Chapter 9

Stitch Types

All embroidery objects in EmbroideryStudio contain defining settings or

properties. Some, such as size and position, are common to all objects,
while others are specific to object type. The most important property of
all is stitch type. The software uses object outlines and the associated
stitch type to generate stitches. Whenever you reshape, transform or
scale an object, stitches are regenerated according to current settings.

Stitch types divide broadly into two categories – outlines and fills.
Different stitch types suit different shapes. Some stitch types are suitable
for both outlines or fills. Others are dedicated to one or other purpose. A
stitch type can be selected together with a digitizing method or applied
afterwards. Whenever you create an object from scratch, it takes the
currently selected stitch type.

Simple outlines
EmbroideryStudio provides tools for creating
outline stitching of varying thicknesses and
styles. They are typically used to add borders
and pickout runs. There are tools for creating
simple run stitching as well as a wide variety
of decorative outlines. Outline stitch types
can be interchanged.

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Simple run stitching

Use Outline Stitch Types > Run to place a row of single run stitches along
a digitized line. Right-click for settings.

Use Outline Stitch Types > Triple Run to place a triple row of run stitches
along a digitized line. Right-click for settings.

Use Outline Stitch Types > Sculpture Run to create a thick-thin outline
alternating single and triple stitches for a hand-stitched look.

Use Run to digitize lines of simple run stitching. Use Triple Run for
emphasis. This stitch type is typically used for thicker borders and
outlines. Sculpture Run creates thick-thin alternating single and triple
stitching for a hand-stitched look. Adjust stitch length, chord gap, stitch
repetitions, and other settings via the Object Properties docker.

Tips for use...

 Both Traditional Digitizing and Graphics Digitizing toolbars
contain tools for digitizing outlines. These tools place a row of stitching
along a digitized line.
 EmbroideryStudio provides tools for automatically generating
outlines.
 Use Backtrack and Repeat to reinforce outlines while specifying the
direction of the stitching.
 Swap outline types at any time, including vector outlines. Vector
objects of course have no stitch properties. Satin outline width can be
controlled via object properties or using the Reshape tool.

C h a p te r 9 S t i tc h Typ e s 200
 Related topics...
 Digitizing outlines & details
 Creating vector shapes in EmbroideryStudio
 Reinforce outlines
 Generating outlines & offsets
 Reshape Column C objects

Stitch length settings

Use Outline Stitch Types > Run to place a row of single run stitches along
a digitized line. Right-click for settings.

For run stitch and other outline stitches, stitch length can be adjusted to
suit the shape.

To adjust stitch length

 Right-click the icon to access object properties.

Change stitch
type

Adjust nominal
stitch length
Turn on/off
variable run
length Adjust variable run
length values

 To set a fixed stitch length, adjust the Length field. For sharp curves,
reduce length – e.g. 1.8 mm – so that the stitches follow the line more
closely. Mimic hand-made embroidery by increasing length to, say,
4.0 mm.

Run length Run length

Too few stitches to follow Stitches follow the curve

tight curve more closely

 Alternatively, automatically shorten stitches to follow tight curves with

the Variable Run Length option.

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  In the Chord Gap field, enter the maximum distance to allow between
the digitized outline and the stitches.

Chord
gap

Run
length

Fixed run length Variable run length: Variable run length:

2 mm 0.07 mm (default)

 In the Min Len field, enter the minimum stitch length to allow. Stitch
length will not reduce to less than this value, even if the chord gap is
exceeded.

Run count setting

Use Outline Stitch Types > Triple Run to place a triple row of run stitches
along a digitized line. Right-click for settings.

By default, Triple Run repeats each stitch three times. You can change
the number of repetitions by adjusting the Run Count value.

Stitch length
1 2 3 4 5 6
Single Run

3 6
Triple Run 1 4

2 5

Select run count

Tip: Use Backtrack and Repeat to reinforce outlines while specifying

the direction of the stitching. See Reinforce outlines for details.

C h a p te r 9 S t i tc h Typ e s 202
 Sculpture run settings

Use Outline Stitch Types > Sculpture Run to create a thick-thin outline
alternating single and triple stitches for a hand-stitched look.

Sculpture Run provides independent stitch length parameters for

alternating stitches. This is handy for creating a hand-stitched look.
Apply to open or closed shapes. Default alternating values are equal but
can be independently set – e.g. A=2.5 mm and B=1.5 mm. Also, the
number of A/B repeats can be independently set. The default setting is
#A=3, #B=1.

Run count and length

A can be different to B
B B

A A

Satin stitching
Satin is one of those stitch types which can be used for thicker borders
or for fills. It is well-suited to narrow shapes where each stitch spans the
width of the column. Because there are generally no needle penetrations
breaking up the fill, satin stitch gives a glossy, high-quality appearance.

Tip: The Auto Split and Auto Jump features help you to control long satin
stitches. See Optimizing long satin stitches for details.

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Applying satin stitch

Use Fill Stitch Types > Satin to apply satin stitch to new or selected narrow
columns and shapes. Right-click for settings.

Use Outline Stitch Types > Satin to create thicker borders or columns of
even thickness. Right-click for settings.

Use Fill Stitch Types > Satin Raised to create raised surfaces – can be
applied to lettering or used with trapunto for quilting effects. Right-click for
settings.

Use Outline Stitch Types > Satin Raised to create raised satin borders –
can be used with outlines for quilting effects. Right-click for settings.

In EmbroideryStudio, the Auto Spacing option is turned on by default.

For most purposes, this option avoids thread breaks and creates visually
appealing columns of satin stitches.

If a column is too wide, stitches may be loose and not cover the fabric
properly. Conversely, in very narrow columns, stitch density may be too
high and needle penetrations damage the fabric. Adjust stitch density by
setting a fixed spacing, or let Auto Spacing calculate spacings wherever
column width changes.

To apply satin stitch with auto-spacing

1 Select the digitizing method you want to use – e.g. Column C.
2 Select Satin and create an embroidery object. Alternatively, select an
existing embroidery object and click Satin.

C h a p te r 9 S t i tc h Typ e s 204
 3 Right-click the Satin icon to access object properties.

Select Auto
Spacing
Adjust density
percentage

4 Tick Auto Spacing if not already checked.

5 Adjust Stitch Density for more or less open fills.

>100% – fewer stitches 100% – no adjustment <100% – more stitches

Density is given as a percentage of preset values:

 To decrease, increase the percentage – e.g. to 110-115%.
 To increase, decrease the percentage – e.g. to 90-85%.
75% generally produces high quality embroidery. An increased stitch
count means the design will take longer and be more expensive to
stitch.
6 Press Enter or click Apply.

Note: For even more precise results, you can adjust Auto Spacing
settings.

Related topics...
 Embroidery digitizing
 Satin auto-spacing

Satin auto-spacing

Use Fill Stitch Types > Satin to apply satin stitch to new or selected narrow
columns and shapes. Right-click for settings.

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 Use Outline Stitch Types > Satin to create thicker borders or columns of
even thickness. Right-click for settings.

Use Fill Stitch Types > Satin Raised to create raised surfaces – can be
applied to lettering or used with trapunto for quilting effects. Right-click for
settings.

Use Outline Stitch Types > Satin Raised to create raised satin borders –
can be used with outlines for quilting effects. Right-click for settings.

Adjust Auto Spacing to specify how rapidly spacing changes and by how
much. You can also specify spacing offsets to adjust for different thread
types. These settings are intended for digitizing experts. You will usually
want to save modified settings to a template.

Spacing 2

Spacing 1

Length 2
Length 1

Fixed spacing Auto spacing

To adjust auto-spacing settings

1 Right-click the Satin icon to access object properties.

Select Auto
Spacing

Click to adjust
Auto Spacing
values

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2 Click Settings. The Auto Spacing Settings dialog opens.

Adjust stitch Enter spacing

length values offsets for each
thread type

Adjust spacing
values

3 Adjust stitch settings in the Stitch panel:

Setting Function
Length These values define the increments by which spacing is adjusted.
The smaller the distance between each length, the more rapidly
stitching changes from open to dense. Each length must be
greater than the preceding.
Spacing These values define the spacing corresponding to each stitch
length. See below.

Default spacing values Custom spacing values

4 Adjust spacing offsets for different thread types.

The offset determines the amount by which stitch settings will be
adjusted for different thread thicknesses.

Thickness Description Default

A Normal embroidery thread (approx. denier 40) 0.01
B Thicker than normal (approx. denier 30) 0.03
C Finer than normal (approx. denier 80) -0.03
D Very fine (approx. denier 100) -0.06

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 Note: You assign the thread type in the Add Thread dialog. Stitch
spacing of the assigned thread type is automatically adjusted
according to the values set there.
5 Click OK.

Related topics...
 Working with templates
 Modify thread details

Satin fixed spacing

Use Fill Stitch Types > Satin to apply satin stitch to new or selected narrow
columns and shapes. Right-click for settings.

Use Outline Stitch Types > Satin to create thicker borders or columns of
even thickness. Right-click for settings.

Use Fill Stitch Types > Satin Raised to create raised surfaces – can be
applied to lettering or used with trapunto for quilting effects. Right-click for
settings.

Use Outline Stitch Types > Satin Raised to create raised satin borders –
can be used with outlines for quilting effects. Right-click for settings.

In EmbroideryStudio, the Auto Spacing option is turned on by default.

Sometimes, however, you may want to control the exact spacing of satin
columns. Fixed spacing is sometimes used, for example, for decorative
effects – e.g. very open spacing over, say, a tatami background. These
effects cannot be achieved with Auto Spacing.

Tip: If you are using a digitizing tablet, you can quickly switch between
preset styles with different spacing settings. Each button on the puck
accesses the next preset style. For example, clicking button 1 accesses
<PRESET_SATIN_1>.

To apply satin stitch with fixed spacing

1 Select the digitizing method you want to use – e.g. Column C.

C h a p te r 9 S t i tc h Typ e s 208
 2 Select Satin and create an embroidery object. Alternatively, select an
existing embroidery object and click Satin.

3 Right-click the Satin icon to access object properties.

Adjust stitch
spacing
Deselect Auto
spacing

4 Untick Auto Spacing.

5 In the Spacing field, enter a fixed spacing:
 To increase density, enter a smaller value.
 To reduce density, enter a larger value.

