Embroidery Settings

Normal Fill Recipe

Normal fill is used to fill irregular orcomplex shapes. Normal fill utilizes acommon stitch inclination and almostalways will use some sort of step as thestitch type. This fill method is sometimesreferred to as Complex Fill and is the mostcommon method used to define largeareas.

• Stitch Type:The stitch type selection selects how the object will be filled. Different stitch types are used togive a specific appearance to the embroidery.

➢➢➢➢ Satin:

Satin stitches are stitches that travel from one edge of theobject to the opposite edge of the object in one step. Anormal satin uses one straight stitch and one angled stitch. AZig Zag Satin uses angle stitches of equal length. Themaximum effective distance for a satin stitches is about 6mmfor general embroidery. Satin stitches longer than this tend topull out and unravel

➢➢➢➢ Step:Step stitches appear much flatter and can fill large areas asthe distance is divided in to steps of a predetermineddistance.(Step Length) Step fills are created by usingparallel rows of stitching. Different effects can be achievedby changing the step length in a fill area There arepractically unlimited possibilities for filling with step fill

• Hole Stitch Type:The type of stitch that applies to the hole. Normally holes are voided of stitches or empty.However , there are instances when you would want the hole filled with stitches of a differenttype.

Note: Only compatible stitch types are allowed as the hole stitches sew in line with the parent blockstitches. For instance, you cannot use step satin as the fill area with a hole stitch type of Motif as thesestitches use different densities.

General Settings: The general settings are parameters that apply globally to the recipe selected.

• Respect Modifications:A block of stitches may contain several sub layers, thesystem provides the ability to edit the sub layers outlines.This setting keeps the sub layers changes when the toplayer is later edited or changed. If this setting is uncheckedand the top layer is edited, the sub layers that werechanged will snap back to their original shape. Sub layerscould include such parts as underlay or outline stitches.These sub layers are discussed in detail in the AdvancedArea Edit Section.

• Overlap:Determines how many stitches or rows of stitches overlap in a fillarea or column. In the simple illustration at the right, the digitizerdetermined they wanted the stitching to start on the left and finishin the center. The system starts stitching up to the point wherethe end point in determined, then makes a ½ step to the centerof the column and walks to the right where it stitches back to thecenter point C. Depending on the type of fabric that this will besewn on, the stitching at point C may leave a gap, The Overlapparameter will add stitches to this section to correct this issue.

• One Direction:When sewing an area where 2 or more large segments will meet inthe center, There is a possibility that the stitching will push and stretchthe fabric to the point where there will be excess fabric where thesegments meet. Overlap will not normally help in this situation.The One direction parameter switches the filling method so that allstitches filling the same directionIn the example, the potential problem would occur at point A wherethe stitching meets.With One direction activated all of the stitching pushes in the samedirection avoiding this issue. One direction routs all walking stitchingbetween segments to the perimeter of the block to avoid sewing awalk stitch on top of a previously sewn section. For this reason, One direction has limitedusefulness unless there will be additional stitching sewn later to cover these walk stitches

• One Direction Offset:Controls the distance from the perimeter that the walk stitch will travel when One Direction isactivated. This control is positive (towards the center of the outline) or negative (outside of theoutline)

• Walk Stitch Offset:Controls the distance from the perimeter that the walk stitch will travel when One Direction isNOT activated. This control is positive only (toward the center)

• Walk Stitch Step:The length of the individual stitches that make up the walk stitch

• Offset Grid:The offset grid option controls at which point on thetablet the stitch density is calculated and set.

Suppose I have 2 blocks of stitches and I want to blendthe 2 colors to achieve a specific effect.

With both blocks of stitching having a commoncalculation point for the density, the rows of stitchingwould align one on top of the other.

This is not the most optimal way to blend

With the Offset Grid control, the digitizer can place thesecond row of stitching anywhere he pleases toachieve the maximum effect.

