How to Learn Embroidery Digitizing

Embroidery digitizing involves the conversion of images from a graphic to a stitching format that is transferred to an embroidery machine and stitched automatically by the machine. Learning this requires both computer skills and knowledge of embroidery materials and equipment.

• Buy the necessary software. It is advisable to buy the software from the same manufacturer as your embroidery machine. This will ensure more compatibility and less confusion.


• Visit the manufacturer’s website; many manufacturers offer ongoing digitizing classes on how to use their software.


• Ask local sewing machine distributors for information regarding these classes; many of their accounts are sewing machine sales and repair businesses, and these shops often offer machine classes.


• Use the software manual that came with the software. This might be overwhelming due to a lot of information and screenshots to browse through. But it is one of the best ways to learn. Start with the basics and learn in small portions.


• Join a discussion group online, for instance on Google or Yahoo. They are very helpful since a lot of information is offered in a rather simple and understandable way. When choosing the group check how active the group is. Look for one that has lot of activities where many members keep discussions active and questions are always answered. There are sites where mini tutorials are published online and photo galleries of member’s work are presented.


• Embroider every design you digitized to see the areas that need improvement. The design might look great on screen but when you embroider it might present itself differently. Learn how digitizing changes with type of fabric, stabilizers and threads.