Stitch spacing 0.5 mm Stitch spacing 0.7 mm Stitch spacing 0.9 mm

6 Press Enter or click Apply.

Related topics...
 Embroidery digitizing

Satin stitch count

Use Fill Stitch Types > Satin to apply satin stitch to new or selected narrow
columns and shapes. Right-click for settings.

Use Fill Stitch Types > Satin Raised to create raised surfaces – can be
applied to lettering or used with trapunto for quilting effects. Right-click for
settings.

Use Outline Stitch Types > Satin to create thicker borders or columns of
even thickness. Right-click for settings.

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 Use Outline Stitch Types > Satin Raised to create raised satin borders –
can be used with outlines for quilting effects. Right-click for settings.

Satin Raised is often used for folk

designs to mimic handmade
embroidery that uses thicker thread.
If you require thicker stitches, set the
satin stitch to repeat itself multiple
times. Use Satin Raised to create
raised surfaces consisting of multiple
layers of satin stitching. This can also
be applied successfully to some styles
of font for a raised embroidery
surface.

To adjust satin stitch count

 Right-click the Satin icon to access object properties.

Adjust satin
count

Adjust satin
layers

 Enter the number of repetitions in the Satin Count field.

Caution: Using a value higher than 10 may cause thread breaks,

depending on the design, fabric, or thread tension.

C h a p te r 9 S t i tc h Typ e s 210
  With Satin Raised you can also adjust the number of layers of
stitching.

Increase satin count

for more layers

 Press Enter or click Apply.

Tip: When you increase satin stitch count, you should also increase
the spacing to avoid bunching and thread breaks.

Related topics...
 Satin fixed spacing
 Optimizing long satin stitches
 Applying stitch types & effects to lettering

Tatami stitching
Tatami stitch consists of rows of run stitches and is suitable for filling
large shapes. Stitch offsets in each row are used to eliminate horizontal
split lines.

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Tatami density

Use Fill Stitch Types > Tatami to create fills for larger irregular shapes.
Right-click for settings.

Use Outline Stitch Types > Tatami to create borders or columns of even
width for different needle penetration patterns.

Tatami stitch density is determined by the distance between each row of

stitches. Sometimes row spacing is increased to create more open
stitching for backgrounds and special effects.

Row spacing

Offset
fraction

Stitch length

Row direction

Tip: When you increase stitch spacing, Auto Underlay should be turned
off. If too open, you may also find that travel runs and overlapping
segments spoil the effect. The Trapunto effect automatically moves
underlying travel runs to the edges of an object so that they can’t be
seen.

To set tatami density

1 Select the digitizing method you want to use – e.g. Complex
Turning.
2 Select Tatami and create an embroidery object. Alternatively, select
an existing embroidery object and click Tatami.

C h a p te r 9 S t i tc h Typ e s 212
3 Right-click the Tatami icon to access object properties.

Adjust stitch spacing

Adjust stitch length

4 Adjust Spacing as required. For increased density, enter a smaller

value. For more open stitching, enter a larger value.

Spacing: 0.4 mm Spacing: 0.6 mm Spacing: 0.8 mm

5 Adjust Length as required.

Length: 4.5 mm Length: 2 mm Length: 1 mm

6 In the Min length field, enter the length of the shortest stitch to be
generated.

Length: 4 mm Length: 4 mm Length: 4 mm

Minimum stitch: 0.4 mm Minimum stitch: 0.8 mm Minimum stitch: 1.2 mm

7 Adjust other settings as desired.

8 Press Enter or click Apply.

Related topics...
 Embroidery digitizing

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  Object property apply options
 Trapunto open stitching

Other tatami settings

Tatami settings also allow you to control needle offsets for more even
distribution of needle points or for patterned effects. Choose a different
backstitch type to control edge stitching.

Offsets
With tatami fills you can specify how each row is offset in order to create
patterns formed by needle penetrations. You do this by adjusting either
offset fractions or partition lines.

Adjust offsets to
create patterned
effects

Adjust backstitch
to control
appearance of
borders

Tip: Using a Random factor you can eliminate the split line patterns
formed by regular needle penetrations and distribute stitches randomly
inside a shape.

C h a p te r 9 S t i tc h Typ e s 214
 Backstitch
Tatami backstitch is the term used for every second row of stitches in a
tatami fill. There are three types available – Standard, Borderline, and
Diagonal.

Standard backstitch Borderline backstitch Diagonal backstitch

The table below describes the differences:

Type Notes
Standard Because the rows are different lengths, there are fewer small
backstitch stitches at the edge of the shape, reducing possible damage to the
fabric. Standard backstitch is suitable for high density fills.
Borderline With lower density fills, borderline backstitch creates a smooth,
backstitch well-defined edge. Borderline backstitch is also called Trapunto
style.
Diagonal The backward rows are diagonal, directly connecting the forward
backstitch rows. Diagonal backstitch is suitable for turning shapes, and gives
good results with Jagged Edge.

Related topics...
 Creating textures with tatami offsets
 Create random patterns
 Trapunto open stitching
 Jagged edges

Decorative embroidery
EmbroideryStudio provides many techniques for embellishing the basic
stitch types covered in this section. Some are treated as stitch types in
their own right – both outline and fill – and appear on the Stitch Types

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 toolbars. Others can be applied as stitch effects. In all cases, the
digitizing techniques are similar. See also Digitizing Shapes.

Fill and outline

stitch types

Graphical and
traditional digitizing Stitch effects applied in
tools addition to stitch types

Thread colors applied in

addition to stitch types

Decorative outlines

Use Outline Stitch Types > Backstitch to place a row of backstitches along
a digitized line. Right-click for settings.

Use Outline Stitch Types > Stemstitch to place a row of stemstitches along
a digitized line. Right-click for settings.

While simple run stitching is typically used to add borders and pickout
runs, there are stitch types for creating decorative outlines. Backstitch is
an older-style, adaptable stitch which can be used for delicate outlines.
Stemstitch is thicker and can be used to mimic hand-sewn embroidery.
Digitize decorative outlines as you would a Run stitch outline.

C h a p te r 9 S t i tc h Typ e s 216
To create decorative runs
 For more delicate outlines, use Backstitch. Backstitch is an
older-style, adaptable stitch which follows intricate curves well.

 Backstitch settings allow you to specify exact stitch length, chord

gap, thickness and overlap values as well as number of strokes.
Length, Min Length, and Chord Gap values work like the Variable
Run Length option.

Run length: 1.5 mm

Stitch thickness:
0.25 mm

Strokes: 5

 For thicker, decorative lines, use Stemstitch. Stemstitch can be used

to mimic hand-sewn embroidery. It is used for stems and vines with
other decorative stitches, or as an outline for satin or motif fills.

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  Stemstitch settings allow you to specify exact stitch and line
thickness, spacing and overlap values as well as thickness (number of
strokes).

Line thickness: 1.5 mm

Spacing: 1.2 mm

Angle: 90°

Note: For Triple stitching, you can also adjust Stitch Thickness.

Related topics...
 Embroidery digitizing
 Digitizing outlines & details
 Converting designs with CorelDRAW Graphics

Border stitching

Click Outline Stitch Types > Zigzag to create open borders or columns of
even width for an open ‘sawtooth’ effect. Right-click for settings.

Use Outline Stitch Types > E Stitch to create open borders or columns of
even width for an open ‘comb’ effect. Right-click for settings.

Use Outline Stitch Types > Square to create open borders or columns of
even width for an open ‘toothed’ effect. Right-click for settings.

The Stitch Types toolbars include Zigzag, E Stitch, and Square. All
can be used to create borders around appliqués and other embroidery
objects. They can also be used for decorative effects or open fills where

C h a p te r 9 S t i tc h Typ e s 218
 fewer stitches are required. Zigzag and double zigzag stitches are also
frequently used as underlays. See also Decorative borders.

Patterned stitching

Use Fill Stitch Types > Program Split to create decorative fill stitches where
needle penetrations form a tiled pattern.

Use Outline Stitch Types > Program Split to create borders or columns of
even width for decorative needle penetration patterns. Right-click for
settings.

EmbroideryStudio provides tools for creating patterns with needle

penetrations. Apply offset fractions or partition lines to tatami fills for a
variety of split-line effects. Alternatively, use Program Split or Flexi
Split to create decorative fills from predefined patterns. Select from the
library or create your own. The Carving Stamp feature allows you to
define patterns using a ‘carving stamp’ as a template. Use it also to

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 219

 create your own split lines when you want to add detail to filled objects.
See also Patterned Stitching.

Choose from the

pattern library

Related topics...
 Creating textures with tatami offsets
 Creating textures with program splits
 Creating patterns with custom splits
 Creating patterns with carving stamps

Curved stitching
EmbroideryStudio provides a variety of stitch types and techniques for
creating curved stitching effects. These follow the contours of a shape

C h a p te r 9 S t i tc h Typ e s 220
and can be used to give a sense of depth and movement to your stitching.
Some can be used with borders as well as fills. See also Curved Stitching.

Curved stitch effects covered in the related topics below include:

Feature Overview
Stitches follow the contours of a shape, creating a contoured,
Contour
light and shade effect.
Similar to Contour in following the contours of a shape. It can
Offset
be used in combination with turning stitches.
Works best with simple shapes without holes or islands. Use
Spiral Fill
it with either fixed or variable length run stitching.
Generates radial turning stitching in several stitch types such
Radial Fill
as Satin, Tatami and Program Split.
Decorative effect where one or more lines of a program split
Flexi Split
pattern are molded to the object shape.
Florentine / Create interesting curved effects by getting needle
Liquid penetrations to follow the contour of digitized lines.

Related topics...
 Contoured fills
 Offset fills
 Spiral fills
 Radial fills
 Flexi-splits
 Curved fills

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 221

Specialty stitching
EmbroideryStudio provides many specialty effects and stitch types to
create artistic fills. These can be used to create more organic, naturalistic
stitching. They can be used to create textures like feathers or wool. Use
them also to create open stitching with low stitch counts. See also
Specialty Stitching.