Density :

Density is a calculation of the actual distance betweenrows of stitching in a Step fill.

Normal densities for embroidery range from 3 mm to 5mm, although different densities will be used for effectssuch as blending.

The density calculation for Step Stitches is based every otherrow, or rows traveling in the same direction. Therefore theactual distance between adjacent rows is actually ½ thedensity.

• Color Blending and Degrade:The Degrade option will vary the density of a block between 2 predetermined values set by theuser. This is most often used for effect or to blend colors but is also used as a single color fordegrade to achieve an effect.

Notice when using the degrade option that all walk stitches are routed to the perimeter as notto be visible through the low density stitching

• Number of Colors : Selection of single or 2 color degrade

➢ Color 1: User defined First color of the degrade

➢ Color 2: User defined Second color of the degrade.

Degrade Type: Determines how the degrade will be processed the options are ➢ Linear: The density is changed from the Minimum

Density setting to the Maximum density setting over theentire dimension of the block that is perpendicular tothe stitch angle

➢ Uniform: The entire block is processed at theMinimum Density setting with no degrade. The secondcolor (if used) is processed at this density also,however the grid is offset on the second color tooptimize blending of the stitching

• Inclination Difference: The angle between the first and second color. This isnormally 0 for a color blend.

• Minimum Density: The density setting to be applied to the block where the stitching will be thickest. The minimumdensity will be at the opposite side of the first input point.The minimum density is the density setting to be used for all layers when a uniform degradetype is utilized.

• Maximum Density: The density setting to be applied to the block where the stitching will bethe thinnest. The maximum density is always at the side of the block where the first input pointwas placed.

Example: In the image at the right, the shape was created by placing the cornerpoints at positions 1-4 in sequence, then closing the outline. Since thefirst point was placed at the left side of the block, the degrade wouldstart with the maximum density setting at the left and degrade to theminimum density on the right.This is for a single color linear degrade. For a 2 color degrade, thesecond color would be opposite this

• Intermediate Density:The Intermediate density is used only when a specialtype of degrade is required. Normally the user will placeequal values for the minimum and maximum densitiesand use the intermediate density to provide the degradedensity.

• Area Percentage:This determines where in the block the intermediate density will be applied. A setting of 50%places the intermediate density in the center. Less than 50% places it further away from thefirst input point, Greater than 50% places it closer to the first input point.

• Edges:The Edges control will apply arandom edge to the block. Thecontrol allows for selection ofwhich edge or both edges to be randomized. And by what percentage. Randomizing an edgecan be used to create an effect such as grass, a horses mane etc.. It can also be used toblend 2 or more colors

• Outline Type:Determines which side will be randomized.

• First Side: Applies the random factor to the sidewhere the first point of the inclination line was drawn

• Second Side: Applies the random factor to the edgethat is opposite the side closes to the firs inclinationline input point

• Both : Applies the random facto to both edges

This example is made up of 3 blocks, the top, is firstside random, the bottom is second side random andthe middle is both sides random, blending the 3 tofade from red to yellow

• Outline Percentage: Determines the amount of randomizing to be applied to the outline

• Stitch Repeat:This function will repeat anindividual stitch by any odd numberspecified. This effect is usedmainly in run stitches where a bolder line is desired. The stitch repeat can be applied to anyrepeating stitch or every stitch. This effect is also used in special types of embroidery wherelow density is required such as embroidering on paper. The stitch repeat will allow a singlestitch to look very fat giving the appearance of a hand sewn embroidery.

• Number of repeats: How many times to repeat the stitch

• Apply Every...Stitch: The value selected here will determine the repeat interval. Set to 1 will repeat every stitch, 2every other stitch and so on

In this image we have manually movedthe stitches apart to show the repeatedstitches. The settings for this examplewere a normal run stitch, number ofrepeats 3, Apply to Every Other stitch.

