User Manual
Stitch ERA – User Manual
© Sierra Technology Group S.A., 2009 This work has been registered according to the law. All rights reserved. Total or partial reproduction of this software, its physical media and/or its manuals, by any procedure and/or for any purpose whatsoever, is strictly prohibited. Stitch ERA software can only be run on a computer by those authorized to do so by means of a License Agreement. Every use beyond the license or the lack of such license is a violation to the author’s Intellectual Property rights, constituing a crime according to local laws and international treaties protecting Copyrights. This manual is not for sale. It is available at no charge to users that acquire the license to use Stitch ERA. Information on this manual is subject to change without notice. Due to ongoing product updates, features and other functions may have been modified, replaced or added, including but not limited to manuals, operating guides, quick guide charts, help/training material, etc. Although a big effort was made to ensure this manual is complete and correct, Sierra do not warranty that the products behavoir reflect the descriptions contained in this manual. Functions and operations available are limited according to the level of software acquired. This manual has been created with the only purpose of making easier the learning process of this product.
Sierra, Stitch ERA, Embroidery Office, and Embroidery Explorer are registered trademarks of Sierra Technology Group S.A. Other brands and their products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
1st edition. Printed in Buenos Aires, June 2009 Edited by Sierra Technology Group S.A. Rivera Indarte 565 (1406), Buenos Aires, Argentina. Ver 10.00-01-EN
Editorial Welcome Let us thank you and congratulate you at the same time for having selected a product from our Stitch ERA line of embroidery software. We have put all our efforts in developing this product, just like we have been doing for over 20 years, in order to always offer you the most advanced system on the market. We hope you enjoy it.
About this manual Stitch ERA is marketed in four levels: Universal, the free version, with powerfull features for almost all type of embroiderers; Essentials, that covers the basic needs for stitch editing and lettering; Lite, which adds auto-digitizing from raster and vector images and basic manual digitizing and Liberty, that includes a very powerfull set of digitizing tools and stitch filling types. This manual is intended for all the levels. However, the following guidelines will help you to focus your reading according to the product level you have acquired. Chapters 1 to 5 contain all the information that Stitch ERA Essentials users may need, covering from interface usage to basic lettering. Stitch ERA Lite users should also read chapters 6 to 8 that include information about images, auto-digitizing and basic manual digitizing. Some sections of chapter 9 also apply to Stitch ERA Lite, specially those dedicated to the Object Manager and to the properties of the fill types included in this level. For Stitch ERA Liberty users, chapters 9 and 10 should complete the reading. They include explanations for properties management of all fill types and usage of manual digitizing and advanced block tools. Most the material included in this manual applies to Stitch ERA Universal, with some limitations. A notice at the right of the topic title is included every time a feature is limited or is not available for all levels,.
Stitch ERA – User Manual
Index
Stitch ERA User Manual Contents Chapter 1 – Introducing Stitch ERA A tour over the screen elements .................................................................... 2 Start Page and Stitch ERA button ...................................................... 2 The Ribbons................................................................................... 3 Forum ........................................................................................... 3 User Interface ................................................................................ 4 Basic commands............................................................................. 5 Keyboard Shortcuts......................................................................... 6 Getting Help .................................................................................. 7 Options and Preferences .................................................................. 8 Stitch ERA Levels........................................................................................11 Essential ......................................................................................11 Lite..............................................................................................11 Liberty .........................................................................................12
Chapter 2 - Getting Started Working with embroidery files ....................................................................... 3 Embroidery codes ........................................................................... 3 Visualization Tools ....................................................................................... 5
Stitch ERA – User Manual
Zoom ......................................................................................................... 7 Zoom with the Mouse Wheel............................................................. 7 Zoom Area..................................................................................... 7 Maximize Total ............................................................................... 7 Pan............................................................................................... 7 Zoom in ........................................................................................ 7 Zoom out ...................................................................................... 8 Dynamic Zoom ............................................................................... 8 Normal & 3D Drawing Modes ......................................................................... 9 Simulation View........................................................................................... 9 Satellite View .............................................................................................11 Reference tools ..........................................................................................12 Hoops ..........................................................................................12 Grid .............................................................................................13 Guidelines.....................................................................................14 Measure .......................................................................................15 Ruler Calibration 1:1 ......................................................................15 Cross Cursor .................................................................................16 Snap.........................................................................................................16 Embroidery Signs .......................................................................................17 Object Manager Basics ................................................................................18 Working with Colors ....................................................................................19 Needle Pallete ...............................................................................19 Thread Colors and Thread Color Charts .............................................19 Background...................................................................................22 Design navigation .......................................................................................23 Design Information: InfoCard .......................................................................23 Printing Designs .........................................................................................26 Basic printing ................................................................................26
Index
Advanced printing..........................................................................27 Printing as Catalog (Embroidery Explorer) .........................................31
Chapter 3 - Stitch Editing Working with Stitches................................................................................... 3 Select Stitch tool ............................................................................ 3 Move ............................................................................................ 4 Insert ........................................................................................... 5 Delete........................................................................................... 6 Converting Stitches to/from Jumps.................................................... 6 Working with Commands .............................................................................. 7 Edit .............................................................................................. 7 Insert ........................................................................................... 7 Delete........................................................................................... 7 Converting Stops to/from Color Changes ............................................ 8 Using the Go To tool ....................................................................... 8 Stitch Blocks ............................................................................................... 8 Selecting blocks.............................................................................. 9 Block List......................................................................................10 Recognition & Block Processing .....................................................................12 Detect..........................................................................................12 Recognize.....................................................................................14 Resize ..........................................................................................14 Processing blocks...........................................................................14 Converting Stitch Blocks to Wireframe ..............................................15 Transforming Blocks....................................................................................17 Regular Transformation ....................................................................18 Stitch Effects .............................................................................................20
Stitch ERA – User Manual
Finishing Tools ...........................................................................................25 Filter Small stitches ..........................................................................25 Sort Stitches by Color .......................................................................25 Start and end point ..........................................................................26 Centering Tool .................................................................................27
Chapter 4 - Lettering and Monogram Lettering .................................................................................................... 3 Inserting texts as 1-2-3 ................................................................... 3 Properties in detail .......................................................................... 5 Font and Text................................................................................. 5 Spacing, trims & Lock Stitches .......................................................... 8 Managing Stitches Types.................................................................10 Basic Text Layouts .........................................................................10 Using Effects .................................................................................12 Changing the text layout..............................................................................15 Transformations ............................................................................15 Character control nodes ..................................................................20 Team Names..............................................................................................21 Monograms................................................................................................23 Using the Object Manager with Text and Monograms .......................................25 Objects tree ..................................................................................25 Object Inspector ............................................................................25
Chapter 5 - Merging Designs Using the Motif and Embroidery Gallery............................................................. 2 Embroidery gallery ............................................................................ 2 Motifs gallery ................................................................................... 3
Index
Merging designs with texts and Monograms ....................................................... 4
Chapter 6 - Images & Vectors Adding Images ............................................................................................ 3 Image Formats............................................................................... 3 Open image ................................................................................... 3 Capture Image ............................................................................... 4 Size & position ............................................................................... 6 Properties...................................................................................... 8 Vectorize. Image to figure................................................................ 9 Adding Vectors ...........................................................................................13 Vector Formats..............................................................................13 Open a Vector File .........................................................................13 Get Vector From: CorelDraw............................................................14 Create vectors figures ....................................................................15 Editing figures ...............................................................................16 Format & Color..............................................................................17 Edit Nodes ....................................................................................18 Size & position ..............................................................................18 Arrange Order ...............................................................................18 Arrange Align ................................................................................19 Arrange Repeat .............................................................................19 Group vectors ...............................................................................19 Shaping .......................................................................................20
Chapter 7 - Auto-Digitizing Art to Stitch ................................................................................................ 2
Stitch ERA – User Manual
Settings ........................................................................................ 2 Graphics samples............................................................................ 3 Photo to Stitch ............................................................................................ 6 Step by step operation .................................................................... 7 Image to Cross Stitch................................................................................... 9 Stitch from Vector.......................................................................................11 Create Area ..................................................................................12 Create Path...................................................................................12 Using Styles ..................................................................................13
Chapter 8 - Basic Manual Digitizing Types of sections ......................................................................................... 3 Stitches......................................................................................... 3 Paths ............................................................................................ 4 Areas ............................................................................................ 5 Columns ........................................................................................ 6 Section elements ......................................................................................... 6 Basic elements ..............................................................................16 Advanced elements ........................................................................19 Basic Section Filling.....................................................................................21 Path.............................................................................................21 Column ........................................................................................23 Area ............................................................................................24 Adjustments & Compensation .......................................................................29 Borderline..................................................................................................30 Blocks .......................................................................................................30 Selecting blocks.............................................................................31 Block Scale and Rotation.................................................................35
Index
Repetitions ...................................................................................39 Alignment.....................................................................................42
Chapter 9 - Object Manager in depth The Object Manager ........................................................................ 3 Groups, Packs & Branched Packs.......................................... 3 Select and Drag-Drop in the Object Tree ............................... 4 Style Gallery .................................................................................. 4 The Object Inspector ....................................................................... 6 Tabs Properties ................................................................. 6 Body ................................................................... 6 Stitch Fill - General Properties.................... 7 Adjustment & Compensation.....................26 Stitch effects ..........................................37 Connections & Functions ..........................42 Borderline...........................................................43 More ..................................................................44 Size & Order...........................................44 Connections & Functions ..........................45 Object Inspector Expertise Level ......................................................47
Chapter 10 - Advanced Digitizing Digitizing Mode ........................................................................................... 2 Manual .......................................................................................... 2
Stitch ERA – User Manual
Assisted Trace ................................................................................ 3 Expand and contract the recognized shape ............................ 4 Automatic Trace ............................................................................. 4 Using Autoshapes ........................................................................... 6 Advanced Section Filling ............................................................................... 9 Path.............................................................................................. 9 Column ......................................................................................... 9 Area ............................................................................................10 Advanced Block Tools ..................................................................................16 Grouping ......................................................................................16 Branching .....................................................................................17 Block to Vector ..............................................................................18
Appendix A – Machine Codes Storage and transport .................................................................................. 2 Physical Media, formats and codes .................................................... 2 Machines Profiles ......................................................................................... 3 Machine codes interpreters............................................................................ 4 Machine Codes Interpreters Data Base ............................................... 4 Predefined Values ........................................................................... 6 Machines Profiles Data Base ............................................................. 6 Predefined Values ........................................................................... 9
Chapter 1
Introducing Stitch ERA Content A tour over the screen elements .................................................................... 2 Start Page and Stitch ERA button ....................................................... 2 The Ribbons.................................................................................... 3 Minimize the Ribbon ..................................................................... 3 Keep the Ribbon minimized for a short time ..................................... 3 Forum............................................................................................ 3 User Interface ................................................................................. 4 Basic commands ............................................................................. 5 Keyboard Shortcuts ......................................................................... 6 Shortcuts configuration ................................................................. 7 Getting Help ................................................................................... 7 Context Help ............................................................................... 7 Options and Preferences ................................................................... 8 Application .................................................................................. 8 Project ....................................................................................... 8 Workspace .................................................................................. 8 Create and Edit Options ...............................................................10 Notification ................................................................................10 Stitch ERA Levels........................................................................................11 Universal.......................................................................................11 Essential .......................................................................................12 Lite ..............................................................................................12 Liberty ..........................................................................................12
Stitch ERA – User Manual
A tour through the screen elements There are some basic aspects that you must bear in mind before starting to use Stitch ERA; these aspects are explained hereunder. You may open Stitch ERA from the list programs displayed through the start button. When starting Stitch ERA, the welcome window will appear. On its bottom you will find the legal notice. Please, take some minutes to read them, and if you accept the terms and conditions of the license, click on ‘Yes’ to complete Stitch ERA loading. You can check the box ‘Please, do not ask again’, if you wish to skip this step next time you run the product. Note: The splash screen may differ according to the product level
Start Page and Stitch ERA button Once you start the application, the Start page is presented. If your computer is connected to internet, the Start Page (1) let you stay in contact with the most recent news and promotions specially prepared for Stitch ERA.
The topmost region of the screen contains the Stitch ERA button (3) that displays a menu with basic commands and the Quick Access Toolbar that contains commands considered as “frequently used” On the upper area of the screen is located the ribbon bar (2). It contains most of Stitch ERA commands and many object properties.
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Introducing Stitch ERA
The Ribbons The Ribbon is a context sensitive component that displays just the commands related with the current task. The ribbon is organized in tabs. To switch to a desidered tab, just click on it. The Ribbon is designed to help you quickly find the commands that you need to complete a task. Commands are organized in logical groups that are collected together under tabs. Each tab relates to a type of activity, such as Stitch Editing or Lettering. To reduce screen clutter, some tabs are shown only when they are needed. There is no way to delete or replace the Ribbon with the toolbars and menus. However, you can minimize the Ribbon to make more space available on your screen.
Minimize the Ribbon 1. Click Customize Quick Access Toolbar. 2. In the list, click Minimize the Ribbon. 3. To use the Ribbon while it is minimized, click the tab you want to use, and then click the option or command you want to use. 4. To restore, repeat the steps
Keep the Ribbon minimized for a short time To quickly minimize the Ribbon, double-click the name of the active tab. Double-click a tab again to restore the Ribbon. Keyboard shortcut To minimize or restore the Ribbon, press CTRL+F1.
Forum
Available for Stitch ERA Essentials, Lite and Liberty
The tab Forum (located at the right of the Start Page Tab) let you open the Forum page. Please consider that to use the forum services your computer must have internet access and your license must be activated.
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Stitch ERA – User Manual
Having in mind that collaboration among user is a way of empowering knowledge and experience in software use, Stitch ERA features an embedded User’s Community Forum where you may contact other Stitch ERA users. Note: Many of the options above-mentioned require Internet access. It is recommended that the computer where the application is installed has Internet access.
User Interface Pressing the New button (at the left of the System ribbon bar) will create a new blank document and the main user interface is presented.
The main area (5) is the workspace. Embroidery designs edition and creation will be carry out within it. It is also called the document window. Stitch ERA has a Multiple Document Interface (MDI). This feature let you open multiple designs is separated workspaces. The tabs located at the top of the workspace let you access the different designs just clicking on them. Using the tabs you can also access the Start Page and the Forum. The right most tab let you create a new, blank design (it behaves like the New button of the ribbon) The figure above highlights the following elements: 1. Tabs for Start Page, Forum and Opened Designs. You may open several files and move along them by clicking on the different tabs in each design. In each tab there is the button for closing the active file: on the right corner of the tab file. 2. Modes. Zoom, Create, Select Node & Block and Edit Stitch. 3. Needle bar. Each needle is assigned a color. 4. Rulers: these may help you as a measurement parameter for tracing guide lines. 5. Design area. It is the available area to edit / create a design. It appears as empty when a new file is generated. You will work on it while creating or editing a design. 6. View controls. Simulation View 3D, Show Marks, Show Stitches, Shows Connectors, Show Commands, Show Hoop, Cross fader zoom and navigator bar. 7. Sliders. 1–4
Introducing Stitch ERA
8. Status bar. With different information related to the file, the chosen creation tool, etc. Its panels contain, from left to right, the information listed hereunder.
Marker of Modified File (diskette shown above) when modifications in the design were applied, but the document has not been saved. Coordinates of the cursor position (in the embroidery’s coordinates system) Quantity of stitches created Quantity of colors used Number of sections Design size Function being executed
Basic commands You must select the necessary commands to create or open an existing design one, modify it, save it in disk and finally, export it in a suitable format and means for the embroidery machine to read it. The selection or activation of a command can be made through any of the options below:
Quick access button and toolbar Shortcuts Ribbons
The Ribbons displayed on the top panel are context, that is, they depend on the task you are conducting at a given time.
Selecting a command with the mouse In the manual you can follow the instructions to enable a certain command by mentioning the access route to that command, as follows: Ribbon Home > Submenu (if any) > Command. In certain specific situations, some buttons deactivate; that is, they appear in grey shades and when pressed no action takes place, or they even disappear. This is normal and it happens because the command associated to the button cannot be used at that moment (for example, it is not possible to use the command Cut or Copy if an element has not been previously selected). Note: In order to obtain further information about any of the buttons in the tool bar, drag the mouse pointer towards the button and wait for a second. A tooltip stating the button purpose will appear, such as shown in the left figure.
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Stitch ERA – User Manual
Keyboard Shortcuts The shortcut keys are shown in the right of each tooltip command. The letter corresponds to the activation key of that specific command. You can run a command by only pressing the shortcuts, without the need of going through the access sequence. File
Select
New
Ctrl + N
Object (Edit Section)
Open
Ctrl + O
Select By Outline
Save
Ctrl + S
All
Save As
Ctrl + Alt + S
F10 Ctrl + F10 Ctrl + A
View
Paste
Ctrl + V
Zoom Area
Cut
Ctrl + X
Maximize Total
Copy
Ctrl + C
Redraw (Refresh)
F5
Del
Satellite View Show (Simulation 3D)
Shift + F7
Creative Path
Ctrl + 5
Generate Stitches
Creative Column
Ctrl + 7
Reprocess All
Creative Area
Ctrl + 8
Show Autotrace Box
Delete Add Sections
F6 Ctrl + F6
F7 F9 Ctrl + F9 Ctrl + F12
Stating Point
Ctrl + B
Ending Point
Ctrl + E
Keyboard symbols The following symbols are used to make reference to the key combination. The keys are for performing different tasks with Stitch ERA: Symbol Alt Ctrl Alt+X Ctrl+X Tab Shift Esc Space Enter
1–6
Indicates that you should… Press any of the two Alt keys Press any of the two ctrl. Keys Press any of the Alt keys and, keeping it pressed, also press the letter X key Press any of the Ctrl keys and, keeping it pressed, also press the letter X key Press the key that corresponds to tabulation Press any of the Caps or Shift keys (depending your keyboard’s language) Press the Escape key Press the Space key Press any of the two Enter or Intro keys (depending your keyboard’s language)
Introducing Stitch ERA
Shortcuts configuration Stitch ERA lets you add, modify and remove shortcuts to a large number of commands. To access the box to customize shortcuts on the Ribbon Home> System> Preferences> Shortcuts
Getting Help Stitch ERA provides a help system that includes a series of search tools and navigation tools, which will allow you an instantaneous location of the subject of your interest. In order to open Stitch ERA’s Help, click on the Question icon on the upper right corner of the screen. You have there three tabs: the Content list, the Index and the Search tool. Use the Content tab to access a specific chapter and subject. On the right, the context menu that corresponds to the selected element will drop down. In the Index tab you will find a theme index that enables automatic search. By typing a word, you will observe all of the topics related thereof, and while selecting a topic you will see the help text on the right. On the Search tab, you will be able to explore the help content to find the subjects related to a word or phrase you enter.
Context Help When working with Stitch ERA you can obtain help for the task you are conducting. For this to happen, press the F1 key. The help window will drop down showing the contents related to that task. You will find that through this context you are be able to quickly obtain detailed information about the steps to follow in order to conduct a specific task, the purpose and use of the dialog box controls, etc. Context Help in the Object Manager > Object Inspector: In order to obtain help for each of the items available in the Object Inspector, click on the row of the corresponding field and press F1; a new help window will pop up with the information about the chosen property.
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Stitch ERA – User Manual
Options and Preferences When you open the Options and Preferences window (from Stitch ERA Button or from the Ribbon Home) you have the ability to define the behavior of your uses and habits. For this to happen, the window has a series of tabs that group the adjustments for enabling a better understanding. The values modified are permanent when the program is running and also after closing and starting a new session. You will find hereunder a thorough explanation of each tab options:
Application -
Enable Live Update Language
Project This category contains options to control how the system starts and to setup your preferred measurement units. General - Use Wizard for New Designs - Start with a blank design - Create backup - Enable Auto Save - Auto-Save Frequency Units - Select measure units system
Workspace Within this category you Hill find options to manage the appearance of workspace and visual aids: General – Show rulers on workspace. - Use large cross cursor - Fit ribbons to 1024 pixels screen width Limits – Workspace Maximum width - Workspace Maximum height - Limit working area to workspace limits
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Introducing Stitch ERA
Visual Aids Options This category contains customizable settings for visual aids tools. Guidelines - Guidelines Color - Add, edit and remove guidelines Grid - Position, Style, Color, Separation. - Move grid origin with design start point. - Force grid color to contrast with background References & Marks - Transparence for unselected objects - Transparence for design navigation. - Use small references up to Zoom level - Use large references from Zoom level - Use colored nodes. - Needle mark color (light background) - Needle mark color (dark background) Zoom – Zoom in factor… - Zoom out factor… - Zoom in/out with mouse wheel Autoscroll - Activate Autoscroll - Autoscroll region size. - Autoscroll speed. - Autoscroll while dragging Video Card Settings - Video hardware acceleration - Enhanced line drawing (antialias) Stitch ERA uses the video acceleration hardware. Take into account that, when installing Stitch ERA, this box is deactivated. If you already count with video acceleration hardware, you can activate this box and verify the correct performance of your video system with EO Design. To do so, activate the ‘Use video Acceleration Hardware’ mode, reaching the maximum possible value. If you detect any anomaly while drawing, most likely your video system is not fully compatible with OpenGL standard. If this is the case, you must reduce acceleration one point. In some cases, the video hardware is not fully compatible with OpenGL, and the acceleration should be disabled. If, after trying with the increase options available you still have problems, disable acceleration to ‘ 0 – No’.
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Stitch ERA – User Manual
Create and Edit Options This category groups the available options for edition and creation tools and to set some general features of stitch generation and processing. General – Curve types: Circle Arcs or Beziers. - Show node grips while editing - Show node grips while creating - Hide stitches for section under edition - Auto generate after edition - Auto generate alter creation. - Maximum number of sections for Art to Stitch - Enable\disable digitizing tablet Stitch Generation – Length for automatic thread trim - Clean small stitches shorter than... - Corners pull compensation (%) - Round corners when shape exceeds path width by.. Stitch Block – On multiple stitch blocks, keep largest only - Minimum stitch block size (stitches) - Split blocks at color changes: Check this option so that while selecting a group of adjoining stitches with color change from one to the other, the application splits the group, displaying in the block creation box, the stitches ranges that have the same color, instead of displaying a single range. Snaps - Use snaps while creating - Use snaps while editing - Snap to Nodes - Snap to Middle points - Snap to Center Points - Snap to Borders - Snap to Tangent Points - Snap to Perpendiculars Points - Snap to Intersection Points - Snap to Angle
Notification Into this category you will find options to configure sounds for specific events and when Massages window should be presented. 1 – 10
Introducing Stitch ERA
Sounds - Enable sounds - Alter inserting Curve Node - Alter inserting Straight Node - After inserting Corner Node - On Creation Confirmation - After Successful Stitch Generation - On Warning Message - On Error Message - After Successful Process Notifications - Warning Messages on stitch generation - Error Messages on stitch generation
Restoring values Press the ‘Default values’ button (available for each tab) in order to restore the values of each item of the active tab to its initial configuration. Also, you may use the button ‘Restore all to default’ that will enable you to adjust the items of all tabs to their original value.
Stitch ERA Levels Throughout the manual you will find out a series of logos in each cover chapter which apply to the level that you purchased. To satisfy the users different needs, Stitch ERA has 3 different levels:
Universal This is the free version of Stitch Era product line. Although some features available in the standard leves are limited or not present, it shares the same powerfull and friendly user interfase. IMPORTANT: Stitch Era Universal does not open Designs files (.dsg) created with Stitch Era standard versions (Essentials, Lite and Liberty). However, the standard versions are perfectly able to open designs created with Stitch Era Universal.
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Essential The basic level called Essentials covers the requirements for design management, code conversions, stitch edition, embroidered texts, etc. It is the preferred application for those who works mainly with inventory designs, or delegates embroidery digitizing. Without having to know advanced digitizing techniques, you can modify or personalize the designs easily, adjust the number of stitches, apart from adding texts or predefined shapes. It is a superb way of starting to learn how to work with embroidery designs.
Lite The following level named Lite, contains all the functionalities of the basic level, plus introduces the creation of embroidery designs automatically (and manually). Starting from graphic file images, in pixel (raster) or vector formats, or from images captured from a scanner, it creates the design objects automatically or interactively. If the image is not perfect, you can process it and afterwards vectorize it using the program. All this functionality is integrated in an only application.
Liberty The highest level named Liberty offers you autonomy in the design creation, whatever its complexity is. It has a wide group of tools with which you can produce the most amazing artistic embroideries, as any professional designer. Literally millions of options exist, and the result is only limited to your imagination. It is important to emphasize that this product includes all the previous levels tools, allowing you to toggle between the automatic design and the traditional and professional design, according to the project you want to achieve.
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Chapter 2
Getting Started Contents: Working with embroidery files ....................................................................... 3 Embroidery codes ............................................................................ 3 Formatting a diskette.................................................................... Diskettes codes............................................................................ Import & Export an Embroidery Files............................................... Visualization Tools ...........................................................................
3 3 5 5
The View ribbon bar ..................................................................... Main Job View.............................................................................. Auto panning border ..................................................................... Zoom.............................................................................................
