What Is Embroidery Digitizing & File Types
Simply put, embroidery digitizing is the process of converting artwork into a digital file that allows embroidery machines to recognise the needle’s path.
This process is not automated, and when done correctly, great digitizing is considered an artform. Most embroidery machines come with their own software that allows us to control their functions while reading instructions from a digitized file.
Because embroidery machines can’t read the same files as your computer, you’ll need to digitize your logo in a format that the machines can understand before they can work.
From the perspective of a digitizer, this usually entails converting a JPG or PNG file of a customer’s company logo or artwork into an embroidery file. The type of embroidery machine you’ll be using will determine the embroidery file type.
EMBROIDERY FILE TYPES BY MACHINE
.exp: embroidery file format for Melco commercial embroidery machines
.dst: embroidery file format for Tajima commercial embroidery machines
.kwk: embroidery file format for Brother commercial embroidery machines
.tap: embroidery file format for Happy commercial embroidery machines
.dsb: embroidery file format for Barudan commercial embroidery machines
.jef: embroidery file format for Janome commercial embroidery machines
THE BASIC STEPS OF DIGITIZING
Step 1: Upload Your Logo to the Digitizing Software
Step 2: Set Embroidery Design Size
Step 3: Choose Your Stitch Type
Step 4: Set Stitch Direction
Step 5: Set Your Embroidery Thread Colors
Step 6: Transfer the File to Your Embroidery Machine
One of the most crucial aspects of this process is comprehending the design. The digitizing process will be influenced by the artwork’s size, complexity, and location.
Fabric vs. thread should be considered by efficient digitizers (and technically all digitizers if they are good). In some cases, allowing the fabric to show through as a color rather than laying thread down will look better.
It’s also crucial to assign embroidery stitch types to specific areas while taking into account factors like the fabric type and the garment’s “push and pull.” Because there are so many variables and directions that can influence the outcome of your stitching, each job should be approached with caution.
GETTING YOUR ARTWORK READY FOR DIGITALIZATION
The digitizer must then examine the artwork to determine whether it needs to be edited for embroidery. The design’s final size must be considered. Not all logos created for print media, such as business cards, will translate well to embroidery.
Many designs require changes or simplification. Only the design name and a small image are sometimes used. Outlining may need to be removed, and small text may need to be enlarged and reorganized.
SELECTING A STITCH TYPE
There are many different stitch types that can be used to achieve various looks, textures, and other effects. There is a maximum stitch length for each stitch type that must be considered.
When choosing your stitch types, keep in mind the fabric type and the garment’s “push and pull.” The three most common machine embroidery stitch types are listed below.
STITCH STRAIGHT
The straight stitch is a basic embroidery stitch that involves repeating straight lines of stitches to create a pattern. A straight stitch can be repeated many times to create thick lines.
It’s important to remember that straight stitches aren’t just for straight lines; they can also be used to create curved shapes! Straight stitches are frequently used for.
•Outlining
•Shading
•Detail work
STITCH SATIN
If you want text embroidered, the satin stitch is probably the best option. Satin stitching has a shinier appearance that is ideal for lettering because of the longer thread length. Satin stitches have a maximum stitch length of 12.1mm. Satin stitches are frequently used for.
•Words and text
•Borders
•Achieving a gleaming appearance
STITCH TO FILL
The fill stitch, also known as the tatami stitch or the ceding stitch, is used to fill in patterns, as its name suggests.
To give the embroidery a woven appearance, fill stitches use alternating lines. Fill stitches have a maximum stitch length of 4mm. The most common uses for fill stitches are.
•Filling in blank spaces
•Creating a textured look
•More durable applications
•Larger designs
PUSHING AND PULLING
The “push and pull” is another important aspect of embroidery. While being embroidered, a design may move.
Some stitches will shrift as a result of this. Bulky fabrics, long stitches, large areas of thread, and a tight bobbin thread can cause this shifting. Push and pull effects must be taken into account by a digitizer.
SEW OUT THE EMBROIDERY
Although many left chest business logos are relatively simple to digitize for an experienced digitizer, designs with fine detail, small text, color gradations, and multiple color changes require more setup time.
Digitizing is a time-consuming process that requires patience and experience to master. The digitizer must understand how the stitches in his embroidery software will appear on various fabrics. A well-digitized design will complement your logo, so look for an embroiderer who offers high-quality digitizing services.
Conclusion
The most important takeaway here, as with most things in life, is that garbage in, garbage out. The sew out will be better if your file is properly set up. There should be no shortcuts in this process, and with so many companies offering digitization these days, finding the right person or company for the job is crucial. We use several digitizers at Embdigit based on their experience and reputation. To begin your embroidery project, click the button below.
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