless artwork. However, this technique takes into account many considerations in order for it to be successful.
This exclusive technique focused on slightly opaque fabrics but thin fabrics. The stitching instead of being done on the front of the fabric is administered on the backside to give a shadowy effect. Using embroidery digitizing in this technique just expands the number of outcomes and patterns you could create.
For selecting a fabric that is compatible with your crafting scheme, you could just position your hand on the backside of the fabric and observe whether there is a shadow visible on the front. The most popular fabrics for creating your shadow work includes lawn, muslin, organdie, voile and georgette.
Cutwork scheme is simple surface needlework that involves stitching circular or oval eyelets. This technique employs the use of two main stitch techniques; running and buttonhole stitch. Primarily, cutwork is mostly applied with threads that have a matching color with the fabric and It is preferred to use a stiff fabric if you’re planning to perform cutwork.
This is basically stitching work done through a red thread on white or natural-coloured fabric. The type of stitches usually employed in this technique is surface stitches and cross stitches. The works could also be done through a blue thread but would cease to be called ‘Redwork’. To summarise, the color of the thread may be different, but the same mechanism is being employed; single-color stitching on a white background that is based originally on the idea applied in redwork
The concept of redworks has been existing since the 1800s where it is believed to have originated from the idea when peasant women used red threads to decorate their homes and ornaments. Since technology and extensive application of Information Technology has been introduced, there are more intricate and exquisite artworks possible using red or any other thread.
A little disclaimer, 3D embroidery has a process that is similar to the standard method, but one difference is that the pattern is set up with an embroidery file bearing the extension ‘.dst’. This extension is used to input the artwork from the digitizing software into the machine.
The second major difference between standard and 3D embroidery is that a foam material is spread out on the surface of the fabric before the threads are sewed. This helps to give an elevated effect to the design and provision more eye-catching visibility, just like custom patches.
You can use this method on several types of apparel like jackets, hoodies and sweatshirts. It is also taken as a suitable alternative for applique embroidery patches patches or logo embroidery in terms of visual aids.
A unique method employing the scales of goldfish to help create the outlines. Initially, the scales of the goldfish are assembled and the holes are punched at the base of each scale after which the thread is knitted based on the punched outlines. This process is usually performed on velvet fabrics, and abundant variants exist based on the fish-scale technique with the help of this digital method. Additionally, fish-scale patterns are popular in beach towel digitizing.
We have listened to the most prominent variants of digitizing but the industry is involved in actually producing more different types. Many digitizers are working towards developing a cost-effective and easy way to enhance the use of digital needlework and making a more suitable alternative towards replacing traditional methods.
The computer and the machine have contrasting and complex reading abilities. To put it in simple words, the files stored in the computer system are not directly readable by the machine. This establishes the need for the embroiderer to convert the designs or artworks stored into the computer into a specific digital file extension that would allow the machine to understand clearly, and formulate the path of its needle. In the majority of cases, many machines have their own in-built software facilitating an easier process in terms of translating stitching instructions for the file.
Despite these machines having the ability to read each file that a computer can, the embroiderer still has to digitize the designs, the logo or the artwork in a specific structure understandable by the machine. The artwork is converted into a specialised file, and each file type is specific to a particular machine.
.tap is the embroidery file extension exclusively for Happy commercial machines.
.dsb is the embroidery file extension exclusively for Barudan commercial machines.
.exp is the embroidery file extension exclusively for Melco commercial machines.
Underlay Stitching It’s a special stitching procedure designed to hold the fabric at the base. They also position the fibres of the fabric so that the primary design is established firmly on the top. This example is common amongst sleeve patches or in designing stylish embroidered baseball caps.
The path of the needle is determined by the person in charge of digitizing the designs. The path of the stitch determines where the needle would start sewing and where it shall end. Also, it determines the order in which each design would be threaded onto the fabric.
This is one of the most creative parts in the threading process. The digitizer chooses amongst a range of stitch patterns, amongst which the most common are
Run Stitch; represents a continuous pattern of the thread. It is mainly used for designing thin borders and text, or any small design deemed appropriate.
Satin Stitch; is primarily used for intricate details and borders, and much more commonly in text.
Fill Stitch; they arrive in many variants. They are used as a filing for covering up large areas of a design but can also be utilized for making different patterns.
A major problem faced by embroiderers in the industry, a jump stitch is an extra thread or trailing that you may see in a pattern or design. This renders the need to locate and trim all the jump stitches and it could make the process very monotonous and tiring.
Stitch count simply refers to the number of stitches needed to create a whole pattern. The simple rule is that the more detailed a logo or a specific pattern, the more stitch count it would have. This is why the number of stitches varies according to the pattern’s structure and its detail.
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