5 6 6 7
Zoom with the Mouse Wheel .......................................................... Zoom Area .................................................................................. Maximize Total ............................................................................ Pan ............................................................................................ Zoom in...................................................................................... Zoom out.................................................................................... Actual size Zoom.......................................................................... More Zoom Options ...................................................................... Dynamic Zoom ............................................................................ Normal & 3D Drawing Modes .............................................................
7 7 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 9
Simulation View .............................................................................. 9 Satellite View .................................................................................11 Reference tools ..............................................................................12 Hoops........................................................................................12 Grid ..........................................................................................13 Guidelines ..................................................................................14 Measure ....................................................................................15
Stitch ERA – User Manual
Ruler Calibration 1:1....................................................................15 Cross Cursor...............................................................................16 Snap.............................................................................................16 Embroidery Signs ...........................................................................17 Show/Hide .................................................................................17 Sections, Vectors and Images .......................................................18 Object Manager Basics ....................................................................18 Working with Colors ........................................................................19 Needle Pallete.............................................................................19 Thread Colors and Thread Color Charts...........................................19 Color Palette...............................................................................21 Background ................................................................................22 Redraw ......................................................................................22 Design navigation ...........................................................................23 Design Information: InfoCard ...........................................................23 Printing Designs .........................................................................................26 Basic printing .................................................................................26 Advanced printing...........................................................................27 Print Format Ribbon.....................................................................27 Select Print Format......................................................................28 Information Setup .......................................................................29 Information to Print .....................................................................30 Print Information.........................................................................31 Printing as Catalog (Embroidery Explorer) ..........................................31
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Getting Started
Working with embroidery files Embroidery codes The expanded codes are those that contain information about each of the stitches, and its associated commands (stitches, jump stitch, stop control, color change, etc). This data is developed by extension and it represents the sequence of steps the embroidery machine will follow. Embroidery machines must receive the embroidery design in any expanded code. Some machines read diskettes; others read punched paper tapes, both with designs in expanded codes. Note: Expanded codes are also known as ‘diskette codes’.
Formatting a diskette In order to format a diskette, before exportation, open Embroidery Explorer from the Quick Access Botton, to format the diskette with the desired code. When you format a diskette, you are preparing it so as to store designs on it. You must indicate the code in which you want to prepare it and from then on, you will be able to save designs on that same diskette, but only in that code. The formatting process takes some time, in some cases it can take several minutes. Consider the following: By formatting a disk, all the information in it is lost. To change a diskette code, you must format it in the new code. Use the appropriate diskette type (2DD o 2HD) according to the code.
Diskettes codes Hereunder we will describe the codes included in the Stitch ERA. Here, we mention the diskette format they require, the compatibility with Windows files system (that allows saving in the hard disk) and the admissible characteristics in the embroidery names. Code
Diskette format
Hard Disk Support
File Extension
Available characters for embroidery names
Native Expanded
3.5 “ DD/HD
Yes
.eys
8 alphanumeric
Read/Write
Tajima
3.5 “ DD/HD
Yes
.dst
8 alphanumeric
Read/Write
.dsb, dsz
8 alphanumeric
Read
8 alphanumeric
Read/Write
Tajima (ext)
3.5 “ DD/HD
Yes
Barudan FDR*
3.5 “ DD
No
Barudan FMC*
3.5 “ DD
No
Barudan HD*
3.5 “ DD
No
Z.S.K.*
3.5 “ DD
No
.u01
Type
8 alphanumeric
Read/Write
8 alphanumeric
Read/Write
8 numeric
Read/Write
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Stitch ERA – User Manual Code
Diskette format
Hard Disk Support
Toyota
3.5 “ DD/HD
Yes
Happy
3.5 “ DD/HD
Yes
Melco Exp.
3.5 “ DD/HD
Yes
Mitsubishi
3.5 “ HD
Expanded old
3.5 “ DD/HD
Bits and Volts Brother PES
File Extension
Available characters for embroidery names
Type
.10O
8 alphanumeric
Read/Write
.tap
8 alphanumeric
Read/Write
.exp
8 alphanumeric
Read/Write
Yes
.100…
8 alphanumeric
Read/Write
Yes
.dat
8 alphanumeric
Read/Write
3.5 “ DD/HD
Yes
.bro
8 alphanumeric
Read
3.5 “ DD/HD
Yes
.pes
8 alphanumeric
Read/Write
Brother PHB
3.5 “ DD/HD
Yes
.phb
8 alphanumeric
Read/Write
Brother PHC
3.5 “ DD/HD
Yes
.phc
8 alphanumeric
Read/Write
Brother PEC
3.5 “ DD/HD
Yes
.pec
8 alphanumeric
Read/Write
Singer/Compucon
3.5 “ DD/HD
Yes
.xxx
8 alphanumeric
Read
Elna/Janome
3.5 “ DD/HD
Yes
.sew
8 alphanumeric
Read/Write
GMI Ela
3.5 “ DD/HD
Yes
.ela
8 alphanumeric
Read/Write
Siruba
3.5 “ DD/HD
Yes
.plt
8 alphanumeric
Read/Write
Sunstar SWF
3.5 “ DD/HD
Yes
.sst
8 alphanumeric
Read/Write
Pfaff KSM
3.5 “ DD/HD
Yes
.ksm
8 alphanumeric
Read/Write
Pfaff PCM
3.5 “ DD/HD
Yes
.pcm
8 alphanumeric
Read/Write
Pfaff PCS
3.5 “ DD/HD
Yes
.pcs
8 alphanumeric
Read/Write
Pfaff PCD
3.5 “ DD/HD
Yes
.ped
8 alphanumeric
Read/Write
Juki Ams
3.5 “ DD/HD
Yes
.m3
8 alphanumeric
Read/Write
Husqvarna
3.5 “ DD/HD
Yes
.hus
8 alphanumeric
Read/Write
Husqvarna Viking
3.5 “ DD/HD
Yes
.vip
8 alphanumeric
Read/Write
Wilcom T01, T03, T04, T05
3.5 “ DD/HD
Yes
.t01, .t02, .t03, .t05
8 alphanumeric
Read
Inbro
3.5 “ DD/HD
Yes
.inb
8 alphanumeric
Read/Write
Komtekct
3.5 “ DD/HD
Yes
.cem
8 alphanumeric
Read/Write
Alphanumeric: Indicates all the letters from A-Z (normally capital letters only, although Stitch ERA turns them into capital letters if you type in small letters) and the numbers from 0 to 9. Within the valid alphanumeric characters to create the name of an expanded design you can include letters, numbers, and the middle dash. Although it is not recommended, some other characters are accepted. The blank space is not a valid character. Codes marked with * are not supported on 64 bits Operating Systems and on computers with USB floppy drives
You can work with the codes indicated in the table either from diskettes or hard disk (for those ones that can support it). In some codes, the name you assign is not really the name of the file you will use (the name of the file is usually a sequential name that the application assigns automatically), but it is a reference that is saved together with the design and that you can view in a field of the information. In these cases, there might be several designs with the same identification in the same unit. Nevertheless, we suggest you avoid the repetition of such names.
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Import & Export an Embroidery Files The procedure to import an existing design in any of the available machine codes only requires using the Open function and then complete the information requested in this dialog box: select unit, select the code, and if you wish, select a new code interpreter (otherwise the default interpreter will be used), choose the desired design and click on Open. Save the design from the Save as command, select the unit, select the code in which you are exporting and give an allowed name to such design. If you wish, you can select a new machine profile; otherwise, the default profile will be used. You can also change the profile properties (See ‘Profiles’ further on in this same chapter). In order to export a design to a diskette, it must be previously formatted in the exportation code, and it must have enough space to save it.
Visualization Tools Views are controls that show the design on the main job view in different presentations which are usually very useful to represent the sections and stitchs that emboss the design from different points of view. In this chapter we will present the necessary details for you to use correctly the views and all the visualization tools available in the application.
The View ribbon bar Stitch ERA offers several ways of viewing the same document at the Main Job, where the design edit process takes place. This window shows not only the main references, but the stitches, needle marks, commands, and auxiliary references (images, grid, ruler, hoops, etc.) as well. Besides, you can enable several simultaneous views of the same document, allowing you to view different parts of the design in very good detail. Hereunder we will describe the Ribbon View and helpfully view tools of Stitch ERA.
The correct use of the Views and other visual aids available in Stitch ERA, will give you an important assistance on the creation and optimization of the embroidery design process.
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Main Job View The work with embroidery designs is made basically on the Main Job Window, while the other views and windows are auxiliary and many times not essential for the normal operation. Every time you create a new design document, it will be shown in a new tab. When opening or creating several documents, you will be able to toggle from one to the other by clicking in the corresponding tabs, which are located in the upper part of the Graphic View. The title bar is located on the tabs, indicating the active file name, while on the right side the cross allows you to close the edited document.
Auto panning border You have a Auto Panning mechanism on the Working window. Note that in the entire working window perimeter there’s a border less intense that the background color. This region is called Auto Panning Area. Note that when you place the mouse pointer within the Auto Panning Area, it changes its traditional shape. Keeping the pointer in this area for a few moments will start the auto panning in the direction indicated by the mouse cursor.
From Quick Access Button > Options & Preferences > Working window tab, you can control the size of the Auto Panning Area, the time that the mouse has to remain in it to start the panning, and the speed it must have.
Working Area Limits: From Quick Access Button > Options & Preferences > Working window tab, you can establish the design’s maximum dimensions (in width and height) and limit the working area to these dimensions checking the box ‘Limit Working Area to bounds’ and establishing new values in ‘Maximum Width’ and ‘Maximum Height’. Stitch ERA will not allow the pointer to go beyond the defined area, and will show a warning message when exporting the design, if there are stitches out of the maximum area defined.
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Getting Started
Zoom Zoom with the Mouse Wheel If your mouse has a scroll wheel, you can use the scroll wheel to zoom out/in by scrolling forward / backward from you. Mouse wheel scroll should zoom in/out over mouse pointer location
Zoom Area Selecting the magnifier icon you enable or disable the Zoom Area (F6). It enlarges the visualization of a working area sector. It is useful for examining a certain design area closely. In order to use this tool, you have to define a rectangle that includes the area you wish to enlarge. For this to happen, follow these steps: 1) Enable the Zoom Area command from the Ribbon view, Tool bar mode , or use the shortcut key F6. 2) Mark a corner of the rectangle, clicking on it, for example, on the upper left corner. Do not release the button. 3) Drag the pointer towards the opposite rectangle corner, for example, the lower right corner. 4) Release the button. The content of the marked rectangle will be shown on screen.
Maximize Total Allows you to see the whole design in the maximum size possible. To use it, press the corresponding button on the Ribbon View or Menu Mode View. Shortcut: Ctrl + F6
Pan Panning is the action of moving the design area manually, without using the scroll bars. It is useful when creating or modifying a part of the design and you have to continue in another part which is not visible on the Main Window. Remember that panning does not modify the Zoom level. To pan the design select it from the ribbon view, them drag the image (pulling it) until the desired area appears inside the working window (that is, visible on screen), and then release the mouse button.
Zoom in Enlarges (approaches) the work area visualization.
Zoom out Reduces (distances) the work area visualization in a proportion defined by the Zoom Out Factor in Quick Access Botton > Options & Preferences > Zoom Settings tab. 2-7
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Actual size Zoom This botton shows the actual size of the current design. Also by clicking on the arrow at the right of this icon, you can select one of the zoom presets. The zoom presets that you can chose from are 25%, 50%, 75%, 100%, 150%, 200% and 500%. Note: From Setup > Options & Preferences > Zoom Settings tab, you can modify features such as Zoom In and Zoom Out factors, enable or disable the use of mouse wheel, etc.
More Zoom Options The following features are available from the Ribbon View > botton More, either cliclking on the arrow at the rigth of the icon Zoom Area Mode from the Modes Tool Bar.
Dynamic Zoom It enables a practical method of performing quick operations of approach or distance. To use this tool select the Dynamic Zoom tool from the list, over the job area click and drag. The point in which you clicked is considered the Zoom center, and the image starts to distance if you drag upwards, or to approach if you drag downwards.
Zoom Scale They are fixed scale zoom factors. Zoom 1:1 shows the design on the working area in a size approximate to the real one. Zoom 2:1 corresponds to the visualization of the design in a double size. The rest of the options increase the design’s approach on screen.
Zoom Previous Returns to the last visualization scale. It is very useful when toggling between a close and a distant view, repeating this function.
Maximize Object Enlarges the design, maximizing and centering the selected object. If there’s no object selected, it performs a Zoom Total action. Shortcut: Shift + F6
Fields Limit Reduces (distances) the work window visualization to the maximum value available.
Hoop borders Approaches or distances the working area visualization until the Hoop is positioned in the visible area limits. It is not enabled unless you select a Hoop.
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Normal & 3D Drawing Modes Stitch ERA provides a mechanism to visualize the designs on screen as an embroidery simulation, in the scale they are, and without the need to call the Simulation Window. For that to happen, select the icon True View on the Ribbon View or from the bottom left of the window. The design shown on screen will be then viewed in a more realistic way.
Simulation Properties If you wish to configure the way in which the elements in this View are visualized, select View > Draw Mode group and Setup > 3D Light and Quality Setings. You can control the Brightness and the Quality (stitch definition) of the on-screen simulation. The changes you make from the control bars are automatically visualized on the design presented on screen.
Simulation View
Available for Stitch ERA Essentials, Lite and Liberty
It is the embroidery design simulation on the Main View. Even though the result is not perfect, it lets you appreciate in a realistic way which would be the result of the design, after being sewn on the embroidery machine. Shortcut (Ctrl + F7).
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In the panel you will have the chance to configure some options. For this you have to open the context menu clicking inside the panel with the right button of the mouse. Then you will be able to perform different operations (zoom, print, etc.). The simulation adjustments, available to improve the visualization of this View, are accessible to the user from the Properties command.
Context menu of the Simulation View Opening the context menu of this panel, you will also have access to the following commands: Zoom Options Similar to the available from the toolbar but applied to the design presentation in the panel of the Simulation View. Print Prints the design showed in the Simulation View. Refresh Redraws the contents of the document in the Simulation View. Simulation Palette... Allows modifying the needle color, directly from the Simulation View. You can access to this control from the Ribbon View, like shows the right image. Auto Redraw Synchronizes the Graphic and the Simulation View. Each time you generate stitches (design modification) in the Graphic View, the Simulation View redraws the design, showing the changes produced. It is not advisable to disable this button. Simulation View Disables the Simulation View. Synchronize with Main View When activating this option, the location of the design in the Graphic View and Simulation View synchronize. Both the Zoom level modifications and the design panning in the Graphic View, will be automatically reflected in the Simulation View.
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Getting Started
Simulation Properties From this control you can define the Simulation View parameters, the value of these adjustments will be applied on the active simulation view:
Light angle Brightness Contrast Quality Maximum stitch length without trims (value in mm.)
In order to modify the values for Brightness, Contrast and Quality, simply move the corresponding sliding control. To change the value assigned to the maximum stitch length without trims, type in the value in the corresponding box. In order to change the light angle, drag the dot located on the border of the circle of the box’s upper part (left figure). Apply these adjustments over the Simulation View by pressing the Apply button. You can also save the new values in the system for the following simulations (saving them as default values), by pressing the padlock button.
Satellite View This view allows you to have complete control of the area you are working on. It is a small window that shows the complete design.
On the right side of the figure, you can appreciate both the Satellite View window and the rectangle that corresponds to the visible area of the Main Job window.
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If the design is not visualized completely in the Graphic View, a rectangle in the Satellite View window appears. This corresponds to the visible area in the Main Job window. Enable the panel of the Satellite View from menu View > Synchronized Views > Satellite View. To pan the visible area from the Satellite View. Enable the view more comfortable to you. Make a Zoom Area on the zone on the Main window where you wish to work on. The rectangle indicating the visible area of the main window appears on the Satellite View. Move the pointer inside it. It turns into a hand. Drag the rectangle to the desired zone and see how the main window changes (lower figures).
Reference tools Hoops You have the possibility of showing on the design area, the Hoop’s figure that will be used at the moment of embroidering. In this way, you will be able to conveniently adjust the location of the embroidery inside it. The hoop has the purpose of having a reference, taking into account the hoop you will use for the embroidery. On the figure please observe the hoop being applied to a design. To select a determined hoop, go to the option on the Ribbon View > Hoop > Select Hoop, and choose, from the dialog box, the most suitable for your needs from the Hoop Name list (left figure). When applying the Hoops visualization tool, no aspect of the design is modified.
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Getting Started
Defining new hoops There is a tool for creating new hoops which also allows you to adjust the parameters of the ones that already come defined by default. You can also specify a security margin from the border, which will appear on screen as a dotted line.
To open the Hoop editor, use the sequence of the menu Auxiliary > Hoops > Hoops database. A window like the one shown below appears, in which you must complete all the information required for the new hoop: name, brand, shape, dimensions, etc.
Grid The grid consists of a series of lines or dots (visible or not) that are useful to align and place objects accurately on the design area. If the grids are not active, you will be able to move the nodes freely. Activate the grid to create sections limiting the areas where the nodes can be inserted. In this way, the mouse pointer will automatically fit within the closest grid. For a better visualization, the grid will have the opposite color to that of the background.
Grid configuration You may customize the configuration of the grid either manually and interactively or by defining the exact values from the corresponding dialog box.
On Screen Grid Setup: the cursor will turn into a ruler. You must then specify the grid size by clicking on any place in the working area and dragging the mouse without releasing the button until achieving the desired grid size. You will be able to see the grid size from the status bar. The grid size can be seen interactively (if the visualization is enabled) in the working area while dragging the mouse. Release the mouse button to achieve a suitable size. 2 - 13
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Grid Settings…: In this type of configuration you will not only be able to define the grid size, but its color, layout (Below or Over), style (Dot, Cross, Plus, Line, etc) and the subgrid layout too.
Guidelines
Available for Stitch ERA Liberty and Universal
Also known as reference lines. They are used for an accurate alignment and placement of objects, as they allow you to insert the objects over these lines. You may define whether to visualize them or not from the “Show Guidelines” control in Ribbon View.
There are two types of reference lines: horizontal and vertical (observe the right figure).
In order to insert a guideline proceed as follows:
1) Place the mouse pointer on one of the side rulers (vertical or horizontal) 2) Drag it; a blue dotted line will follow the pointer movement. 3) When you reach the desired position, release the mouse button. Repeat the operation as many times as guidelines you need. Once a guideline has been added you can move it or delete it. In order to delete a guideline, drag the mouse to the yellow rectangle over the ruler, press the right mouse button and select Delete reference line.
Or you can delete all the guidelines of the present document using the command at the ribbon view: Delete All Guidelines
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Getting Started
To drag a guideline, place the mouse on the reference line at the level of the yellow rectangle on the ruler. The mouse pointer turns into a line with two ends (right figure). While keeping the left button pressed, drag the triangle so as to move the reference line up to the desired position. Once there, release the mouse button.
Measure It measures the distance, angle and difference between the coordinates of two points in the Main Window, no matter the visualization scale of the design. Hereunder you will see an example of how to use the measuring tool:
1) Run the Measuring option from the Ribbon or from the corner quick access (cm). 2) Place the mouse button on the first point (1) and drag it to the second point (2) 3) During the displacement, the application will show you the distance information (3). To exit the Measuring mode, press the Escape key
Ruler Calibration 1:1 Calibration of the screen size: You may also calibrate the size of the designs displayed on screen, for what you see in the Main View (scale 1:1) have a real size. To do so, measure the size of the Calibration toolbar placing a ruler over the screen (left above) up to Match measures using the buttons for calibration. Then, confirm it by pressing Ok button.
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Cross Cursor You can set Stitch ERA to display a large cross cursor instead of a simple arrow. Access to Options & Preferences > Workspace > General > Check the option Use large Cross Cursor
Snap
Fully functional for Stitch ERA Liberty, limited for Universal
When you activate Snap to Grid the mouse pointer will automatically fit within the closest grid. With Snap to Hot Points you may adjust the position of the nodes according to the geometry of sections already created and others elements, either at the time of creating them or while being edited, since when creating and dragging the node you may place it in different adjustment sectors of the destination section (center, border, etc.) known as insertion points. When the pointer is close to an insertion point, this is highlighted to indicate that it is the destination where the node will be placed. See picture below.
From the Ribbon View > Snap tab you can define whether to activate the creation mode, or deactivate it completely. You may also define the elements that will participate in the adjustment, enabling or disabling the node dragging function, the center of the section, borders, middle points, intersections, quadrant, etc. In order to activate or deactivate all of the insertion options quickly, click on Release Snaps
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Getting Started
Embroidery Signs The visualization controls explained hereunder, are available on the Ribbon View, on the Visualization Controls up to the status bar and rigth down the ribbons.
Show/Hide
Available for Stitch ERA Lite, Stitch ERA Liberty and Universal
3D Draw View Enable/disable the realistic view way of the design on screen. Needle Marks Shows or hides needle marks, that is to say, the place where embroidery machine stitches. On some occasions it is useful to show the needle marks to have a more accurate view of the design. Others it will be convenient to hide them and obtain more speed in the design drawing. Stitches Shows or hides generated stitches. On some occasions it is useful to hide the stitches to edit the parts of a design only viewing on screen the necessary references. Connectors Shows or hides the connectors or jumps between sections. They connect the section’s outgoing points with the incoming points of the subsequent sections. Commands Shows or hides the design commands how give orders to be carried out by the embroidery machine. Hoop Shows or hides the Hoop from the Main Job View. Design Start/End Shows or hides the point in which the design starts (Start) and where it ends (End). Wireframe Shows/ hides sections references.
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Sections, Vectors and Images
Available for Stitch ERA Lite, Liberty and Universal
All three are similar in operation show, hide or locks objects.
Object Manager Basics The Object Manager is inside a deployable panel located a the right side of the screen. It contains 3 areas: a hierarchical tree at the top; a list of predefined filling syles called Style Gallery at the middle and an editable list of stitch filling properties, called Object Inspector at the botton. Together, the 3 panels allow precise control over all the details of the building elements of an embroidery design. For expanded designs (machine format designs), the tree shows a sequence of “Stitch Packs” sorted in the embroidery order (the top most pack contains the stitches that will be sewn first). Stitch ERA automatically splits your embroidery design using color, trim and other machine functions as the separation criteria. This view allows you to quickly select a group of stitches of the same color, easily manipulate the sequence by simply drag and drop and provides a clear look of the design structure. Selecting a stitch pack and dragging it through the list (situate the mouse slightly at the left of the tree list until a blue horizontal line appears) let you change the position of that stitches within the embroidery sequence. If you drag the pack situating the mouse pointer over the list, the blue line will not appear and, when dropping, the stitch pack you are dragging will be merged with the one you dropped on.
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Getting Started
Working with Colors Needle Pallete Allows you to determine the thread colors assigned to each needle. The selected color shows the respective button pressed, defining the active color. In the capture processes (trace method), the selected button defines the color of the next section created. To modify the section color, select it and click on the desired color’s button, in the Color Palette. This bar allows you to show and hide sections since those sections which main color has been disabled, will be hidden on the main view. This is useful when you are working with many sections, and it is necessary to hide some of them. To disable colors right click on the color box.
Thread Colors and Thread Color Charts This command opens the Color Edition window. From here you have the chance to change each color assigned to your needles, add new colors to the Needle Bar, load Embroidery Palettes, etc. Any change made in the Color window affects only the active document.
First of all inside that window you must indicate the needle number you wish to change, clicking on the corresponding button of the available needles (a). To change the color, click anywhere on the color chart (b). From the Color box bar (c) you can select the color from palettes or RGB chart. You can repeat the operation with all the needle numbers you wish to change. Once you have finished the job, click on the OK button to confirm the modifications made.
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Predetermining the Needle Bar An additional function in the color box is the possibility to save color palettes, to work with them later, and even personalize the default palette, which is loaded when starting the application. You can define a color combination for your Needle Bar, and predetermine that it should be always used by the application. To do so, press the ‘Set as Default’ button (padlock palette). From now on, the normal application palette will be the one you have just saved as Default.
Choosing from the Thread Color Chart From the Threads tab, you can choose a color from a threads line to define an active needle. As first step, indicate the needle number you wish to change (1). Then select an option from the Line box (2). In the Code box, select the new color (3).
If you want Stitch ERA to choose automatically the code which color is more approximate to the one already assigned to the needle, click on the drop down menu (right figure) and from the options available select the first one: “Associate selected color with thread”.
You can create personalized color palettes as many times as you need, since you have the possibility of saving them to disk, and load them at any moment. In the right upper of the box they appear these two buttons. From the first button you will be able to create new thread lines. Through a wizard, you will also be able to enter the information that corresponds to the manufacturer (and its logotype), line, material, length and size, color code, pantone, color, etc., while you can choose the shade from a color table or by entering the RBS or HLS values.
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Getting Started
From the button Edit Thread Line (second button) you will be able to edit a thread line already loaded in the system. A table with the values defined for each of the colors entered into the thread chart selected, will appear. In order to modify a value, doubleclick on the corresponding box and change the value.
