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| ==Creating an embroider design== | | ==Creating an embroider design== |
− | We use a program called PE-DESIGN NEXT 9 to make embroidery designs.The program is found on the computer attached to the sewing machine.
| + | Embroidery designs can be made using either of the following programs: |
| + | |
| + | === PE-DESIGN NEXT 9 === |
| + | This method is easier to use, however it gives the user less control over the results if you want to import pictures. The program is found on the computer attached to the sewing machine. |
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| #Begin by creating a new file | | #Begin by creating a new file |
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| #Changing Stitch Pattern. You can also change the stitch pattern in the attributes tab to get different effects to your design. | | #Changing Stitch Pattern. You can also change the stitch pattern in the attributes tab to get different effects to your design. |
| #Optimizing for Sewing Order. Since the embroidery machine can do only one colour at a time, it is important to optimize the file to do all the same colours at once. We can do this by grouping the same coloured layers together in the sewing order panel on the left. | | #Optimizing for Sewing Order. Since the embroidery machine can do only one colour at a time, it is important to optimize the file to do all the same colours at once. We can do this by grouping the same coloured layers together in the sewing order panel on the left. |
− | #Finishing up. Save your work.Go to the '''Home''' tab. Plug in your machine to the computer. Send your deisng to the machine. | + | #Finishing up. Save your work.Go to the '''Home''' tab. Plug in your machine to the computer. Send your design to the machine. |
| + | |
| + | === INK/STITCH (Inkscape Extension) === |
| + | This is a free and open source way to create embroidery designs. It also gives the user more control and detailing from imported pictures, however it is more complicated to use. You can find the extension on their website at inkstitch.org [https://inkstitch.org/] along with information on how to download and install it. They provide have tutorials for different functionalities to |
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| + | # Create a new document on Inkscape. |
| + | # Ensure that your document's page size is less than 4" x 4" as that is the maximum embroidering area. |
| + | # Draw any shapes or lines to make your picture. To use a picture you have, trace the bitmap of your desired image by right clicking your image and clicking "Trace Bitmap", then check "Live Preview" and adjust the settings until you're happy with the results. (NOTE: If your path has more than 1 distinct curve in it, break apart all the paths (Shift+Ctrl+K) to make it easier to manipulate the paths later.) |
| + | # If your shapes are filled in, they will do a fill stitch. You can also turn your shapes into satin stitches. You can change any parameters under Extensions > Ink/Stitch > Params. To change the colour of the fill stitch, click the colour you want to use at the bottom bar of the page. To change the colour of satin stitching, right click on the colour and click on the Line option. |
| + | # After making your file, you can simulate the path the needle will take. This takes a long time so it's easier to check only a portion at a time to narrow down any bugs that might be in your file. |
| + | # Save your file as a .pes file (as well as a .svg file to make any changes later on). Copy and paste the .pes file onto the machine drive (It should show up as being connected to a USB port). If it doesn't show up, it means your file is too large (width and height). |
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| + | ==== SATIN STITCHING IN INK/STITCH ==== |
| + | There is a wonderful tutorial on using Ink/Stitch to make satin stitching on edutechwiki.unige.ch [https://edutechwiki.unige.ch/en/InkStitch_-_satin_columns] from the University of Geneva. |
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| + | NOTE: If you are making a satin stitch from a few lines on the same path, occasionally the default parameter will be to satin stitch the individual lines separately with very loose zig-zag pattern despite following all the steps in the wiki above. Uncheck "Lines to Satin" to solve this problem. |
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