it AIMED at any ONE person. It is meant purely as sharing little tips I have learnt along the way that I think may help others improve the skills they already have.
Tip 1, please remember to lessen the density on designs for home embroiderers as a lot of domestic embroidery machines do not stitch out well when the density is too tight, which is the common default in most programs.
Tip 2, Running stitches are best set at a minimum of 2 - 3 mm, if they are too short they can actually act like scissors and cut the design right out of the fabric.
Tip 3, PLEASE don't forget to use tie on and tie off stitches on EVERY element of a design. There is nothing worse than having the stitches come undone when you start trimming the thread ends.
Tip 4, Plan your design stitch out. Start and end points of design elements are crucial to whether your customers will come back for more of your designs. It's easy to create the elements first, then tell your program where you want your starting and ending points to be so that the stitch out flows smoothly and there are no unnecessary jumps from the end of one element to the beginning of the next element.
There is nothing more annoying than jumping across an element to start the next one when it could be avoided with a little thought and proper planning.
Tip 5, Is along the same line as tip 4, but it is segment order planning, which is even more important. Placement stitches, especially, need to be carefully thought out. When are they needed in the design? at the very beginning, somewhere in the middle, will they hold the material in place when it is needed?
I use a notebook and make a map of the segments, changing their stitch-out order and thinking how each segment will appear in the finished design.
Then I will go back to the design and try the new stitch order using the sewing simulator.
It takes time doing these extra few steps, but the end result will not only look good, it will stitch out more professionally.
If you want to be a good digitiser, and not just another mediocre digitiser with great ideas and poor execution, you need to have some lessons on digitising with the software you use. There is so much to be learnt from the professionals, it will amaze you just what your software can do to make your digitising efforts stitch out perfectly and look fantastic. So many simple little tricks, like shading & stitch direction, that can help turn your designs into masterpieces. We all need instruction as new techniques are thought up every day and it makes all the difference to whether your designs have that "professional" looking edge to them or never improve from when you created your very first design.
One thing to always remember, if you don't really LOVE the whole process of digitising designs, then you shouldn't be doing it.
I have discovered that I actually prefer to be digitising than embroidering, or doing anything else, these days and I really love watching digitising tutorial videos, as I pick up so many ideas and I know they have helped me improve my skills, even though I still think of myself as a beginner.
Hugs and roses with the best of intentions, Meganne
122864
I quite agree with you, Meganne, on all points. Unfortunately moving start and end points is a great feature in Embird, but it's not always a feature of other embroidery software - I know it can't be done in 3D.
A point to add is ALWAYS make test stitches. Not only of the finished design (that's a part of the digitising process) but of fill samples, experiments with new stitches or specialty needles. Digitise a number of squares of fill stitches, same pattern, different densities and/or stitch lengths, sew them out and see what you like best in your program. Keep the tests in a folder for reference, it makes digitising so much easier, especially if you created your own FSL fills - just have a look in your folder and decide what would go nicely in your designs. Here's a picture showing what I meant.
1 comment
by meganne
31 Dec 2010
Yes Martine, the lack of ability to change start and stop points, of an element, only serves to reinforce how important it is to PLAN the flow of the design elements before even starting to digitise it.
I have started checking all my "purchased" and freebie designs now and I usually fix them before I stitch them out. It is surprising just how many are open to improvement.
It makes me wonder if some digitisers take on more than they handle and rush the designs through just to keep enough money coming in to maintain their websites?????
You make some valid points. hugs n roses, Meganne
145302This is wonderful information. I'm still new to embroidery (only about four years), and I'm definitely at the stage where I sincerely appreciate a well-digitized design, and I'm happy to pay for it! With the current economy, I still have to wait for sales, but I try to buy from the sites who I feel do excellent work.
I'd love to learn to digitize one day, but I now realize how much work and talent goes in to creating each design.
13907Thats Meganne, this is very helpful. I'm learning to digitize, and loving it.