• Tie:

The tie control determines what type ofknot the system will use to tie off theblocks. This parameter simplydetermines the type of tie stitch, the determination of where toapply the tie stitch is governed by one of the connectionpolicies.

The default tie stitch is a series of in-line stitches of a .1 mm step ,followed by a .5 mm stitch, then 2 .3mm return stitches. The tiestitch prevents the thread from unraveling after the thread is cut.The default tie will always fall in the same stitch inclination as thelast stitch.

For some fabrics and situations a larger tie will be needed toensure the embroidery does no pull out. In these cases, the defaulttie should be disabled, and one of the selected alternative ties willbe used. There are a number of pre-made alternate tie stitches tochoose from.

Notice that the tie stitches are placed within the boundaries of theoutline to prevent them from being visible.

A catalog of alternate tie stitches is available byclicking the small button in the tie settings

• Running Stitch Manager:

The running stitch managerdetermines how the running stitchesare to be created in a block. If a usersets the running stitch length to 2.5mm, and the block is of a length that cannot be evenly divided by 2.5, The running stitchmanager will change the stitching to create the block in the correct length.

➢➢➢➢ Spread Remainder:

This option will calculate the length of the line and determine what the remaining stitch lengthwould be, then add the remainder to the individual stitches. So you may have chosen a stitchlength of 2.6, but you may get a stitch length of 2.6

➢➢➢➢ Move Last Point:

This option will honor the desired stitch length and will simply add a short stitch to the end.

➢➢➢➢ No Last Point:

This option will honor the stitch length but will not include any last stitch, so the line may beshorter than the actual outline.

• Narrow Curve Approach:

The narrow curve approach will shorten the stitch length to more precisely follow a curve. Howmuch the stitches are shortened is determined by the minimum length and chord gap settings

➢➢➢➢ Minimum Length:

The shortest stitch length allowed while generating the curve.

➢➢➢➢ Chord Gap:

The maximum allowed deviationfrom the original line.

If stitch count and stitch length aremore critical than exact lines, you willpick a higher min length and a highchord gap.

These settings apply to all runningstitches in a design, This includesthe Running Stitch recipe, Underlaywalking stitches and centralunderlay.

• Underlay:

Underlay stitches are preliminary stitches sewn before the top stitching. Underlay has manyfunctions and proper underlay is critical to quality embroidery. The underlay can providestability to unstable fabrics, it will attach the backing to the fabric, it will add bulk to thestitching, and it prevents gaps from opening up in the filled areas.

Edge walk underlay:

Edge walk underlay is a type of stitching that defines theperimeter of the block. The stitch is similar to a run stitch thusit has similar properties to run stitch such as stitch length andpasses. The edge walk underlay as shown in red traces theperimeter of the block as well as the hole (if selected)

➢➢➢➢ Stitch Length:

The length of the individual stitches in the outlined

➢➢➢➢ Passes:

The number of times to sew the outline.

➢➢➢➢ The Offset from outline:

The distance in towards the center from the to stitch outline.

➢➢➢➢ Stitch type:

Normal run stitches or Step ½

➢➢➢➢ Edgewalk at holes.

Determines whether holes are outlined as well

• Fill Underlay:

Fill underlay provides maximum stability to free form and column blocks. The fill underlaycreates a lower density block of stitches underneath the top stitching. The system allows theuser to define the parameters for density, number of passes, stitch type and offset.

➢➢➢➢ Density:

The distance between rows of underlay stitching.

➢➢➢➢ Passes:

Passes number of times the underlay is sewn

➢➢➢➢ Stitch type:

Step Satin or Zig Zag Step selectable

➢➢➢➢ Offset from Outline.

Distance from the outline of the top stitching to the edge of the underlay

➢➢➢➢ Fill Underlay at Holes:

Normally, the fill underlay will route around holes or voids inthe stitching. With this setting checked, The fill underlay willignore the outline for the hole and continue through it . Thiswill provide good stability in a shape with many holes and givea good base for the smaller segments that will sew on top.

