We all love embroidery designs, that’s for sure. However, not many people are aware of the intricacies and complexities involved in getting those exquisite designs embroidered on the fabrics. While machine embroidery sounds like a simple process, in reality, it’s a multi-step process that involves much labor, experience, and skills to pull out successfully. When it comes to the various steps involved in making enchanting embroidery designs, nothing is more complex and exhaustive than digitizing.
Here in this blog, we will exclusively be looking at the process of converting a JPG image into an embroidery design to give you an idea of the exhaustive nature of the process. So, without any wait, let’s get started immediately…
What Is JPG?
Before jumping into the details of the embroidery digitizing process, it is worth introducing the JPG format.
JPG is one of the most common raster formats. Raster images are characterized by their pixel-based dimensions, which means they are highly prone to blur or distort when compressed or expanded beyond a specific limit. Nonetheless, it’s a great format that retains high-quality images and is fully compatible with web browsers.
What is an embroidery digitized file?
We accept design files in various formats, ranging from raster (pixel-based) images to vector (mathematical-based) images, and do digitize for embroidery. The embroidery files are central to the embroidery designs and contain crucial information required by the embroidery machine to precisely complete the embroidery process. Some of the information contained in embroidery files includes the stitch density, thread colors, stitching type, angle, and order. As mentioned above, embroidery files come in various formats and are typically made from a JPG or other raster format.
Embroidery design Digitization
Now that we know two basic terms used in the JPG logo to embroidery design let’s take a look at one of the most important and complex steps involved in the process.
Embroidery digitization refers to the process of converting raster-based images into a machine-readable embroidery file format. Logo digitizing, left chest digitizing, jacket back digitizing, and others are some of the different types of embroidery digitizing that are highly in-demand from businesses and individuals alike.
It’s an essential step since the quality and preciseness of the final embroidery design depend on the quality of digitization. The process involves various steps like choosing the right stitch type, stitch density, color, pattern, and many other aspects.
Given the technical complexities involved in the process, it is highly recommended to only trust the most experienced and skillful digitizers for embroidery digitizing. The embroidery machine will depend on the information and instruction of the digitized file to create embroidery designs; thereby, you can’t compromise on the quality here.
Also, since multiple vendors offer embroidery machines, each one accepts a different digitized file format. Thereby, embroidery digitizing files must be made into a specific format as per the embroidery machine requirement. Some of the popular formats include; .kwk (used by Brother embroidery machines), .tap (used by Happy embroidery machines), .dst (used by Tajima embroidery machines), and .jef (used by Janome embroidery machines).
Steps involved in JPG Image to Embroidery Digitizing File Format Conversion
Ok, now that we are done discussing the fundamentals of creating embroidery designs, including the digitizing process and types of files required for digitizing, let’s move on with the conversion process. Remember, to be able to convert a JPG file into an embroidery file format, you will need industry-standard digitizing software and digitizing skills.
- Uploading the design
To start off, you will have to upload the design to the digitizing software of your choice. Once you upload the image, crop out any unwanted areas, including white spaces in the image, to minimize the hassle during the digitizing process.
- Setting the Design Size
Once you have uploaded the image and cropped out the unwanted areas, you will proceed to input the desired size and dimensions. You will set the size as per the dimension of your embroidery; thereby, make sure you set the dimensions correctly.
- Choosing the Stitch Type
Once you are done setting the dimensions, net you need to choose the right stitch type. Remember, there are various types of stitches available in digitizing software, each with its unique texture and appearance. Also, each stitch comes with individual characteristics like maximum stitch length and others. Thereby, it is important to choose the right stitch type as per the design and fabric requirements. An important aspect when selecting the stitch type is the push and pull of the fabric. Below, we have listed three of the most commonly used stitch types;
Straight stitch
A straight stitch is also called the foundational stitch. These types of stitches use straight lines to create design patterns. The stitches can be made thick by repeating the stitches. Straight stitches can also be used effectively to create curved shapes and are best suited for shading, outlining, and detail work.
- Satin stitch
If you are working with text, satin stitches are highly suited to meet your embroidery digitizing needs. These stitches have a longer length as compared to straight stitches, which gives them a shiny appearance. These stitches are great for words, text, borders, and other aspects.
- Full stitch
Full stitches are also called tatami or ceding stitches and are primarily used for filling purposes. Full stitches are ideal for creating a woven appearance on the design. The length of the full stitch may extend up to 4mm. The full or tatami stitches are highly suited for big designs or to fill large designs.
- Setting the Directions
Once you are done choosing the right stitch type for the digitizing file next, you will have to set the stitch directions. To put it simply, the stitch direction will act as the map for embroidery machines, which will follow the pattern to embroider the design. Thereby, it is again an important step and should be taken with extreme caution and care.
- Setting the Thread Colors
Moving one, you will be required to set the thread colors in the digitizing software. The digitizing software offers a complete color bar so that you can choose the precise color needed for the design. Just make sure the thread color you chose matches the color of the fabric.
- Export the digitized file for embroidery
Once you are done with all the steps, it’s time to export the digitized file into the required format for an embroidery machine. The digitizing software you use will give you multiple format options to choose from, and you can choose the right format as per your embroidery machine requirement.
Takeaway!
Well, there’s a brief introduction to the process of creating embroidery design files. As we saw, it’s a complicated and multi-step process that requires experience and expertise to pull out successfully. Any mistake at one point can utterly destroy the appearance of the embroidery design.
At Win Digitizing, we bring you the best and consistent embroidery digitizing solutions at the most affordable rates starting as low as $5. So, why take risks when you can hire USA’s best-digitizing company for your embroidery design needs? Get register with us today to get started!
