How to Digitize Embroidery Designs
There is an endless number of stock designs for embroidery machines on the market. However, if you've been using your machine for a while, it may be time to try digitizing some of your own designs or artwork. Here's how to do it:
Supplies
- Embroidery machine
- Digitizing software
- Computer
- Open your digitizing software on your computer and scan or load your design choice. For existing images, go to "File" and select the "Open" to browse the file you want.
- Make any changes you desire, such as colors, stitch types and sizes.
- If editing an existing file doesn't provide good results, you probably need to open and digitize the image file in order to create a digitized file for your embroidery machine.
- Locate the image and select the digitizing wizard from your software menu.
- The wizard will establish the basic requirements for size, number of colors, colors, fill areas and fabric weight. These can be changed until you get the desired results for your embroidery.
- Make any desired changes to colors or stitches and review your selection.
- Click "Finish" when satisfied with your results and then save.
- Copy your digitized embroidery file to your machine's card. Once this step is complete, your embroidery machine can stitch your design on fabric.
Most embroidery machines are sold with a card reader and limited software. Before purchasing additional and costlier software, try experimenting with the included software. You may find it meets your needs without creating an additional expense. However, if you want more options and are considering intricate designs, commercial digitizing application are better suited.
There are many different types of equipment on the market. The important thing to remember is to purchase digitizing accessories compatible with your machine's capabilities.