Specialty stitch effects covered in the related topics below include:

Feature Overview
Create designs with a hand-drawn appearance, something
Freehand which is difficult to achieve through conventional digitizing
methods. See Freehand embroidery for details.
Create hand-stitch effects which combine randomized stitch
Hand Stitch
length, angle and count. See Hand stitch effect for details.
Jagged Create rough edges, shading effects, or imitate fur and other
Edge fluffy textures. See Jagged edges for details.
Create textured fills of run stitching which meanders more or
Stipple
less randomly within a border. See Stippling effects for details.
Create maze-like stitching which follows object contours for
Maze Fill
open fills. See Maze fills for details.
Ideally suited to creating craftstitch fills as well as delicate
String borders. Can be used as a border for fixing ornamental mirrors
and sequins. See String stitching for details.
Create fills or open borders or columns of even width for an
Zigzag
open ‘sawtooth’ effect. See Decorative borders for details.

C h a p te r 9 S t i tc h Typ e s 222
 Feature Overview
Create fills or open borders or columns of even width for an
E Stitch
open ‘comb’ effect. See Decorative borders for details.
Move internal travel runs to the edges of an object so that they
Trapunto can’t be seen through open stitching. See Trapunto open
stitching for details.
Vary stitch spacing between dense and open fill, producing
Accordion
gradient and shading effects. See Accordion spacing for
Spacing
details.
Like Accordion Spacing but used to create color blends where
Color
two colors are merged from one to another using a mixture of
Blending
dense and open fill. See Color blends for details.
Incorporate stitch patterns traditionally associated with
Chenille chenille work – Square, Double Square, Coil, and Island Coil.
See Chenille patterns for details.
Cross Fill large areas with cross stitching on an invisible grid that
Stitch applies to all design objects. See Cross stitch fills for details.

Motif stitching

Use Outline Stitch Types > Motif Run to create a string of motifs along a
digitized line.

Use Fill Stitch Types > Motif Fill to create decorative fills using embroidery
motifs to form repeating patterns. Right-click for settings.

Use Traditional Digitizing > Use Motif to add motifs to design one-by-one.
Rotate, scale, or mirror as you add.

Motifs are predefined design elements, such as hearts, leaves or border

patterns. They generally consist of one or more simple objects, and are
stored in a special motif set. Motifs can be used for ornamental outlines
and patterned fills. Use the ones provided with the software or create
your own. Motifs can be scaled, rotated and mirrored in the same way as

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 223

other objects. You can even use them to create interesting three
dimensional effects. See also Motif Stitching.

Note: Auto Underlay is deactivated with this feature and stitch angle
has no effect.

Related topics...
 Selecting & placing motifs
 Motif runs
 Motif fills

C h a p te r 9 S t i tc h Typ e s 224
Chapter 10
Digitizing Shapes

In EmbroideryStudio, you build designs from basic shapes or embroidery

objects. These are like ordinary vector graphics in that they have defining
characteristics or ‘properties’ such as color, size, position, and so on.
They also have properties unique to embroidery such as stitch type and
density. The most important property of an embroidery object is its stitch
type. Different stitch types are suited to different shapes.

Tip: EmbroideryStudio also lets you convert vector objects directly to

embroidery objects. In fact, entire vector designs can be converted to
embroidery. See also Convert objects with CorelDRAW Graphics.

Embroidery digitizing
The process of creating embroidery objects on screen is called ‘digitizing’.
Like design creation in CorelDRAW Graphics, this involves the use of

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 225

 ‘input’ or ‘digitizing’ methods. In fact, digitizing tools in EmbroideryStudio
can be used to generate both embroidery objects and vector objects.

Tip: The CorelDRAW® Graphics Suite of curve-line digitizing tools such

as B-Spline Curve, Freehand, Bézier, Pen, etc, are very useful.
Objects created with these tools can be converted directly to embroidery.
See also Convert objects with CorelDRAW Graphics.

Digitizing methods
EmbroideryStudio provides an outline/fill digitizing paradigm similar to
CorelDRAW® Graphics Suite and other graphics applications. This
makes embroidery digitizing easy for those coming from a graphic design
background. It also makes it easy to convert between outlines and fills
generally. For those coming from an embroidery background, the toolset

C h a p te r 10 D ig i t iz i n g S h a p e s 226
also provides traditional ‘power digitizing’ methods professional digitizers
are familiar with.

Fill and outline

stitch types

Graphical and
traditional digitizing Stitch effects applied in
tools addition to stitch types

Thread colors applied in

addition to stitch types

Digitizing toolset
The toolset you will typically use for digitizing work includes some or all
of the following:

Toolbar Function
Graphics
Digitizing Select a digitizing method – either graphical or traditional,
Traditional open or closed.
Digitizing
Outlines Select a stitch type – either outline or fill. Both open and closed
shapes may be treated as outlines. Only closed shapes can be
Fills
used in conjunction with fill stitching.
Stitch Effects Select a stitch effect to apply as you digitize – e.g. smart
corners. These can be modified at any time.
Color Select a thread color to apply as you digitize. Colors in the
palette may or may not be assigned to actual threads. It makes
no difference when you digitize.

Graphics digitizing
The graphics approach to digitizing is similar to CorelDRAW®
Graphics Suite or other graphics applications. It provides one set of

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 227

tools to create shapes which can be stitched as outlines or fills. You assign
a stitch type to a shape by selecting from the Stitch Types toolbars.

Traditional digitizing
Traditional digitizing methods divide into three main categories – ‘free
shapes’, ‘column shapes’, and ‘outlines’.

Outlines

Details

Columns

Free-form
shapes

EmbroideryStudio also provides special time-saving input tools for

creating stars and rings. See Digitize stars & rings for details.

Tip: Traditional methods also include ‘manual’ digitizing tools. Use these
to add individual stitches, either singly or three stitch layers at a time.
See Digitizing manual stitches for details.

Digitizing methods
Different digitizing tools are suited to different shapes or design
elements. Whichever approach you take – graphical or traditional –
methods divide broadly into two categories – open or closed – and two
types – outline or fill. No stitch type, effect, or thread color is set in stone.
Object properties can be modified at any time.

Whenever you select a traditional digitizing tool, instructions in the

Prompt Bar guide you through the process. Because these tools use an

C h a p te r 10 D ig i t iz i n g S h a p e s 228
 embroidery digitizing paradigm, you may be prompted to add multiple
boundaries for holes, stitch angles, and/or start and end points. Refer to
the prompts until the tool becomes familiar to you.

Stitch count
Status Bar
Prompt Bar

Underlays
Embroidery appearance and quality depends a lot on underlay which
serves as a foundation for cover stitching. Underlay settings are stored
with each object in the same way as other object properties. They are
regenerated whenever the object is scaled or transformed. When Auto
Fabric is turned on, a default underlay is applied, based on fabric
settings. When Auto Fabric is turned off, an underlay is still applied but
it is based on the digitizing method.

Tips for use...

 Change settings of most tools by right-clicking and adjusting values in
the Object Properties docker.
 Use the Prompt Bar to help you digitize.
 If you make a mistake, press Backspace to delete the last point.
 Press Esc to undo all new points. Press Esc again to exit digitizing
mode.
 Use Auto Scroll to scroll automatically within the design window while
digitizing.
 Hold down the Shift key to temporarily deactivate Auto Scroll.
 Use the Ctrl+Shift+A key combination to quickly toggle Auto Scroll
on/off.

Tip: The Show Repeats function displays repeating designs, including

sequins, in both TrueView and stitch view. You can view an existing
design, even while digitizing, with any number of repeats.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 229

 Switching between fill & outline
You can switch between a fill stitch input method and Digitize Run or
Manual by means of shortcut keys.
 Press Enter to switch between a fill stitch digitizing method and
Manual.
 Press Spacebar to switch between a fill stitch digitizing method and
Digitize Run.

Tip: After digitizing, most object types can be easily inter-converted.

Related topics...
 Scroll options
 Viewing design repeats
 Creating free-form shapes
 Digitizing regular columns
 Simple outlines
 Stabilizing with automatic underlay
 Digitize stars & rings
 Freehand embroidery
 Digitizing manual stitches
 Keyboard shortcuts

Reference points & reshape nodes

Once you have selected a digitizing method, you create shapes by
marking points along an outline.
1 3 5 7
14 8 Click for
corner points
13 2 4 6 9

Right-click for
curve points
12 10
11

C h a p te r 10 D ig i t iz i n g S h a p e s 230
 Use the left mouse button for corner points and right mouse button for
curve points. Bézier control handles are available when you come to
modify a shape.
2 Connect corners and 90°
60°
curves with a corner point 45°
Curve
point 30°
1 3 180° 0°
Curve Curve
point point Hold down Ctrl to
constrain the line to
270° 15° increments

A few general rules apply:

 To constrain the line to 15° increments, hold down Ctrl as you digitize.
 For a perfect circular arc, mark three points with a right-click, and
press Enter.

Entry point

Exit point

Corner reshape node

Curve reshape node

Control handle

Stitch angle points

The reference points you mark when digitizing a shape become its
‘control points’. These vary slightly with the object type. Most points can
be added, deleted, or moved. Corner and curve points can be
interchanged. Some control points such as entry and exit points cannot
be deleted.

Related topics...
 Reshaping Objects
 Reshaping embroidery objects

Join methods
When you are digitizing closed objects, the Closest Join method
automatically calculates connector points. When deactivated, all newly

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 231

 digitized objects are joined by the As Digitized method. This means that
you manually specify entry and exit points while digitizing.

Closest Join off Closest Join on

Tip: The Apply Closest Join feature allows you to (re-)apply closest join
to objects after editing.

Related topics...
 Other general options
 Apply closest join

Generate stitches

Use Stitch > Generate Stitches to generate stitches for selected objects.

With Generate Stitches on (the default), stitches are calculated for new
objects whenever you press Enter. They are also updated whenever you
scale, transform or move the object. If speed is an issue, you can digitize
objects with Generate Stitches off.

C h a p te r 10 D ig i t iz i n g S h a p e s 232
 To generate stitches...
 To generate stitches for new or selected objects, select Stitch >
Generate Stitches or press G.

Press G to
generate stitches

 To remove stitches, or digitize without generating stitches, deselect

Stitch > Generate Stitches or press G again.

Tip: Make sure Show Outlines is selected, otherwise stitchless

objects will not be visible.