➢➢➢➢ Walk Stitch Offset:

When the Fill underlay is processed it will be necessary for the program towalk around the edge of the block to create the stitching. This parametercontrols how close to the outer edge of the block the stitching is allowed toapproach.

➢➢➢➢ Walk Stitch Step:

The length of the stitches in the walk stitch, similar to running stitch length

➢➢➢➢ Angle Between Fill:

The difference between the fill underlay and top stitching stitch angle.This angle is relative to the top stitching angle. 90 degrees is the mostcommon.

• Angle between layers:

This defines the angle between the first fill underlay layer and thesecond fill underlay layer when multiple passes are selected. This has nofunction for single pass underlay.

• Outline:

The outline control will apply a border stitch of the specified type around the object(s)

➢➢➢➢ Color:

Allows selection of a specific color or placement of aStop code between the parent block and the outline.

• Running Stitch Outline:

The running stitch control can be set to apply bychecking the check box. This control also containsparameters for the running stitch.

➢ Passes:

Number of times the block is outlined, Multiple passes will produce a bolder result.

➢ Offset from outline.

The distance from the outline of the parent block the running stitch will be applied. This is anegative or positive number. This feature can be used to achieve a special effect or tocompensate for stretch in a fabric.

➢ Stitch type:

Normal or Step 1/2

➢➢➢➢ Running Stitch at holes:

If the parent has holes or voids, should the running stitch outline also be applied to these

• Satin Outline:

The Satin outline parameters are basically the same as the running stitch outline parameters.The Satin line has additional parameters that can beaccessed by clicking the + next to the Satin Outlinelisting

➢ Passes:

Number of times the block is outlined, Multiple passes will produce a bolder result.

➢ Satin Line Offset.

The distance from the parent outline to lay the centerline of the outline block. This is a negativeor positive number. This feature can be used to achieve a special effect or to compensate forstretch in a fabric.

➢➢➢➢ Satin at holes:

If the parent has holes or voids, should the running stitch outline also be applied to these

• Stitch Type:

the Satin Line can be created using Satin or Step in normal or Zig Zag configurations

• General:

The general settings control the basic parameters for the satin line.These settings can be further changed by clicking the + next toGeneral to expand the menu

➢ Column Width:

The width of the satin in 1/10 mm

➢ Offset mm:

This control moves the outline outward or inward sameas the satin line offset duplicate

➢ Stitch Angle:

Normally sating stitches will run perpendicular to theoutline , however, if the outline is particularly thin, anangle greater than 90 will be more desired so that alonger stitch length can be used

➢ Running Stitch Length:

Applies to the running stitch outline should not be in this control

➢➢➢➢ Keep Column Width:

➢➢➢➢ Short Stitches:

Short stitches are used to maintain density through curves and corners. As the stitches fan outaround a tight curve or corner, the system will insert a short stitch periodically to fill in the outeredges

➢ Overlap/Overlap Size:

The number of stitches that overlap where the line starts and ends

➢➢➢➢ Walkstitch step:

The length of the stitching that connects the segments of the outline. Similar to running stitchlength, but applies to the connector stitching that is used to route through the design

Expanded Parameters

➢➢➢➢ Density:

The distance between stitching in the outline, can also be set to degradevalues

➢ Edges:

Determines whether the line has a uniform or jagged edge(s) The controlcan set either or both sides to random and apply a severity of randomness based uponpercentage. This is normally a special effect.

➢➢➢➢ Stitch Repeat:

Functions as described in stitch repeat section

➢➢➢➢ Corner Type: When creating a satin outline, there are 4 possible corner types, each having itsown benefits and drawbacks

The corner type used is governed by the shape of the object or the specific corner. Sharpercorners may require different corner types to achieve the best result. Specific parametersapplicable to how the corner stitching is generated is also available

➢➢➢➢ Continuous:

This is the default setting and works well over the largest number of areas.The stitches gradually change angle as corners are approached achievinga uniform looking line of consistent width.

