What Is Embroidery Digitizing & File Types

Simply put, embroidery digitising 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 digitising is considered an artform. Most embroidery machines come with their own software that allows us to control their functions while reading instructions from a digitised file.

Because embroidery machines can’t read the same files as your computer, you’ll need to digitise 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.

MACHINE EMBROIDERY FILE TYPES

1. .dst: embroidery file format for Tajima
2. .exp: embroidery file format for Melco
3. .jef: embroidery file format for Janome
4. .kwk: embroidery file format for Brother
5. .dsb: embroidery file format for Barudan
6. .tap: embroidery file format for Happy

THE PRIMARY STEPS IN DIGITALIZATION

Step 1: Open the Digitizing Software and upload your logo…

Step 2: Set the Embroidery Design Size in.

Step 3: Select a Stitch Type.

Step 4: Decide on a stitch direction.

Step 5: Set Your Embroidery Thread Colors.

Step 6: Load the Embroidery Machine with the File.

One of the most crucial aspects of this process is comprehending the design. The digitising process will be influenced by the artwork’s size, complexity, and location. Fabric vs. thread should be considered by efficient digitizers (and technically by all digitizers if they are good). In some cases, allowing the fabric to show through as a colour 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 factors and directions that can influence the outcome of your stitching, each job should be approached differently and with caution.

GETTING YOUR ARTWORK READY FOR DIGITIZING

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 tweaking or simplification. Only the design name and a small image are sometimes used. Outlining and small text may need to be enlarged and rearranged, and some elements, such as outlining, may need to be removed.

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.

STITCHING IN A STRAIGHT LINE

The straight stitch is a basic embroidery stitch that involves repeating straight lines of stitches to create a pattern. A thick line can be made by repeating a straight stitch several times. It’s worth noting that straight stitches aren’t just for straight lines; they can also be used to create curved shapes. Straight stitches are frequently used for…

• Shading
• Outlining
• Finishing

STITCH IN SILVER

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. The most common applications for Satin Stitches are…

• 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 digitise for an experienced digitizer, designs with fine detail, small text, colour gradations, and many colour changes require more set-up time. Digitizing is a time-consuming process that requires patience and experience to master. The digitizer must understand how different fabrics will embroider the stitches he sees in his embroidery software. Your logo will benefit from a well-digitized design, so look for an embroiderer who offers high-quality digitising.

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 digitising these days, finding the right person or company for the job is crucial. We have several digitizers at EMBDIGIT that we use based on their experience and reputation. To begin your embroidery project, simply click visit our site.

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