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Smooth Stitches

For digitizers: an edge-walk underlay 1-2mm in from the edge of a satin stitch will help to keep the edge of the stitching smooth.

Feedback or Questions about "Smooth Stitches" (1)

Hi - I was browsing for digitizing info when I came across your site. Since I am new and trying to get a handle on how to digitize on my Singer Quantum XL-1000, please explain, what is an "edge walk". Also noted you stated to keep your stitches smaller than 12 mm when you're doing an enlarged design. Do I have to change the other settings too? (Step, Density, etc) I am looking for a book or instructions on digitizing presently. If you know of one, will you point me in the right direction?
Thanks.
Hedera

WholesaleMonograms.com Support answers:

An edge walk is part of the underlay - the base stitches that are laid down to stabilize the fabric before the top stitching is digitized. An edge walk is a running stitch that goes around the outline of the shape, but is inset slightly from the edge. When the top stitching - satin stitch in this case - are sewn they "hang over" this edge slightly. The edge walk keeps the outline of the shape smooth. You should be able to choose an edge walk as an underlay option within your digitizing software program (your software may call it something else, or simply designate this underlay with a number) Please note that this is a recommended approach for digitizing long, thin shapes - the basic parts of letters for monogramming. Underlay for large, wide shape or other types of designs suggest a different approach.

For long, thin satin stitch shapes a 12mm stitch length is a mechanical limit, determined by how the embroidery machine sews a satin (back & forth) stitch. It is a maximum that can be set within your digitizing software program. Density and other settings are independent of this - they should be adjusted as required for different types of fabric and varying aesthethic considerations.

As far as we know there aren't any really good books on digitizing - one reason is that each software program has different features. Our best suggestion for new digitizers is to seek out someone who is well-versed in the type of software you have. Instructors like this are often found at embroidery trade shows, which are held throughout the US and Canada.

--Posted March 11, 2005 05:27 AM