Selecting Thread colors from a Pallete or RGB wheel When selecting a thread color, you may click the Pallete tab to pick one from the predefined palletes. You may also select an arbitrary color by clicking on the RGB Graphics tab and use the color wheen tool. The color wheel (1) has two controls: Dragging the grip over the ring, let you control the hue and dragging the grip over the interior square region controls the saturation (horizontal displacement) and the brightness (vertical displacement). You may also use the RGB and Hue,Sat,Lum controls (2) to define the color. A color sample area (3) lets you check your color definition.
Color Palette You can use the button located at the bottom left corner, like show the picture, to access at the wider view of the thread color chart. From here you can define the active needle color without having to open the Color Edition window. Simply click on any of the color squares. When you position the mouse on a determined color, Stitch ERA will present the thread information corresponding to that color. Click on the desired color box.
The color information sample is shown in the Color Palette as well as in the extended view.
To make the color definition of a determined needle easier, you can choose a color palette from a group of thread color charts. All the palettes shown are based on the thread color charts defined in the system. Click on the control located on the right of the Color Palette and choose the thread chart you will be working with.
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Background The option Background is available on the Ribbon View > Colors > Background. From this botton a box pops up where you can define the colour and the thread type that will be displayed as background of the embroidery design, depending on the tab activated. Otherwise, Stitch ERA display this option in whatever other mode. You can find it at the bottom left corner like show the right picture. A fast and easy way to modify the brightness is using the scroll mouse over the background icon without clicking it.
Background color In order to set a tone you should simply click on the colours’ table, thus choosing the desired colour. If you wish, you may modify the brightness by sliding the bar on the right of the colours’ table. You can also define the colour of the values in the RGB boxes or Colour (shade), Glazing and brightness. Observe the result obtained in the Sample box. Finally, click on the OK button.
Choosing a background fabric From the Fabric tab we can also determine a background fabric. Enter to the tab Fabrics, it simulates the fabric on which the design will be embroidered, and its purpose is to assist the design visually, since it does not modify the stitches. For this, simply click on any of the available fabrics from the list, and click on the Set Fabric. Click on the OK button to select it. The new configuration will not be visualized until you execute the Simulation View, or the Onscreen Simulation View. Observe the design on the right figure. It has a background fabric defines and it is represented from the Simulation View.
Redraw Redraws or Refresh the contents of the document that is on the active window. This command is frequently used to clear the window that has been modified. Shortcut F5
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Getting Started
Design navigation In order to make the recognition of a design’s structure and sequence easier, Stitch ERA includes the Navigation Bar tool (lower figure).
When you disable this tool, the controls automatically disappear. The components of the Navigation Bar window are the following: a) Control Activation of Navigation View b) You can have it as color list reference, because all the design colors appear in it. c) When dragging the navigation bar button with the mouse, Stitch ERA draws the stitches in normal brightness for you to see how the design sequence progresses. d) Edit Stitch where you stay with C e) In the buttons bar, there are commands to move from the design’s start to end; between sections, between colors, between controls, etc.
f) Transparent navigation g) From the Play button, you can make the system redraw the design automatically; in doing so, this button will turn into a pause button that while being pressed, it stops the redrawing for a while. h) Redrawing Speed Control.
Design Information: InfoCard A box known as Infocard with the information on the selected embroidery (stitches, dimensions, colors, etc) appears when you activate it from the Quick Access Botton > Info Card. The values defined in this box are very important since the application will use them to order the designs, perform searches, etc. especially if the designs are saved in the Design Library. Such box has a group of 7 tabs referring to general, technical, commercial and design classification information:
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General tab This tab shows basic information of the design. From here you access to data such as name of the design, name of the file in disk and complete path. This tab shows information on the design: stitches, number of colors, controls, general dimensions, start position, etc.
Job & Authory In this tab you can see the data regarding the design’s creation and modification: author, date and user. From the Authory tab, you have the possibility to input data that may result of interest. For example, in the Creation and Last modified fields you can define information on the Author and User. In the Job order field you can define an Order number, for a specific client and in a reception date. You also have a space to add information about the Job order that originated the design, enter Legal Notes, Copyright messages and prices. From the Prices field you have a utility that will help you establish embroidery values according to type, stitch, etc.
Tech Info This tab contains technical information related with the consumption of thread by color; a histogram shows the number of stitches in each length range of the design, and a graphical view of the sequence of colors, with additional information on number of stitches and thread consumption.
Color Sequence and Variations In this tab you can define color palettes, showing complete information about the codes of threads associated to each color. You also have a graphical view showing the design with each palette and a view in detail for the selected palette.
Functions The Functions tab shows a list of all the controls in a design. The list allows you to define the functions to each control, in order to indicate the machine operator how to make preparations before starting the task.
Category Finally, the Classification tab allows you to establish information about Collection, Category and Passwords that will be assigned to the design; all this information will be very useful especially in the case of the designs saved in the Design Library. The input of information in their corresponding fields is done in the following way:
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Getting Started
Collection To add a new Collection click on the "···" button (shown in the left figure), this has been circled in the left figure. The Collections editor window opens: type in the name and click on the checked button to finish the process of entering it to the system. It will then appear in the Collections list, click in the OK button to confirm the entered Collection.
Category It is a hierarchical list. In order to assign to a design a certain Category, simply select such Category from the list. If the adequate Category does not exist, enter the Category Editor and add it in the correct hierarchy. To open the Category Editor (left figure) click on the "···" button. From this editor you can create and delete items and subitems with the right side buttons.
Password You can define a read password that will be requested when trying to open the design. To enter a new password click on the "···" button, to chose a password already created select it from the list and to delete from the list the selected password click on the Delete button. Prices You have a utility that will help you establish values for the embroidery according to type, stitch, etc. From the Price Criteria and Design Price fields define its cost, and if that cost results from the number of stitches or any other criteria. You must define the values (price of stitches, name and value of the type, etc) according to the chosen criteria. To do so, click on the "···" button and complete the fields with the corresponding information, the price will appear automatically in the Design Price box.
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Printing Designs Stitch ERA has two ways of running the printing of embroidery: Standard printing and Formats printing. The standard printing has restrictions in the configurations of printing templates, while in the second case, formats and printed information can be totally personalized by the user.
Basic printing In order to print the active document design, run the Print function from the Quick Access Button > Print.
When doing so, the print dialog box appears (left figure). From there you can define several print features (scale, copies, etc.). From the Print box you can change the scale of the drawing, the position of the information and font type and other settings.
Scale: Drawing’s scale on the page. 100% is real size (scale 1:1). This option is useful when the design is very big and does not fit in the page, or if it is too small and you need to present it with more detail. Print needle marks and Print jumpstitches: Highlights or deletes from the printing the points where the needle and jumpstitches penetrate. Use dot lines for jumpstitches: Defines a dotted line for the jumpstitches. Print rotated: To rotate the design in the print out in a 90º angle. This option is useful in those cases in which you wish a landscape type print out. Draw frame: Outline of the drawing (frame) File name: Full name and position of the design file in the page, including path (folder) Customer and Owner: Information on the customer and the company. Font: Changes font and size of letters Print Page Border: Let you control the printout of a border all around your page Preview button: Presents a preview of how the print will be like. It is recommended to examine the print preview before printing it. Note: We highly recommend you to perform a preview of the design before confirming the print out. During the print preview, you can configure the page length, the layout (horizontal or vertical) and define the page margins.
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Getting Started
For example, when opening the design shown in the figure below:
And pressing the Preview button from the Print dialog box, the design will be presented as shown like this (right figure)
Advanced printing
Available for Stitch ERA Lite, Liberty and Universal
Printing of designs with formats allows a wide range of varieties, giving you the possibility to perform your printings in a personalized way. If you wish a print out with formats select the Print Formats option, available from the Quick Access Botton > Print The Advance Print Format box will then appear. The application supports many preset formats and styles for you to use them in design presentations of different purposes, as for example: show the technical information of the design, the presentation page with simulation, etc. Also, you can access an advanced configuration in order to change the printing appearance in detail.
Print Format Ribbon By clicking the Print Formats box, you have different configuration options rising from the ribbon.
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Select Print Format In first place you can chouse the layout: portrait or landscape (orientation) and the Basic Information with the different styles (print formats) available. We will hereunder list the elements presented for each template. Basic Information: The drawing of the embroidery design General information of the design File information Bar code
Technical Information: The drawing of the embroidery design General information of the design File information Thread information Sequence of commands Bar code Color Sequence: The drawings of the embroidery design, separated by colors General information of the design Thread information Bar code
Simulation sheet: The simulated drawing of the embroidery design General information of the design 2 – 28
Getting Started
Thread information Bar code
Complete Technical information: The drawing of the embroidery design General information of the design File information Sequence of commands Thread information Statistics information Bar code
Color Variations:
The drawing of the embroidery design General information of the design Thread information Bar code
Information Setup General information
This view displays information referred to the design to print. The application allows you to change the content of all the items related to the file information, but these changes can be only made for the printing, not in the design. Note: That means that you can change the name or number of stitches in the printing, but that does not imply a change in the design, you only modify the information to be printed.
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Machine Commands This view displays and allows changing the commands (controls) of the design. From this view you can, for example, reestablish the original commands, in those cases that they have been modified when converting to the current code.
Thread Consume
Shows and allows you to change: The needle sequence Number of stitches per color Thread length per color The color assigned to each needle (description or code of any color chart).
Stitch Statistics
Shows and allows you to change (although it is not recommended): The needle sequence Number of stitches per color Thread length per color Number of stitches in every stitch length range.
Information to Print From Print Ribbon > Information Setup > Information to print, you can define the information you wish to print (design information, file information, functions, threads and statistics), and the order in which such information will appear.
If you check or uncheck the verification boxes you disable or enable the printing of each of the items. These changes can be applied to all the printing styles. You have five tabs; each of them embosses all the information that will be grouped in the print out and organized in tables.
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Getting Started
To change the order in which this information is presented in the printing, take any of the items and drag it to the new position. If you prefer the printing not to include the table borders, uncheck the Box option from each of the tabs.
Accessories to Print Uncheck the Rectangle on Outline option; in this way you remove the box where the embroidery is drawn. So as, uncheck the Bar Code option if you want to remove it.
Palette Changes the thread’s color palette of the print out.
Font If you wish, change the type and size of the fonts used in the printing to present the information. To do so, select Font, Style and Size from the corresponding fields. You will see an example in the Sample window.
Print Information From Print Information you can Setup Page size, sourse, orientation, margins. So as, you can activate the Preview on the same window and pressing the Print Preview Form button the design will be presented in an independent window. At last, you can confirms the printing, accepting all the changes carried out in the configuration. Note: We highly recommend you to perform a preview of the design before confirming the print out. During the print preview, you can configure the page length, the layout (horizontal or vertical) and define the page margins.
Printing as Catalog (Embroidery Explorer) Stitch ERA Embroidery Explorer is a companion application that let you organize, copy, move, rename, etc. your embroidery designs. It looks and behaives quite simmilar to Windows (R) Explorer but it is fully specialized to embroidery files. You can access Embroidery Explorer from the bottom area of the menu that is presented when you press the Application Button. 2 - 31
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Once loaded, you will find a tree panel at the left side with your units and folders and a right panel with the embroidery files stored inside them. Try the several available views (you can switch the view mode using the toolbar button). You can select multiple files by clicking on them while pressing the Control key (you can also select a range of files by using the Shift + Click standard Windows procedure) The mouse right button let you display the context menu where you will find, among other options, the Print command.
When you call the Print command with multiple files selected, the Multiple Print box appears. Multiple Print produce a basic catalog type print (a row and columns arrangement). You can select the number of rows and columns you want for your catalog printout and what type of informations will be included for each design. You can also set your printer options and define the page size and margins
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Chapter 3
Stitch Editing Content: Working with Stitches................................................................................... 3 Editing Stitches ............................................................................... 3 Select Stitch tool.......................................................................... Move .......................................................................................... Insert ......................................................................................... Insert (without compensation) ....................................................... Delete ........................................................................................ Delete (without compensation)....................................................... Converting Stitches to/from Jumps ................................................. Working with Commands ..................................................................
3 4 5 6 6 6 6 7
Edit............................................................................................ Insert ......................................................................................... Delete ........................................................................................ Converting Stops to/from Color Changes ......................................... Using the Go To tool ..................................................................... Stitch Blocks ...................................................................................
7 7 7 8 8 8
Selecting blocks ........................................................................... 9 Block List ...................................................................................10 Recognition & Block Processing.........................................................11 Detect .......................................................................................12 Recognize ..................................................................................14 Resize .......................................................................................14 Processing blocks ........................................................................14 Converting Stitch Blocks to Wireframe............................................15 Transforming Blocks .......................................................................17 Regular Transformation................................................................18
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Stitch Effects..................................................................................20 Grid ..........................................................................................21 Sphere ......................................................................................21 Noise.........................................................................................22 Speed........................................................................................22 Wind .........................................................................................23 Lens ..........................................................................................23 Whirl .........................................................................................23 Explode .....................................................................................24 Invert stitches ............................................................................24 Finishing Tools ...............................................................................25 Filter Small stitches .....................................................................25 Sort Stitches by Color ..................................................................25 Start and end point .....................................................................26 Centering Tool ............................................................................27
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Stitch Editing
Stitch Editing is the process of opening, modifying and saving expanded embroidery files (machine format files). Open a design file in expanded format, check that the Expanded to Condensed option is not enabled, since the design would be edited as sections. In this case we will edit the design from the stitches mode.
Working with Stitches In order to select a stitch for its edition, you only need to click on it from the Graphic View. Stitch ERA highlights the stitch and draws a small rectangle and an arrow in its bottom end indicates the direction of the stitch (right figure). If it is necessary to advance or go back few stitches from the selected one to the desired stitch, use the cursor arrows in the keyboard.
Once you have selected the stitch, you have a series of functions to use on it (move, delete, insert new stitches, etc.). These commands are available from the Ribbon Stitch Editing or the context menu.
Editing Stitches Select Stitch tool Once the design is open, activate the stitches editing mode and define the stitch which you wish to use, so as to work on it later. After selecting it you will be able to displace it, delete it, create new stitches, etc. You can create a block of stitches selecting several stitches; you can make this selection on all the stitches or a series of them (adjoining or non-adjoining). The selected stitches are known as a block; you can create effects on a block, apply transformations, etc.
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Move Basically, you can move the stitches selected on the basis of two edition modes move with stitch compensation (Keep in Place default mode) and move without stitch compensation modes.
Remember the following issues, both in the selection and in the edition of stitches: At all times you can use the Undo command, which will allow you to correct any mistake when working with the stitches. Remember that you can use the auto increase and auto decrease modes during the edition.
Move (Keep in Place) In order to move the selected stitch drag (without releasing the mouse button) the point to the desired position. Stitch ERA will automatically compensate the design in a way that the resulting effect will be to move the pick point, without altering the rest (observe the right figure). Move with compensation is the default mode for working with stitches.
Move (Without compensation) In order to activate this function, unselect the check box Keep in Place, then drag the stitches. This mode allows you to move a stitch without compensating the rest of the design. In general, the rest of the design will be displaced when moving the selected stitch. Note: Once you activate this mode, the application remains in this job working mode.
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Stitch Editing
Insert
(Keep in Place) Once you have selected the stitch as from which you will make the insertion, activate the Insert stitch command and click on the places where you want the pick points of the new stitches.
Examples: In the following sequence of figures you can observe an original embroidery design formed by three stitches that make an inverted “V”. Note that, as from the last stitch, every mouse click inserts new ones, forming a garland.
On the other hand, in the next sequence you can see a garland formed by Zig-Zag stitches. Note that the shape of such column is “bent”. When inserting stitches as from the (a) stitch, the necessary pick points are defined so as to complete the entire figure.
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The application will compensate the design at all times so as to avoid the displacement of the remaining stitches. When you finish with the insertion press Enter to confirm.
Insert (without compensation) Unselect the check box Keep in Place and click on the places where you wish to establish the pick points of the new stitches. This command is similar to the previous one, but in this case the new stitches will not be compensated.
Delete
(Keep in Place) Use this command in order to delete the selected stitch keeping the rest of the design compensated. You can activate this from the Delete Stitches command or just pressing the Delete key.
Delete (without compensation) In the same way as in the previous case, this command allows you to delete stitches but without compensating the rest of the design. You can activate this from unselecting the Keep in Place check box command.
Converting Stitches to/from Jumps You can transform a jump stitch into a stitch and vice versa. For this to happen, simply select the element to convert from the Embroidery View and activate the desired function (Convert Jumps to Stitches or Convert Stitches to Jumps). As a result, the selected element will transform into the opposite (either a jump or a stitch).
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Stitch Editing Note: Remember that the jump stitch is the movement of the pantograph and rotation of the sewing head without the needle moving down. It is used to move the head from one point in a design to another or to create stitches that are longer than the machine would normally allow.
Working with Commands Commands, also known as machine controls, are used to tell the machine the way in which a design should be embroidered. Different makes have created their own commands.
From the Edit Stitches command, you can apply several commands: color changes, thread cuts, speed changes, start and end of borer, insertion of sequins, etc. You will also be able to modify the commands applied or delete them. Note: Observe in the left figure how the commands are viewed from the Graphic View. These are circled in black for their better identification. Remember that the embroidery machine must recognize the command for this to be reflected at the time of embroidering.
Edit When the selected stitch is a command, you can use the Change Command Control, with which you will be able to change the type of command.
Insert This allows you to insert a machine command following the selected stitch. From the Insert Command option select that you wish to insert (right figure). Similar to the Insert command function, allows you to insert a machine control besides the selected stitch.
Delete Also, in order to delete controls you can use the Delete Control tool.
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Converting Stops to/from Color Changes You can transform a stop control into a color change and vice versa. Simply select the control and activate the desired function. When activating any of these functions, all the color changes or stops (according to the command you selected) of the embroidery design will turn into its opposite control.
Using the Go To tool From these options you will be able to easily browse by the stitches of the design. If you know the number of the stitch you wish to select, use the command Go to Stitch Number If you wish to select the first and last stitch, use the command First / Last Stitch. If you wish to select a command toggle between the commands with Stitch use Next / Previous Command.
Use the commands Increase / Decrease mode (in 1 or 2 stitches) for the application to automatically select the stitch preceding or following (+1 / -1 or +2 / -2) the selected one.
Stitch Blocks
Available for Liverty and Universal Optional for Essencials and Lite
A block is a range of stitches, selected in order to work on all of them at the same time. The procedure to work with blocks of stitches basically consists in: 1) Selecting the Block: Stitch ERA has several and versatile ways to select blocks of adjoining and non-adjoining stitches, using the traditional methods (rectangle, outline, color, etc) and through advanced modes such as range, auto-detect of sections (running stitches, Zig-Zags, fill pattern), etc. 2) Working with the block: Once you have selected a block, you have a powerful group of commands to work with it in order to displace it, rotate it, deform it with different effects or altering features such as the width of Zig-Zags, density, type of fill pattern, etc. You can access the following options from the Ribbon Stitch Editing > Block Select & recognition. 3–8
Stitch Editing
Selecting blocks Select all Use this command in order to select all the stitches. In this way a block with the complete design will be formed.
Select by rectangle Using this selection mode you form a block that includes the stitches within a rectangle. In order to make the selection, follow these steps: 1) Activate the command. 2) Mark the first corner of the rectangle by clicking on the graphic window. 3) Drag the mouse while the dotted rectangle forms, and take the cursor for this rectangle to close a section of the design (left figure), until including the area that contains the desired stitches. Then, release the button. 4) If the block has non-adjoining stitches, check the corresponding ranges in the Block Conformation box and click on OK. Note: Remember that the Block Conformation box only appears if there are groups of non-adjoining stitches.
5) Stitch ERA will form a block with the selected stitches, which will be drawn highlighted, and with a dotted box surrounding them (right figure).
Select Stitches by outline This method allows you to create a block with the stitches included in the interior of a polygon that you define. In order to make the selection follow the procedure described hereunder: 1) Activate the command. 2) Mark the start point of the outline by clicking in the Graphic View. 3) Click on different points. You will observe how they connect through straight lines forming a polygon (left figure). 4) Once the polygon includes the desired area, use the context menu and click on Confirm, or simply press the Enter key. Stitch ERA will create a block with the selected stitches.
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5) If the block has non-adjoining stitches, check the corresponding ranges in the options of Block Conformation. Remember that this box, also known as Block List, only appears if there are groups of non-adjoining stitches. 6) The modifications will be applied to the design.
Select Start and End of Block Use this command in order to select all the stitches. In this way a block with the complete design will be formed.
Pointed Command Separated Block They are a group of adjoining stitches delimited by machine controls. Activate the command, select this mode and click on a stitch from the graphic view. Stitch ERA will form a block with all the stitches between the selected and the previous control and between the selected and the next control.
Pointed color They are a group of adjoining stitches of a same color. Activate the command and click on a stitch of the desired color. A block will be formed with all those adjoining stitches (either in front of or behind the selected stitch) and having the same color.
Cleaning a selection Use this command to unselect the active block.
Block List When you select any of the detection tools, it is possible that the block created includes groups of non-adjoining stitches. In those cases, Stitch ERA opens the Block List box, where it displays a row with each group of adjoining stitches, for you to decide which one you wish to include. Those stitches that have not been checked in this list will not be considered by the new block. The Graphic View will update with the choice you make, so as to identify each group of stitches in the design. 3 – 10
Stitch Editing
The “Sel” column contains the boxes that you must check or uncheck in order to form the desired block. Check the rows of the desired stitches to form the block with them. The From and To columns indicate the range of stitches that form each of the design’s sections. The Stitches column shows the number of stitches of each section. The Kind column indicates the type of section to which the rows refers (the ZZ type corresponds to sections of the Zig-Zag type, RS to paths with running stitches and FP to fill patterns). From the button bar of the Block Composition dialog box, you have access to the following commands: Add range Adds to the list of Block Composition, the stitch that follows the last one selected, in the sequence of stitches. Delete range Deletes from the stitch list, the one selected in the Block Composition box. Select all Forms a block with all the stitches that form the design. Unselect all Unselects the active block. Detection parameters Activates the Detection Parameters box. Click on the Detection Parameters button in order to open the box explained hereunder. In it you will be able to configure the default values of stitch types recognition.
Recognition & Block Processing Select the type of section you wish to detect, or choose the AutoDetect all Sections option if you wish to find all the design’s types of sections. The available options are the following:
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Detect Detect all sections Stitch ERA, in its stitch edition mode, has tools to recognize shapes which will allow you to select blocks with the stitches of the running stitches, Zig-Zags or fill patterns of a design.
Use Detect All sections in order to open the Block List box. Here, the application will list all the detected sections; check the ranges you wish to include in the block. Check or uncheck the boxes of the “Sel” column to include or not the different sections. The Type column shows the type of section the row refers to. When you have selected the desired sections, close de window. From the Detection Parameters button you can define the values with which the application recognizes the different sections.
Detect Running stitches Allows you to select a block with the running stitches in the design.
Detect Zig-Zags Stitches Allows you to create a block with the Zig-Zags in the design.
Detect Pattern Stitches Allows you to create a block with those fill patterns that form the design.
Sensitivity Control In some cases, (low density embroidery or with very irregular stitches) it may be useful to adjust the stitch detector of Stitch ERA, indicating to be more or less flexible at the time of detecting the different types of sections. For this to happen, activate the Detection Parameters function (highlighted in the right figure) from the Block List box.
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Stitch Editing
Detection Parameters: The Detection Parameters box has separated sections in order to adjust the detection parameters for running stitches, Zig-Zags and fill patterns (next figure). The following table summarizes the available controls.
Zig-Zag Width Density
This control allows you to indicate the minimum width a Zig-Zag should have to be recognized as such. Use this control in order to adjust the minimum density a Zig-Zag should have to be recognized.
Running stitch Stitch length This control allows you to adjust the minimum stitch length a running stitch should have for Stitch ERA to recognize it as such. Fill pattern Fill line length A fill pattern is formed by several parallel lines known as Fill Pattern Lines (these lines are the ones whose stitches form the fill pattern). The Fill line length control allows you to adjust the minimum length a fill line should have to be considered as part of the fill pattern. Stitches in fill Establishes the minimum number of stitches a fill line should have to be line considered as part of the fill pattern. Number of fill Allows you to indicate the application the minimum amount of fill lines a Fill pattern lines Pattern should have to be recognized. Density Use this control in order to adjust the minimum density a fill pattern should have to be recognized as such. While you adjust the parameters you can use the detection buttons available in each section, in order to verify the result of the changes carried out. Once adjusted, you can save them using the Save button at the right of the drop down list on the top side of the box.
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If you wish to return to the original parameters, select the Default option in the Predefined drop down list. If you wish to use the last saved parameters, select User.
Add to the selection Once you have defined a block (the application draws the block defined highlighting the stitches and with a dotted rectangle), you will be able to add a new group of stitches to it, just by choosing a selection mode and keeping the “Ctrl” key pressed while you define the rectangle, polygon, indicate a section or color, etc. Once you have finished with this second selection, Stitch ERA will add it to the first one, forming a new block that includes the selected regions. You can repeat this process as many times as necessary.