This corner is not suitable for severe angles as itwill result in very long stitches as shown in thesecond graphic

Properties of Continuous Corners:

The Continuous Corner advanced properties utilizes a fractal spacecalculator which will determine how close to the corner the stitchesswill remain perpendicular to the line before making the corner.

Notice the difference in the 2 corners below with fractal spacingOFF on the left and On on the right

➢➢➢➢ Bevel Square:

This corner type is suitable only for sharp corners. TheBevel square control will divide the corner into 2 segmentsand can clip the corner at a specified length.

Properties of Bevel Square Corner:

The bevel square corner utilizes 3 advanced properties.

Cornet Cut angle. The minimum angle at which the bevel square willstart to cut the corner

Corner Cut %: The % of the total corner that will be cut off.(0-60%)

Overlap: The overlay % defines how much the stitching in the cornerwill overlap.

Compare these 2 corners.

The one on the left uses a corner cut angle of 50, Cut % of 30and overlap 0%

The one on the right uses a cut angle of 50, Cut % 20 andOverlap 20%

Notice how the overlap parameter ties the corner in to prevent agap

➢➢➢➢ Inserts:

The inserts corner will miter the corner, shortening stitches as itapproaches the outer edge. This is a good all around corneralthough it can cause bunching of the stitches in sever angles asshown towards the tip of the shape at the right.

Properties of Inserts Corner:

The inserts corner utilizes 3 advanced properties

TracePtOffset:

Diagonal Split: This control works similar to overlap but determineswhere the angle is split to create the corner

Overlap: Works the same as described above

➢➢➢➢ Cap:

The Cap corner is a very good choice for sever angles, but isnot suitable for normal angles of 90 deg or so. The Cap will splitthe corner into 3 parts. The left and right legs and the cap. Theline sill sew normally up to the point where the 2 lines intersect,the program will then walk stitch to the point of the corner andstitch back to the opposite leg resulting in a uniform coveragewith no bunching or overlap in the corner. On less sever anglesthis can result in a long connector stitch in the corner.

➢➢➢➢ Block:

Block corners intersect perpendicular to one another. Thiscorner is very effective when using small column width or whenusing low densities were a uniform stitch length is desired. It isalso the most desired corner when trying to achieve a TackleTwill effect in appliqué.

➢➢➢➢ Tie:

Determines the type of tie stitch to use to tie off the stitching , see Tie section for detailedexplanation

• Running Stitch Manager:

Controls the running stitch length in the walkstitch, see Running Stitch Manager section fordetailed explanation.

➢➢➢➢ Stretch:

When stitches are sewn into the fabric, the combination ofthe needle penetrating the fabric and the tension of thethread will cause some percentage of distortion in thedesign. How much the design distorts is determined bysuch factors as cloth stability, backing type, threadtension, etc.. The Stretch parameter allows the user toanticipate this distortion and to compensate for it.

Pull:

Pull is the effect of the thread tension on the fabric, As theneedle exits the fabric and travels to the next placement, itwill pull the thread with it, as the thread pulls across the fabric it tends to shrink the fabric. Thisresults in a block that is smaller than intended in the direction parallel to the stitch angle.

Push:

When a needle penetrates the fabric it tends to push the fibers of thefabric apart, this tends to make block grow in the direction perpendicularto the stitch angle. This effect is known as Push. Push is most prominentwith step type stitching where the needle penetrations are close together.

The image at right shows a circular block of stitches. The green lineillustrates what the block will look like after it is sewn.

➢➢➢➢ Pull Compensation:

Compensates for the effects of Pull.

Stretch %:

The amount by percentage you want to add to the block in the direction of the stitch angle.

Maximum Stretch Length:

The maximum actual length to add to the block in 1/10 mm. This will override the Stretch %.Must be set to a value higher than 0 to achieve any stretch.

