Digitizing Fundamentals V Embroidery Project

Density has a major influence on the look and sewing quality of a design. Varying the density can create different visual affects. As the design gets smaller density is decreased. As it gets larger density is increased. Too much density causes puckering of the fabric. Too little density lets the fabric show through the top stitches. Higher density needs increased underlay to reduce the puckering effects.

Density is measured in stitches per inch (spi) or embroidery points (pt). The imperial system uses SPI, while the metric system uses points.

For stitches per inch, the density measurement refers to the number of stitches in a linear inch. If you have a satin segment with a density of 63.5 spi, there are 63.5 stitches, laid side by side, in one linear inch. The higher the density setting, the greater the coverage of stitching.

For points (pt), density is a measurement of the distance between stitches, measured at the endpoints. In this case, a higher density setting yields less stitching coverage, as a higher number creates a greater space between the individual stitches in the segment.

To convert between the two systems, use the following formulas:

Embroidery Points to Millimeters 1 pt = 0.1 mm

Embroidery Points to Stitches per Inch 4 pt = 63.5 spi

You adjust density according to the fabric and the design’s size. Generally, lighter fabrics and smaller designs require less density, while heavier fabrics, textured fabrics and large areas of stitch coverage will require more density.