Digitizing Fundamentals VI Embroidery Project

Just because you can program it, doesn’t mean the machine can sew it. The motors that drive the pantographs on a modern commercial embroidery machine are calibrated to move in increments as small as 0.1mm. However, a number like 0.12mm is too precise for the machine, so the software will adjust the stitch spacing so as to average this setting, which means unequal spacing between stitches.

4 points = 0.4 mm, thus 4.3 points = 0.43mm

In the example to the right, you can see that a density setting of 4.3 points is too precise for the machine to sew, thus density will have to be averaged as shown to the right: The grids are set at 0.1mm X 0.1mm. Each diagram shows one side of a satin stitch that has been zoomed in, so that you can see the individual stitches and the distance between them. If you count the spacing on the top diagram, you will see that each stitch is separated equally by a distance of 0.4mm or 4.0 points. However, in the bottom diagram, you will see that the distance between the first two stitches is 0.4mm, while the distance between the second and third stitches is 0.5mm. Notice the repeating pattern. Also notice the inconsistent spacing, which leads to inconsistent stitch lengths.

One conclusion you can draw is that you should stick with whole numbers when setting density values in the metric (points) system. However, if you are using the imperial system, then you probably don’t have a clue as to what the end result is. (Remember that the software automatically converts imperial units to metric units.)

Referencing the above example, 4.0 points = 63.5spi while 4.3 points = 60spi.

With many designs, this will not be a huge factor. However, when working with fine details and small satin letters, the quality can be affected by improper density settings. Thus, the digitizer should be careful of the settings that are used.