Recognize They are a section’s group of stitches (running stitch, Zig-Zag or fill pattern). Activate the mode and click on a stitch of the desired section. Stitch ERA will recognize and automatically select the section and will form a block with its stitches.
Resize Through this box you can set a horizontal or vertical variation percentage (next figure).
For this to happen, move the slider located under the “Horizontal” and “Vertical” fields, either left or right while you observe the measures shown in the % box. You can also vary the percentage by typing the desired value in the corresponding box. Check the Density Compensation box to automatically level the block’s density.
Processing blocks It allows you to make modifications in the selected block, both for Zig-Zag sections and Field fill patterns or running stitches, specifically, as if for the 3 – 14
Stitch Editing
entire block. You can access the corresponding controls through the different tabs (General, Zig-Zag, Pattern and Running Stitches). General: From this tab, you can filter (delete) the small stitches, according to the value entered. You can also modify the density (in percentages) and the outline (either in percentages or in [mm] millimeters) Zig-Zag: It allows you to clean the outline (making the stitches be closer one to the other), specify a random outline value or outline width. All this can be to either sides or only to one side of the Zig-Zag. You can also modify the total density and the angle of the Zig-Zag stitches, add a division in the percentage or a specific value in millimeters. From the option Change Pattern Type, you can modify the Zig-Zag in the chosen field from the drop down list. Pattern: This tab is similar to the Zig-Zag tab. Here, you can specify a change in shape, density or field fill pattern type. Also, you can turn the section into Zig-Zag. Running stitches: From the option Repeat you can control the number of repetitions for this type of section.
Converting Stitch Blocks to Wireframe
Available for Stitch ERA Liberty and Universal. Limited on Lite
This tool converts the stitches of the selected block into sections. The application automatically recognizes the type of block’s stitches and converts each of these stitches type into the most appropriate section type. This tool will be useful if, for example, you wish to change the properties of the stitches of an expanded design, or the way in which you create a group of stitches. Hereunder it follows an example.
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1) In the first figure (left) you can observe a block of stitches, which is formed by all of the design’s stitches. The Convert Into Sections command was applied to such block.
2) In the right figure, one of the sections formed as from the sections’ blocks edition mode was chosen.
3) In the next figure, such section was selected to edit its properties from the Objects Inspector in the Doc Map. Likewise, you can work on every section that the application has formed.
Recognizing Sections After converting an expanded design into sections, you will be able to easily recognize that the application has automatically formed the design’s sections. For this to happen, simply click on the Shift key from the selection object mode when moving the cursor along the design.
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Stitch Editing
You will then note that all of the design’s sections are marked as semi-transparent, except for those sections which are pointed with the cursor. You can observe this in the two figures above.
Transforming Blocks Blocks can be subject to several deformations. In order to apply any of these commands follow the sequence of Ribbon Stitch Editing. Once you have finished with the block selection step, you will have access to a powerful group of tools to work on it. You will be able to:
Copy, Cut, Paste and Paste Special: In order to use the options of the Windows Clipboard. Transform block: in order to deform it regular or irregularly. Mirror / Rotate: In order to rotate or mirror a block horizontally or vertically. Apply effects: In order to deform the block as a lens, whirl, grid, etc. Modify dimensions: Proportionally, in order to maintain the density or disproportional, without maintaining it. Modify sections: Changes the features of the component sections such as density, number of running stitches repetitions, width of Zig-Zags and type of fills. Most of these functions are in the Ribbon Stitch Editing. In the following paragraphs we will go through details of how to use each command.
Copy, Cut, Paste and Paste Special Use the Copy command to place a copy of the block in Stitch ERA’s clipboard keeping the original block. Use Cut to copy the block to the clipboard and delete it from the design at the same time. When pasting it in a new document, the block will be displayed in the working area. In order to paste the block in the same design, select any of the Paste Special options: Paste next or Paste in place so as to place the block in the same location of the insertion point (the selected stitch) or after the insertion point.
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Regular Transformation Horizontal or Vertical Mirroring It allows you to mirror the block defined according to the horizontal or vertical axis. These operations are carried out with no need to pick or move corners or mid points.
Example: In the following figures the original design is presented in the first figure to which the different transformations described will be applied. In the middle figure observe the result of applying a horizontal mirror to the original design. In the right figure, a vertical mirror was applied to the original design.
Rotate 90º, 180º and 270º It allows you to rotate the block defined, according to an angle previously set. These operations are carried out with no need to pick or move corners or mid points. Select the rotation option according to the result you wish to obtain and then choose the angle you wish to apply so as to rotate the block.
Move blocks In order to move the block, simply position the mouse pointer inside the rectangle (the pointer will change its shape) and drag it to the desired position. You will see that the rectangle moves together with the pointer. When you release the buttons, the block will remain in the new position.
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Stitch Editing
Deform blocks In order o deform the block proportionally, click on one of the block’s transformation nodes in the corners and drag it to the desired position. To deform the block in one of its dimensions, drag the nodes placed at the mid points of its sides.
The mouse pointer will change its shape depending on the corner or mid point you place it.
Rotate blocks When you press the Ctrl key, you activate the rotation mode. At this point the four corner transformation nodes will transform resulting in a round shape, while a rotation center will also appear. In order to rotate a block to a certain angle, press the Ctrl key (observe that the mouse pointer changes its shape) and drag the corner nodes (next figures).
You can change the position of the block’s axis before rotating. Remember that the block’s axis is located in the center of the block. If you modify the central axis of a block, the figure rotates on the basis of its axis new position. For this, you should follow this procedure:
1) Place the pointer on the axis, in the center of the design while you press the Ctrl key, until the pointer changes its shape.
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2) Continue pressing the Ctrl key and drag, in that way you move the block’s axis. When you position the axis in the desired location, drop it.
3) After placing the axis in its new position, take one of the corners and rotate it. Remember that you should not release the Ctrl key. The block will rotate on the basis of its new rotation axis. 4) In order to finish with the process, release the Ctrl key; in this way the block remains in its new layout.
Stitch Effects
Available for Stitch ERA Liberty and Universal
Stitch ERA allows you to distort a block following complex geometrical patters by means of the so-called effects. In the next paragraphs you will find a description of these effects and the instructions to use them. All the effects are available both from the Ribbon Stitch Editing > Transform > Effects and the sub-menu Effects of the context menu.
Note: Remember that the Undo command is always available, in case you wish to undo after having applied an effect to a block.
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Stitch Editing
Grid This effect allows you to place the block on the rectangular grid. In order to form this grid, open the context menu and add or delete rows or columns (left figure next), according to the result you wish to obtain. The rows and columns entered will be arranged along or across the block, forming a grid. By clicking with the mouse on the grid’s points (i.e. the intersection between rows and columns), you deform it and the block’s stitches transform as well (observe the right figure next).
Drag the grid’s points to obtain the desired shape. When you proceed to deform the grid, Stitch ERA will calculate the stitches, showing the result on the Graphical View. In order to finish, select the context menu again and click on the option Confirm, or simply press the Enter key.
Sphere This effect will allow you to deform the block, giving it a spherical shape. In order to use this command, please follow the steps hereunder: Move the mouse towards the Graphical View area, exactly where you wish to set the center of the sphere. Click and drag the mouse. Stitch ERA will draw a circle while you are dragging the mouse, thus defining the sphere’s diameter. Release the buttons when you are satisfied with the result. If you wish to modify the position of the sphere, place the mouse pointer inside the circle and drag to displace it. If you wish to correct the diameter, drag the mouse pointer towards the outlines of the circle and drag it.
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Power selector: On the right side of the sphere, there is a knob vertically located. Drag it up or down in order to specify the power applied to the effect. As you configure the intensity to apply you will see the result displayed on the Graphical View (observe the upper figure, you will note that the cursor is displacing the power selector). In order to finish, select again the context menu and click on Confirm, or simply press the Enter key.
Noise This effect alters randomly the location of the stitches pick point, within a specific factor, thus creating, a block or of stitches slightly disordered (according to the power factor applied to the transformation). Click on the block and drag the mouse in order to specify the area where you will apply the effect. You can either move it to the block’s area you wish or even vary its size. At the power sector, please specify the degree of the changes to apply. Once you are satisfied with the result obtained, go to the context menu and click on Confirm or press the Enter key.
Speed It allows you to give the block a scanning effect, towards the direction you wish. Click within the design’s area and drag the mouse in order to define the area where you will apply the effect; you can move it or modify its size. Then, specify the orientation (left, right, up or down) clicking repeatedly on the triangle on the top of the effect box. Specify the intensity of the effect from the power selector (left figure). When you are satisfied with the result obtained, go to the context menu and click on Confirm, or press the Enter key.
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Wind It allows you to deform the block, applying the changes to the pick points. Its application on the block is similar to the Speed effect, since you have to define the angle and the intensity of the effect from the sliders. Click inside the design’s area and drag the mouse to the area where the effect will be applied. You can move it to another position or modify its size. Apply the intensity you wish from the power selector located on the left of the box, when defining the angle of the effect; that is to say, the wind direction from the upper slider. Once you are satisfied with the result obtained, go to the context menu and click on Confirm, or simply press the Enter key.
Lens This will allow you to deform the block, giving it the effect that is obtained when viewing an area through a magnifying glass. Click inside the design’s area and drag the mouse to define the len’s diameter. This will be the zone where to apply the effect. You can displace the len’s surface through the job area. With the slider, define the intensity of the effect. When you are satisfied with the result obtained, go to the context menu and click on the option Confirm or press on the Enter key.
Whirl This effect will allow you to deform an area of the block into a whirl.
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You should proceed in a similar way than with the effect above mentioned: click within the design’s area, drag the mouse to determine the diameter of the effect, being able to displace it through the surface of the job area towards the place where you wish to apply it. With the slider, define the intensity of the effect. When you are satisfied with the result obtained, go to the context menu and click on Confirm or press the Enter key.
Explode It allows you to deform the block’s area, radiating the stitches as if “exploding”. In order to use this command please follow the steps hereunder: You should proceed in a similar way than with the Lens and Whirl effects: click within the design’s area, drag the mouse to determine the diameter of the effect, being able to displace it through the surface of the job area towards the place where you wish to apply it. With the slider, define the intensity of the effect. Please state whether you wish an implosion or an explosion by displacing the control upwards or downwards. Over the top left margin of the circle where the effect was applied you can observe a small red dot. Check it in order to change the type of normal explosion to the expansive mode. When you are satisfied with the result obtained, go to the context menu and click on Confirm or press the Enter key.
Invert stitches From the context menu, this command will allow you to revert the embroidery sequence. After executing it, the first stitch of the block will become the last stitch and vice versa. Stitch ERA automatically adds the necessary displacements to maintain the block in place and compensate the design.
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Stitch Editing
Finishing Tools Filter Small stitches It allows you to remove the design’s stitches, which displacement value is within a given range. In order to work with this tool, you must follow this procedure:
1) When activating the command, a dialog box where you can specify the filter limit will appear. 2) Enter the value and click OK to start the filtering.
Sort Stitches by Color This command allows you to change the order of colors of the expanded design, which can be activated from the ribbon stitch editing or from the context menu.
Sorting stitches by color is a normal embroidery practice used to minimize the number of color changes. This procedure should be made carefully, because it affects the design sequence. Stitch ERA lets you use the tool to sort stitches by color in either automatic or manual mode. When you activate this command, Stitch ERA shows the Color Sequence box, where you need to select the sort method: Sort by needle number (to automatically sort sections starting with the ones using needle 1, then 2, etc) or Manual, to use the graphic list to manually move (drag and drop or select and use arrow keys) objects according to the color sequence you want to get. Finally, press Ok to close the box accepting the new sequence or cancel to keep the sequence unchanged. 3 - 25
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Start and end point In order to modify the location of the start point and end point, you have a series of tools to determine the start and end of the design, either automatically or manually.
From the Ribbon Stitch Editing > Finish > Start/End Point of the design, or from the context menu, you can use a series of commands that allow you to place the Start and End point in default locations.
Icons of the Start Point / End Point of the design: When the option Start_End on the Ribbon View is activated, Stitch ERA draws the icons of the Start and End points on the Graphical View. When activating the option Show Start/ End of the Design, two small icons will appear in the Graphic View. These icons are the symbols for the Start (arrow upwards) or the End (arrow downwards) of the design. Observe these two icons on the figure.
Location of the start and end points As from these options you have a series of commands that allow you to place the start and end points in predefined locations commonly used. In order to use any of these commands, it is enough to select them by clicking on them. This makes the mentioned points move to the indicated location. Also, you can change its position manually, by means of the commands Move Start Manually and Move End Manually. You have to simply activate the command and drag the Start and End point up to the desired position. 3 – 26
Stitch Editing
Centering Tool This command produce a design centering by automatically moving the design start and end point to its geometric center at once. The result is identical to the one you get by moving the Start Point at center and the End Point to Center separately
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Chapter 4
Lettering and Monogram Content: Lettering .................................................................................................... 3 Inserting texts in 3 steps .................................................................. 3 1- Select font and set height.......................................................... 2- Enter text ............................................................................... 3- Select Stitch Type .................................................................... Properties in detail...........................................................................
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Font and Text ................................................................................. 5 Spacing, trims & Lock Stitches........................................................... 8 Width and Height ......................................................................... 8 Spacing ...................................................................................... 8 Trims and Locks........................................................................... 9 Managing Stitches Types .................................................................10 Customized fonts ........................................................................10 Reusing customized fill types ........................................................11 Basic Text Layouts..........................................................................11 Using Effects..................................................................................12 Changing the text layout .................................................................15 Transformations..........................................................................15 Character control nodes...................................................................20 Team Names..............................................................................................21 Team Names Design Creation Modes..............................................21 Import List .................................................................................22 Monograms................................................................................................23 Add Monograms ..........................................................................24 Editing Monograms......................................................................24 Using the Object Manager with Text and Monograms ...........................25
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Objects tree ...............................................................................25 Object Inspector .........................................................................25 Object Inspector organization .......................................................26
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Lettering
Lettering The lettering design is activated when pressing the corresponding button that appears in the Ribbon Home in the Section box. In this way, the Ribbon Lettering will be displayed, as a solution to create outstanding font designs.
Inserting texts in 3 steps The best way to create a lettering design is by following the recommended sequence given by the application. Here we will introduce a model step by step and further you will find the most advanced options in detail to get the most out of this tool:
1- Select font and set height First you must select the font to be used, either a previously digitized or a True Type one. To do so, select one of these two options from the Ribbon Lettering > Select Font.
Digitized fonts You have a “pre-digitized” font library. These are fonts specially created to be used in embroideries, according to the most common requirements: cursive or “script” type letters, “block” type letters or Sans-serif, letters with ornamentations or “serif”, etc.
TrueType fonts These are fonts that are installed by the Windows operating system, and that are available from most of the applications installed on the computer. Stitch ERA allows the use of these fonts to be converted to embroidery design sections, enabling the configuration of their properties in a similar way to the digitized ones.
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Fonts list Once you have chosen the font type, you can unfold a list where you will find all the available fonts. Choose any of the listed fonts. Before typing the text you can define its height, if the letter will be bold and or Cursive.
2- Enter text In the Text field type the words to be included in the design, giving it a format in a similar way as when using a text editor: define the text alignment (left, centered, right or justified) and the color.
If you want to create a paragraph with several text lines press Ctrl + Enter to start a new line and continue typing the text characters.
3- Select Stitch Type By clicking on the option Stitch Type you can modify the fill properties of a predigitized font or choose the total fill for the TrueType ones. (Column, Border, Body + Border).
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Lettering
Properties in detail To edit the properties of a text once you have inserted it in the work area, you can access the Text Properties from the context menu. You can also access it from the button located on the lower right corner of the Select Font box, Text and Spacing one, and Trims and Lock Stitches. This window has all the items and controls for defining the text properties, also mostly shown on the Ribbon Lettering.
The other Ribbon Lettering boxes: Stitch Type, Arrange, Effects and Team Names have and independent configuration window with there own features.
Font and Text From the Filter drop down menu you can also make the system show you only those fonts that meet certain features.
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If you have decided to work with digitized fonts, you can apply a filter to visualize only the ones that meet a certain size. To do so, choose one of the available options from the Filter drop down menu. In the case of working with TrueType fonts, you will be able to filter by family of letters (symbols, serif, Sansserif, etc.). If you do not want to apply any filter, simply do not select any of the options in that item.
Character Map It shows the available characters in the selected font, since not all the fonts have all the characters available (small caps, accents, symbols, etc.). Remember checking that the selected font has all the characters needed to complete the text available. When clicking on any character, it will appear on a bigger size square, to allow a better visualization.
Double-clicking on a character, will automatically take it to the edition area, this is specially useful when you need to enter unusual characters which are not available through the keyboard., mainly used in creation of letters based on TrueType fonts.
Color list The color list allows you to establish the color of each selected letter, word or line. You can choose the desired color before typing the character in the editor box, or select the words and afterwards apply the color.
Adding a multicolor text 1) Before making this procedure, remember that you have to insert and define all the colors that you wish to apply. Leave the color used most of the times activated. 2) Open the Lettering box, and define the font type to be used, either digitized or TrueType.
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Lettering
3) Then type in the text edition box. This text will have the color of the color option that we enabled. 4) Select the word or letter you want to modify the color to. From the color list, choose the one you want to assign to the selected text. 5) Continue inserting the rest of the text parameters.
Sort colors This tool is very useful when designing a text that has two or more colors, and you wish to lower the number of color changes. When this tool is enabled, all the sections of the same color will be embroidered before the next color change.
Spell check After adding the words in the Text box, you can make a search for orthographic errors by clicking on the Spell Check button. In the figure observe the Spelling dialog box. It works in a similar way to Microsoft Word spell check tool. When activating the command, a box showing the terms unrecognized will appear; at the same time that it will show a list of the suggested words. Besides you will be able to add terms to the dictionary, enlarging the number of recognized words by your system, or ignore the replacement. In the box will appear one by one all the unrecognized words, accompanying each one with a series of suggested words, ignore buttons (if the text is well-written), change (to replace it by the suggested text that you have selected) or add to a list of recognized words. You can configure several options of this utility, customizing its way of operation. To do so drop down the options from the activation button and select Configuration. A dialog box will appear showing several configuration options (language, dictionaries, etc.).
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Spacing, trims & Lock Stitches The Size box shows you information about the original size of the selected font and allows you to modify these values. Have in mind that for the present font yo can define height and width, but if you work with a TrueType, the Width value will be disabled.
Width and Height To modify text height and width.
Spacing
Encloses a series of options related to the text spacing. Defines the spacing value (in mm.) existing between Letters, Words and Text Lines. Also, you can activate or deactivate the Left/Right margin and the Kerning. Its options are the following: Options are the following:
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Letter: Expands or compresses the text horizontally, according to the value introduced.
Word: Expands or compresses the space between words, measured according to the percentage introduced, corresponding 40% to the normal spacing (default).
Lines: Increases or reduces the spacing between text lines, and it is measured according to the percentage introduced, corresponding 120% to the normal spacing (default).
Kerning: This option is only available for digitized fonts. It is the spacing between the letters joints. The Kerning box allows the activation of automatic spacing, and the value in the box adjusts its factor accordingly.
Lettering
Use L/R Margin: This option is only available for digitized fonts. Indicates that left/right margins should be used for letter alignment.
Examples
Stitch ERA Stitch ERA
This is the result of increasing spacing between letters and words.
Here you can observe the result of increasing the value of spacing between lines. This feature is only applicable to texts with two or more lines.
Stitch ERA Stitch ERA
Result of using kerning over the “Y” the first figure this feature has not second example a kerning over the spacing between these two letters is rest of the letters).
and the “o”. Observe that in been used, whereas in the text was used. In the latter, less (it is not the case of the
Trims and Locks
Lock Stitches To define the insertion of a lock stitch in characters, words and color changes, from the item Use, you define if you use this feature and at what moment it must be applied. The Lock Stitch Types can be Classic, Sequin, Star, Twist, Cross and Arrow.
Trims (Thread Cut) This option is used to apply thread cuts in letters or words.
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Managing Stitches Types The items explained next appear when clicking on the option Stitch Type in the Lettering ribbon and on its lower right corner. From here you can modify the fill properties. The system offers a working method of agile operation, in which you just have to choose the desired stitch type from a list of possible choices. First, choose one of the available fill types, grouped in the following tabs:
Body: This option defines Area type stitches with a pattern, generally converting each setter in a single section.
Border: Running stitches or ZigZag forming the outline of each letter.
Column: Several sections with Column type stitches are formed, which reproduce the geometry of the original text.
Body + Border: Combines both stitch types, allowing new possibilities.
Note: If you do not modify any of the options hereunder, the application will use the default values or those values used in the last job section.
When selecting any of the available options, observe a simulation of the result in the Preview box. You can select any of the alternatives available if you are working on the basis of TrueType fonts.
Customized fonts If after having selected a Stitch Type you do not achieve the desired result, you can modify the characteristics of the stitches. The Preview always shows a partial result while you are defining the fill stitches characteristics. From the Body and Border tabs, you can modify the stitch properties until you get the desired result.
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Lettering
The items that appear here depend on the stitch type selected, and are organized in a similar way as they are presented in the Object Inspector. From this tool, similar to the Object Inspector, you will be able to modify the properties of the text stitches, also allowing you to save the changes for a later use. From the Levels button you will be able to define the stitch properties applied to the text that can be edited choosing one of the levels from a drop down list. This option is only available for the digitized fonts. According to the font type, from the drop down menu you may select the stitches types to create it, whereas the rest of the items are similarly organized according to their arrangement in the Object Inspector.
Reusing customized fill types
Available for Stitch ERA Liberty and Universal
After modifying some of the values of the stitch properties, you have the possibility of saving all the fill types you have obtained, either for a digitized font or for a TrueType font, so that you will be able to apply the same style in other jobs. Remember that in the True Type fonts, user styles can be applied to any chosen font. In the case of using digitized letters, the styles created for a font are usable only for that specific font. Note: It is recommended to choose a suitable name for the fill; in the future this will allow you to identify it easily. Otherwise, this job method will not be effective. For instance: “let-shirt-jean" for a fill type to use in lettering applied to jean shirts.
Basic Text Layouts From the options in this group, you can modify the text shape and layout. From here, you activate the transformations where the text aligns according to a preset geometric form.
Once you select the desired transformation, you determine manually the intensity and deformation of the transformation from the main working view, at every moment the text will follow the variation produced.
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There are certain transformations known as line type, since they modify the text base (for example; Step Text transformation, Line, etc.), while in wrapping transformations, a box encloses the text and this follows the transformation produced (irregular transformation, Rotate, etc.). Once you select a transformation, you can modify it from the box nodes. Each predefined transformation format has different control nodes that behave differently when they are moved.
Using Effects In this group you will find a list of options to apply different effects. These effects will allow you to modify the texts appearance in a simple way. Choose on of the options from the right field, where you have a series of controls to set the configuration parameters of the selected effect. Have in mind that, if you want that the effect applied on the text has the required highlight, it is necessary to specify at least two needle colors in the design. This is because it is convenient that the effect does not have the same color than the one applied to the letters.
The available effects are: Offset: It applies a border within the text limits. The displacement value specifies the thickness of such border; it can also define the Color and Type: body (first right image) or text border (far right image).
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Optional Feature
Lettering
Perspective: This option allows you to apply a 3D perspective on the text to create a depth effect, simulating 3D images. Its main parameter is the Size (when increasing or reducing the Size value, the text will approach or recede from the vanishing point). Other characteristics are Ref. X and Y (horizontal and vertical coordinates of the vanishing point), Color and Type: body (first right image) or text border (second right image). Perspective Orthogonal: It produces a similar result to the above-mentioned; however, in this case you must specify the direction towards which the text volume is projected. Then, the lines that form the text outlines are projected towards a direction that will be given by the angle, but they do not converge (i.e.: do not merge) in a vanishing point, instead they are parallel one to the other. Shadow: Produces a "shadow" effect according to its horizontal and vertical coordinates. From the X and Y displacement parameters, define the desired slant. The rest of the properties are similar to those already mentioned.
To apply any of the effects created, simply choose the one from the list that meets your expectations. From the preview, you will have a partial result of the effect achieved. In the upper right sector of the box the system shows a list, being its items, the effects applied and the text. Both elements are showed in layers, one over the other. In the columns you will find the values of the effects parameters; from there you will be able to modify the values for the chosen effect. In all the effects you can apply an Overlap to achieve a stitch overlapping and avoid the creation of zones free of stitches due to the thread tension. If you want a major control over the effect parameters, you will be able to operate on the tabs in a similar way as if working from the Object Inspector. Once you have successfully configured an effect, you will be able to save the values of its parameters; this will allow you to use them in other opportunities.
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Save effects After modifying all the stitch properties for the effect you consider convenient, you will be able to save the effect by pressing the Save button, a box will appear where you must type a descriptive name. This effect will be saved together with the new configuration, both the parameters for the effects and the properties for its stitches.