Related topics...
 Reshape options
 Change backgrounds

Digitizing with graphical tools

The graphics approach to digitizing is similar to CorelDRAW®
Graphics Suite or other graphics applications. Assign a stitch type to
shapes from the Stitch Types toolbars. Graphics digitizing tools are set
to default values. To adjust the resulting objects, use the stitch angle,
reshape, and hole tools.

Note: The Graphics Digitizing toolbar also contains ‘freehand’ tools to

create ‘drawing’ embroidery outlines and fills directly on screen. See
Freehand embroidery for details.

Related topics...
 Digitize regular shapes
 Digitize open & closed shapes

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 233

Digitize regular shapes

Use Graphics Digitizing > Rectangle to digitize rectangle or square objects.

Press <Ctrl> for a square.

Use Graphics Digitizing > Ellipse to digitize ellipse or circle objects.

EmbroideryStudio provides digitizing tools for quickly creating regular

shapes such as circles and squares, ovals and rectangles.

Squares & rectangles

Digitize squares and rectangles with a few clicks of the Rectangle tool.
Use any fill or outline stitch type.

Single Satin Tatami Motif Run Splits

Click to mark a corner. Drag the pointer and click to define the opposite
corner. To create a square, hold the Ctrl key down whilst dragging the
pointer.
1

Circles & ovals

Digitize filled circles and ellipses with a few clicks with the Ellipse tool.
You can use any stitch type, including outlines. Contour stitch looks most
effective with long, narrow ovals.

To digitize circles or ellipses, click to mark the center and click again to
set the radius, and press Enter. This point becomes the entry point. To

C h a p te r 10 D ig i t iz i n g S h a p e s 234
 create an oval, click a third time to mark the second radius point, and
press Enter.

Press 3 Press Enter

Center 1 Enter 1
Center
2
2

Related topics...
 Selecting & editing stitches

Digitize open & closed shapes

Use Graphics Digitizing > Digitize Open Shape to digitize open shapes.
Press <Ctrl> to constrain.

Use Graphics Digitizing > Digitize Closed Shape to digitize closed shapes.
Press <Ctrl> to create a square.

Use the Digitize Open Shape tool to digitize open shapes with any kind
of outline stitch. Digitize Open Shape places a row of stitches along a
digitized line. This tool is typically used to add borders or details to
designs. Digitize free-form closed shapes with the Digitize Closed
Shape tool. This tool can be used with either outline or fill stitch types.

Tip: To create both an outline and a fill, create the fill first, then select
and duplicate the object and convert the duplicate to an outline, which is
stitched after the fill.

To digitize an open or closed shape...

 Select a tool – open or closed shape – together with a suitable stitch
type – outline for open, outline or fill for closed.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 235

 Choose a color from the Color toolbar. The palette contains a selection
of colors which can be tailored to each design or color scheme.
 Digitize the shape by marking reference points:
 Click to enter corner points.
 Right-click to enter curve points.

2 2
4 4

3 5
1
1
5
7 6
6

Tip: Follow the prompts in the Prompt Bar to help you digitize. If you
make a mistake, press Backspace to delete the last reference point,
then continue adding reference points or press Esc to delete all the
points so you can start again.
 Press Enter to complete a shape. With the Digitize Closed Shape
tool, the shape will be closed with the same type of reference point as
the last you digitized – i.e. corner or curve. To close with a different
type of reference point, mark the last on top of the first and press
Enter.
 If you decide to close an open object, use Edit > Close Curve...
commands to close using straight or curved points.

Open object Close object - Close object -

Curve Line Straight Line

 Press Esc to deselect the tool.

Note: By default, objects are joined by the Closest Join method. If

deactivated, all newly digitized objects are joined by the As Digitized
method. This means you need to specify entry and exit points,
following prompts in the Prompt Bar.

Related topics...
 Choosing threads
 Other general options

C h a p te r 10 D ig i t iz i n g S h a p e s 236
  Selecting & editing stitches
 Minimizing connectors

Digitizing outlines & details

Use Outline > Digitize Run to place a row of single or triple run stitches
along a digitized line.

EmbroideryStudio provides tools for creating outline stitching of varying

thickness and styles. These tools place a row of stitching along a digitized
line. They are typically used for adding outlines and details. They can also
be used for decorative effect.

To digitize outlines and details...

 Select a suitable input tool together with an outline stitch type.

Choose input method

and outline stitch type

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 237

 Alternatively, choose a traditional outline input method from the
Outline tools.

Choose outline
input method

 In addition to Run and Triple Run, traditional methods include:

Use Motif Run to place a row of motifs along a digitized line.

Use Backstitch to place a row of backstitches along a digitized line.

Use Stemstitch to place a row of stemstitches along a digitized line.

 Choose a color from the Color toolbar. You can change colors at any
time.
 Digitize the shape by marking reference points:
 Left-click for corner points.
 Right-click for curve points.
 To constrain the line to 15° increments, hold down Ctrl as you
digitize.
 For a perfect circular arc, mark three points with a right-click.
 Where curves connect – either to a straight line or another curve –
click to mark the connection point.

Tip: If you make a mistake, press Backspace to delete the last point.
Press Esc to undo all new points. Press Esc again to exit digitizing
mode.
 Press Enter to finish.
 To view stitches better, use the View toolbar to turn on or off
backdrops.
 Optionally, use Edit > Close Curve... commands to close an object
using straight or curved points.

C h a p te r 10 D ig i t iz i n g S h a p e s 238
 Optionally, double-click the object to access object properties.

Change stitch
type

Adjust nominal
stitch length
Turn on/off
variable run
length Adjust variable run
length values

 To set a fixed stitch length, adjust the Length field. For sharp curves,
reduce length – e.g. 1.8 mm – so that the stitches follow the line more
closely. Alternatively, automatically shorten stitches to follow tight
curves with the Variable Run Length option.

Run length Run length

Too few stitches to follow Stitches follow the curve

tight curve more closely

Tip: Use Auto Scroll to scroll automatically within the design window
while digitizing. Hold down the Shift key to temporarily deactivate
Auto Scroll. Use the Ctrl+Shift+A key combination to quickly toggle
Auto Scroll on/off.

Related topics...
 Simple outlines
 Choosing threads
 Other general options
 View graphical components
 Scroll options
 Minimizing connectors

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 239

Digitizing regular columns
Use Column C to digitize columns and borders of fixed width. Column C
is usually used with satin stitch but other outline stitch types are available
for use. See also Satin stitching.

Tip: You can toggle between Column C and Digitize Run by pressing
the Spacebar. See also Convert objects with CorelDRAW Graphics.

Create columns & borders

Use Traditional Digitizing > Column C to digitize columns or borders of

fixed width. Right-click for settings.

Digitize columns and borders of fixed width with the Column C tool.

To create columns and borders...

1 Insert some artwork to use as a digitizing backdrop.
2 Select a color and stitch type – e.g. Satin.
3 Select Column C and mark corner or curve points around the outline
of the shape.
 Click to enter corner points.
 Right-click to enter curve points.
4
2
5 7

3
6
1

Tip: The Show Column C width guide setting in the Options dialog
activates a special cursor. This is useful when digitizing a border based
on a background image.

C h a p te r 10 D ig i t iz i n g S h a p e s 240
 4 To close the shape, enter the last point on top of the first.
5 Press Enter.
6 Specify column width:
 To use the default width – as set in the Object Properties >
Special > Column C docker – press Enter.
 To specify a width, mark two additional points. By default, stitches
are positioned around the center of the digitized line.

8
Digitize column
width anywhere in
9 design window

 To specify an offset, right-click reference points instead of

left-clicking.

Left-click Right-click
reference points reference points

7 Press Enter to finish.

Related topics...
 Stitch Types
 Ruler & guide display options
 Reshape Column C objects

Adjust column width & offset

Use Traditional Digitizing > Column C to digitize columns or borders of

fixed width. Right-click for settings.

By default, stitches are positioned around the center of an Column C

object. Set an exact offset via Object Properties. You can also set an
exact width.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 241

To adjust column width and offset...
 Double-click an Column C object or right-click the tool to access object
properties.

Adjust column
width

 Enter a column Width.

 In the Input Side panel, select Offset.

Select offset

Set offsets
either side

 Set an offset in either Side 1 or Side 2 field.

Offset: 25% Offset: 75%

C h a p te r 10 D ig i t iz i n g S h a p e s 242
 Tip: You can also change the width of Column C objects by adjusting
control points with the Reshape tool.

Related topics...
 Ruler & guide display options
 Reshaping embroidery objects

Set corner fractions

Use Traditional Digitizing > Column C to digitize columns or borders of fixed

width. Right-click for settings.

With sharp curves, spacing which provides adequate coverage on the

outside edge may cause bunching along the inside edge. This may cause
thread breakage when stitching out. You can control the way stitches turn
in Column C objects by adjusting the ‘corner fraction’.

To set corner fractions...

 Double-click a Column C object or right-click the tool to access object
properties.

Adjust corner
fraction

 Enter a new corner fraction in the Corner Fraction field.

 Increasing the fraction spreads the turn over more stitches.
 Decreasing the fraction reduces the number of stitches that turn.

Corner Corner Corner

fraction 0.8 fraction 0.5 fraction
0.25

Tip: Round Sharp Corners is also available for Column C objects to

give you the option of sharp or round points.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 243

 Related topics...
 Round sharp corners

Set angles & orientation

Use Traditional Digitizing > Column C to digitize columns or borders of

fixed width. Right-click for settings.

The Column C tool provides control of stitching angle and orientation.

Default Column C
stitch angles
Column C stitch
angle and
orientation
controls

Slanted Column C
stitch angles

Column C parallel
stitching

Angle and Orientation controls allow you to:

 Control the angle of stitches relative to baseline.

C h a p te r 10 D ig i t iz i n g S h a p e s 244
  Create parallel stitching and control the angle relative to the
horizontal. Use it to create calligraphy-like stitching in conjunction
with Freehand.

 Control orientation to set which side to start stitching on. This is most
useful for E Stitch.

Related topics...
 Freehand embroidery
 Reshape Column C objects

Digitizing irregular columns

In addition to Column C, both Traditional Digitizing and Graphics
Digitizing toolbars provide tools for creating column shapes and borders
of varying width.

Note: EmbroideryStudio lets you convert between Complex Fill and

Column A or Column B objects. See Converting designs with CorelDRAW
Graphics for details.