10494thank you for all the information. I have a question. When stitching out a FSL design in ONE color, should there be jump stitches. Many of the ones I've purchased have as many as 15 which means 30 front and back. This is so annoying. Bad digitizing? Can this be fixed? Hugs Betty
2 comments
by meganne
29 Dec 2010
It is preferable not to have jump stitches in FSL designs as the single unbroken thread gives assurance that the design won't fall apart.
It is mostly poor planning on the part of the digitiser and in all the FSL designs I have that have had jump stitches they could have been avoided.
I was very disappointed to discover FSL Angels I had purchased from a well known digitiser were full of jump stitches, she obviously hadn't planned her designs at all.
Yet another set I purchased I could actually see huge gaps where the stitching did not even meet up with the outline and I had to edit the stitches individually, I still haven't been game enough to stitch them out.
There may be the odd time when a jump or two are unavoidable but for the most part it is undesirable in FSL.
Some designs can be fixed, it is very time consuming unless you are the original digitiser as it means moving or creating one stitch at a time and inserting stitches in place of the jumps. This is where Patience is the greatest virtue.
Hugs n roses, Meganne
by shuede
31 Dec 2010
"I was very disappointed to discover FSL Angels I had purchased from a well known digitiser were full of jump stitches"
I hope you were able to communicate this to the digitizer so she can improve her designs.
6622Thank you so very much, Meganne, I would really like to know more about digitizing. Where is the best place to find digitizing tutorial videos? Sometimes in my sleep I come up with some great ideas and digitize all night long. The problem is, I wake up and all my night work has been in vain and the ideas are all gone! LOL. I appreciate you taking to the time to tell us there is more than meets the eye to digitizing!
Jan aka hightechgrammy
1 comment
by meganne
28 Dec 2010
You need to keep a notebook and pen beside your bed and as you fall asleep, repeat these words:
"I will wake up and write down any great ideas I dream of"
You might surprise yourself.
If you have Embird there are many helpful tutorials already available, some free, some not and the best place to learn is from
http://www.flyingneedle.ca/ ................
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/fly...
And if you can't digitise the designs you think up (and remember) share your ideas with a digitiser who can bring them to fruition.
Hugs n roses, Meganne
59631While I don't digitize I would like my hubby to someday, I think he would enjoy it....so I copy and pasted your post to save for him.....very kind of you to take time to do this.....thanks so much...Gods blessings Janet
8647Thanks Meg, this is very helpful. even though I have done a course in digitizing sometimes what we learn needs to be refreshed. I need to be particularly mindful of jump stitches because I test stitch on a multi needle machine which trims them and of course not all machines do this.
Alice
1 comment
by meganne
28 Dec 2010
While I dislike "unnecessary" jump stitches in a design, ones that I can see could have been avoided. I prefer to have a jump stitch than many unnecessary thread changes.
To me these are the two things that identify and separate great digitisers from mediocre ones.
Of course, when you are first learning, it can take awhile before you start "automatically" thinking like a digitiser and mapping every picture you see. LOLOLOL!!!
Hugs n roses, Meganne
19430I would like to mention that the quality of the design is MUCH less to do with the digitizing program used and mostly with the skill of the digitizer. An expensive program will NOT make you a good digitizer. Practise and lessons and a desire to learn all you can by watching good designs sew out all help. And whenever someone like Meganne is willing to share tips, save the information. There are lots of lists where digitizers answer questions and some offer lessons for a reasonable fee and sometimes even free mini lessons.
People need to know it is a skill, not something that is just all automatic if you have software - at least not if you want GOOD designs with nice stitchouts. It takes time and patience and work to learn any skill. Like success in any other craft, it is rewarding to be able to digitize a nice design but don't be surprised at how long it takes in the beginning :-)
I think we need to appreciate those who are kind enough to share their designs, yet realize that many are just learning so we need to test them first before using on a garment.
Jean
2 comments
by meganne
28 Dec 2010
Thank you for this comment.