Setting the effect stitches order You will be able to change the level location of the effects by the buttons up - down, (they can remain above or below the text layer or of other levels of effects). This will vary the result obtained.
Beside, some effects can be applied on several layers. In the figure, a Shadow effect was applied to a text, increasing the number of Stages (layers) to 4. To achieve an optimum visualization of the effect, each layer was assigned a different color.
Increasing the value of Stages you can define particular features for each of the fill levels. The best way to apply this type of effects is by testing repeatedly the effect achieved until reaching the result you want to obtain.
Explode and Explode into Chars Stitch Era manages texts as special section packages that could be manipulated with specific tools, allowing you to modify the font, layout, etc. However, sometimes it is required to break the text object into its components. To do this, the system offers two functions: Explode and Explode into Chars. Explode into Chars converts the text object in a set of package objects, one for each letter in the original text. Explode lets you break a text object into its basic section components. Once a text is exploded, you will get a collection of normal sections, that could be manipulated as any other section you may create. Both functions are available from the context menu when you select a text object.
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Lettering
Confirming the text insertion When accepting the changes, Stitch ERA inserts the text within the design area, activating the selected transformation. If you want, you can modify the text box to apply the selected transformation. Once the adjustment of the final shape of the effect is confirmed, click on Reprocess This. The application will create all the stitches that correspond to that text.
Changing the text layout Transformations When inserting letters in the working area, Stitch ERA surrounds the text with a dotted rectangle known as text box, and activates certain points for you to control graphically the text transformation. In the figure, you can observe that the text outline is surrounded by dotted lines, forming a rectangle around the text. The number of lines as well as dots and their functions, depend on the option chosen on the Text Transformation field.
Note the dots on the right of the text (a) and the small arrows on each character (b). The dots (a) are known as "text transformation nodes” and control the shape and layout of the text box (a). These text transformation nodes allow you to modify the aspect of the dotted rectangle known as “base line” or text “wrapping” (depending on the transformation type chosen). When doing so, the text layout is modified, as it adapts to the shape of the text box. These modifications are known as line or wrapping transformations. Also, points (b) are known as "character control nodes", which enable the individual control of each letter, as you can adjust interactively the character position within the text box: its size (right top node), its vertical position (central node) or its horizontal position (bottom node), etc. Note: In the next paragraphs you will find further information about the use and possibilities of some changes available. The rest of the options, including those created by the user, have a similar performance to those explained hereunder.
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Step Text Allows you to arrange the text unevenly, with a “step” effect (from top to bottom or vice versa). Letters remain in a vertical position, altering the arrangement among them. During these modifications, the right and bottom sides of a rectangle will appear, and two corners will be activated as well as a middle point on the sides and a node in each letter.
To apply this transformation, proceed as follows once you have inserted the text box in the working area: 1) Capture the chosen text node: Corner A Node (text transformation): When dragging the corner up or down, it modifies the steps slant, changing the relative positioning between letters. Mid point B Node (text transformation): When dragging the corner left or right, it produces an increase or reduction of the spacing between letters. The size of letters is not modified. Corner C Node (text transformation): When dragging the corner to any side, it expands or compresses the entire text proportionally. Character control nodes: they modify the layout and size of each letter as from these nodes. 2) At the same time, when dragging the text box, this will be moved along the working area, until dropping it in the desired position. 3) Once the desired shape is achieved, use the context menu and click on Confirm. Then, create the stitches by clicking on the Ctrl + F9 keys. Observe in the figure a “step” effect applied to a text.
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Lettering
Rectangular box It allows you to modify the text following the geometrical shape established by the deformation of the rectangular text box that surrounds it. Such transformation allows you to enlarge and compress, drag and rotate the texts. When selecting this effect, the four corners activate, as well as the four middle points and a rotation center. You can observe them in the figure. The following text transformation nodes will appear in the figure: Corner A Nodes: To control the corners, by applying a proportional scaling. Corner B Nodes: For horizontal scaling. Corner C Nodes: For vertical scaling D spacing Nodes: For the control of spacing along the text box, these nodes allow you to modify the spacing between letters.
By dragging the corners you expand and compress the text proportionally in both axis at the same time; whereas, if you drag the mid points, it is possible to expand or compress the text to a single dimension. When pressing the Ctrl. key, the text box changes its mode into rotation mode, while four nodes appear to control the text rotation.
If you wish to rotate the text, drag the rotation point by pressing the Ctrl key. You can drag any corner (1) to rotate the text to the required angle. In the left figure, you can observe the shape that the mouse pointer takes when positioning on any of the nodes pressing the Ctrl key. From the rotation point, you can modify the axis on which the text rotates. For this to happen, place the mouse pointer on the central node of the box (2) when pressing the Ctrl key, then drag. In the figure, you can observe the shape that the mouse pointer takes when positioning on the central node of the box and pressing the Ctrl key.
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Upper / Lower Arc It allows you to curve the text in an upward or downward arc shape; letters modify their layout (although not their font type) based on this bending. You can manually move each of the letters, displacing the node horizontally, making the letter move in an imaginary curved line. When activating any of these two changes, a text box with two corners, three mid points and a character control node in each letter will appear. To use this transformation, take into account the function of the box nodes: Corner A Node: Allows you to adjust the height of the curved box, keeping the upper side fixed and displacing the lower one. Mid point B Node: Allows you to control the center angle of the arc, enlarging or compressing the text and maintaining the inside and outside radius. Corner C Node: When dragging the entire box, this moves on its radius, zooming in or out of the arc center, modifying its width proportionally. Mid point D Node: Allows you to control the height of the curved box, maintaining the lower side fixed and displacing the upper side. Corner E Node: Allows you to expand and/ or compress the box, combining the properties of points B and D at the same time. Corner F Node: Allows you to rotate the box around the arc center. Center G Node: Allows you to modify the arc radius, maintaining the height and width of the box. Note: All of the nodes above-mentioned are text transformation nodes (they modify the text box). Each letter has its own character control node.
Double Arc It allows you to curve two text lines at the same time: the upper line upwards and the lower line downwards. Letters modify their layout based on that bending. Both arcs are synchronized, so that the changes performed in one of them are also reflected in the other. When applying these changes, the same text box nodes used for upper and lower arc transformations activate. Therefore, the purpose of each handle is the same in both cases. Remember that this transformation is only available for texts with two lines. 4 – 18
Lettering
Line (defined by user) This option allows you to move the text based on an arbitrary shaped line. Note: Every change described previously is based on the text layout according to a default geometrical form (line and arc). In this transformation you define that line (with straight or curved segments according to your selection) and Stitch ERA creates the text, curving it according to the line.
To work on such changes, you must follow the steps below: 1) Once the transformation is activated, make several clicks in the working area to establish different nodes, these give direction to the base line. To draw the base line you can insert curve or straight nodes. By default, nodes will be straight, but pressing the Shift key you will create curved lines. After confirming (pressing Enter) the inserted text will appear, following the shape of the base line. 2) You can modify the line’s shape from the nodes; the text will follow those changes. If you want to modify the line that acts as guide line, please consider the following: You can change the nodes properties (straight, curve, corner) by positioning the mouse pointer on them and clicking on the right mouse button. You can add a node by placing the mouse pointer on the line where you wish to insert that node (the cursor turns into a cross arrow). Then, press the Insert key. If you wish to eliminate a node, place the mouse pointer on it and click on Delete. You can move the letters along the baseline. For this to happen, drag any of the character control nodes that are placed on the base of the letter. Once the desired shape is determined, click on Enter for Stitch ERA to insert the text following the defined shape.
Irregular Box It allows you to modify the text without the need to follow a specific geometric shape. This type of modification is wrapping type. When selecting this effect, the four corners and mid points are activated. These nodes can change their properties (free, straight and curve), allowing different deformations of the box, by only right-clicking on them.
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User Distortion This effect allows defining the upper and lower sides of a box and distorting the text according to it. The definition of the sides is made in a similar way to the definition of a user-defined baseline, that is to say, it has straight and curve nodes and corners that can be moved, deleted and inserted while applying this effect. Make the lower line, click on Tab and continue with the upper line. Press Enter to generate text.
Character control nodes Every change enables one or more modifications of the layout or size of each text character. These node types modify the letter size or displace it, but always following the figure of the effect applied to the text. In the figure the control nodes on one of the characters are circled. Their respective functions are explained hereunder:
Horizontal displacement: This is defined by the node that is placed in the basis of the character. When dragging this node, the character will be moved horizontally along the basis of the text, approaching or receding the letter from the rest. Vertical displacement: It corresponds to the node placed at the center of the character and enables the upward or downward movement. Size modification: It corresponds to the node placed at the right upper part of the character and allows you to reduce or increase the letter size without modifying the total size of the text. Note: In the changes based on a box deformation (regular, irregular and user) only the horizontal displacement or the size modification options are available.
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Lettering
Team Names
Optional Feature
Stitch ERA includes, as an optional feature, a tool for design creation with different texts based in a list of words. This tool is perfect to apply in those cases where a big amount of designs of the same type have to be carried out and where the only thing that changes is the text content but not its shape or layout in the working area. We illustrate its use through the following example: 1) Type the names that correspond to the table fields, one in each line. In the Text field enter First Name in the first line, then type Last Name in the second line. 2) Configure the text features. 3) Click OK and generate the text. 4) Click on the Team Name button which is at the end of the Ribbon Lettering. A window will open displaying a table with columns that are labeled as the lines you entered in the text window. 5) Enter the data in each of the lines and columns, such as shown in the figure. From the Behavior field you can select the configuration options such as text alignment. 6) Define a visualization mode and a behavior and then click OK.
Team Names Design Creation Modes There are three possible creation modes for the data entered:
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Templates separated with Stop Templates on grid An embroidery for each template
Please specify the selected mode as from the drop down box that appears in the top of the window. Based on the selected mode, you obtain a different result.
Templates separated with a Stop The texts are shown overlapped on screen. To visualize them better, open the object manager. Each text is separated from the following by a stop control.
Templates on grid In this mode, the texts are shown in a grid that appears on screen
When selecting this option, a field appears in the Team Names box were you can configure the amount of lines and columns, columns and rows, the horizontal and vertical separation, the sequence and Sort colors.
An embroidery for each template An embroidery is automatically created for each row entered in the table. You must choose the name, code and location where you wish to export the embroideries.
Import List To enter the required information, you may import a data table from a text type file separated by commas or tabs, MS Excel or MS Access. To do so, click on the option Import List in the main window.
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The Import Table wizard will appear on screen; follow the instructions given. Click on the Next button to continue and follow the instructions given by the Wizard. When the Wizard requests it select the file to import, in its correct format. Then specify the columns in the destination database to which each column of the imported files corresponds. When finishing the process, you have all the imported data in the Team Names list.
Monograms
Optional Feature Available for Stitch ERA Universal
Stitch ERA enables the text insertion in the shape of monograms. These correspond to designs with an exclusive style, generally formed by one, two or three capital letters. To insert this element, in the ribbon Home click on the Monogram button in the insertion box.
The Monogram options ribbon will appear. From there you will be able to choose a template style of the monogram and its characters, colors with their sizes.
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Add Monograms To begin with, choose the desired style from the Select Template button. Type the desired characters in the Characters box and press Enter. You can also modify height and width values at the corresponding fields. Press Enter so that the monogram appears in the working window.
Editing Monograms Once the monogram has been inserted you will be able to perform changes in it, either partially or totally. From the edit mode select the monogram by clicking on it, open the context menu and you will be able to convert the monogram into stitches (from the option Convert to stitches), change the monogram type by switching among the different monograms available (from the option Properties) or convert it into sections (from the option Explode in sections). By clicking on one of its elements, you can edit it as from the block mode, allowing you to apply any of the block transformations. When making another click on the same element, you will be able to alter the location of the nodes that define its shape, modify the Start and End Points, directions, etc.
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Using the Object Manager with Text and Monograms Objects tree The Object Manager shows up at the right side of Stitch ERA. These utilities offer you alternatives for the visualization of the element being created or edited, or to visualize the sequence view, or to block or show/hide some of their parts or features. Once you have the text in the Graphical View, you will be able to edit freely the shape of each character; to do so just click on the character; the nodes that define its shape will appear. You have the chance of editing characters as if they were sections: you will be able to drag nodes, create new ones, etc.
Object Inspector
Available for Stitch ERA Lite, Liberty and Universal
In this window you can visualize or modify, from the different edition modes, several aspects of the active design, though its most important function is the total control of the main properties of the sections, since you will be able to control many parameters that affect the generation of stitches. These properties define fill type, and the values of underlay, controls and available effects. The window is organized in different panels, which we will describe next: Note: The correct use and configuration of the sections’ properties will be one of the decisive factors in order to achieve satisfactory results in less time, getting the most out of Stitch ERA
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Object Inspector organization From the edition mode the Object Inspector shows, from its different tabs and drop down panels, all the properties that can be used in the selected section. These properties depend on the type of section you are selecting, and they are organized according to their functionality. Editing a Column section, you will find on the Body tab:
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Stitch Fill: controls the section’s main properties.
Adjustments & Compensations: Controls the fabric underlay, the pull compensation, the stitches overlap, internal paths, etc
Stitch Effects: Different distortions that can be applied to the stitches.
Connections & Functions: Manages the optimization and lock stitches of the entry and exit points, the machine controls, the cut at the end of the section, etc.
Chapter 5
Merging Designs Content: Using the Motif and Embroidery Gallery ............................................................ 2 Galleries .......................................................................................... 3 Embroidery gallery......................................................................... Motifs gallery ................................................................................ Design Gallery ............................................................................... Images......................................................................................... Merging designs with texts and Monograms ..........................................
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Using the Motif and Embroidery Gallery Galleries allow you to visualize different repositories, being able to refer to files located in different directories, disk or network units. Use these tools to search for frames so as to insert them in a design. When opening any of the available galleries, a panel on the left side of the main window will appear. In order to change the Gallery, click on any of the tabs which are located in the left side of the main window.
To insert an element, just drag the selected one to the working area of the design’s document.
You can also double click on Gallery and in the working area make a drag stating the correct size the element should have in the edited design.
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Depending on the opened Gallery, such panel can be divided in two, in which case the upper part will show the list of drives and folders where you will have to browse for the desired elements. These will appear in the lower division of the panel.
Galleries Embroidery gallery It allows you to browse for embroidery machine files in different folders and storage units. When dragging a design from this panel to the working area, it will be imported to the active document.
Motifs gallery From this panel you will be able to easily insert default symbols (frames, figures, signs, balloons, etc) or customized symbols that you have created. Stitch ERA includes a series of embroidery designs with different shapes and aspect. These are sorted out in categories based on the different representations.
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These are sorted out in categories based on the different representations. In order to insert any of these designs, open the Motif Gallery, look for the desired shape or choose a classification from the drop down menu Category; this will filter the patterns based on the desired option. Also, you will be able to create new Motif. For more information, please go to the chapter that describes the creation of components.
Design Gallery Allows you to navigate between storage folders and units to locate embroidery design documents. The Design Gallery has the same function as the Embroidery Gallery, but managing designs in DSG format. Dragging a design towards the work area, will open the design in the active document.
Images Apart from embroidery designs, you can insert images from this tab, as it will let you access all the storage folders and units, quickly locating those images with which you need to work with. While moving between folders, the image icons will appear. To take an image to the work area, operate in the same way as with designs and motifs.
Merging designs with texts and Monograms Using the Motif and Embroidery galleries you can easily insert existing designs and design components (motifs) into a blank document to create a new one. Add some texts or a monogram and you will get rich and detailed designs in minutes. The following paragraphs present a suggested check list usefull when merging designs and components with texts or monograms
Use the New button (or press the New document tab) and create a blank document.
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Access the Home ribbon bar and from the group System Libraries, select the material and hoop you will use for your design.
If you are planning to use existing expanded designs, start by inserting them using the Embroidery Gallery.. If needle and color definitions produce any conflict, the needle assignment strategy box will come up. Define the strategy you will use and press the Ok button.
Once inserted, use the Start Point / End Point commands (Stitch Editiong ribbon) to center the stitches in your new design
Then add the motifs dragging them from the Motif Gallery. Again, set the needles and colors assignment according to your needs.
Scale properly (graphically or using the Size and Position group – Block ribbon) and position the motif (you can also use the Center of Design command from the Block ribbon) Add text or monogram.
When you have finish, check the stitch sequence (use the Navigation bar control and the Object Manager). Rearrange the sequence as needed.
Take a look in 3D Mode to review the final result.
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Check your design is correctly positioned within the hoop and save it. Finally Export it to the machine code you need.
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Chapter 6
Images & Vectors Content: Adding Images ............................................................................................ 3 Image Formats................................................................................ 3 Open image ................................................................................ Deleting an image ........................................................................ Capture Image ............................................................................ Configuring the scanner ................................................................ Reload........................................................................................ Save .......................................................................................... Size & position ................................................................................
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Scale, rotate and move images ...................................................... 6 Rescale and Align Angle ................................................................ 8 Properties....................................................................................... 8 Attach to Design .......................................................................... 8 Show on Simulation...................................................................... 9 Vectorize. Image to figure................................................................. 9 Step 1) Clean the image ..............................................................10 Step 2) Vectorize ........................................................................11 Adding Vectors ...........................................................................................13 Vector Formats ..............................................................................13 Open a Vector File ..........................................................................13 Deleting an image .......................................................................14 Get Vector From: CorelDraw ............................................................14 Paste special ..............................................................................15 Create vectors figures .....................................................................15 Editing figures ............................................................................16 Format & Color ...........................................................................17 Selecting two or more figures .......................................................17
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Edit Nodes..................................................................................18 Size & position ............................................................................18 Arrange Order ................................................................................18 Arrange Align..............................................................................19 Arrange Repeat...........................................................................19 Group vectors ................................................................................19 Vectors Ungroup .........................................................................19 Shaping ........................................................................................20 Avoiding large overlaps ................................................................23
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Adding Images
Available for Stitch ERA Lite, Liberty and Universal
You can convert any piece of artwork into a digitized artwork (using a scanner). Once in electronic format, you may insert it as a reference image in the design area of Stitch ERA and trace on it, either manually or automatically. Note: You may insert an image before or after having started working on a design in Stitch ERA, this option will allow you to add new sections to designs that have already been started.
Image Formats The following formats are compatible with Stitch ERA.
Bitmaps (bmp) JPEG (jpg) PCX (pcx) Targa (tga) Clipboard Format (CLP) Gif without compression (gif)
The working sequence with images is the following: 1) Acquire the image from the artwork by means of a scanner or use a graph created in any related application. 2) Scale the image to the final size. 3) Capture the design sections from the image outlines. 4) Save the design along with the reference image if necessary. Hereunder you will find details on each of these steps.
Open image A way of inserting background images is to use those created using a graphics program, taken from a clip-art, or downloaded from the Internet. Stitch ERA allows you to load images from disk through the button Open Image on the Ribbon Home. Or you can use Pictures Gallery is located on the left bar of galleries.
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The Open window appears, showing the images available on disk in different formats. In the lower part of the window the box Files of type allows you to select the image format. To load an image: 1) Select drive and folder on the left side. 2) On the right side, click on the image. 3) Click on Open.
Deleting an image If you want to delete an image from the active document, simply select the image from the select object mode and press the Delete key.
Capture Image From the Ribbon Home use the button Capture Image. The corresponding scanner dialog box will open. Complete the information required (mainly resolution and color mode).
Taking into account that it depends on the scanner installed, the normal process follows these steps: 1) Pre-scan to preview position and center image. 2) Select the area to be scanned. 3) Capture the selected area. Once the scan is complete, the image will appear on the Stitch ERA’s active document. Bear in mind the following parameters; they are very important when obtaining an image from a scanner:
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Resolution: It is normally measured in dpi (dots per inch or points per inch) and it defines the brightness of the digitized image. The higher the number, the neater the image, but it will also use more system’s memory. Except on 5x5 cm. or smaller images, a 300-dpi resolution is correct.
Color Mode: You can capture an image in color or black and white. If you capture it in color, you must indicate the number of colors to be used. On most cases, a 256-colors mode is enough; if you use more color, the resulting image will be better viewed but will take more memory. If you wish to capture the image in black and white, you can use 256 shades of gray. Take into account the following recommendations when scanning images: Only scan the area of the image that you will work on. This will result in smaller, manageable images. Use low resolution settings. On most cases, a 300-dpi resolution is enough. If you are going to work with the Photo type, the image used must have a high contrast level.
Configuring the scanner The scanner is a device that reads the images printed on paper or fabric. Stitch ERA works directly with any Twaincompatible scanner already installed on your Windows system.
Note: Most scanners come with Twaininterface software. Refer to your scanner manuals to obtain further information on the controllers and how to install them. Once a scanner has been configured, you will not need to repeat this process, unless another device is used in replacement, or Stitch ERA is re-installed.
Since you may have more than one Twain device installed on your system (for example a scanner and a desktop digital camera), it will be necessary to indicate Stitch ERA which device to use. Proceed as follows: 1) Select Setup > Select Hardware > Scanner setup. 2) A Select Source dialog box opens, showing all the available Twain sources. Click on the source that corresponds to the device to be used and press Select.
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Reload This tool bring back the original image without the modification you had done over it.
Save If you are planning to work with an image taken from the scanner in several sessions, you must save the image on your disk, so that it will be available the next time you open the design. To save an image:
1) Select the image. 2) Click on Save, over the Ribbon Image. 3) In the Save box, choose folder, name and format with which you want to save the image and press Save. Note: It is recommended to use the default Image folder to save the images, even to save the new graphic files that you copy or produce.
Size & position Once you have the image on the screen, whether it was in the disk or scanned, you can perform certain operations such as expand / compress, slant or rotate the image.
Such modifications can be done manually or controlled from Ribbon Image changing the values of the boxes (Width, Height, Left and Top position). If you want to modifies de size in same proportion you must active the lock icon as you can see on the example box of Size & Position.
Scale, rotate and move images From the mode toolbar, take the command Select Object. Locate the mouse over it and click. The image will be selected and a box with highlighted corners and centers will appear around the image. You can work with the corners and centers to expand, compress, move and rotate the image freely. You can also use the commands Rescale and Align Angle for a precise adjustment. 6–6
Images & Vectors Note: Perform the necessary modifications on the image before starting to create the design. If you have already created sections and you change the size, move or rotate the image, it will be difficult to modify the modify the sections so as to adjust them to reference image.
Click on the image and drag any of its corner nodes so as to adjust size proportionally. When dragging a determined corner node, the scaling will leave the opposite corner fixed in its position (right figure). If you drag while pressing the Shift key, the scaling will be performed keeping the center of the image in its position, while all the corners scale following the movement of the mouse. But, if you drag the pivot of any of the sides, you can change only one of the dimensions (horizontal or vertical depending on the dragged side), as shown in the left figure. If you hold down the Shift key while dragging, you will be able to move both vertical and horizontal sides in a symmetric way. If you take the mouse pointer next to the central zone, note that the cursor changes its shape (left figure). In this situation you can move the image freely dragging it to any place in the design area. While holding down the Ctrl key, click and drag any corner node to rotate the image. Observe how the image border is modified as well as the mouse pointer (right figure). To finish this operation, simply release the mouse button.
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Rescale and Align Angle This option allows you to precisely adjust the size of a reference image, altering its original size according to the correct measure of the image segment. This allows you to work with an image with the same dimensions that the final design should have. The working method is the following: 1) Click on the Measure and Scale icon. Click on any point of the image and drag it. Stitch ERA will trace a line from the point to the mouse’s position. 2) Release the mouse buttons. The Image Scaling window displays the length of the traced line and allows you to define the new value. Type in the corresponding size. 3) Clicking on OK, the image will be scaled so that the traced line has the indicated new size. You can also use the Width and Height controls to give an exact size to the entire image.
Properties From Transparency percentage you can control the transparency of the image.
Attach to Design From the option Attach to Design you indicate to save a copy of the image inside the design. In this way, if you transfer the design to another computer, it will not be necessary to take the image too, since it will be included in the document itself. If you specify that the image is not to be attached to the design, when saving in disk a design document that contains an image, Stitch ERA will add a link to the image, so the next time you open the design the image will load with the same position, size and rotation angle. For this to happen, the image that you insert as reference must be kept on the disk with the same name and in the same folder where it was when it was added to the design.
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Show on Simulation From the option Show on Simulation you indicate to visualize the Image when you activate the Simulation View.
Vectorize. Image to figure
Available for Stitch ERA Universal. Optional for Lite and Liberty
Stitch ERA includes a complete vectorizer in order to transform a bitmap image inserted in the working area in vectorial figures. Remember that you will be able to quickly create the sections of a design from each of these vectorial images. To work on a bitmap image select it and activate the command Vectorize, from the Ribbon Image. The Vectorizer box then appears. In it you will find a series of controls on the Ribbon Vectorizer, while the rest of the box will show a preview.
Observe at the top of the Previews there are three tabs, each of them allows you to visualize the three stages by which a vectorized image should go through: the original figure, the clean figure and, finally, the vectorized result.
Note: To make a zoom of the sample set out in the preview (in any of the tabs) using the command window available in its lower left corner: you can make a specific zoom, zoom in whole or pan.