Digitize columns of varying width

Use Traditional Digitizing > Column A to create columns of varying width

and stitch angle. Right-click for settings.

Use Graphics Digitizing > Digitize Column to create columns of varying

width and stitch angle. Right-click for settings.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 245

 Use the Column A or Digitize Column tools to
digitize columns of varying width and stitch angle.

To digitize columns of varying width...

1 Click the Column A or Digitize Column icon.
2 Select a color and stitch type – e.g. Satin.
3 Digitize the column by marking points on
alternate sides of the column.
 Click to enter corner points.
 Right-click to enter curve points.
The control points in a pair do not have to be the same type. For
example, one can be a corner point, the other a curve.

Stitches change angle Stitches remain parallel

through the entire between parallel stitch
shape angles

Tip: If you make a mistake, press Backspace to delete the last point.
Press Esc to undo all new points. Press Esc again to exit digitizing
mode.
4 When you have finished digitizing, either:
 Press Enter to keep the last stitch and place the exit point at the
last point you digitized, or
 Press Spacebar to omit the last stitch and place the exit point on
the opposite side of the column.

Start Start Finish

Press Enter Press Spacebar
OR

Finish

Related topics...
 Stitch Types

Create smooth joins

Use Traditional Digitizing > Column A together with ‘continuous input’ to

create single objects comprising separately stitched sections.

C h a p te r 10 D ig i t iz i n g S h a p e s 246
 Use Standard > Options to access application options for design view, grid
& guides, and other settings.

The ‘continuous input’ option provides a simple and efficient way of

digitizing a single Column A object comprised of separately stitched
sections. The objects so created can be deleted or edited using standard
reshape tools.

To create smooth joins...

1 Click the Options icon or select Setup > Options and click the
General tab.

Select continuous
input method

2 Select a continuous input method:

 Normal: Use this for non-continuous input.
 Continuous replace: Use this to continue digitizing the same
object after each Enter keypress. Any properties you change
during digitizing will affect the entire object, not just the section
you are working on.

Second section
‘smooth joined’ to
first as a single
object

First section created

 Continuous add: Use this to join objects of different size where

different stitch types are used – e.g. a narrow section of satin stitch
joining to a larger section of tatami.

Second section
‘smooth joined’ to
first – two sections
become separate
objects
First section created

3 Click OK.
4 Digitize the Column A object. When you press Enter, the digitized
object fills with stitches. The input tool is still active.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 247

 5 If you are using Continuous Add mode, you can select another stitch
type at this point.

Tip: To stop the screen scrolling while moving the mouse, hold down
Shift and click the stitch type button you require.
6 Recommence digitizing where you left off and press Enter when you
have finished.
If you are using Continuous Add mode, the new section is a new
object. This means that, while the two sections are smoothly joined,
they can have different properties, including stitch type.

Tip: To start a new object without joining to the previous object, click
the Column A icon again.

Related topics...
 Digitize columns of varying width

Digitize columns of turning stitches

Use Traditional Digitizing > Column B to create asymmetrical columns of

turning stitches, where opposite sides are different shapes. Right-click for
settings.

Use the Column B tool to digitize shapes where one side is different to
the other, especially where one side requires more points than the other.
Stitches turn evenly throughout the entire shape.

To digitize asymmetric columns...

1 Click the Column B icon.
2 Select a color and stitch type – e.g. Satin.
3 Digitize the first side of the shape – i.e. top or left – by marking points.
 Click to enter corner points.
 Right-click to enter curve points.
2 6
5
3
4
1
7

C h a p te r 10 D ig i t iz i n g S h a p e s 248
 Tip: If you make a mistake, press Backspace to delete the last point.
Press Esc to undo all new points. Press Esc again to exit digitizing
mode.
4 Press Enter.
An elastic line attaches to the pointer, ready for you to digitize the
second side of the shape.
5 Digitize the second – i.e. bottom or right – side of the object.
Press Enter or Stitches turn
Spacebar evenly

9 10

Tip: Stitch angles vary from tightly turning fills to parallel fills,
depending on the ends of the shape – the more ‘pointy’, the tighter the
stitch angles.

90°

Turning fill Sloping fill Parallel fill

6 When you have finished digitizing the shape, either:

 Press Enter to keep the last stitch and place the exit point at the
last point you digitized, or
 Press Spacebar to omit the last stitch and place the exit point on
the opposite side of the column.

Related topics...
 Stitch Types

Creating free-form shapes

In EmbroideryStudio, you digitize free shapes with turning stitches with
the all-purpose Complex Turning tool. Use the Complex Fill tool for

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 249

 free shapes with fixed stitch angles. By digitizing further internal
boundaries, you can create shapes with holes in them.

Boundaries in complex shapes should not overlap or intersect. The

shapes below, for example, cannot be successfully digitized.

Boundaries overlap Boundary overlaps itself Hole within hole

Tip: You can create new objects from existing boundaries using the Fill
Holes feature. Alternatively, you can use other objects to cut holes. See
Removing underlying stitching and Fill holes for details.

Digitize free-form shapes

Use Traditional Digitizing > Complex Fill to digitize filled shapes with a
single stitch angle. Right-click for settings.

Use Traditional Digitizing > Complex Turning to digitize filled shapes with
turning stitch angles. Right-click for settings.

Digitize free-form shapes with Complex Fill or with Complex Turning.

The method is essentially the same:
 Digitize the shape
 Define entry and exit points
 Define stitch angle/s. Complex Turning lets you create multiple
stitch angles.

To digitize a free-form shape...

1 Insert artwork to use as a digitizing backdrop. Make sure Show
Bitmaps or Show Vectors are toggled on or press 0 (zero) to see
artwork on screen.

C h a p te r 10 D ig i t iz i n g S h a p e s 250
2 Select a color and stitch type.
3 Select a tool and mark corner or curve points around the outline of the
shape.
 Click to enter corner points.
 Right-click to enter curve points.

Tip: If you make a mistake, press Backspace to delete the last point.
Press Esc to undo all new points. Press Esc again to exit digitizing
mode.
4 Close the shape:
 To close with the same type of point as the last entered – i.e. corner
or curve – press Enter.
 To close using a different type of point, mark the last on top of the
first and press Enter.

9 8 9
4 8 4
5 5
7 7
6 10 6 10
3 3

ht
ig 11
2 tra e 12
11 2
ve 12
s lin r
cu
Press Enter – the object is 1 Last point marked on top of
1
closed automatically 13 first with right button

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 251

5 Optionally, digitize additional (internal) boundaries in the same way
and press Enter.

6 Define entry and exit points by marking two points outside the object
boundary and press Enter. The Closest Join method (the default)
automatically calculates closest join between objects while digitizing.
When deactivated, entry and exit points need to be set manually.

13

14 15

12
Stitch angle Stitch angle
1 13
1 14 direction direction

Tip: If you choose to digitize entry/exit points manually, place them

opposite each other on the boundary in order to minimize travel
stitching. Then define the stitch angle to be perpendicular to the line
between entry and exit points.
7 Mark stitch angles:
 If you are using Complex Fill, mark two points.

C h a p te r 10 D ig i t iz i n g S h a p e s 252
  If you are using Complex Turning, add more stitch angles as
desired. Stitch angles may intersect over any holes you have
digitized.

 Alternatively, press Enter to accept calculated stitch angles. Or

press Spacebar to discard calculated stitch angles and accept a
single default stitch angle.

Stitch
angle 2
Stitch angle 1 Stitch angle

Press Enter to accept Press Spacebar to accept

stitch angles single default angle

Tip: You can adjust and/or add stitch angles using the Reshape
Object tool.
8 Press Enter. Free shapes generally stitch out in several segments,
joined by travel runs. However, all segments and boundaries are part
of the same object.

Tip: To view stitches better, toggle off Show Bitmaps (press D).

Related topics...
 View graphical components
 Stitch Types
 Choosing threads
 Add holes to free-form shapes
 Other general options
 Adjusting stitch angles
 Stabilizing with automatic underlay

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 253

Add holes to free-form shapes

Use Traditional Digitizing > Complex Fill to digitize filled shapes with a
single stitch angle. Right-click for settings.

Use Traditional Digitizing > Complex Turning to digitize filled shapes with
turning stitch angles. Right-click for settings.

While EmbroideryStudio provides dedicated tools for cutting and filling

holes in existing objects, it also lets you add holes to closed shapes as
you digitize.

To add holes to free-form shapes...

 Use one of the free-form digitizing tools to create your shape. Simply
follow the prompts to add holes as you digitize. Alternatively, select
the final object and click the associated free-shape tool. Points display
around the object outline.
 Digitize additional holes making sure they do not overlap. Press Enter
each time.

 If you make a mistake, press Backspace to delete the last point.

Press Esc to undo all new points.

 When you have digitized all additional holes, press Enter again.

C h a p te r 10 D ig i t iz i n g S h a p e s 254
 Tip: To remove unwanted holes, select the object and use the
Reshape Object tool to delete control points around the hole.

Related topics...
 Adding & filling holes
 Reshaping embroidery objects
 Removing underlying stitching

Set nominal angles

Use Traditional Digitizing > Complex Fill to digitize filled shapes with a
single stitch angle. Right-click for settings.

Use Traditional Digitizing > Complex Turning to digitize filled shapes with
turning stitch angles. Right-click for settings.

You can change the stitch angle of Complex Fill objects using object
properties. By definition, Complex Turning objects contain multiple stitch
angles. However, they also have a property called the ‘nominal angle’.

To set the nominal angle...

 Double-click a free-shape object to access object properties.

Adjust nominal
angle

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 255

  In the Angle or Nominal Angle field, enter a stitch angle.

Angle: 90° Angle: 0°

Note: The ‘nominal angle’ in a Complex Turning object only takes

effect if multiple stitch angles are irreconcilable – it then reverts to
parallel stitching in the direction of the nominal angle. The nominal
angle also affects certain underlay styles.

Tip: You can adjust stitch angles of free-form objects interactively

using the Stitch Angles tool.

Related topics...
 Stabilizing with automatic underlay
 Adjusting stitch angles

Adjust segment overlaps

Use Traditional Digitizing > Complex Fill to digitize filled shapes with a
single stitch angle. Right-click for settings.

