Digitizing Dictionary
Have you ever wondered about a digitizing term or just wanted a handy reference guide …
Dictionary of Digitizing Terms
Attribute see Parameters.
Appliqué Decoration or trimming cut from one piece of fabric and stitched to another, usually with a satin stitch around the edge. Adds dimension and/or texture to a design.
Auto Shortening Shortens some stitches on inner side of bend of a column to prevent too high density on inner side.
Backing See stabilizer.
Backward Path When an outline is created and you need to return down the same path. Select a series of already made Outline, Connection or Manual Stitch objects and then use this command. It will duplicate whole path and reverse it. So you will have path “there” created by you, and “back” created by this command.
Bean Stitch Three stitches placed back and forth between two points. (also referred to as “Triple Stitch”)
Birds nesting Collection of thread between the fabric and the throat plate, resembling a bird’s nest.
Column A satin stitch object composed of two edges. Each edge can have a different number of parts (lines or curves).
Convert
- Convert Fill to outlines- selected object created with fill stitch will automatically have an outline added to it.
- Convert fill from opening – creates fill stitches in previously-digitized hole using create fill with hole tool.
- Convert appliqué to column will convert your selected appliqué object to column stitch (satin)
- Convert column to column with fill will convert your selected pattern column fill (satin stitch) to a plain satin stitch.
- Convert column to column with pattern is the exact reverse of the convert column to column with fill command.
Create connection Enables you to create your own path to the next object you are going to make rather than using a jump stitch that the program would normally put in for you. This way you can use it to create a running stitch path by using the tool and clicking from the last stitch created along a path or route you determine.
Cover Stitching The top layer of stitching.
Design file Completed file that is saved in machine format and used to stitch out the design.
EOF Embird Studio design extension.
Fill Stitch Series of running stitches commonly used to cover large areas. Different fill patterns can be created by varying the length, angle or repeating sequence of the stitches.
Hoop Device made from plastic, metal or wood that grips the fabric tightly between an inner and outer ring and attaches it to the machine.
Icon Pictorial graphic representation of a design.
Jump Stitch Movement of the sewing head without the needle going down. Used to move from one point in a design to another or to create stitches that are longer than the machine would normally allow.
Lock Stitch A series of three to four very small stitches (1mm or less) either just before a trim or at the beginning of sewing following a thread trim. Used to prevent the stitching from unraveling after the embroidery is completed.
Maximum Size The size limitation of design.
Max Stitch Count The maximum number stitches.
Mirror A program menu option that allows reverse imaging of a pattern to be sewn.
Monogram Embroidered design composed of one or more letters, usually the name or initials of someone’s name.
Node Points that you set in digitizing when you are outlining the area to be filled etc. It represents a point on a line where the direction of the line can be changed.
Outline Stitching Stitching often used to define the outline of a filled area. They may be in a contrasting color or in a color matching the fill.
Overlay Overlay is stitches sewn on top of other stitches in order to prevent gaps, if fabric moves a little during embroidering. In case of fills overlays are several rows of stitches that sew on top of previously sewn parts of fills. When embroidering filled areas, the thread may create “push effect” – pushing fabric in front of sewing. This may result in gaps between areas that should be connected. The overlay ensures that these areas meet each other. In case of columns, overlay occurs only if column forms circle or other “closed loop”. Overlay is several stitches added to end of column that sew on top of beginning of column. Again, their meaning is to prevent the gap caused by fabric push effect Overlay on columns-like objects is generated only if they are closed. For example, if column forms a circle, overlay are extra stitches generated at end of column over the beginning of column to make sure, that even if fabric moves a little, the circle will be closed.
Both column and fill objects have so called “Pull Compensation” parameter that causes stitches go slightly over the object boundaries.
Parameters The characteristics of the filled area or stitch. Usually parameters will include the density, the length of the stitch, the compensation, they type of stitch etc. It might also be defined as the limiting factors.
Perpendicular Stitches Long column parts that have line (not curve) sides may be automatically divided into 2 or 3 parts in such a way, that most of stitches will be perpendicular to virtual axis of the column. When digitizing columns, you do more or less consciously create stitches that are perpendicular to axis of column, usually. For example, if you do a large rectangle, you would probably use 3 elements on each of rectangle side to make stitches perpendicular in the largest (middle) element. With Perpendicular Stitch checked, you can make just one element and program will make division automatically.
Puckering A result of the fabric being gathered by the stitches. Causes include loose hooping, insufficient backing or incorrect thread tension.
Push/Pull Compensation Digitizing technique that takes into account the distortion of the design that will occur because of the interaction of the thread with the material. This can cause a perfect circle to appear egg shaped when sewn out.
Rotate Program parameter that rotates the design either in precise increments or free rotation.
Satin Stitch Formed by closely arranged zigzag stitches.. Can be laid down at any angle and with varying stitch lengths. (see column)
Stabilizer Woven or non-woven material used underneath the item or fabric being embroidered. Provides support and stability. Available in two basic types – cutaway and tearaway as well as specialty stabilizers such as rinse-away, heataway or dissolvable.
Stitch file Working file for the design.
Stitch Types
- Running or single stitch – a single stitch outline from point A to point B. Double stitch – starts at one point, travels to another point and then returns to the original.
- Triple stitch/bean stitch –Two stitches forward, one stitch back.
- Fill stitch – fills the object with solid stitches.
- Motif – Different combinations of stitches to change the look of the fill stitches.
- Column – Satin stitches
Topping Material hooped or placed on top of materials prior to embroidery. It creates a smooth surface so that the stitching can be laid down. Most toppings are made of a water-soluble plastic.
Underlay Stitches in a design that are put down before the design stitches, used to stabilize the fabric or raise the design so that the fine detailing is not lost. (also referred to as understitching)
Zigzag Stitch Stitches that go from one side of an area to be sewn, diagonally to the other side. Diagonals may be placed closely together to form a satin stitch (see columns or satin stitches).