Basically, you can follow two steps in order to vectorize the image. These are explained hereunder:
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Step 1) Clean the image This first stage implies reducing the complexity and noise of the graph, for the result to be as clean and clear as possible. Since Stitch ERA vectorizes the image scanning its changes in tone, this first task is important in order to obtain good results. Take into account that the cleaner and clearer the image, Stitch ERA will better interpret its shapes. From the first sliding controls of the Vectorizer you can optimize the image, trying to leave it as clean as possible, clearly defining its shapes and borders and getting out the colors mix that “dirty” the result, causing the so called impure images. These controls are the following: Reduction: Moving the slider to the right you reduce the number of colors in the image, this is the first filter you should control, reducing the colors without deforming the image. Holes: This control eliminates the noise in the image, this noise is composed by small pixels dissociate color, called “holes”. As you move the slider towards the right, the application will eliminate the biggest holes. In the left figure please observe the Preview after inserting an image.
After configuring the controls, click on the Filter button for the application to show you the result in the Clean tab of the Preview.
In the right figure observe the Preview box after Filtering the image, see that the Cleaned tab is activated.
According to the result obtained, modify the values of the controls previously mentioned, until the product look like what you expect. Do this as many times as necessary. After cleaning the image and having obtained the convenient result, use the two following controls. Their function is explained hereunder: Final Colors: From the colors view select those tones that are similar, and click on the Combine button for them to merge. It is convenient to reduce the number of colors of the image when possible, in this way the application will be able to distinguish easily the changes in tone, thus obtaining more precise vectorizations.
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In order to select two or more colors, press Ctrl and click on the color to merge, then press the Combine button. You also have the undo combination option to go back. Transparent Color: Stitch ERA automatically scans the image and captures the background color of the image so as not to include it in the vectorization since, when vectorizing the background color of the image it will form a figure that will “frame” the result. Please observe the image on the right; it is a bitmap inserted as image in Stitch ERA which background is gray. Now, as an example, this image will be vectorized changing its transparency color.
In the following examples, figure (a) is the result of vectorizing the image defining the gray color as transparent. When converting into stitches, you will obtain the result shown in (b). Note that the design does not reproduce the gray box that frames the original representation. On the other hand, figure (c) shows the result of vectorizing the image used as model specifying that the white color should be transparent. In this case, when converting all the vectorial figures in stitches sections, the result will be the one shown in (d).
Note: You should apply one or other method depending on the result you wish to achieve.
Step 2) Vectorize Here you should transform the image (free from noise) in vectorial shapes. Note: Once you have created the vector-based figures, you will be able to work on them freely: you will be able to scale them, modify their shape changing the nodes, change their color, etc. The creative possibilities, when the original bitmap image is vector-based, are many. It all depends on your imagination.
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For this to happen you must configure well the items that define the characteristics of the created vector (right figure). These are described hereunder: Max Error: This control defines the curvature degree that the trace will have. It increases or reduces the precision the vector curve will have with regard to the original bitmap. Sharpness: If you increase this value, the number of nodes that the created vectorbased figure has will decrease, thus obtaining a sharpened result. Note: These two controls define the curvature degree that the vector will have. High values of these controls results in rounded outlines. If these items have small values, the trace of the vector-based figures will adjust to the outlines of the bitmap image.
Min. Area: It eliminates the small surfaces, according to the value specified in the sliding control. It is useful to exclude the smaller elements from the vectorization. Observe the result that the chosen values will produce when vectorizing the bitmap image from the Vector tab in the Preview frame. If you click on the OK button you will confirm the values entered to create the vectorial figures. These will reproduce the shape presented in the Vector tab of the Preview.
Finally, you must create sections as from these vectorial figures, choosing carefully the type and fill they will have. You must define the orientation of the direction lines, the location of the entry and exit points, the correct sequence of sections, etc. according to the figures that form the design.
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Adding Vectors
Available for Stitch ERA Lite, Liberty and Universal
Stitch ERA allows you to work with vector-based images; these are a new method to easily digitize shapes of all types, also having the opportunity to combine two or more figures so as to obtain complex structures. Once you obtain the desired figure, you will be able to convert it into a section (Auto-Digitizing) thus simplifying the creation process. If these vector-based figures are not deleted before saving the document, they will be saved together with the design. This will be useful if you want to modify the created shapes in next editions. Vector-based graph: Image generated as from the mathematical relations that determine the position and length of the lines and figures. Contrary to the bitmap graphs (or BMP) the vector-based figures are created as group of lines and not as individual points or pixels patterns.
Vector Formats The following formats are compatible with Stitch ERA:
Windows MetaFiles (wmf) Enhanced MetaFiles (emf) CorelDraw (cdr) Corel Presentation Exchange (cmx) Adobe Illustrator (ai)
Open a Vector File A way of inserting background vectors is to use those created using a graphics program, taken from a clip-art, or downloaded from the Internet. Stitch ERA allows you to load vectors from disk through the button Open File on the Ribbon Home. The Open window appears, showing the images available on disk in different formats. In the lower part of the window the box Files of type allows you to select the image format. To load an image: 1) Select drive and folder on the left side. 2) On the right side, click on the image. 3) Click on Open.
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Deleting an image If you want to delete a vector from the active document, simply select the image from the select object mode and press the Delete key.
Get Vector From: CorelDraw Stitch ERA is compatible with Corel Draw versions 10, 11, 12, X3 and X4 if this application is installed in the computer. From the tools Get from Corel Draw, available from the drop down options on the Get From button in Ribbon Home & Vector, you can insert in the working area a drawing created in Corel Draw.
Bear in mind that you will be able to insert any vector-based figure made in Corel Draw, but not bitmaps imported to Corel or word art. Once working with Stitch ERA, you will be able to edit the figures in the same way that you work with the vector-based created within the application.
Note: While in the option Open Corel Draw Image you must search for the file in the disk, Get Corel Draw Image allows you to load the file just edited from Corel Draw. For the correct performance of these utilities, it is necessary for Corel Draw to be fully installed.
Copy and Paste from Corel Draw It is also possible to copy a drawing from Corel Draw, and paste it from the clipboard to the working area of the Stitch ERA embroidery document; it will remain inserted as background vector.
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Paste special When copying a sketch selected from Corel Draw, you can paste it normally or you may choose among the options available from the menu Paste special in the ribbon. We will describe each of them hereunder: Paste in Place: Pastes the sketch in a sequential order or where the cursor is currently placed within the sequence of figures. Paste Windows Metafile: Pastes the sketch made in Corel Draw in the working area as a group of vector-based figures; the conformation of such figures will correspond to each of the drawings made in Corel. They can be uncombined and ungrouped so as to work with them independently. Paste Enhanced Metafile: Similar to the previous, the difference is that this type of vectorial format has a better level of detail, thus it is recommended for certain sketches with a high level of elements, or when it is necessary to obtain more precision. You can also decompress it in different vector-based figures. Paste Bitmap: Inserts the drawing in BMP format; this will allow you to work with the different types of traces available in the application.
Create vectors figures
Optional Feature for Stitch ERA and Liberty Available for Stitch ERA Universal
With Stitch ERA you can create vectorial figures in different ways: from the Ribbon Home as the Ribbon Vector you can choose Shapes to create, also you have the possibility to choose among freehand or Bezier curves.
The available shapes to insert are basics and advances close geometrical shapes. Basic such as rectangles, ellipses, rounded rectangles or triangles. Advance shapes like symbols and signs. Bezier: This tool is based on the sketch possibilities that allow Bezier curves. FreeHand: To trace freely open figures, drawing directly in the working area.
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To insert any of the figures, choose the tool from the Ribbon Home or Vector that suits your needs. Press the main button of the mouse on a point of the working area and drag without releasing it, while doing this the shape of a figure will be progressively formed. If you wish to press the Ctrl key when dragging, you will produce perfect squares (if working with rectangles) or perfect circle (if working with ellipses).
Once the outline has the size and shape you need, release the mouse button. Immediately after creating the figure, it will be available for you to adjust the size and shape.
Editing figures In certain figures (triangle and rounded rectangle) the modification points appear active (left image). These allow you to change the original shape. The vector-based figures (either created from Stitch ERA or imported from Corel Draw) are liable to transform, modify their curves, merge and convert to embroidery sections. You can expand, compress, rotate and move images manually, in the same way you can do it with any other image (right figure). Press the Ctrl key to rotate the figure or modify its rotation pivot. Press the Shift key to modify the size of the figure fixing its center. If necessary, before you continue working with the figure, adjust its aspect and location, since by dragging the corners you can proportionally modify the height and width at the same time, while by dragging the pivots you expand or compress the figure in one direction (either the height or the width). To move the figure to another location of the working area, simply place the mouse pointer to the center of the figure and when this pointer changes its shape (cross with four arrows), click and drag towards the desired position. In order to perform modifications in more than one figure at the same time, simply select the figures that will be involved in the modification and perform all actions on all of them at the same time. 6 – 16
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These figures are placed following the order in which they were created, reason why some will be on top of others.
Format & Color This box allows to modify the border and fill color of the vector-based figure selected, modify the border width or add/remove it. You can choose a vector only with fill, only with border or both. In the left picture is select both. This option is useful for those cases where you must work on several overlapped figures.
Observe the left picture, that has predefined color figures. In the right figure please note that the color of each figure has been modified, improving considerably the visualization of the elements.
Selecting two or more figures To select several figures close between each other you can click on the working area and, without releasing the mouse button, move until the dotted box embosses the figures you wish to work on (next figures).
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You can also select more than one figure by pressing the Ctrl key and clicking on the elements you are going to work on. Instead, if you press the Shift key at the time of clicking two figures, you will select all those objects that are between both figures in the corresponding sequence.
Edit Nodes The vector-based figures are made of nodes, that behave similarly to those that make the embroidery sections. Once the vector-based figure has been created you can modify the nodes that give shape to it as well as the layout of each node’s handles. For this to happen, activate the mode select object, them select on the desired figure to see its nodes. Once the figure has been converted into curves you will be able to alter its geometry, modifying the location of its nodes and the layout of its handles. You can also eliminate nodes, create new ones, etc. Operate on the nodes in a similar way to that used when you work on the nodes of an embroidery section. These options are available from the context menu.
Size & position Once you have the image on the screen, whether it was in the disk or scanned, you can perform certain operations such as expand / compress, slant or rotate the image. Such modifications can be done manually or controlled from Ribbon Image changing the values of the boxes (Width, Height, Left and Top position). If you want to modifies de size in same proporition you must active the lock icon as you can see on the example box of Size & Position.
Arrange Order In the edition of vector-based figures, you will be able to modify the layout of the vector-based shapes from Ribbon Vector > Arrange box > Order or from the context menu options.
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Images & Vectors
The options are: Bring to Front: It sends the selected element to the front, before the rest of the objects, placing it in the forefront. Send to Back: It places the selected object behind the rest of the objects. Bring Forward: The figure selected moves one level forward. Send Backward: The figure selected moves one level backwards.
Arrange Align This function allows you to place the vector figure on the left, right, top, bottom or center, in both directions or in either of the two. Also, in the Toolbox, in the vector figure context menu there is a group of alignment tools available.
Arrange Repeat The following functions allow you to duplicate one or more times the selected figure. You can access these commands from Ribbon Vector > Arrange box > Repeat or from the context menu options. Repeat is explained on Basic Manual Digitizing chapter. (8-26)
Group vectors It is possible to group two or more vector-based figures to be considered a unit. In this way, it will be possible to move them, apply the same transformations in shape and other changes to all the figures in the group at the same time. It is also possible to merge other groups already created, thus creating nested groups. In order to create a group select the figures so as to activate the Group command from the Ribbon or from the context menu. To ungroup the figures that form a group, select the group and then choose the option Ungroup.
Vectors Ungroup This option is very important whenever you insert wmf or emf images, since it is made up by a series of grouped vector-based images. In order to edit any of these figures, you must first apply this function.
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While using this tool, activating it from the Ribbon or context menu, you will be able to drag the different elements independently. For this to happen, select the desired element to drag it later.
Shaping Using the Shaping tools it is possible to create shapes resulting from the intersection of two vector-based figures. Bear in mind that if you have full command of this technique you will be able to sketch complex shapes with little effort. In this way, the combination of several shapes creates one only figure (in most cases), or performs modifications in the geometry of both figures. You can combine the different types of figures available in the application so as to create new shapes easily. The procedure to combine figures is the following:
Note: To give an example we will apply each of the described combinations to the figures presented in the right figure, so you can observe the different results obtained.
1) Select the figures to combine, both of them should be overlapped in at least one area of its surface. Take into account that one of the figures will be on top of the other, according to the sequence of figures. 2) Choose one of the combination options available in Shaping. Such options are the ones listed below:
Vectors Addition
The Merge command allows you to join two or more overlapped figures in order to create only one. These shapes will merge and will result in a unique figure.
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Vectors Subtraction
This command deletes the figure located in the upper part and its zone that overlaps with the inferior figure.
Vectors Intersection
It allows you to create a new figure using the common area of those overlapped; this new figure will have the same size and shape as the overlapped area.
Vectors Exclusion
This command deletes the zone in which the upper figure overlaps with the lower figure. Follow these steps to divide two figures: In this case the result will be two independent figures.
Trim Shapes
This command divide and create a new figure from the upper figure overlaps with the lower figure.
Remove Holes It automatically deletes the holes of the selected vector-based figure. In order to activate this function open the context menu and from the Combine group of options, choose Remove Figure Holes.
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Figures Simplify
When working on vector-based figures, you can clean the overlapped sectors automatically. This tool keeps both figures, but the entire zone overlapping the upper figure is cut in the lower figure. This tool is available from the Ribbon > Shaping or from the context menu and could be very useful whenever you have to work on vector-based images, since some shapes are made up by several figures, and many of them can be overlapped. In the three figures observe how the vector-based drawing is formed, pay attention to the number of overlapping zones it has. In figure (a) appreciate how you view the image in Stitch ERA’s Graphic View, see that it looks like one only element at first sight. Nevertheless, in figure (b) you can see the outlines of each of the figures that form the sketch. You can see that it is composed by several overlapping elements, one on top of the other. In figure (c) each of the overlapping zones were painted in gray. Note that there are darker areas, since several figures overlap there. You can ungroup the different drawings that form the entire figure. The result of converting these figures to embroidery sections would not be the most adequate.
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Avoiding large overlaps In order to create some designs, you can use sections that, when overlapped, they form one only figure, nevertheless, it is convenient to consider some aspects before starting the procedure. For example, to create a design with the shape shown on the figure, you can overlap the sections shown in the following figure.
From the embroidery point of view, such overlap of sections is not recommended. Observe in the following figure the result of the design created as from these three overlapped figures.
Note that the sequence of sections will result in a design which even if it is correctly viewed on screen, it will have some problems at the time of embroidering.
Consider that a little overlap should exist between sections, but not large ones. This overlap is necessary to avoid section separation due to the thread tension at the time of embroidering. To correct the situation showed in the example, you must capture the following sections, and place them in such a way that you obtain the same result.
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The design is formed by the sections shown on the right figure; this sequence of sections will reproduce the original design but will not create big stitch overlap.
If you capture the adequate sections you will obtain the design shown on the right figure, which even though it is similar to the previous one and does not present big changes on screen, it does not present overlapping. This difference will be very noticeable mainly when generating the embroidery in the machine. Hereunder you will find the tools that will help you in this task.
Split Figures Optional Feature
It allows you to trace a node sequence forming a line over the figure. This line will split the vector-based figure in two. This tool is available from the context menu.
When pressing the Enter key, the element will be split, such as shown in the left and right figures.
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Chapter 7
Auto-Digitizing Content: Art to Stitch .................................................................................................. 2 Settings ........................................................................................... 2 Basic Setting ................................................................................. 3 Graphics samples .............................................................................. 3 Color Setting ................................................................................. 4 Needle settings.............................................................................. 4 Stitch Setting ................................................................................ 5 Photo to Stitch .............................................................................................. 6 Step by step operation ....................................................................... 7 Photo-Stitching Features................................................................. 8 Image to Cross Stitch..................................................................................... 9 Stitch from Vector ....................................................................................... 11 Create Area................................................................................. 12 Create Path ................................................................................. 12 Using Styles ................................................................................ 13
Stitch ERA – User Manual
In this chapter you will find details on the automatic method that Stitch ERA offers to create a design from a drawing, artwork or a vector shape.
Art to Stitch
Available for Stitch ERA Lite, Liberty and Universal
Art to Stitch (A2S) is a tool that allows you to automatically convert all of your images and vectors to embroidery designs. The system automatically recognizes open and close shapes, using the most adequate type of stitch for each of them. You will be able to modify the choice performed by the system. It works both with pixel-based images (bit maps) and vector-based images, automatically creating the necessary sections.
Suggestions for the correct use of Art to Stitch The image attributes are the key to obtaining the expected result. These are some suggestions to get optimal results when using A2S: • • • •
The system will recognize areas with pure colors only. Avoid color gradation and mixing colors in the images. The automatic vectorization works perfectly with borders of clearly defined colors. Use images with well-defined shapes and borders. Avoid small areas. Image Resolution is very important too. Use values around 250 pixels per inch (100 pixels per centimeter).
If you do not take into account these suggestions, the application might show and error message. Given the case, correct the image and try again.
Settings Once you had open an image or vector and selected the option A2S, a box will appear with all configuration parameters you need to achieving the task. If you use A2S on image, the box will have four tabs: Basic, Color, Needle and Stitch Settings. If you use A2S on a vector the box will not show the color setting tab.
Hereunder we will describe all the settings of the corresponding window:
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Basic Setting On Basic Setting tab you have to choose the criterion for the automatic sorting of the sections. There are seven check box options that will be enabled according the type of image or vector and each characteristics:
Graphics samples The examples shown here are the same manner as in the dialog box of A2S.
Object to fill Fill Areas and Borderlines Fill Areas Only Fill Borderline Only
Artwork Processing 4. Artwork Unaltered - No processing 5. Process Major Overlaps 6. Process All Overlaps
7. Remove Small Holes And Inlets
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Color Setting 1) Preview box: from where you can see the result(s) obtained. 2) Previews tabs: show the Original, Filtered and both arts.
3) Reduce up to: allow you to reduce the number of colors in the image, this is the first filter you should control, reducing the colors without deforming the image. Small areas filter: eliminates the noise in the image, this noise is composed by small pixels dissociate color, called “holes”. As you increase this control, the application will eliminate the biggest holes. 4) Choose colors: From the colors view select those tones that are similar, and click on the Combine button for them to merge. It is convenient to reduce the number of colors of the image when possible, in this way the application will be able to distinguish easily the changes in tone. In order to select two or more colors in the color view, press Ctrl and click on the color to merge, then press the Combine button. If the result must be better, use the undo combination buttons. 5) Transparent color: you have a drop down list with the colors of the image where you have to select the background color for the image so that the system understands the figure to create.
Needle settings From this tab you can select the strategy to assign the artwork colors to your needle palette. You have four check box strategies:
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1. Use free needles (skip those already in use) and redefine their colors according to the artwork colors. 2. Do not use (skip) the lowers needles. Start using needle # and redefine needle colors according to the artwork colors. Using this strategy a new needle palette will show you at bottom of the box. 3. Do not use (skip) the lower needles. Start using needle # but don’t change needle colors (design colors may result strange) 4. Assign artwork colors to needles and/or change needle colors manually
From Color Assignment box you can change manually the color needles by click on the select one.
Stitch Setting Stitch Setting : from here you choose the pattern type by click on the pattern image and determinate the running stitch length. Besides, from advance settings button you can modify the fill mode, underlay and compensation options. Fabric Settings: Drop down and choose the fabric type for the design. From advance settings button you access to material editor. Shape Recognition: Minimum ZZ width: Running Stitches will be created for shapes thinner than this value. Maximum ZZ width: Pattern fill stitches will be created for shapes thicker than this value
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While pressing the OK button, the automatic trace of all geometrical images in design is performed, based on the configurations setup. The design will be finished. Hide the reference image and observe the results.
Photo to Stitch
Optional Feature for Stitch ERA and Liberty Available for Stitch ERA Universal
This operating mode performs an automatic trace of the image captured and creates Photo stitches, based on the embroidery design preferred by the user.
There are many advantages offered by this tool, for example: Works with black and white images, gray scale and color images. Produces monochromatic and multi-color embroideries. Multiple photographic effects in each mode. Enables to choose controls and parameters: adjust quality and speed levels, contrast of black and other colors, resolution (spacing between tracking lines, width of cells and margins), compensations and small stitches filters, stitches’ width and density, etc. To change adjustments in order to obtain other results, you must only change the properties of stitch creation and generate them again.
Considerations on the images to use It is necessary that you take into account the characteristics of the chosen image, as based on its particulars, (color count, definition, contrast, etc.) results will be the expected ones or not. Optimum images could be those that meet with the following:
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Images with big shade contrasts (for instance, a black and white image) Should not be less than 16 cm width It is advisable to have objects or a specific element (for example, a dog, football ball, etc.) in the foreground The foreground must be very well defined. Try with images with no background, as this will produce a blurred and undefined result (especially if it is a landscape, a dark background or similar). Note: Select the image carefully. As the resulting embroidery is not an image, it will neither have the same resolution nor definition of the original image. Do not use landscape or background images as you will not achieve the desired result. Use foreground images always, otherwise, you will miss the small details.
Step by step operation Once selected image with the criteria previously considered, we are going to follow a series of steps to get stitches type photo from controls on the Ribbon Photo:
Select the method of applying a section area layout and with the desired format on the image imported (recommend using clipart figures) Choose the stitch mode from the drop-down list. Choose apply a border if desired. Apply the changes by pressing the Enter or the Generate key. Move the sliding knobs contrast, modifies separation, height and width of the cells. Reapply until the outcome is expected for you. Observe the result obtained, to do so it is advisable to hide the image temporarily by clicking on Show / Hide Image. Note: Remember that the result obtained will depend on the properties assigned, and these are not same for all the images. Adjust parameters to the properties and perform several attempts until reaching the desired result.
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Photo-Stitching Features From the drop down list choose the “photo” mode you wish to use. The mode will determine the result of the creation of stitches on the image chosen. The values of the remaining parameters are defined according to the option chosen in this item. In the lower figures observe the result of using different modes for a same design; they can use one or several needle colors.
Row margin Distance of the stitches during each sweeping (either Zig-Zag or running stitch type). This value impacts on the design’s density and the number of stitches the design has. In the following figures you can appreciate a design created with a spacing of 2, and the same design after applying a 0.5 spacing.
Cell width and height Size of the cells produced in each sweeping. Each cell corresponds to an area of the reference image and can be filled with Zig-Zag type stitches or running stitches, according to the color contrast in each part of the image. Increase or reduce these values according to the concentration of stitches you wish to obtain: the smaller these parameters are, the smaller cell width and bigger the design’s number of stitches.
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In the left figure observe the stitches when configuring a cell width with a 2 mm value. In the right figure you can appreciate the same design but with a cell width value of 0.9.
Color contrast According to the configuration define in this property and the base image color contrast, the application will associate tones with types of stitches, creating a sweeping in running stitches or Zig-Zag stitches in each sector of the photo area layer. From this options you can define the sensitivity the creation of stitches will have according to the different color contrasts of the image. Once you have created the stitches, the application will relate the brightness of each pixel in the image with a length, a density and a type of stitch. We will hereunder explain the controls and visualization elements of this box: 1) Gradient level visualization box, from maximum brightness to minimum brightness. 2) Relation slider control between types of stitches – brightness level. 3) Relation slider control between variation of Zig-Zag sweeping width – brightness level.
Image to Cross Stitch
Optional Feature
This option automatically creates a Cross Stitch-based design, according to the contours formed by the color count of the picture. Remember that the images to be used from this mode should not be less than 16 cm wide. From the stitches’ editor you will be able to modify the result obtained, since the application offers a complete editor of this type of stitches. Hereunder we will describe the sections of the corresponding window:
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The Ribbon CrossStitch have: (1) Control panel of cells, (2) Control panel of Size, (3) Needle and Colors, (4) Generation button, (5) Edition tools (selection), (6) Clipboard tools (undo and redo), (7) Drawing toolbar, (8) Fill mode option, (9) View, (10) Accept and return to main window. At the bottom of X-Stitch window is the status bar which displays design’s information.
When the main view shows the stitches that represent the reference image, you will be able to edit them: delete stitches, insert them, change their color, etc. Once you have finished the operation, press the Return button so that the result is displayed in Stitch ERA’s working area
Operating mode The working area contains boxes with a network pattern. From the different drawing tools you can work on them to apply either Cross stitches or back stitches. These back stitches insert stitches by the borderline of the boxes. Observe these two types of stitches in the right figure.
Color selection From the boxes up to the color bar you can visualize the colors defined as primary and secondary. In order to establish the foreground color, click on the desired color box. This color will be used for lines, shape borders and text. It is represented by the upper square (i.e. it is “over” the square with the background color). In order to establish the background color, right-click on the desired color, which will be used to fill the inside of the closed shapes. The background color replaces the image area that was either cut or moved. It is represented by the lower square (i.e. it is “under the square of the main color).