Use Traditional Digitizing > Complex Turning to digitize filled shapes with
turning stitch angles. Right-click for settings.

Free shapes generally stitch out in several segments, joined by travel

runs. Where segments within an object meet, the push-pull effect on the
fabric during stitching may cause gaps to appear. These gaps can be
prevented by adding overlapping rows.

C h a p te r 10 D ig i t iz i n g S h a p e s 256
 To adjust segment overlaps...
 Double-click a free-shape object to access object properties.

Enter required
overlap

 Adjust the number of overlapping rows where segments join. An

overlap of ‘1 row’ means no overlap between segments. An overlap of
‘2 rows’ means that the segment is extended by one extra row of
stitches.

No overlap row Overlap rows 5

 With Complex Turning objects, you can also adjust the taper angle.
This value limits the width of overlaps. It defaults to 22.5° with a range
of 15° to 90°.

Taper angle: Taper angle:

22.5° 90°

Adjust travel margins

Use Traditional Digitizing > Complex Turning to digitize filled shapes with
turning stitch angles. Right-click for settings.

When dealing with complex shapes with multiple segments, you may
want to keep travel runs away from the boundary for various reasons. If,
for instance, you are using Jagged Edge effect, the travel might become

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 257

visible through shortened stitches. For this reason, you can specify a
margin.

To adjust travel margins...

 Select an object.

Travel run too

close to edge

 Right-click the Complex Turning icon to access object properties.

Travel run closer to

center of shape

Adjust travel
margin

 Adjust the travel margin in the Distance field.

C h a p te r 10 D ig i t iz i n g S h a p e s 258
Chapter 11
Object Properties

Every object you create in EmbroideryStudio has a unique set of

properties that are stored with it whenever you save the design. These
properties define general characteristics such as size and position, as well
as embroidery-specific characteristics such as stitch type and density.
The stitch properties determine how stitches will be regenerated when
you reshape, transform or scale the object.

This section explains how to change property settings in a design, as well

as how to apply and adjust fabric settings. It also explains how to create
and maintain styles and templates in EmbroideryStudio.

Basic concepts
Base properties or ‘defaults’ are stored with the design template and
form the basis of all new designs. These may be overridden by fabric
settings which are adjusted to suit different fabric types. These in turn
may be overridden by individual property settings.

Actual settings
Each object has its own unique set of properties. Actual object properties
are those settings stored with each object in the design. These may or
may not be the same as the defaults.

Default settings
Default or starting property settings are the ones stored with the design
template and/or selected fabric (if activated). These are automatically
applied to any newly created objects in the design.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 259

 Current settings
You can define ‘current’ settings to influence all the objects you create in
the current design. Simply change property settings in the Object
Properties docker with no objects selected. These settings then apply to
all new objects.
You generally change them to save time when digitizing. For example,
you may preset Tatami stitch spacing to use a specific density for all new
Tatami objects you create. Alternatively, you can make a selected object’s
‘actual’ properties ‘current’ for all new objects. You can also apply current
settings to existing objects.
When you close a design, current settings are not automatically saved to
the template. You can save them as the new default settings of the
current template or to another template altogether. Or you may be able
to save them as a custom fabric.

Fabric settings
Matching object properties to the intended fabric is critical for good
quality designs. Fabric settings are a subset of settings stored in the
template which are fine-tuned to different fabric types. Although the
NORMAL template settings are suitable for a range of fabrics, selecting a
matching fabric automatically customizes object properties to the
intended fabric.

Styles
A style is a group of property settings stored under a unique name. You
can save any combination of settings to a style. This makes it easy to
apply these settings to selected embroidery and lettering objects. When
you apply a style to an object, style settings replace current properties.
Any properties not specified by the style, retain their current settings.

Templates
Templates are special files used to store styles, default properties, as well
as default fabric settings. Use templates when digitizing frequently-used
design types to save time re-adjusting current property settings.

Working with object properties

When you start a new design, EmbroideryStudio uses the default settings
associated with the chosen fabric (if activated). Other property settings
are stored with the design template. You can override most settings on
an object-by-object basis. For this reason, EmbroideryStudio
distinguishes three sets of object properties – default, actual and
current.

C h a p te r 1 1 O bj ec t P ro p e r t ie s 260
Change current settings

Use Docker > Object Properties to preset properties or adjust properties of

selected objects.

Whenever you change current settings, these automatically apply to any

new objects you create. If you know which settings you require before
digitizing, you can preset them.

To change current settings

 With no objects selected, click the Object Properties icon.

Click to close

Object Properties tabs

Select stitch type

Modify settings as
required

Click to save modified

Click to access settings to the current
another set of tabs template

 Select a tab to view current settings – e.g. Fills.

 Select an item from the droplist – e.g. Fills > Satin – to access those
properties.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 261

  Use droplists, radio buttons and checkboxes to choose options. Key in
precise values or use the popup slider.

‘Radio’ buttons are

mutually exclusive

Click ‘swivel’ button

to invoke slider
control
After clicking
‘swivel’ button, drag
popup slider to set

Tip: The slider has two operating modes – Normal and Accelerated.
Holding down the Ctrl key puts it in Accelerated mode.
 Click the FX button to access a further set of tabs and modify settings
as required.
 Press Enter to confirm changes. Modified settings are now current for
all new objects. You can apply them to existing objects by means of
the Apply Current Properties tool.
 Optionally, click Save. The object properties are saved to the current
template. These will apply to any new objects in any design based on
this template.

Change object properties

Use Docker > Object Properties to preset properties or adjust properties of

selected objects.

You can change an object’s properties at any time without affecting those
of any other object not currently selected. Some properties can be
modified on screen – for example, you can change size by scaling an
object with selection handles. Other properties, such as stitch spacing or
length, are modified via the Object Properties docker.

C h a p te r 1 1 O bj ec t P ro p e r t ie s 262
To change object properties
 Select the object/s whose properties you want to change.

 Use any of the interactive techniques for scaling, transforming, or

reshaping selected object/s.
 Adjust general properties – width, height, position – by means of the
Property Bar. Press Enter to confirm or Esc to discard.

Adjust properties and

press Enter

 Double-click an object to access object properties.

Click to close

Object
Properties tabs

Droplist

Modify settings as
preferred

Click to access Click to save modified

another set of settings to the current
tabs template

 Select a tab and to access available properties.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 263

 If you select more than one object, the Object Properties docker
only displays settings relevant to all. If selected objects have different
values for the same setting – e.g. stitch length – the field will be blank.
If you enter a new value, it applies to all selected objects.
 Click the FX button to access a further set of tabs.
 Press Enter to apply changes to selected object/s.

 Some properties, such as Auto Underlay, are applied by means of

toolbar buttons. When the button is selected, that tool’s settings are
current.
 Optionally, click Save. The object properties are saved to the current
template. These will apply to any new objects in any design based on
this template.

Related topics...
 Access object properties
 Transforming Objects
 Working with templates
 Reshaping Objects

Copy properties

Click Styles > Make Properties Current to make the properties of a selected
object current for the design.

Use Styles > Apply Current Properties to apply current settings to selected
objects.

You can make a selected object’s ‘actual’ properties ‘current’ for all new
objects or apply them to existing objects.

To copy properties
 Select the object whose properties you want to make current.

C h a p te r 1 1 O bj ec t P ro p e r t ie s 264
  Click the Make Properties Current icon. Alternatively, right-click the
selected object and choose the Make Properties Current command
in the popup menu.

Copy properties from

one object to another
using these
commands

 Select the object/s whose properties you want to change.

 Click the Apply Current Properties icon. Alternatively, right-click the
selected object and choose the Apply Current Properties command
in the popup menu.

Working with fabrics

Embroidery stitches pull fabric inward where the needle penetrates. This
can cause fabric to pucker and gaps to appear. For an object to sew out
correctly, it must have correct stitch spacing, sufficient pull compensation

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 265

 together with a suitable underlay for the combination of cover stitch type,
object type, object shape and fabric.

EmbroideryStudio provides a set of customized fabric settings so the

software will take into account the type of fabric you are stitching on.
Fabrics are a critical element of designs and are controlled separately
from template values. Fabric settings are fewer in number than those
contained in templates.

Change fabrics
Normally you choose a fabric when you start a design although you can
change it at any stage. Fabric settings affect all object types other than
motif fills, appliqué, and run stitches.

To change fabrics
1 Select Design > Auto Fabric.

Activate
auto-fabrics
Choose a
fabric type

C h a p te r 1 1 O bj ec t P ro p e r t ie s 266
2 Tick the Apply Auto Fabric checkbox to activate the feature.
Conversely, you can turn off auto fabrics at any stage. You are
prompted to confirm the decision.

3 From the list, choose a fabric type matching or nearest to the fabric
you intend to work with.
4 Click OK.
The selected fabric is displayed in the Status bar. If you choose to
apply an auto fabric to a design with no previous fabric, you are
prompted to apply it to new objects only or to existing objects as well.

Tick to turn on Click OK to

auto fabric activate

Choose how to
apply auto fabric

Note: Changing the current Auto Fabric will affect all colorways in
the design. However, the converse is not the case. While colorways
allow you to select different fabric swatches for different colorways,
these have no bearing on Auto Fabric settings. However, the
background Fabric option is ‘aware’ of Auto Fabric selection.
Consequently, the Browse button takes you to an assortment of
swatches relevant to your current fabric selection.

Related topics...
 Create designs from templates

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 267

  Compensating for fabric stretch

Manage fabrics
In addition to predefined fabric settings, you can create your own custom
fabrics to suit particular needs. You can also modify, rename or delete
custom fabrics.

To create a new fabric

1 Select Setup > Manage Auto Fabrics.
If you already have custom fabrics defined, you have the option of
editing, renaming, or deleting.

Create new
fabric type

My Fabric Enter fabric

name

2 To create a new fabric type, click Create.

3 Enter a new fabric name. If you want to base the new fabric on default
settings, select blank.
4 Click OK.
The Auto Fabric Settings dialog opens. This dialog allows you to set
the fabric values for four object groups – Tatami/Program Split, Wide
Satin, Narrow Satin, and Lettering – as well as enter details of any
recommended stabilizers.

C h a p te r 1 1 O bj ec t P ro p e r t ie s 268
To set tatami/program split values
 Click the tab to access Tatami/Program Split Fill settings. These
will become the defaults for Tatami and Program Split objects.

