Running

Running stitches AKA walk stitches are single line stitches which run one stitch between two needle penetration point. A running stitch goes from point A to point B. They are used for very fine detail and also for underlay. There are different variations of run stitches such as two-ply and bean. A two-ply stitch is a running stitch that goes from point A to point B and then goes back from point B to point A and stops. A bean stitch is a running stitch that goes from point A to point B and then goes back from point B to point A and then goes forward from point A to point B. The differences are in the thickness of the different variations.

 

 

Satin

Satin stitches are nothing more than zig-zag stitches. A satin stitch can range in thickness from just over 1mm to usually a maximum of 12mm. A satin stitch is normally used for nice detail and for most normal size lettering.

 

 

Fill

A fill stitch is used to cover a large area in a design. Fill stitches are a series of running stitches aligned together to create a solid area of coverage in the design. Fill stitches can be aligned to create patterns or they can change direction to provide different effects from within the design.

 

In addition to different stitch types, the other factors a digitizer has to deal with is density, stitch directions and stitch lengths. The stitch directions and stitch lengths enable the digitizer to create different effects with the stitch types just described. The density refers to stitches per inch. The greater the density, the more stitches will be used within that defined area.

A good technique for a digitizer to use is to use a greater amount of underlay to stabilize the material and allow for less density to be used in the particular segment of the design.

Digitizing is an art and takes a considerable amount of time to learn
and create a quality design.
Good digitizers will continuously try to advance their skills.

The Digitizing Process:

A digitizer begins by creating a cartoon which is an enlargement of the artwork 3 to 6 times the actual size or by scanning the artwork into the computer.

The next step is for the digitizer to lay out the different stitch types, stitch directions, densities and then to create a map of starting point, ending point and the paths to take along the way.

The next step is to actually digitize the design. The digitizer will enter coordinates using a puck which is attached to a digitizing tablet or a mouse which is connected to the computer.

After the design is digitized, a sample of the design is sewn out. It is always best to sew the sample on the exact or similar material which will actually be used for production. If the design has any flaws, it will then be edited and a new sewout will be done for verification. This process must repeat until the design sews perfect.

With proper training and a great deal of practice,
digitizing can be a rewarding and satisfying art form.