Drawing tools Use the different tools in the drawing bar to draw the finishing of the design. Such tools are explained hereunder: Select Rectangle: It is used to enclose part of a design within a rectangle, to copy it, move it or work on it. Select Area: From here, you can define the mode for working on all of the design’s elements (default operation mode), either on the stitches only or on the borderline only (back stitches)
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Pen and Line: It is used to draw or create straight lines. Depending on the button you press, right or left, it will take the color of the foreground or background. In order to choose the thickness of the line, select any of the Line options from the Fill Mode box (A). Rectangle, Ellipse and Polygon: They are used to draw geometric lines. With the left button, you select the foreground color and with the right button you select the background. For the filled or empty option, select any of the alternatives presented in the Fill Mode box (B). (A)
(B)
Font: Used to introduce a text. When activated, the window where you have to introduce the text, font, size, etc pops up. This is similar to any Windows application that allows the insertion of texts. Fill with Color: It is used to refill a sector with stitches or make a selection with the same color. Depending whether you press the left or right button, it will take the color of the foreground or the background. Fill with Eraser: It is used to delete an area with stitches or a selection of stitches with the same color. Pick Color: It picks colors from a design; for this to happen you have to click on the stitches chosen. Clicking on the left mouse button you select the foreground color and clicking on the right mouse button, you select the foreground. Stitches type: From the list choose the type of stitches; there are three options: Cross stitch or borderline (back stitches) diagonal or stepped, being these two last ones different ways to work on the borderline of the boxes. The difference on the borderline between the two types of traces, is the way in which stitches behave when creating slant lines. The two possible options are diagonal or stepped. Eraser: From here, choose the size of the stitch eraser.
Stitch from Vector
Available for Stitch ERA Liberty and Universal
Stitch ERA allows you to convert all types of vector-based into a section, thus simplifying the creation process. Before to create a section you have to define if Stitch from Vector tool works in Automatic or Assisted mode.
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In Automatic mode, the system will put automatically the Entry&Exit Point and Direction Node. In Assisted mode: you will put manually this elements after creating a section. Once you have chosen the work mode, select a vector to create a stitch section, them choose one of the three options for Stitch from vector: • • •
Vector to area section Vector to Path section Vector to Predefined Style
Create Area You have 15 filled-type area. Simply select the vector and then filling it wants to implement. Look the examples, in the first it has implemented Area Pattern, in the second Elastic Pattern, both on predefine vectors shapes.
Create Path You have seven filled-type path. In the same way, select the vector and them select the path you want to implement. Look the example, it has implemented Path with Zig-Zag on predefine vectors shapes.
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Using Styles Stitch ERA provides predefine path and area sections styles. Look at this samples, both are make Path Styles.
Also, Stitch ERA has many predefined Styles you can use just clicking on them. Figures below show a couple of examples.
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Basic Manual Digitizing Contents: Types of sections......................................................................................... 3 Creating sections............................................................................. 3 Stitches ...................................................................................... Paths ......................................................................................... Areas ......................................................................................... Columns ..................................................................................... Section elements .............................................................................
3 4 5 6 6
Nodes......................................................................................... 7 Operating with nodes.................................................................... 9 Node colors ................................................................................11 Other node properties..................................................................11 Using the node handles ................................................................13 Basic Elements...............................................................................16 Directions ..................................................................................17 Entry and Exit points ...................................................................17 Holes ........................................................................................18 Advanced elements.........................................................................19 Emboss Line ...............................................................................19 Cut Lines ...................................................................................20 Basic Section Filling ....................................................................................21 Path .............................................................................................21 Example: Digitizing a Path Section ....................................................22 Column .........................................................................................23 Example: Digitizing a Column Section................................................23 Area .............................................................................................24 Pattern ......................................................................................24 Applique ....................................................................................24
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Zig-Zag .....................................................................................25 E Stitch......................................................................................25 Example: Digitizing an Area Section ..................................................25 Adjustment & Compensation ............................................................29 Underlay ....................................................................................29 Pull Compensation .......................................................................29 Short Stitches.............................................................................29 Borderline......................................................................................30 Blocks .......................................................................................................30 Selecting blocks..............................................................................31 Select All ...................................................................................31 Unselect objects..........................................................................31 More .........................................................................................31 Block using Ctrl key .....................................................................33 Select a range ............................................................................33 Block functions ...........................................................................34 Block Scale and Rotation..................................................................35 Accurate Scaling and Rotation .......................................................36 Rescale......................................................................................37 Align Angle.................................................................................37 Rotate & Mirror ...........................................................................38 Repetitions ....................................................................................39 Duplicate ...................................................................................39 Circle Repetitions ........................................................................39 Kaleidoscope Repetitions ..............................................................40 Curve Repetitions ........................................................................40 Matrix Repetitions .......................................................................41 Alignment......................................................................................42 Object to Object..........................................................................42 Object to design..........................................................................42
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Types of sections The creation tools are used to create the different types of sections available in the application; each of them has its own properties and characteristics. The choice of tool to be used depends on the characteristics of the figure to be created and the desired type of stitch. All the tools described hereunder will allow you to trace the basic shapes of the sections that, together with some basic properties (such as color, pattern type, etc.), define the way in which Stitch ERA will create the stitches. Note: In general, the creation tools have similar (not the same) characteristics between them. However, each creation tool has some peculiarities. For example: the only case in which you can create open figures is if you use the Path tool, on the other hand, in the case of Column type sections, you should always insert pairs of nodes to create the section.
Creating sections
Available for Stitch ERA Lite, Liberty and Universal
In order to create sections activate the creation mode by clicking the corresponding button in the toolbar. From the Ribbon > Insert, you can access a series of drop down boxes; these group the several creation tools available in the application: Paths, Columns, Areas, Stitches, Lettering, Monogramming, etc. Drop down the options of any of the boxes by clicking on one; and choose the type of stitch desired for the section from the options shown in that box. Then define the section’s geometry in the working area. This working method is known as manual trace method.
Stitches Some elements… Needle points (from 1 to 7 in right figure)
Used for... Manual stitch creation. Each node represents a needle pick. This creation tool is only used in those cases where it is necessary to insert stitches manually.
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Description It is a sequence of nodes that form a section. Each node has its corresponding stitch. In order to insert stitches manually, first click in the Create Stitch button in the toolbar. Then, make the stitches in the area of the design by clicking each place you wish to have a stitch. Once you have finished the job with this tool, press the Enter key or select Confirm from the context menu. When you select a stitch from the edition mode you can apply the Add Stitch, Insert Stitch and Delete Stitch commands.
Paths Some elements… Main reference (nodes from 1 to 6) Entry point (7) Exit point (8)
Used for… The creation of open or close sections as from the tracing of a linear sequence of nodes that serve as reference. They can be straight or curved.
Description A Path is a continuous sequence of nodes in line. In order to create a Path type section, click on the Path button of the ribbon. Then create the nodes that will be the main reference of the Path. You can define the entry and exit points, if you wish. Remember that Stitch ERA automatically defines the first node as entry point and the last as exit point, should you forget to input such points.
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Areas
Some elements… Main reference (nodes from 1 to 7) Entry point (8) Exit point (9) Split lines (10 to 12) Several direction lines (13-14 and 15-16), although for some geometric shapes or for certain types of stitches the application will only recognize the first direction created or none of them. Holes (nodes from 17 to 19) Variable density lines In the case of an Auto fill section, subsections may appear. These mark the cut lines.
Used for… The creation of a sequence of nodes that, laid out in a line, form a close figure, thus defining the geometry of the section. This creation tool allows you to capture close areas of any shape and appearance, without the limitations and restrictions that the Column type sections present.
Description In order to capture an Area type section you must enter the outline nodes (or main reference) and confirm the operation. After defining the section shape, you have the possibility of entering both the entry and exit points and other elements (directions, split lines, holes) from the Ribbon> Elements box or from context menu. If you do not do so, Stitch ERA applies a direction and an entry and exit point automatically. Areas can have multiple direction lines or several split lines and holes; Stitch ERA will automatically find the best way to fill it completely. If the section has one or more holes, only the first direction created will be active.
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Columns
Some elements… Main reference (vectors from 1 to 8) Entry point (9) Exit point (10) Split lines Variable density lines
Used for… The creation of sections through the tracing of node pairs that act in a combined way to define the section. A section of this type is formed by at least two node pairs.
Description In a Column type section, the main reference is formed by guides. These are defined by sequences of node pairs, and establish directions within the column. These guides define both the section’s geometry and the direction of the fill stitches. In only one step you define graphically the shape of the section and the direction of the stitches. Once you have defined the section shape, you have the possibility to enter the entry and exit points; in case you do not do so Stitch ERA will apply them automatically.
Direction in column type sections In the following diagram you can observe three examples of Column type sections. We have highlighted these directions for a better understanding.
Section elements Before getting deeper into the section creation arena, we will study some of the basics of design production with Stitch ERA. 8–6
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Nodes Section main reference In all the tracing methods we try to establish section references that form the section’s figure. This is known as main reference of the section, and it is formed by a sequence of points called nodes. The nodes are points which are connected by a line that delimits the shape of the section.
Open or close shapes If the first node does not join with the last node of the section, we are talking about an open shape. But, if these two nodes are connected between themselves, you are in presence of a close shape.
In the right figure, the arrows indicate each of the section’s nodes. Please note that the nodes are connected between themselves by a line. This line establishes the geometric shape of the section. The figure shown is an open section which corresponds to Path type sections.
In the right figure please observe the same section, but note that now the start and end nodes are joined. This section is close. The close shapes can be Path, Column or Area type sections.
Use the Close function for the application to automatically close an open section. Do the opposite in order to open a Path type section already closed. Apply these commands selecting one of the nodes, opening the context menu and clicking on the Open function.
Curve types: Circular arcs or Bezier When tracing manually you can specify two working modes: according to which one you choose, their behavior will be different. Basically, we can say that with the working mode with curves known as Circular Arcs, it will be easier for you to capture geometric shapes, although it generally requires the insertion of more nodes. Being this the application’s working method by default; we will take this creation method for the examples shown throughout this manual. At the same time, the working mode with Bézier curves, even if it requires a better command when capturing shapes, allow you to reduce the number of nodes that form the geometry of a section. Therefore, it is the recommended method for those users who
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normally work on design with vector-based applications that use this type of curves (for example, CorelDraw®). You can modify the default type of curve from the sequence Home Ribbon > System > Options & Preferences > Create & Edit > General > Curves type item.
Example: Digitizing using circular arc curves Before making any capture, you have to decide which creation tool is convenient for you to produce each of the sections. Choose the creation tool, (Path, Column or Area) that better adjusts to the result you want to achieve. Once you have done this, you must only create the nodes in the design area, forming the figure that you wish for the section. In the following model you will see, step by step, the basic tips in order to make a circular section, with the Path with running-stitch creation tool.
For this example, the Curved and Normal modes must be activated. Note: If these properties are in a mode different to the proposed, you will not be able to create circular shapes unless you press the Shift key. Observe the state of the corresponding buttons in the toolbar. If it is necessary, modify them clicking on them. While you insert nodes, Stitch ERA will connect them with straight or curved lines, according to the modes defined.
You will form the figure with the color selected in the color bar. If you have not defined any other color, it will create sections in red by default. 1) Go to the ribbon and select Path, choose the Running stitch fill type mode. 2) Click in the design area (point 1 in the left figure). In this way you create the first node of the section. When making a second click in another place of the design area (point 2) you create another node and a line will connect both nodes. 3) Continue inserting nodes (3 and 4) 4) Approach the mouse pointer to the first node created. Note that this changes its shape to indicate you that the figure closes. 5) Produce a close figure by clicking near the first node created (5 in the right figure) Once the figure has been defined, press the Enter key. You can also click with the right button of the mouse, and choose the Confirm option of the context menu.
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Note: When defining the geometric figure of the section (that is to say, when inserting the nodes) you have the possibility to delete the last node generated. For this to happen, press the Back key. If you press that key several times, you will see that the inserted nodes disappear one by one, according to their creation order. As you insert the necessary nodes to define the section’s geometry (that is, before Confirming the new section), it is possible that you wish to modify the position of the nodes entered. Then, remember the function of the Back key.
Operating with nodes The following properties determine the trajectory that the line that goes through the node will have, both in the Bézier curves and the Circular Arcs. The type of nodes that form the figure of a section conditions its geometric shape. Straight Type: Represented by square nodes. Normal Type: Represented by white nodes.
Curve Type: Represented by circular nodes. Corner Type: Represented by light blue nodes.
Toggling between Straight and Curved In order to toggle between the straight / curved mode in the middle of the creation of a section press the Shift key before creating a node. For example, if the activated mode is the Straight, while you keep the Shift key pressed the mode changes to Curve. You can also modify the mode of a section already created. To do so, select one or mode nodes and toggle between straight or curved nodes from the buttons in the ribbon. This will modify the state of the node.
Examples: You can make sections combining different types of nodes. In the following figures, the variation between sections is given by the configuration of their nodes properties (straight or curved). Section formed by Straight Nodes
Section formed by Curved Nodes
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Section formed by the combination of Curved and Straight Nodes
Normal / Corner property When you define a node as Corner, you not only determine the geometry of the figure (the node should form a border with acute angles), but also you will apply stitches specially prepared to fill that section with stitches that will adjust well to the corner’s shapes. Note: For what was previously said, this property not only determines the geometric shape of the trace created, but also determines the way in which the filling of the section will be made. Remember this issue always, since it is unnecessary to take into account the Normal /Corner property when working with Bezier curves (considering that in this capture method you can easily generate the shape of a corner without toggling any command), but the application will have difficulties when trying to fill the stitches of such section area.
Toggling between Normal and Corner You can toggle between the Normal / Corner modes while you define the shape of the section. Use the Ctrl key to do so. For example, if the Normal mode is activated, while you keep the Ctrl key pressed, the mode changes momentarily to Corner.
Example: In the following section we will use a Path with curved nodes. We will modify the mode of one of its nodes to appreciate the result.
Section formed by Normal Nodes (a). In these types of nodes, the corresponding button on the toolbar appears deactivated.
The right figure shows a section formed by the combination of Normal Nodes (a) and a Corner type Node (b). In the corner nodes, the corresponding button on the toolbar appears activated.
Observe that the following figures have different types of nodes (a, b and c). These correspond to:
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a) Straight / Normal b) Curves / Normal c) Curves / Corner In order to create the examples shown, we used a Running Stitch Path.
Node colors Through the color assigned to the different types of nodes, Stitch ERA will help you visualize the elements of the design during all the working stages. Nodes that belong to the section’s outlines are white in the case of normal nodes or light blue for the corner nodes, whether curved or straight. Curved nodes: circular figures. Straight nodes: square figures. Cut lines: square figures.
Other elements are also represented with highlighted points, such as:
The direction lines nodes are yellow. The entry point is a green diamond. The exit point is a red diamond. The cut lines nodes are blue.
Other node properties More configuration and node edition options are available from the context menu, the toolbar or the toolbox panel, by clicking on the right mouse button while having at least one node selected.
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If you have selected only one node when activating a function, this will only be applied to that node. However, you may also activate a function on the group of nodes previously selected. There are three modes available for the corner type nodes placed in the main outlines. The Corner Swept option is active by default. You can configure different corner types, mainly Zigzag Paths or Columns, E stitch and some patterns. Remember that if you are not working over a corner, these modes are disabled. Observe the list hereunder, where you will find the available functions when selecting nodes. Bear in mind that if you have several nodes marked, it may be possible that some of these options do not appear. Insert nodes This function allows you to insert a node between the one selected and the previous one. The new node is located halfway between them and has the same features of the selected one. This function is available when you have selected only one node. Add node This command is used to add several nodes to a reference. The added nodes will appear before the selected node and are captured by the mouse pointer (i.e.: they move with it) until you click to fix their position. Delete nodes This operation deletes the selected nodes from the reference. Another way of deleting nodes is by pressing the Delete key, thus achieving the same result over the selected nodes. Rotate elements Allows you to rotate the figure from the selected node. After selecting this command, mark the node and rotate it. Corners > Corner Swept
This is the default option for grouping the stitches in the corners. On the right figure you can observe that the stitches type (zigzag in this case) stretch to form the outliner, producing some parts with high density stitches.
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Corners > Corner Mitered
In this mode, the stitches type of the section is split in the vertex of the corner. In the right figure, you can observe that the stitches’ density shown in the previous figure has disappeared. Corners > Corner Capped
In this type of corners, stitches tend to be perpendicular to the corner, such as shown on the right figure. Also, the stitch density in this kind of corner is not very high.
Corners > Auto Corner
Activate this option whenever you wish the application to set by default the corner type assigned to a node. Open and Close These options allow you to modify the selected section, opening or closing a figure. Node Properties It opens the Node Properties dialog box. This option is very useful to define certain features such as the exact node coordinates, whether the node is straight or curve, and the corner model if it is a node of this type.
Note: When you are editing nodes of a Split Line or Variable Density Points, the Edit, Delete, Insert and Add commands may show slightly different names, however, its operation mode is identical to the one described for the outline nodes.
Using the node handles Both for the creation (whether with Bezier or Circular Arcs curves) and edition of outlines and sections of references, you have shape control elements known as handles. The handles are little control points associated to each node that allow you to define the angle slant of the line that passes through them.
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A node can have one, two or no handles, depending on its properties (Straight / Curved and Normal / Corner).
Handles in Circular Arcs curves: Normal and Curved Nodes These nodes have two symmetric and aligned handles. If you drag one of them, the other one will move symmetrically. When moving any of the handles, the other one also displaces, accompanying its movements. That allows you to adjust the geometry to both sides keeping the smoothness of the curvature.
Handles in Circular Arcs curves: Corner and Curved Nodes Nodes defined as corner have handles that are not aligned, that is, they are not 180º apart from each other. Please note in the right figure that the angle formed by both handles is acute.
Example of handle edition In a normal node (with two handles) both keep aligned and of a fixed length maintaining the smoothness of the curvature. Please note the result of dragging a handle in the left figure.
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However, to modify only one of the handles, drag it while keeping the Ctrl key pressed. Note that only this handle changes direction and the node turn into Corner mode (right figure). You can define the direction of the handles when creating the outlines of the section. If at the moment of clicking to locate a node you drag the mouse (without releasing its left button), a handle moves in the direction of the dragging. Its angle is set when releasing the button.
States of the handle in Circular Arcs Handles have two states: Free When the user did not change the angle of the handle. The end’s control point appears in white.
Fixed The user has changed the natural angle of the handle and the segment now responds to this change. The end’s control point appears in violet.
Each handle has a control point in the end. On the left figure these are the two points marked as (a), and a control point in the middle of the handle, that corresponds to the two points marked as (b). The end point (a) can be dragged to modify the direction of the handle. The point located in the middle (b) allows you to re-establish the handle to its original situation.
Each time you drag a handle, it turns to a fixed state. If you click on the control located at the middle of the segment, the handle re-establishes, turning to its free state.
Handles in Bezier curves When you work in this mode, you have the possibility to freely displace the handles (both in the edition of a section and at the same time of the trace), making the geometry of the figure curve according to the direction set to the handles. Thus, it is easy to define the shape of the section at the same time you create the outline. For this to happen, drag the mouse without releasing its left button at the same time you click to place a node, the slant and length of the handle will be fixed when releasing the button. In the Bezier curves the handles are modified, enlarged and rotate around their node. Nodes can be symmetric (default mode) or asymmetric.
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Types of handles in Bezier nodes In the Bezier mode the handles behave on the basis of two guidelines. As an example, in the next figures we will apply both types of handles to the upper node of the section in order to observe the results.
Symmetric Curves: This is the default mode of the handles, both are always aligned. It is possible to modify both the length of the handles and the slant; however, the two handles will always keep the same length and opposite direction. On the right figure, note that when varying the length of one handle the other will also vary, taking the same length but opposite direction. Both handles are always 180º.
Asymmetric Curves: This mode allows you to change both the alignment and the length of one of the handles, without modifying the length or slant of the other one. For this, select it and drag it while you keep the Ctrl key pressed. Note in the right figure that only that handle changes the direction. According to the angle the two handles acquire, the node may automatically take the corner mode.
Basic Elements Next you will find information on several elements that form part of the sections. Generally you will be able to access them from the ribbon when creating the section. Some of them will be available from the context menu or the ribbon.
Deleting components of the section In order to edit the shape or position of any of these elements place the mouse pointer near one of its nodes or points. When the arrow of the mouse is over it you will see that a small icon appears at the side of the pointer. This icon will indicate that an element will be selected on the first mouse click. If you wish to delete an element, select it and activate the Delete Element function from the context menu.
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Directions The direction is the element that indicates the orientation of the stitches that fill the section. From the Main working window, the direction corresponds to a line that has yellow square points on its sides. The stitches that form the section are applied following the orientation set by the direction line(s). If the section has only one direction, stitches are generated parallel to it. If the section has several directions, the stitches will adapt to all of them, covering the entire section. In the Path type sections, the directions are annulled. But, in the Column type sections directions are determined at the time of creating its geometric figure. On the other hand, an Area can generally support one or more directions. It is possible to insert these elements at the same time you create the section, after tracing the shape of the section and before confirming its creation select Direction from the ribbon, click a couple of times to define the direction’s location, then confirm the creation of the section from the context menu.
Directions in Areas When creating Area sections, if you do not define a direction the application will insert one automatically. It is also possible to insert several directions if the type of stitch chosen and the geometric shape of the section allows it. In certain geometric shapes, for example in big size areas or with holes, the sections will support only one direction. Also, some types of fill do not support more than one direction. When you insert several directions in a section that only supports one, the application will only take into account the first direction traced. Bear in mind that some fill types do not support any direction (Spiral, texture, Photo, Appliqué), and other fills only support the first direction created (Cross stitch and Sequin). Also, the sections with complex shapes or holes may only have one direction, independently of their fill. Note: Both the geometric shape of the section and the type of stitches chosen for it, as well as the amount, layout and orientation of their directions, determine the right forming of an Area section. The fact that an Area type section can be covered continuously and without stitch concentrations depends on the shape of the section, the type of stitches chosen and the layout of the direction line(s).
Entry and Exit points The first section stitch is generated from a reference called entry point, since this element determines where in the section the thread will come in from. Likewise, the exit point defines the place by which the thread comes out of the section; the stitches end in the closest place to the exit point.
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The entry point is represented with a green diamond (a), while the exit point with a red one (b). While you are creating a section you can insert these elements; for this, trace the shape of the section and before confirming the creation select Entry Point from the context menu or the ribbon, and click where you wish to place this reference. Follow the same steps with the exit point and then confirm the creation of the section. On the example of the left figure, you can see the representations of these elements in the shape of small diamonds.
If they are not defined manually at the time of creating sections, such elements are defined by the application, generally at the points closer to the ends of the sections. This entry and exit points are known as “defined by the application”.
Note: Every time you generate a design, the symbol will appear somewhere in it. Please note that all the designs have this mark. That symbol indicates the exact place where the last stitch for that design will be made. It always appears in the last section of the design sequence and is generally close to the exit point.
You can relocate the place of the entry and exit points of the sections. The possibilities are:
By user The user assigns manually the location of those points. You can drag the entry and exit points to place them in another location, but in the case that these are located over a node, you will have difficulties to drag them, since you will tend to drag the node. To solve this problem, press the Alt key to drag the point in question, ignoring the node.
Optimized by the system The system connects the sections by the closest point. When the property indicates Optimized, in the Connections & Functions tab of the Object Inspector, the application assesses which is the most convenient position in order to achieve a close connection between the consecutive sections.
Holes It is a closed path that can be included inside the main reference of the Area type sections. According to the properties that are assigned, the hole can be: 1) Empty: there is no thread in it. 2) Zig-Zag type: has a Zig-Zag fill, covering the entire surface. 8 – 18
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3) Pattern: A pattern is produced in the hole, and it can be different to the one applied to the main reference.
In the design of the figure, observe the section that forms the right wing of the butterfly. It contains three empty holes (1, 2 and 3), while the section of the left wing has two holes with pattern (4 and 5)
You can insert all the holes you want. The nodes of the outline of the hole have the same characteristics than the ones of the main reference (you can define curve or straight and normal or corner)
The hole can be empty or can be filled with another pattern, when this option is available. When you insert the first hole in a section with several directions, the first direction created will be the only one active. In order to insert holes in a section, select the Hole command from the context menu or the ribbon, and click repeatedly inside the section, where you wish to place the hole. Take into account the following considerations: If you insert more than one hole and they intercross (that is, have an area in common), you obtain the equivalent to a hole formed by the joint of each one. When finishing the insertion of a hole, the first and last node automatically joins, closing it. In order to define the properties of the hole’s nodes, activate the straight or curved modes using the Shift key, or predetermining the property from the ribbon buttons. You can also toggle between the Normal and Corner modes.
Advanced elements
Available for Stitch ERA Liberty and Universal
Emboss Line Produce new needle marks inside the reference, that is, define a trace over which the penetration of the needle is forced. Observe in the following figures that the marks produced by the split line, (highlighted in the first figure) make a split effect in the embroidery, interrupting the continuity of the fill.