Adjust Tatami/Prog
Split values for new
fabric

 Adjust Length and Spacing settings for your Tatami / Program Split
Fill objects as required:
 Tatami stitch consists of rows of run stitches and is suitable for
filling large, irregular shapes. See Tatami stitching for details.
 Program Split is a decorative stitch type. Use it to fill wide and
large areas with artistic effects while keeping the appearance of a
solid field of stitching. See Creating textures with program splits for
details.
 Set a suitable underlay type for Tatami/Program Split objects. See
Stabilizing with automatic underlay for details.
 Set a pull compensation allowance for these objects. See
Compensating for fabric stretch for details.

Fabric: Denim Fabric: Silk Fabric: Terry Toweling

Pull Comp: Low Pull Comp: Medium Pull Comp: High

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 269

To set satin object values
 Click the tab to access Wide Satin settings. These settings will
become the defaults for larger Satin objects.

Adjust Wide
Satin values for
new fabric

 Adjust the Wide Satin settings as you did for Tatami / Program Split
objects. See Satin stitching for details.
Instead of Stitch Length and Stitch Spacing settings, you have a
single density setting which is controlled by a slider bar.
 Click the tab to access the Narrow Satin settings and adjust as you
did for Wide Satin objects. Generally, narrow objects will require a
different underlay type. See Satin stitching for details.

Adjust Narrow
Satin values for
new fabric

C h a p te r 1 1 O bj ec t P ro p e r t ie s 270
 To set lettering object values
 Click the tab to access Lettering settings.

Adjust Lettering
values for new
fabric

 Adjust settings as you did for Satin objects. See Applying stitch types
& effects to lettering for details.

To set stabilizer settings

 Click the tab to access Stabilizer settings.

Adjust stabilizer
values for new
fabric

 Key in one or more recommended stabilizer(s) together with a

description or any other relevant information for the custom fabric.
This information will be displayed in the Choose Fabric dialog. See
Change fabrics for details.

Working with styles

A style is a group of property settings stored under a unique name. This
makes it easy to apply them to selected embroidery and lettering objects.
Use the Styles toolbar to apply styles to selected objects. The tools also
allow you to set and apply current settings. Styles you tag as ‘favorites’
are each assigned an icon on the toolbar.

Styles are stored with the design template. The NORMAL template
provides a selection of preset styles for you to use. Each template may

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 271

 contain specific styles for different types of embroidery. See also Working
with templates.

Apply styles

Use Styles > Apply Style to apply a style from the template to new or
selected objects.

Use Styles > Favorite Styles to apply preferred styles to new or selected
objects.

When you apply a style, the settings overwrite current settings. Any
properties not specified in the style, retain their current settings.

To apply styles
 If available, click the Favorite Style icon assigned to the style you
want to use.
 If an object is selected, the style settings are applied to it alone.
 If no object is selected, the style settings become current and
apply to any new objects you create.

Style 1, E stitch spacing Style 2, E stitch spacing Style 3, E stitch spacing

0.75 mm 1.25 mm 1.75 mm

 Alternatively, click the Apply Style icon.

My Style Select
style

 Select a style from the droplist and click OK.

Tip: If you are using a digitizing tablet, you can quickly switch
between preset styles. Each button on the puck accesses the next
preset style with different spacing settings. For example, clicking
Button 1 accesses <PRESET_SATIN_1>.

C h a p te r 1 1 O bj ec t P ro p e r t ie s 272
 Related topics...
 Working with object properties
 Assign favorites

Define styles
Define new styles for a design template, either from scratch or based on
an existing style or object. New styles are saved to the current template.

To define a style
1 To base the new style on an existing object, select it now. To base it
on current settings, make sure no objects are selected.
2 Select Setup > Manage Styles.

Click to define
new style

My New Style Enter name for

new style
My Old Style
Select style to
base it on

3 Click Create.
4 Enter a new style name. Choose how you want to base your style:
 If you want to base the new style on default settings – current or
selected object – select blank.
 If you want to base it on an existing style, select from the droplist.
5 If you want the new style to be added to the Style toolbar, tick the
Favorites checkbox.
6 Click OK. The Object Properties docker opens.
7 Update properties as required.
 If you want to apply current settings, click Apply.
 Otherwise, update those settings you want to change. You don’t
have to enter values in all fields, only those you specifically wish to
store.
8 Press Enter. The new style is saved to the current template.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 273

Modify styles
The Setup > Manage Styles function allows you to modify styles,
including the factory presets in the NORMAL template. You can merge
settings from one style to another. You can rename a style without
affecting its settings. You can also remove any unwanted styles from a
template.

Select style to
modify Edit style
properties

Select a style from the list and modify using the available buttons:

Function Description
Edit Edit styles as you would a selected object. See Change current
settings for details.
Rename Rename a style at any time. Select names that will help you
remember the style or help you sort frequently-used styles to the
top of the list.
Remove / All Remove unwanted styles from the current template. The style is
removed from the list of style names. To remove all styles from a
template click Remove All.
Merge Copy settings from one style to another via the Merge With Style
dialog. When you merge, settings from the second style overwrite
the first.
Favorites You can assign up to ten favorite styles to tool icons on the Styles
toolbar. See Assign favorites for details.

Tip: At some stage, you may want to revert to the original style settings
in the NORMAL template. See Revert to the NORMAL template for details.

Assign favorites
You can assign up to ten favorite styles to tool icons on the Styles
toolbar. To apply the style, you then simply select the tool.

C h a p te r 1 1 O bj ec t P ro p e r t ie s 274
 To assign a favorite style
1 Select Setup > Manage Styles.

Organize
favorite styles

2 Click Favorites. The Manage Favorites dialog opens.

My New Style

Click Add

3 Click Add. The Add To Favorites dialog opens.

Select style

4 Select a style from the droplist and click OK.

5 Change the order in which the favorites will appear on the Styles
toolbar using Move Up and Move Down.
6 Close out the dialogs. Styles are assigned in the order they appear in
the Manage Favorites dialog. The tool tip for each button shows the
style name.

Working with templates

Templates are special files used to store fabrics, styles and default
settings. Use templates when digitizing frequently-used design types so

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 275

 that you do not have to set the current settings every time. For example,
a template may include standard objects and sample lettering. It may
simply have preferred stitch settings, lettering font and size, and colors
set as current settings. Or it may have special density, pull compensation
or underlay settings to suit different fabrics.

The NORMAL template

The NORMAL template is the default template supplied with the software.
It contains current property settings as well as a selection of preset
styles. These styles include variations on the current property settings.
For example, <PRESET_SATIN_1> and <PRESET_SATIN_2> contains
different stitch spacing settings for Satin stitches. You can view and
modify the settings for these styles at any time. See Modify styles for
details.

Note: If necessary, you can revert to the original NORMAL template after
modifying it. See Revert to the NORMAL template for details.

Using design templates

When you start a new design from the File > New menu, a list of the
available templates appears in the New dialog. If you select the New
tool on the Standard toolbar, the NORMAL template is applied by default.
See Create designs from templates for details.

Save current properties to a template

Use Docker > Object Properties to preset properties or adjust properties of

selected objects.

You can easily save current settings to the current template.

To save current properties to a template

 To use the current property settings, deselect all objects, then click
the Object Properties icon.
 To use the settings of a favorite style, click the button with no objects
selected.

C h a p te r 1 1 O bj ec t P ro p e r t ie s 276
  Open the Object Properties docker.

Click to close

Object Properties
tabs

Droplist

Modify settings as
preferred

Click to access Click to save

another set of modified settings to
tabs the current template

 Make any further adjustments as required.

 Click Save. Current settings are saved to the template as the new
defaults.

Tip: To save more than one set of property settings to the template,
save them as styles.

Related topics...
 Working with object properties
 Define styles

Create design templates

You create templates from designs containing the required objects and
property settings. Simply save the design, or elements of it, as a
template. Templates look the same as design files, but use the file
extension EMT.

To create a design template

1 Start a new design or open an existing one.
2 Adjust the property settings, styles, and effects as required.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 277

 3 Add the objects and lettering to be included in the template. For
instance, you may want to include sample lettering using different
baselines. Simply overtype the sample text when using the template.
4 Select File > Save As. The Save as Template dialog opens onto the
Template folder.

MY TEMPLATE
Enter a name for
your custom
template

5 Select Design Templates (EMT) from Save as type list.

EmbroideryStudio automatically opens the C:\Program
Files\Wilcom\EmbroideryStudio_e4.5\Template folder. Design
templates must be saved here or they will not appear in the template
list when you start a new design.
6 Enter a name and click Save. The template is ready for use.

Tip: The File menu provides separate commands for saving

monogram and team name templates. See related topics below.

Related topics...
 Working with baselines
 Monogram designs

Modify design templates

You can modify templates in the same way as a normal design. Changes
apply only to future uses of the template. Existing designs based on the
template are not affected.

To modify design templates

1 Select File > Open. The Open dialog opens.

C h a p te r 1 1 O bj ec t P ro p e r t ie s 278
 2 Navigate to the C:\Program
Files\Wilcom\EmbroideryStudio_e4.5\Template folder.
3 Select Templates (EMT) from the Files of type list. The available
template files display.
4 Select the template you want to modify and click Open.
5 Modify property settings, styles and other settings as required.
6 Select File > Save As. The Save As dialog opens.
7 From the Save as type list, select Templates (EMT).
8 Enter a name and click Save. The modified template is ready for use.

Note: Delete templates in the same way as you would any other
MS Windows® file, using File Explorer.

Revert to the NORMAL template

If you modify the NORMAL template supplied with EmbroideryStudio, you
can revert to the original version. A factory copy is always maintained so
that the NORMAL template can be restored.

To revert to the NORMAL template

1 Close EmbroideryStudio.
2 Click the MS Windows® Start button and navigate to the Wilcom
EmbroideryStudio group.
3 Select Revert. The Revert to Factory Settings dialog opens.

Click OK

Select
Templates

4 Select the Templates checkbox and click OK. The original settings for
the NORMAL template are restored.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 279

Chapter 12
Colorways

When digitizing, you select colors from a color palette. These can be
tailored to each design or color scheme. The particular ‘colorway’
represents the actual thread colors in which a design will be stitched.
EmbroideryStudio lets you define multiple color schemes and switch
between them.