Shorter areas will shrink less than larger areas. You may need as much as 30% stretch insome small areas to achieve the correct result, however, 30% of the larger area is too much.This parameter allows you to run the higher percentage you need for the small areas whilelimiting the maximum length in te larger areas

• Compensation Type:

Determines which side(s) to apply the compensation. Normally will be applied to both sides,but in some instances you may only want to apply to one side.

Both Sides: Applies values to both sides of the block in the direction of the stitch angle.

First Side: Applies values only to the side that the first inclination point was places.

Second Side: Applies values only to the side that the last inclination point was places.

➢➢➢➢ Push Compensation:

Compensates for the effects of Push

Shrink %:

The amount by percentage you want to reduce from the block in the direction perpendicular tothe stitch angle.

Maximum Shrink Length:

The maximum actual length to take from the block in 1/10 mm. This will override the Shrink %.

Must be set to a value higher than 0 to achieve any stretch.

Compensation Type:

Determines which side(s) to apply the compensation. Normally will be applied to both sides,but in some instances you may only want to apply to one side.

Both Sides: Applies values to both sides of the block perpendicular to the direction of thestitch angle.

First Side: Applies values only to the side that the first inclination point was places.

Second Side: Applies values only to the side that the last inclination point was places.

• Shift Outlines:

Shift Outlines is a unique type of compensation designed for certain types of designs, mainlyChenille. Chenille designs tend to Push is all directions. Therefore it is beneficial to be able toshrink entire blocks. This effect can also be useful in embroidery designs where you may wantto shrink or grow a block by a small percentage.

Outline Shift:

The distance in 1/10mm you want to grow or shrink the block. (negative numbers shrink theblock)

Shift Type:

Determines what part(s) of the block outlines are to be shifted

Outlines:

Shifts only the parent blocks outlines

Holes:

Shifts only the outlines for a hole, this is use full when you want to add overlapto a hole area but do not want to shift the parent blocks outlines

Both:

Shifts both the parent and the hole outlines

• Internal Connection Policy:

The Internal Connection Policy controls how individual segments ofthe block interact with one another. This will include branches of thesame block, layers of underlay etc...

The Internal connection policy for Normal Fill is rarely set to anythingother than Never Trim

➢➢➢➢ Connect Blocks:

What type of stitch will connect the sub layers of the current block.

With Running Stitches:

Connect branches or layers with running stitches

With Jump Stitch:

Connect branches or layers with a single stitch.

➢ In case of Jump:

Insert actual Jump:

If the Connect with Jump is selected, this option allows the insertion of an actual JUMPcommand instead of the Normal stitch.

Trim Controls:

Trim Always:

Cut the thread between all layers. Be aware, this will cause the machine to cut the threadbetween the layers of underlay and top stitching.

Trim if Distance is greater than:

Causes a trim to occur is the distance between the branches or layers is greater in 1/10 mmthan the defined setting.

Never Trim:

Do not trim between the layers or branches, this is the normal setting.

Handle Tie Automatically:

The system will insert tie stitches between layers or branches depending on the options set inthe Manual Tie Control

• Manual Tie Control.

➢➢➢➢ Tie In Before Block

Off: Do Not create a tie at the beginning of all branches orlayers.

Always Tie in: Create tie stitch at the beginning of all layersand branches

After Trim/Color Change: Create tie stitch only after thesystem has inserted a trim or color change

Distance from previous block is greater than: Create a tiestitch if the distance between layers or branches exceeds thespecified value in 1/10 mm.

➢➢➢➢ Tie Off After Block

Off: Do Not create a tie off at the end of all blocks or layers.

Always Tie Off: Create tie stitch at the end of all layers and branches

Before Trim/Color Change: Create tie stitch before a system inserted trim or color change

Distance from previous block is greater than: Create a tie stitch if the distance betweenlayers or branches exceeds the specified value in 1/10 mm.