Many people just do not understand how much work is involved in creating a great design. They see people churn out designs one after another in rapid time and think it must be so easy to digitise, but if they compare the stitchout of such designs, with those that have been created by the more experienced and caring digitiser, they will come to understand why their designs are more expensive.
And I don't like making comments like this because some Cuties take it the wrong way and think the comment is directed at them, when it is ABSOLUTELY NOT directed at any one person but a general comment of several years observations and learning.
Hugs n roses, Meganne
4488Thank you Meganne for posting these tips. I don't digitize, but I would love to learn enable to know what to do to correct others bad designs or should i say to save a design enough from the trash can. recently I purchased a really clever and original design from a site and the whole thing was a disaster from start to finish. need less to say, that site won't be around long if all the designs stitch out as badly as what I purchased. What it told me was the design was never test stitched. No design should ever be posted to sell to others that has not been test stitched. What do you think? Kay
1 comment
by meganne
28 Dec 2010
Absolutely!!! If they expect you to pay you have the right to receive a design that has been test stitched.
I sometimes post designs at DBC that I have not test stitched, but always with the note that anyone having problems should contact me directly. One should never become too confident in their digitising abilities.
Hugs n Roses, Meganne
85867Just a couple of things I would like to ad to Megs' very comprehensive instructions.
If you do need to put in jump stitches, which is unavoidable sometimes, try to make them as long as you can, even if it means jumping from one end of the design to the other end. Makes those pesky stitches much easier to cut.
The other thing is, to avoid jump stitches you need to use a run line, usually under the next lot of colour or along the edge. Don't use a dark colour under a light colour. It will show through. In this case it would be more practical to use a jump stitch.
I agree with Megs. Always scrutinize the artwork closely before starting to digitise. Then start with the bottom colours first. The ones that are underneath other parts of the artwork.It might mean you will use the same colour several times, but it will make for a nicer, more realistic look and, if you use an outline stitch in either triple, or backstitch,will give it a smooth, continuous line without dog legs in it.
Ricky
2 comments
by meganne
28 Dec 2010
Thanks Ricky. Perhaps between us we should start a regular help section just for GENERAL digitising problems. LOLOLOL!!!
Hugs n roses, Meganne
27382Thanx Meganne for your advice. Altho, at this time, I only have my 4D Software, I want someday to get Embird. So many Cuties use and love it, so that is why I have chosen it. But not for a while. I appreciate your advice. Thanx again, Hugs, Judy
92391Meganne, you're a winner. As I have always said there are digitizers and there are DIGITIZERS. This explains the difference. I am not a digitizer but appreciate a good one. Love Marg
24826Thank you for this lessons, I´m not a digitizer but it would be nice to have time to do that in the future. The tip #4 is great, because I hate to embroidery a designs with lots of un-necessary jumps.
Cheers
Sigrun
25744I purchased my machine 700 hundred miles from where we live and they mixed up the class I was supposed to take so I have had to learn solo how to do machine embroidery. Any helpful tips are very welcomed plus any video links our cuties find and share.
89895What a wonderfull Idea. I do not digitize, but would dearly like too. I could not think of anything nicer than some-one who can digitize, would be willing to help others. I tried to stitch out some very lovely designs this Christmas, but was overwhelmed by the "tightness" they had in them.
Lovely designs that I could in the end not use. Wished I new how to fix it myself.
Thanks.
Hugs and God bless
Marietta
2 comments
by meganne
28 Dec 2010
I have always offered to help people fix the designs, but only after they have contacted the digitiser and asked for their help.
It is not always the fault of the design, but can be that your tension needs adjusting for that particular design or that you need heavier weight, or two layers of Stabiliser, or even a different size needle or different brand of thread.
There are many variables that can cause even a, well digitised, design to go wrong and the more you can learn about embroidery in general, the easier it is to solve problems that may occur, that aren't the fault of the design.
