Hello everyone,
Today is my very first day and I cannot tell you all how excited I am to have found you. I'm relatively new to embroidery so I have hundreds of rookie questions:). Over the course of the past few months I have realized that I would like to create my own designs. I have seen many recommendations for embroidery on this site but I would also like to know if any could recommend a good digitizing software for appliqué, especially one that doesn't cost and arm and a leg? Thanks a bunch!!!
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10977424424Welcome.......I can only vouch for Bernina digi software....I have version 7.0 and love most of it.....however, it is expensive and the upgrades are far from free, like on some digi software.....I had Generations for a short while, but was totally confused by it, so I sold it......whatever you choose be very patient with yourself and know it takes a lot of practice and testing........it is very worth while when you finally get the hang of it........good luck to you!
261163My advice to a new embroider is to go to as many classes as you can. At one of the events I went to the store that sponsored it gave everyone a free sewing machine. I paid 20 dollars for that class. The sewing machine was worth about a 120 dollars. At another event I learned In the Hoop embroidery. I was scared of it and after couldn't believe how easy it was. You will be with a lot of different people of all different levels and it is so fun. The events I've gone to always include lunch and are a very good value. The next one I'm going to is a Floriani event and I'm hoping to learn about digitizing. I wish I would have gone to these when I first started.
Cathy
2 comments
by asterixsew
14 Oct 2016
How lucky you are to have such a chance, where I am in the UK I have learnt everything by trial and error with my embroidery machine and my digitising knowledge needs expanding but I would have a half day journey each way for a lesson on digitising
by cwal
16 Oct 2016
I started out trial and error so know how that is. I was mostly error. I always say my seam ripper is my best friend.
Cathy
347Welcome to Cute. I know very little about digitizing but I do know that if you are just starting machine embroidery it is quite a learning curve in itself. I have found that it is practice and more practice. I knew nothing about embroidery when I first came here in 2008. I had just bought a second hand machine with no instructions. I have learnt so much from so many talented people here. I wish you a long stay with us.
255049Welcome to Cute!
I use Embird for my software. You can download a free version. It doesn't cost an arm and a leg. You can buy just the modules you want.
33641Welcome to the best group on the internet - and it's an embroidery group You will find friends who will help answer any questions you have. I'm one of the cat lovers. Jan
59631I have been using and upgrading Husqvarna software since 1998, currently using 6D.
In 2006 I also bought Embird. The latest HVupgrade costs more than all Embird modules together. And guess what I use Enbird far more than 6D.
I would recommend Embird to anyone. It is versatile, easy to use and there are free lessons to be found al over the internet.
Basic functions are the same in all embroidery software, but there are special fills and stitches that are s.w. specific. I have been considering the Bernina s.w. for years just because of one feature - and told myself all those years I would be mad buying it just for that reason. Not because it would be difficult to get used to the different way of doing things - you'll get used to that in no time at all - but because it would financially crazy.
Try out Embird, have a look at some others, and see what you love best.
1 comment
by basketkase
14 Oct 2016
I so agree, Martine......I am stuck in this loop with Bernina...I have spent so much initially then on every upgrade....one day I should look into embird........
145302A big Aussie welcome from me. I personally don't digitise but Meganne does and she swears by Embird. I know there are a lot of other software options available out there, but listen to what our experts say on here about them. Everywhere you see a little hand symbol ✋🏽Means you can look at everything that is written. Check out our Q&A section and again a big Aussie welcome from me, luv Chris,Newcastle, Australia
234495Welcome to Cute!!!! We are family. You did not say which machine you bought . I have always been a Bernina girl. I have bought their machines for 35 yrs. Most importantly is to have support from your dealer. This out ways what you choose as you should have hands on help when you need it. Choose a software that you can get free lessons to use it and a dealer within your driving distance to service your machine. Kay
1 comment
by basketkase
14 Oct 2016
Good point, Kay.....I let my trial of 8.0 expire and am not buying it........
8586723577Welcome to the cute family, you will find extremely friendly helpful people here, always willing to give advice and help whenever you need it. Take time to look around the site lots of information to help you on your way in your new hobby that will become very addictive. Sandra. in (Australia)
24331Welcome - lots of info here on Cute and great people willing to go the extra mile to help you.
As for software I am in agreement with the Floriani users. I find it intuitive and easy to figure out. A significant help is having a dealer willing to either offer classes on the software or allow a "user group" to meet in their classroom. And as someone else said definitely purchase at a dealer sponsored Floriani event as there will be a definite cost incentive and most likely freebies thrown into the transaction. An added benefit if you have a cutting machine is that the Hope Yoder software for cutting machines is a similar platform and many functions/icons are similar if not the same!
1334A Big Cute WELCOME to CUTE!!! I have been here since 2005, and can't start my day without Cute!!! I have learned so much! I had the Pricier program, and then on a whim, I Downloaded Embird. I am still adding modules as I need them, and they are not an arm & a Leg! Hahaha!!! I ordered mine from Secrets of Embroidery, and it is slightly lower than the Embird site. And you get Bonus designs. As with anything, it takes learning & patience, Rome was not built in a day! I also signed up for a set of lessons, and if I just had more time, I would be a lot farther than I am...Hugs, Judy from Amarillo, TX...
92391I too spent the arm and a leg for Floriani TCU -Total Control Universe - and it has been well worth it. Don't pay the full price on a site, but take your checkbook to a Floriani event, where it will be hundreds less. They update and upgrade frequently (always free) and have such excellent training and helps and projects. You even get about seven years of previous free designs and five or so new free designs each month.
You will love being on Cute and can learn really quickly about your embroidering by reading our entries and comments - hooping, thread brands, bargain sites, problem solving with heavy stitch designs, etc. I'm sending you a flower, just to be friendly!
66907Big Welcome to Cute...so glad that you have found us and if you hang around, find out how the site works and participate in this wonderful worldwide community, your life will be richer and so will all of ours, too! I have a couple of "high end" digitizing programs, but I would suggest Embird... It can be purchased in modules as you need them, it is a great price performer, and once you purchase the program, the updates are either free or a very minimal cost. I think the most I have paid for updates over the past eight years has been $20..that's a real bargain to be sure...also, there is a 30 day free trial for Embird so you can try before you buy...My other recommendation would be Floriani TCU. It is pricier, but again, a very powerful digitizing and editing program with wonderful support and training... and they, too, do not charge for any updates or upgrades to their program..If I had to do it all over again, I would choose one of these two programs.
31842617727Welcome from Canada you will love cute****Hugs Carolyn (Noah)
360641Here are some threads where your question was asked here before. Hope you find the help you are looking for.
Welcome to Cute Embroidery.
www.cuteembroidery.com[2] Question from wackypup
www.cuteembroidery.com[3] question from mcarlton
www.cuteembroidery.com
158715Welcome to Cute! You're going to love it here - there are many excellent digitizers on here and I'm sure they will be a wonderful resource for you. I have one of those "arm and a leg" programs that I wouldn't recommend...so, I'll be interested to hear what answers they come up with, too.
70755Welcome to Cute! We are glad you found us as well!
Please take a few minutes to read through the Q&A section to find out how the site works - it really is worth it!
As to your question, I use Embird which is at the lower end of the price scale and has the bonus that you can buy it a module at a time according to your needs.
140717Hi and welcome. I suggest that you read the Q&A section here to find out about Cute. Many will give advice on digitising which I will leave to them.
1 comment
by jrob
11 Oct 2016
Glad I read down to here. Just what I was about to recommend.
Welcome to our beloved site, Kaseals.
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