Let us first learn what machine embroidery means. We have heard of people making colourful embroidery designs by hand from ancient times. However, it takes a long time for skilful artists to work. This digital era has become easier as machines can do embroidery work at 1000 stitches per minute, which is a far super speed. Beforehand Machine Embroidery involves some process that makes the design stitched. It is called Digitizing Embroidery or Embroidery Digitizing.
Once an image is selected and fed into the machine, it cannot be recognized. It is so; digitizing plays a significant role here. The embroidery digitizing company gets the image in any form and converts it into a digital stitch file using the software. So much software is available for digitizing, such as Wilcom, Ricoma, Janome, Singer, Elna, etc. Once the digital file is ready, it can be saved in machine-supported file format so that the machine and stitch can read it.
So, good digitizing practices for machine embroidery can help make quality designs. Hence, making mistakes might disappoint your clients, costing precious time and money. If you plan to outsource, this post is also for you to know about digitizing embroidery. Here are some of the Do’s and Don’ts to follow while digitizing.
DO’s:
Planning:
Before starting any work, planning is essential. So, once the client gives the required image or idea for embroidery, think of what can be done better in the design, size, or any additional or improved part. Give suggestions to the client for better output.
Know the Fabric type:
Know about the fabric type and product type beforehand. Makin, the correct design type for the right fabric type, will give better results. The stretchy fabric will need more attention on Pull compensation, while cotton fabric needs less. Products like caps need attention to their curved surface. Designing on flat material, just like T-shirts, might not look good on caps.
Follow the Proper Sequence:
Digitizing teaches the machine where to start stitching, which part should be stitched next, etc. For medium to big designs, Underlay is required. In such cases, the first Underlay is made, and then embroidery is done. In the case of caps, the stitch must start from the Center to outwards to avoid puckering.
Stitching Angle:
Stitches can be done at any angle, horizontal to vertical or diagonal. It is good to have different stitch angles for other parts of the design for a better-looking design. This makes the design an exciting, textured layout with a shiny finish and contrasting look.
Use Underlay:
The foundation of the design is called Underlay. This helps stabilize, gives a smooth surface for the embroidery, and minimizes distortion. Some underlays include edge runs, Center runs, zigzags, fill stitches, etc. Mainly, for stretchy knitted fabrics, it adds Density and avoids distortion. However, failing to give proper Underlay might create a messy design and thus make it challenging to proceed with embroidery. It also makes the stitches sink into the fabric. So, the right choice of Underlay must be made.
DON’TS:
Avoid Jump stitches:
Jump stitches are the other unwanted threads over the embroidered design. This happens when the needle moves the thread from one area to another. Jump stitches are usually due to poor embroidery digitizing. If the stitching sequence is done correctly, jump stitches can be avoided. These jump stitches cause puckering, making embroidered designs look low quality and leading to more labour work since they should be trimmed manually.
The Density of Stitches:
The distance between the straight stitches is called Density. It plays a vital role in designing. Less Density leads to less stitch time, reducing thread breakage and broken needles. Vice versa, high Density leads to more stitch time, distorted design, broken needles, thread breaks, fabric tears, and uncomfortable to wear due to very stiff design.
Avoid Auto Digitizing:
In the early stage, auto-digitizing programs are helpful. It might be great for simple designs, but that might be challenging when embroidered over the fabric. Improving your skills and learning to do more creative work will be a highlight for your business. Avoiding auto-digitizing will increase your efficiency and productivity.
Utilize these steps in your embroidery digitizing service and improve your skills. You will create excellent, top-notch products for your clients, saving time, money, and material. If you want to outsource, keep these points and check the design done by your digitizer to ensure the right embroidery digitizing service partner.