Knowledge is the greatest gift you can give yourself.
hugs n roses, Meganne
15907Meganne, as you know I'm not a digitizer, but dear Cuties, you are fortunate to have Meganne to give you pointers as I have been fortunate enough to stitch out and test some of her designs. Although I'm not a digitizer, I know what well done designs look like and her's are not only well thought out, but have all of the qualities listed above and even though I don't know HOW to do it, I know HOW it's supposed to look. Thanks for taking the time Meg.;)
2 comments
by marietta
27 Dec 2010
I have used some of Megs designs at Designs by Cuties, and they stitched out beautifully.
by meganne
28 Dec 2010
Aww Shucks! Thank you for the lovely compliments.
I do try very hard and give each design 100% of my knowledge and time. It is truly nice to be acknowledged.
Hugs and roses, Meganne
158715Thank you. These tips are great for everyone even if you're not a digitizer. It can help you figure out why things aren't working right and why you might not want to go back to a certain digitizer. Of course it will also help you realize why you like a design so much!
463407I agree that learning how to do all the things you have pointed out. But sometimes understanding how to do these things is hard to find and do. I have only done a few things for myself and do not plan to made a business of it because I can't get done the things I would like to. Where can you find a good tutorial video's at?
1 comment
by meganne
28 Dec 2010
Firstly it depends on what program you use to digitise. If it is one from the machine manufacturers, Bernina, Brother, Viking, etc. you should sign up at their website and receive their monthly newsletters.
Another way to find help is to join Yahoo and search YAHOO Groups for those groups that are for specific programs or machines and find the one you have.
I hope this helps. Hugs and roses, Meganne
3368I have never been interested in digitizing but this info is great for those that are learning and even for those who are self taught. It is very nice to have friends like you that are willing to share their trials and errors with others who are not that far along with the process. I am sure you have very many readers that will be more than happy to have this article! I appreciate all of you that have tackled this job. My eyesight has gotten pretty bad and sometimes I struggle through just the embroidery process! I am just not prepared to tackle digitizing at this time. I need some surgery on my eyes before I tax myself with yet another project! If I live that long, I am sure that my eyesight will digress as times goes on. I have cataracts and glaucoma also. At my last visit, the cataracts were not bad enough for surgery but It is past time to have my eyes checked again.
You are very generous to share your expertise with those who are new and those that have had no formal training with this!
1 comment
by meganne
28 Dec 2010
Thanks Linda, I learnt through trial and error as I couldn't find help for my first digitising program and didn't really know where to look for help.
Now three years later, and a few online lessons with it, I am finding that first program is absolutely awesome and I use both it and my precious Embird, sometimes even on the one design. As the first program is a Professional program and has features that Embird doesn't and Embird is easier to do certain things with than Xpressive.
BTW, I too have cataracts starting and already notice that I need brighter lighting.
hugs n roses, Meganne
24961Might I add test. Take a little more time and sew out what you have created since even simulated sewing doesn't show actual sew outs. Or ask for testers to work with you that can point out things you might have missed.
1 comment
by meganne
28 Dec 2010
Yes, this is absolutely necessary, especially if you are expecting to sell your designs.
I often don't have time to test stitch, especially if I've been up two or three whole nights digitising a design, but one can nearly always find someone who is willing to do it and it is the best thing to get someone else's opinion as you can be too wrapped up in your own work to see its flaws.
Hugs n roses, Meganne
32948Meganne there is a huge amount of information here. I think I have read you use Embird. I have PE design and the book is not the easiest to read. I have also bought some CD's to help. Do you have other advice please? I am also aware that I dont have much time for digitising
1 comment
by meganne
27 Dec 2010
Hmmm! I'm afraid that time and patience are, what I consider, the most important requirements for good digitising. I am not familiar with PE Design so I cannot comment on it, but if you seriously want to digitise I would check out programs NOT affiliated with, or created by machine manufacturers.