For each colorway you define, you can select colors from commercial
thread charts or define your own. Search for particular threads by specific
code. Locate thread colors based on closest match across one or several
thread charts.
EmbroideryStudio also lets you set the background color, fabric, or
product of the current colorway for more realistic previews and
presentations. The background and product are saved with the colorway.

Note: You can also print multiple colorways, design background and
product, and icons of color blocks in the production worksheet. See also
Printing design reports.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 280

Creating colorways
EmbroideryStudio provides various techniques for selecting and changing
colorways manually or generating them automatically.

Caution: Due to differences in computer monitors and video cards,

onscreen colors should only be used as guides. Always check thread
colors against the actual thread chart you intend to use.

Add colorways

Use Color > Colorway Editor to add or edit colorways.

Use Colorway Editor > Create Colorway to add a new colorway to the
design.

When you create a new design, it contains a single default colorway

called ‘Colorway 1’. You can add a virtually unlimited number of
colorways to the design using the same or different thread sets. Preview
designs in different colors on different fabrics. Colorways are saved with
the design in EMB format. They can also be saved to an EMT template file
for use in future designs. They cannot, however, be saved with machine
files.

Tip: Other settings are included as part of the colorway definition –

background color, fabric, or product, as well as display colors for borer
symbols, unsewn stitches, selected objects, object outlines and the grid.

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 281

To add a colorway
 Open the design and click the Colorway Editor icon.
Click to create
new colorway
Click to toggle
single or multiple
colorway display

 Click the Create Colorway icon.

Colorway 2 Enter new

colorway name

 Enter a new colorway name – e.g. ‘Colorway 2’. The new colorway will
use the current colorway as a starting point.

New colorway added

based on current
colorway

C h a p te r 1 2 C ol or way s 282
 Assign colors from available threads to selected color slots.

Assign threads to
new colorway

Note: As dark-colored threads cover light-colored fabrics better than

vice versa, different densities may be required when changing from
one colorway to another. Colorways do not automatically compensate
for different densities. These must be adjusted manually.
 Use the internal toolbar to edit:

Give the colorway a unique name for easy identification in the droplist
and production worksheet – e.g. a name which reflects the background
fabric.

Remove a colorway from the design.

Change the colorway background fabric and/or color.

Tip: If you change the background in Colorway 1 and save it to your

template, it will display like this at start up.

Tip: You can also match thread colors from imported graphics – vector
or bitmap.

Related topics...
 Viewing colorways
 Assign thread colors
 Add & match image colors
 Set fabric backgrounds
 Printing design reports

E mb ro i d e r y Stu d io e 4 Re fere n ce M a n u a l 283

  Working with templates

Change color schemes

Use Color > Cycle Used Colors to cycle through combinations of used
colors. Right- or left-click.

Use Color > Color Wheel to access Color Wheel to test combinations of
related colors.

The color tools allow you to quickly re-color entire designs. Their main
purpose is to create new ‘colorways’ quickly and easily in order to ‘spice
up’ old designs or place them on a different fabric.

To change color schemes

 Optionally, add a new colorway for your new color scheme. See Add
colorways for details.

New colorway

C h a p te r 1 2 C ol or way s 284
 Use the Cycle Used Colors tool to try out different combinations
using threads already in the design.

Cycle through
used colors

 Alternatively, select Color Wheel. This allows you to cycle through

many color combinations using preset color schemes including
Analogous, Complementary, Harmonious, etc.

Choose a Double-click any slot to

color scheme set base color

Click and drag base color

node to adjust all

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  Click and drag the ‘base color’ node to test combinations against
different background colors. You can make any color the base color by
double-clicking in the palette at the top of the dialog.
 Each color node can be further individually adjusted.

Adjust base node to

change all colors
proportionately

Adjust individual
nodes as required

 To adjust the brightness of the entire design, select the base color
node and adjust the Brightness control.

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  Click OK to apply changes. New colors are added to the palette as RGB
values.

Palette updated
with new colors

 Match and assign thread colors manually or use the Match All
function.

Related topics...
 Assign thread colors

Color blocks & stop sequence

A color block corresponds to a color change in the design. It may be
comprised of one or more same-color objects. These may form a single
group – e.g. ‘ropes’ – or more – e.g. ‘ropes and birds’. Each color block,
or ‘element’, can be given a descriptive name for easy identification.
These can be included on the production worksheet. Together this
information is known as the ‘stop sequence’. The operator generally uses

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 it to ensure that correct colors are used in the correct sequence during
production.

Stop sequence

Note: The Color-Object List shows the same sequential list of objects,
grouped by ‘color block’.

Design thread colors

Use Docker > Design Information to view and modify design details prior to
design approval or stitchout.

The Thread Colors tab displays the color sequence and stitch counts for
each design ‘element’. Elements equate to color changes. The tab also

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provides thread usage estimates which may be used for costings as well
as production requirements.

Edit element
names for each
color block as
necessary

Data is extracted from the design file and, apart from the Element
column, cannot be modified.

Field Function
Filename File name of the selected design. This will often be a number
or alphanumeric format for easy cataloging.
Title Defaults to filename. Add a more descriptive name for easy
searching. This name appears on the approval sheet or
worksheet.
Stitches Indicates total stitch count for design.
Colors Indicates number of thread colors involved in the design.
Colorways Number of colorways in the design.

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 Field Function
Current colorway Use the droplist to change colorways, if available. When
choosing a different colorway, the thumbnail and stop
sequence list are updated.

The table at the bottom lists all color changes in the design as they will
appear on the production worksheet. It provides the following details:

Field Function
Stop # The machine stop corresponding to the color change.
Color Indicates color slot number of the color in color palette.
Element User-defined name to identify each color block.
Stitches There is a stitch count for each element in the design. You can
show this as a discrete stitch count or a cumulative stitch
count.
Length Meterage of thread required per color.
Code Color code as registered in the thread chart.
Name Color name appearing in thread chart.
Chart Brand name of thread chart used.
Thickness A: Normal embroidery thread (approx. denier 40)
B: Thicker than normal (approx. denier 30)
C: Finer than normal (approx. denier 80)
D: Very fine (approx. denier 100)

Related topics...
 Name design elements
 Assign thread colors
 Thread usage estimates
 Modify thread details
 Other general options

Name design elements

Use Docker > Colorway Editor to add or edit colorways.

Use Docker > Design Information to view and modify design details prior to
design approval or stitchout.

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You can view color blocks in the Colorway Editor. Named color blocks
are known as design ‘elements’. This information is saved with the design
and printed on production worksheets as an aid for machine operators.

To name design elements

 Click the Colorway Editor icon to access the Colorway Editor.

Select color
block

Click and hold to locate

selected color block

Enter descriptive
name for selected
color block

 Select a color and click and hold Locate to view in isolation. Elements
corresponding to the color are listed below. If there is more than one,
select and click Locate.
 Double-click the Element field and enter a descriptive name – e.g.
‘Stems’.

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  To check design elements, select Design > Design Information >
Thread Colors.

Edit element
names for each
color block

 In the Element fields, edit names for each color block as desired. This
information can be included on the production worksheet.

Related topics...
 Assign thread colors
 View selected color blocks
 Printing design reports
 Customizing design reports

Split color blocks

Use Color > Colorway Editor to assign thread colors to slots in the color
palette.

Use Color > Split Palette Color to create a new color slot with the same
thread specification as the selected slot.

A color block corresponds to a color stop in the design. It may comprise

a single object or group of like-color objects – e.g. ‘ropes and birds’. In
one colorway you may want to assign the same thread to all items in the
color block, while in another you may want to assign different colors. The
Split Palette Color tool makes this possible.

To split a color block

1 Open the design and select a colorway.

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2 Open the Colorway Editor.

Select
colorway to
edit

3 Create a new colorway or select one to edit.

4 Select the object/s you want to split. The Split Palette Color button
is activated.

Select object/s to
be split to a
separate color
block

5 Click the Split Palette Color icon. A new color slot of the same color
is added to the color palette. Selected objects are assigned to the new
palette position.

Assign a color
to new color
block

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 6 Assign a new color to the slot. The colors of other colorways remain
unaffected. By default, the new color slot is placed at the end of the
palette. This, however, does not affect the stitching sequence.

Stitching sequence
unchanged

Related topics...
 Assign thread colors

Fabric & product backgrounds

EmbroideryStudio lets you set background color, fabric, or product
backdrop for more realistic previews and presentations. The background
is saved with the colorway.

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 Tip: While you can change background colors, fabrics, and even
products, this does not automatically affect current fabric settings. See
Working with fabrics for details.

Set fabric backgrounds

Use Color > Background & Display Colors (or Colorway Editor docker) to
change design background presets for the current colorway.

EmbroideryStudio lets you set the colorway background for more realistic
previews and presentations. These can be included on approval or
production sheets. Choose from an assortment of swatches, or if you
have your own, import them into your design. Almost any artwork can be
used – photos, magazine pictures, clipart images, and even fabric
samples. The background is saved with the colorway.

To set the background

 Open the design and select a colorway.

 Click Background & Display Colors icon.

Preset
background
color

 To set a background color, select from the palette in the droplist.

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 You can, if you prefer, color only the background inside the hoop,
leaving the rest of the design window a neutral color.

 To set a background fabric, select Factory Fabric.

Choose a
background
fabric

Choose fabric
color

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  Click the Fabric droplist for more options.

Select background fabric

and color as desired

 Alternatively, to choose a custom swatch, select Custom Fabric and

click Browse.

Click Browse to locate

custom fabric swatch
Tick Custom to
choose your own
fabric swatch

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  Click OK.

Note: If you change the background in Colorway 1 and save your

template, it will always display like this at start up.

Related topics...
 Add colorways
 Working with fabrics
 Visualize products
 Preparing artwork for scanning

Visualize products

Use Color > Product Visualizer to choose a garment or product backdrop

on which to position your decoration.

Click View > Show Product to toggle current product display. Right-click for
Product Visualizer settings.

Use Zoom > Zoom to Product to view the entire product in the design
window.

EmbroideryStudio allows you to choose a garment or product backdrop

on which to position decorations. This feature is mainly used to display
location, size and overall appearance for visualization and customer

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