Design Embroidery Software

Picture mode

Note: Picture Mode, Design Mode and Artistic Mode are three components of the Designer Plus embroidery software.

• Artwork is imported in picture mode and only artwork can be viewed here. Prepare artwork in a graphics program or use the software's artwork preparation tools to reduce it to blocks of solid colors.
  
• Digitizing is performed in the design mode. Digitizing interprets a motif into stitches or tells the stitches where to go. Artwork can also be viewed here, as well as, individual stitches and components of a design.
  
• Artistic mode displays the finished embroidery design.

Figure B

Steps:

1. Scan original artwork or copyright-free artwork into your computer. Or create a design in a graphics program as an embroidery guide and/or create shapes and lettering in the software program without preliminary artwork. Import the artwork into picture mode.

2. Once the artwork has been imported, the next step is to digitize the motif in the design mode. Note: Charlotte Andersen recommends taking a class on the software or read the manual that comes with the software to become familiar with the design tools. Almost any design can be created with the supporting tools.

3. View what you have digitized in artistic mode, if you are not satisfied; revisit the design mode to modify colors, shapes, density, pattern, etc. The software program is very flexible.

Downloading Requirements

• The easiest way to download the embroidery design to your sewing machine is with the cable provided that links the software program in your computer directly to the sewing machine. The machine icon in the tool bar gives the command to download.

Hoops and Stabilizer

Figure H

Two Hooping Methods for the Stabilizer and Fabric

1. Hoop the stabilizer between the two rings of the hoop. Score the protective layer just inside the ring. Remove the protective layer exposing the sticky surface. Press the fabric down onto the sticky surface of the stabilizer.

Figure I

2. Clamp the outer ring and the inner ring together (without the fabric or the stabilizer). Peel the protective layer off of the stabilizer and place the clamped hoops on top of the sticky surface. Press the fabric down onto the sticky surface of the stabilizer.

Tip: Sticky stabilizer can be reused several times by patching the hole (left by the previous embroidery) with a smaller piece of stabilizer. Guest recommends Sulky Sticky stabilizer.

Figure L

Embroidery Stitching

1. Use a lightweight bobbin thread in the bobbin and more expensive decorative threads for the top thread. Note: Sulky 40 wt. rayon threads were used for the embroidery motifs on Josephine's Amazing Neutral Colored Dreamcoat.

2. Properly thread the machine, drop the feed dogs, attach the presser foot and clamp the hoop into the embroidery module. Next, push the button to engage the machine to automatically embroidery-stitch the motif. The machine will pause after approximately eight stitches to allow you to trim the threads. (Note: The machine will pause to allow you to change thread colors as needed.) The software specifies how many stitches are in the design and approximately how long it will take to stitch. If the thread breaks, the machine will stop; rethread and back up so that no stitches are missed. It is best to trim jump threads and tail ends after each color is stitched.

Figure M

3. After the stitching is complete remove the hoop from the machine, gently and carefully tear the embroidery out of the stabilizer. Try not to rip into any of the surrounding stabilizer. Then, if you want to do more stitching, all you have to do is cut a square or rectangle of sticky stabilizer 1/2-inch larger than the size of the hole, peel off the protective layer, lay the patch sticky side up on a work surface, place the hoop down on it and press the patch in place. The hoop is now ready to be used again.

Appliqué Letters

1. Appliqué can also be programmed in the embroidery software. There is an appliqué letter font in the program that provides all the steps--already digitized. Or you can manually digitize an appliqué from a font of your choice.

2. In print options, print out an appliqué template as a guide to cut the fabric.

3. Hoop the background fabric for the appliqué.

Figure P

4. The first step of the appliqué will be to stitch a straight outline of the letter shape.

5. Cut the appliqué fabric into a desired letter shape.

6. Spray temporary spray adhesive (Sulky KK 2000 or 505) on the back of the fabric letter to be appliquéd and place it within the outline that has been stitched. The machine tacks the appliqué down with a zigzag stitch.

Figure Q

7. The last step is to finish the edges with a satin-stitch. Tip: Selecting a blanket-stitch as a finish eliminates the tacking step.