Embird is my favourite as it is really user friendly, inexpensive compared to other programs, and has the best support of any program I have used in 30 years of computing. You can download a trial version to play around with for a time limited period, and once you pay for your licence the download you already have becomes your full version. You can pay for your licence for each section of the program separately, as and when you can afford it
hugs n roses, Meganne
Can't ask for more
115749Meganne......can't thank you enough for these tips..the store I purchased my machine from, went out of business right after I purchased my machine and the nearest dealer is a couple hours away, so I did not get any formal training on anything, let alone digitising......so all your tips are great for me, especially tip #4 as I am the queen of jumps and I can't figure out especially when I am doing the black outline of the design, how to get that to flow, I am confused by the start & stop instructions, so I need to pick your brain, if you don't mind, when we both have time, about that issue. Again thank you for giving us all the opportunity to improve.....Vicki
4 comments
by asterixsew
27 Dec 2010
Vicki for somepne who has had to quote yourself no formal training for digitising you seem to be doing very well
by basketkase
27 Dec 2010
Thank you......I have had lots of trial & error and I have a great passion for doing it, so I perserviered even though I felt like giving up so many times!!
by meganne
28 Dec 2010
You can always write to me directly Vicki and I will help if I can.
emad: melide_menschen@yahoo.com.au
please put CUTE in the subject line
Hugs n roses, Meganne
261163Hi Meganne
Thank you for taking the time to share your tips :-) I too like you love digitising more then anything
I love seeing a design come alive.
It also makes me really appreciate another digitiser
hard work, like you say a good one.
Big hugs from London
Maria xx
20276Thanks so much for these tips and if and when I get into digitizing I'll have this saved in the computer to refer to.
70755Dear Meganne, I do not digitize, and I think that I will never do it, first I think that it is too difficult and secondly, I am too old, I will never have enough years to embroider all what I want.
But I understand how all your advices are important, it is so much better to embroider with good digitized designs. You are kind to share all those tips.
25533Thank you for these tips. I am not a digitizer but really appreciate a good design. I sometimes think I might like to do it, but I have no artistic talent or eye for color & layout. I'm glad there are people that enjoy digitizing so that I can buy the designs.
2853Thanks so much for your tips.
I would love to know more about shading and blending . I always love those designs best, but can't get it right for my own .
From Bev
1 comment
7875Thanks for this....I agree with all of these, mostly with the density tip. Most of the programs digitize way too dense, and you can end up with a knotted mess, especially with lettering! Thanks again, very helpful.
40397Hi Meganne - thank you for posting these tips. I don't digitise.....yet....maybe never, but if and when I do start I'll be dependent upon people like you who give us your expertise and experience so generously.
I will have to do all my digitising learning from the internet when the time comes.
I have watched one or two videos of designs stitching out in sewing simulators and they are fascinating. I can quite understand your enjoyment in creating them.
AlmaG.
17214Great tips Meganne, I printed them out and one day I will use them. Thank you for your time and advice.
58029I have made a copy and it is now saved in my computer as my hubby has gotten me a simple digitizer to see if i like it and it works for me before getting a really great one....thanks so much for any help you can give us....I love watching some of the designs stitch out as they are a work of art in themselves....
1 comment
15874Thank you :) Meaganne this post is very helpful and so nice of you to do this for us. Thank you again for all your help.
Hugs Lee
1 comment
by meganne
28 Dec 2010
You are most welcome Lee.
Love your napkin ring designs, they were a big hit at all three of our Christmas get togethers. Hugs and Roses, Meganne
63174Thanks for those tips - for an absolute beginner like me, good advice is very welcome!
140717Thank you very much. I'm new to digitizing and can use all the tips I can get. Thank you for sharing. Don in TX
1283Whether other appreciate it. I sure do, when I start to digitize I will definitely consider these great tips. Thanks Meganne
36693I do not digitize, but I am grateful for your experience and advice. Thank goodness for people like you who help me to learn and produce a better embroidery product.
169064