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The split line nodes have the same characteristics (straight / curve, normal / corner) than the main reference nodes. You can insert all the split lines you wish. For this, activate the Split line command after tracing the section’s figure; you can select this function from the context menu or the ribbon, then click several times inside the main reference of the section.
Cut Lines The cut lines are two blue dots joined by a line that goes through the main reference which divides the section in two, thus creating a subsection within a same section. The area limited by the specified outline (and the holes, if necessary) will be filled with the type of stitches the application judges more appropriate for its geometrical shape, choosing among Zig-Zag areas and pattern type stitch areas.
Auto-Fill type sections automatically insert cut lines according to the geometry of the main reference. In the lower figures observe three examples of auto fill sections. Take into account that you can insert more than one cut line per section.
In order to apply a cut line when creating a section, trace the main reference, from the ribbon or from the context menu, select Cut Line and insert, inside the section area, a pair of nodes for each cut line you wish to create. To finish, open the context menu and select Process & Confirm (Ctrl + Enter).
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Cut Line and Direction A cut line can, also, influence the orientation of stitches as if they were direction lines. For this to happen, edit the cut line by clicking on one of its blue nodes. A round yellow dot appears at the side of the node (shown in the left figure); when clicking on it you will modify the cut line attribute, also turning it into a direction line. This will result in stitches of the subsection oriented according to the cut line direction. You can specify a cut line to also be a direction line from the very beginning of the section. To do so, create cut lines but pressing the Shift key.
Basic Section Filling Path The Path type sections may contain different stitches types, which are listed below:
Manual Stitch
Running Stitch
Main property: Color
Main properties: Color, running stitch type length, stitches repetitions, short or long steps, adjustment of stitches in between references, etc.
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Zig-Zag
E Stitch
Main properties: Color, stitches density, column width, random effect, centered, regular type or Z type, stitches compensation, short or mid stitch, split stitch, etc.
Main properties: Color, type, stitch density, column width, centered on the artwork, jagged edge, random effect, pull compensation, split stitch.
Example: Digitizing a Path Section 1) Select the Path creation tool. 2) Verify that the Curved button is activated, in order to produce curved nodes. 3) Verify that the Normal button is activated, in order to produce normal nodes. 4) Then, enter the following sequence of nodes. 5) Click on the design’s area for the first node 1 to 5, following the suggested shape. 6) When creating node 6, do not forget to press the Ctrl key for a corner node. 7) When creating nodes 7 and 8 do not release the Ctrl key and also press the Shift key, in this way you create a straight and a corner node. 8) Release the keys before creating node 9. 9) Continue the sequence as shown in the figure, up to node 12. 10) For node 13, press the Ctrl. key, you will create a straight corner. 8 – 22
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11) For nodes 14 and 15, click on Shift to create straight nodes. 12) Go to the context menu and click on Confirm, or press the Enter key. Create the new stitches by pressing F9.
Column In the next figures, the same section is shown but the stitch type is different. You can observe how the directions guide the stitches orientation in the different examples.
Zig-Zag Main properties: Color, density of stitches or spacing, normal type or Z type, random effect, width pull compensation, short or mid stitch, automatic stitches split.
E Stitch Main properties: Color, type (E, EE or square stitches), stitches density, jagged edge, random effect, width pull compensation, automatic stitches separation.
Example: Digitizing a Column Section You may define straight, curved, corner nodes, etc by working with the nodes properties. Besides, this type of section accepts split lines. You must proceed as follows: 1) Select the Column creation tool. 2) Verify that the Curved button is activated in order to produce curve nodes. 3)Verify that the Normal button is activated, in order to produce normal nodes. Then, enter the following sequence of nodes. 4) Enter the nodes 1 and 2, following the order and layout shown in the diagram. In this way, you would create the first pair of nodes. 5) Place the nodes 3 and 4 in the corresponding location. With this second pair of nodes, the column begins to take shape.5) Enter node 5, press the Ctrl key while laying out point 6 (corner) and then release this key 6) Insert the nodes pair 7 and 8, then 9 and 10. 8 - 23
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7) Insert the start (11) and end (12) points. 8) Go to the context menu or ribbon and click on Confirm or press Enter. Then, create new stitches by pressing ctrl+F9.
Area Hereunder, we will describe the different fill types with their most important properties. Bear in mind that obtaining a good result depends on your knowledge of the different fill types and their features.
Pattern
Main properties: Color, library pattern, spacing, fill, hole features, width pull compensation, avoid small width, outline free of stitches.
Description: It consists of a series of stitches that cover the entire section. The modification of certain parameters, such as the stitch length, angle or sequence, transforms the pattern aspect. This fill type is formed by patterns with different designs, generally geometric figures. Depending on the application level you have installed in your computer, you will be able to create your own patterns, customizing the design fills.
Applique
Main properties: Color, Reference, Cut enabled, running stitches, Zig-Zag.
Description: This type of stitches makes picks in the section’s outlines, and needs an additional fabric. This fabric is attached to the garment through the stitches produced in its outlines or borders, generally by means of Zig-Zag stitches.
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When creating this type of sections, you define the appliqué’s shape reproducing its geometry. When embroidering a section with this type of fill, the machine first applies an artwork, reproducing the figure with running stitches; then, it inserts a machine stop to allow the embroiderer layout the garment. Afterwards, you can proceed with the fastening embroidery. In the right figure, observe the result of working with an appliqué.
Zig-Zag
E Stitch
Main properties: Color, stitches density or spacing, regular type or Z type, random effect, width pull compensation, short or mid stitch, automatic stitches separation, variable density drawing, with a Zig-Zag stitch length.
Main properties: Color, stitch type (E, EE or Square), stitches density or spacing, jagged edge of the E stitch, random effect, width pull compensation, automatic stitches separation.
Description: As the Zig-Zag fill is one of the most commonly used stitches type. As for the E stitch, it is similar to the Zig-Zag stitch, sharing many of the properties. On the other hand, you must remember that when modifying the type you can obtain EE stitches or Square stitches, changing considerably the final aspect of the section.
Example: Digitizing an Area Section You may use the straight, curved, normal and corner properties to give the desired shape to the outline of an area section; this type of section also admits Emboss Line,
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except for the Texture fill type. If you do not do so, Stitch ERA will automatically fix the start and end points and at least one direction.
Considerations for the capture During the creation of area sections, you should take into account some necessary requirements, since there are certain conditions to be met. You should bear in mind the following points: It is recommended that the direction line(s) cut the outline at list in one point. The outline does not have to cross over itself. When entering two or more direction lines, these lines do not have to intercept within the section. When entering two or more direction lines, observe that they do not force the stitches to rotate more than 180°. If you need to produce an effect of this type, add a middle direction line. The order you follow to create the stitches that define a direction is not important. When designing an area type section you must enter the nodes that define the area’s outline or the main artwork, and then insert holes, split lines, directions, etc. If you do not enter at least one direction line, a horizontal direction line will be automatically inserted. In the same way, if you do not insert the start and end points manually, these points will appear directly in the first and last node of the main artwork. Note: Remember that you access to the selected section properties from the Ribbon or deeper from the Object Inspector, and from there you can change the values.
Correct Section Observe that the following figures answer to all the requirements for the correct geometry of the sections in an Area section.
Incorrect Section In the first figure below, observe that the outline crosses over itself. In the second figure, you can see that within the section, the two direction lines cross over each other.
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When creating a section such as the one shown in the right picture, a big concentration of stitches on the upper part occurs; this can lead to some inconveniences when embroidering the design. Observe that the directions contribute to the concentration of stitches.
Creating simple areas: 1) Select the Area creation tool. 2) Verify that the Curve button is activated in order to produce curved nodes. 3) Verify that the Normal node is activated, in order to produce normal nodes. Then, enter the following sequence of nodes: 4) Enter the graph’s node sequence by clicking on the design’s area from the first node (1 to 7) 5) From the context menu, select the Direction command and draw the line between points 8 and 9. Then draw the second direction line between points 10 and 11. 6) From the context menu, select the start point and click next to point 1. 7) Then select the end point (also from the context menu) and click next to point (4) 8) Click on Confirm from the ribbon or context menu or press Enter.
The section uses two directions. The second example shows the procedure to make a hole and how a split line is inserted.
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Example: Digitizing an Area Section with holes 1) Select the Area creation tool. 2) Verify that the Curve button is activated in order to produce curved nodes. 3) Verify that the Normal node is activated, in order to produce normal nodes. Then, enter the following sequence of nodes: 4) Enter nodes 1 and 2 in the sequence shown on the following figures. 5) In node 3, click on the Ctrl key 6) Follow the same steps for capture nodes 4, 5 and 6. 7) In node 7, click on the Ctrl key 8) Then enter nodes 8, 9 and 10
9) In order to capture node 11, click on the Ctrl key again 10) In nodes 12 and 13, press on Shift 11) In node 14, press both the Ctrl and Shift keys 12) Follow the sequence, capturing node 15. Finally, finish the figure returning to node 1. 13) Run the Holes command from the ribbon or from the context menu. Then, enter the nodes 16, 17, 18 and 19, which correspond to that hole. 14) Now, you can proceed to insert the direction, the start and end points and a split line. For this to happen, enter the following Sequence. 15) Open the context menu, select the Start and End point and click on an area close to point 22. Follow the same procedure with the End Point, placing it on point 23 in the figure. 16) Again, from the context menu, run Direction and click on 20 and 21. 17) Activate the context menu and choose Add Split Line, setting the nodes from 24 to 27. 18) Click on Confirm from the context menu or press Enter. Create stitches with ctrl + F9 key.
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Adjustment & Compensation
Available for Stitch ERA Liberty. Limited on Lite and Universal.
Sections have some properties like complex types of stitches. These properties are Underlay, Pull Compensation, Short Stitches or adjustment (to create stitches with the purpose of tightening the fabric thus avoiding deformation) and the Border (to produce stitches in the borderline of the section). All this adjustment are applied and configured from the Ribbon bar.
Underlay Some sections allow you to create automatically the stitches underlay. The underlay is used to tighten the fabric enough to avoid its deformation when the section is completed with the stitches of the main fill. If the parameters are the suitable ones, the stitches in the underlay stitches remain hidden under the main fill. Note: The fill properties of the base or underlay (including the underlay fill type) are found in the Underlay and Compensations tab in the Object Inspector. These properties are described in the chapter that refers to the Object Inspector.
Pull Compensation According to several factors, such as the stitch density, the type of fabric, the thread pull, etc., there could be fabric shrinks, causing visible variations in the stitches length. This group of properties has the purpose of correcting these defects. Basically, they make a stretching on the edges of the stitches.
Short Stitches Short Stitches allow you to compensate the lack and the heaps of stitches. This group of properties is very useful in zones of sharp curves (or differences in lengths) that leave as many spaces without thread as spaces with thread heaps. Even if the short stitches attributes are activated, they are only executed if the section being worked on really needs it. The Levels are the number of short stitches to be introduced when there is a sharp curve in any area of the section.
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Borderline Some sections allow the automatic creation of a path over its outline, producing stitches in the border of the section. This is a way of providing the section with a better finish than the standard one. When a section type has a main fill that allows you to use an automatic outline, the ribbon bar shows the Border box. This box contains the fill properties of the outline (including the fill type and color of the outline). The options for this fill type are similar to the options for a Path fill. Border with Zig-Zag
Blocks
Border with E stitch
Available for Stitch ERA Lite, Liberty and Universal
A block is a group of one or more vectors / sections that merge to be temporarily treated as a unit. You can use this type of edition to make, for example, the same modifications to a group of sections. Generally, this is necessary when there are several sections forming an only figure, such as explained below. The job sequence to create blocks is the following: 1) Select the sections or images that will form the block, from the Select Object mode. 2) Work on the block by using the necessary commands in the Ribbon Block to modify it (expand, rotate, etc.).
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3) Accept the modifications and unselect the block and save it. Stitch ERA highlights the sections included in the block with dotted lines. Then, modification points will appear in its corners and centers, surrounding the selected block.
On the figures you can see that the design has 6 sections. In the last figure, observe the frame that Stitch ERA displays after creating a block with all its sections.
Selecting blocks Select All If you wish to select all the sections of the active document, click on the Select All button Available in the Ribbon Block.
Unselect objects Use this command to unselect the active block.
More Select by Rectangle This selection mode corresponds to the dragging type selection. To make the selection, click on the Select by rectangle button and then create a rectangle enclosing the sections to be included.
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Select by Outline This tool enables you to mark several sections with the possibility to enclose elements within the selected area. The block is formed by all sections totally included within the area. Having pressed this button, click repeatedly around the sections to select. Press the Enter key to end the process. Observe in the next image how this tool was used to select the butterfly’s wing.
Select by Color This tool allows you to create a block with all the design sections that have the same color. Without making any selection click on Select by Color, and then click on any of the sections that have the desired color. A block with all the sections that share the same color is created. Select by Properties With this utility you create section blocks as from a selection based on the section type, the color and the stitch type. Stitch ERA forms a block with all the sections, which boxes have been checked. Afterwards, work on the block as you normally do. While activating this command a box similar to the figure below appears. The left window shows a tree with all the section types of the design. If you have already selected sections and wish to add elements to the selection by means of the Block Selection by Properties, check the Keep Current Section option, before clicking OK. Click on the [+] symbols on the left of each type, to open the branch corresponding to that type.
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In this way, you obtain a list with all the existing design types for that kind of section. In the same way, expanding the branch of every stitch type, you will find a numbered list of sections, along with the color that corresponds to each one. On the right side of the list, a group of checkboxes allow you to select in every tree level, from the most internal branch, that selects only a specific section, to the most external one, that selects all sections of a specific type. Invert Current Selection After creating a block with a group of sections of a design, use the command Edit > Invert Selection to obtain a block containing all the sections, except for those that were already selected. This command is only available when there is a block already defined.
Block using Ctrl key 1) With the Select Object mode 2) Click on the first section of the group that you wish to select 3) Keeping the Ctrl key pressed, click on each section that you want to add to the block.
In the same way that you can add new sections to the block by pressing the Ctrl key and clicking on the section you wish to include in the block; to remove a section already included, press Ctrl + and click on it. You can also work in a similar way with ranges of sections, using Shift + click.
Select a range A range of sections is a consecutive group of sections within the sequence of sections. You can select a range of sections to define a block; for this to happen: 1) Select the Select Object mode 2) Click on the first section of the chosen range. 3) While keeping the Shift key pressed, click on the last section of the chosen range.
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While In the selection of selecting a range of sections, the block will contain all the existing sections between the first to the last one selected, including both of them. Sections sequence of a design: It has to do with the order in which sections are created; the sections will be embroidered by following this same order. In other words, it is the order in which the group of stitches and controls are executed in the embroidery machine. Stitch ERA takes the order in which you create the sections as the design sequence.
Block functions It is possible to take some actions with a selected block, such as: copying it, to paste it in another document, delete it, etc. All this command operation are possible to use the by clipboard. The following operations are available from the Ribbon Home and they can also be reached from the context menu.
Delete Block Use this command to delete a group of sections without modifying the rest of the design. First of all, it is necessary to select a block. Then, access the context menu and click on the Delete Block button or press the Delete key.
Cut This command copies the block selected into the clipboard and deletes it from the current document without modifying the rest of the design. The block cut remains in the clipboard. Activate the command from the toolbar or click on Ctrl + X.
Copy This command copies the block into the clipboard, without altering the current design or deleting the original block. Click on the Copy command from the toolbar or click on Ctrl + C so that the clipboard holds the selected block. Then, paste it wherever you want.
Paste This command copies the clipboard content in the active document. To use this command, you must have previously copied or cut a block. Click on the Paste command. Paste in the toolbar or press the Ctrl + V keys.
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Paste in Place This command copies the clipboard content in the active document, but exactly in the same place of the copied object (original). Access this command from the Ribbon Home > Paste > Paste in Place. After pasting from the clipboard to the active document, it is possible that the block is not on the right place. Move the inserted block to the chosen place. To do so, place the mouse pointer inside the rectangle (the pointer will change its shape into a cross) and drag it. This does not modify the position of the block in the sequence, just its physical position.
Block Scale and Rotation
Available for Stitch ERA Liberty and Universal
Scaling is the variation of the block size. Basically there are two types of scaling: Proportional: It does not produce any deformation in the sections that form the block. Non proportional: It makes a size change of the block but with changes in the shape of the sections that form it.
Proportional scaling This function allows increasing or reducing the selected block size without changing its proportions (without deforming the design). In the right figure, it can be observed that while dragging any of the corners (A,C,E,G of the figure) outside the shape of the rectangle, a proportional expansion of the block took place, keeping the opposite corner in the same position. In the same way, if the corner is dragged towards the center of the rectangle a proportional compression takes place.
In the left figure, note that when making any change in the size of the block some values appear next to the mouse pointer. These values correspond to the modification percentage and the new sizes (height and width) of the block.
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When you release the mouse buttons, Stitch ERA will show the expanded or compressed block. Press Enter to confirm the modification. In the proportional scaling, by keeping the Shift key pressed when dragging one of the corners, you make a proportional expansion or compression but maintaining the center fixed instead of the appositive corner. This is very useful when you wish to change a block size keeping it in its place.
Non proportional scaling It allows you to change one of the block dimensions, horizontal or vertical, distorting it towards that direction. In the right figure, observe that while dragging the centers B and F towards the outside of the rectangle, an expansion in the horizontal axis occurs, keeping the opposite side in its place and maintaining the vertical size of the box.
If dragging towards the center of the rectangle, a compression in the horizontal axis occurs. In the same way, while dragging D and H, the block expands or compresses in its vertical axis and keeps the size of the horizontal axis. In the non proportional scaling, by keeping the Shift key pressed when dragging, you make a proportional expansion or compression maintaining the center position fixed (I). This is an useful option to increase or reduce one of the block dimensions keeping it in its place.
Accurate Scaling and Rotation The changes in Scaling and Rotation allow you to establish the size and slant of a block in a graphical and interactive way on the graphic view. In those cases where it is required to alter the dimensions or angle of a block in an accurate way, you count on these two tools to specify a block size or angle and then establish the value you wish to set.
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Rescale This tool allows you to make an accurate adjustment of a block size. To do so, please follow these instructions: 1) If necessary, use the Zoom level that allows viewing the block in detail. This action is highly recommended. 2) Select a block. Select Rescale toll from the Ribbon. Them click on a point in the block and drag it. Stitch ERA draws a line between the point and the pointer position. 3) Release the mouse buttons. The Block Scaling box will appear, allowing you to see the size of the drawn line and enter a new value. While clicking OK, the block will be scaled in such a way that the line drawn will have the new value you have chosen. You can also use the Width and Height commands to give the block an accurate size.
Align Angle In a similar way to Rescale, this tool allows you to accurately adjust a block’s angle. To use this tool, please proceed as follows: 1) Select the block and use the Align Angle tool from the Ribbon. 2) Click on a block point and drag towards another point (right figure). If you draw a perfect horizontal line with the Align Angle tool, the value shown in the New Angle of the Line window (from the Block rotation box) will be 0. You can achieve this by pressing the Ctrl key while drawing the line.
3) When releasing the mouse buttons, enter the new angle for the line drawn in the dialog box (right figure)
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Rotate & Mirror The mirror command is a modification of the design in order to invert the block from the left-right and right-left position (Vertical Mirror), and up-down and down-up position (Horizontal Mirroring). For this to happen, select those tools from Ribbon > Size and Shape box > Rotate/Mirror.
Rotate freely You can make a series of changes on the block by clicking and dragging the centers and corners. While doing so, it is sometimes necessary to capture a corner or center, for this to happen, move the mouse pointer onto the element to capture, for example, a corner. When the pointer is over the corner, the drawing will change its shape, and then you must drag the corner. To freely rotate a block, simply drag any of the corners keeping the Ctrl key pressed. The rotation is made around the central node (I). While releasing the mouse buttons, Stitch ERA shows the rotated block according to the chosen angle. The block dimensions are not altered when the above operation is completed.
Changing the position of the block axis You can alter the position of the central node before making a rotation. Remember that the central node is the element that acts as the block axis and is located in the center of the block (figure a). In this way, after modifying the central axis of the block, the figure rotates around the new axis position. For this to happen, you must do the following: 1) Place the pointer over the axis in the middle of the design, until the pointer changes the shape. 2) Press the Ctrl key and drag the figure. In doing so you move the axis of the block (b). While positioning the axis in the desired place, release it.
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3) After placing the axis in its new position, take any of the corners and rotate it with the Ctrl key pressed (c). Observe that the block rotates over the new rotation axis. 4) To finish the process, press the Enter key so that the block remains in its new place.
Repetitions
Available for Stitch ERA Liberty and Universal
The following functions allow you to duplicate one or more times the selected block. You can access these commands from the Ribbon Block or from the context menu.
Duplicate This command performs a copy and paste of the selected block in only one step. It always works on the active document.
Circle Repetitions Use this function in order to duplicate the block a certain number of times; the copies of the blocks will appear blended on the area of the circle. The duplicated blocks flow throughout the edge of the traced circle. You choose the number of blocks copied, the size of the circle and the slant angle. In order to work with this tool follow the steps explained hereunder, changing the values until obtaining the desired result: 1) Select a block, activate this function, and click on a point in the working area and drag without releasing the mouse button. A circle will be drawn on screen. When it has achieved the desired size, release the button of the mouse (figure 1).
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2) When you release the mouse button, the Radius box appears. Here define the number of repetitions, the radius of the circle and the angle (2). In order to visualize the result obtained before confirming the modifications, click on the Apply button. Once you are satisfied with the result, press OK.
The result obtained will appear in the design document together with the original block. Take into account that when you uncheck the Rotate item, the duplicated blocks will remain vertical among each other.
Kaleidoscope Repetitions This tool also produces a circular repetitions but lets you control the size and position of all the repeated objects by manipulating just a couple of grips. Observe en la figura los puntos de desplazamiento, ellos modificarán la relación de los bloques con el centro del círculo de referencia. Size Grip: dragg this control to resize all the objects of the repetition simultaneously and using the same scale factor. Position Grip: use this control to move all the objects at the same time regarding the center of the repetition.
Curve Repetitions Use this function in order to duplicate the block a certain number of times; the copies of the block will appear blended over the curve area you traced. The duplicated blocks flow throughout the traced line. You choose the number of blocks copied, the baseline and the position of the blocks regarding the baseline, measured in percentage. In order to work with this tool follow the steps explained hereunder: 8 – 40
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1) Select a block, activate this function, click several times on the working area; in each mouse click you will insert a node. You can create curved or straight nodes by clicking on the Shift and Ctrl keys respectively. Press the Enter key when you have defined the baseline; the box shown in the figure will appear. 2) In the Radial box define the number of repetitions, the position and whether they rotate or not throughout the baseline.
Observe the figures above. In the first figure Repetition was set to 0% Position, in the second figure the Position value is 50%, while in the third figure the value is 100%.
Matrix Repetitions Use this function in order to duplicate the block a certain number of times; the copies of the block will appear adjusted to a mold in the shape of cells. The duplicated blocks adapt to each matrix cell. You define the number of rows, columns and the horizontal and vertical distance from the matrix cells. In order to work with this tool follow the steps explained hereunder: 1) Select a block and activate this function. The figure shown in the right will appear. 2) In the Matrix box define the number of rows and columns and the distance between them.
When you accept the values entered, the result will appear in the working area; the block will be reproduced a certain number of times depending on the values entered. In the example of the left figure we have applied this transformation defining a number of rows equal to 3, while the Columns value corresponds to 6.
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Alignment
Available for Stitch ERA Liberty and Universal
Also, in the block context menu or from the Ribbon there is a group of alignment tools available. These utilities are divided into two groups: Object to Object Object to Design
Object to Object Allows you to align the block sections to left, right, top, bottom and center in both axis or in either of the two. The alignment function considers the section which is closer to the left, right, upper or lower borders or the maximum size in order to perform the corresponding alignments. On the next figures you can see a block which is aligned to the left (a), top (b) and centered (c).
Object to design This function allows you to place the block on the left, right, top, bottom or center, in both directions or in either of the two. These tools do not alter the position of the sections inside the block; instead, they move the whole block. In the figures below, you can observe a block of two sections inside a bigger design (a), then, a block with an alignment to the right side (b), centered (c) and finally, to the bottom side (d).
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Alignment example: In example (1), the center of the circular section is in the origin of the design. Using the Edit Block tool, a block with its three internal sections was created (2).
Then, the Align Top command was applied (3). Finally, the block was centered according to the design (4) using the Align Centered command.
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Object Manager Content: The Object Manager ..................................................................................... 3 Groups, Packs & Branched Packs ....................................................... 3 Select and Drag-Drop in the Object Tree ......................................... 4 Style Gallery ............................................................................................... 4 The Object Inspector.................................................................................... 6 Tabs Properties............................................................................ 6 Body.............................................................................................. 6 Stitch Fill - General Properties........................................................ 7 Hole ........................................................................................... 8 Available properties according to stitch types....................................... 9 Properties for Running Stitch fill type .............................................. 9 Properties for Zig-Zag Stitch fill types ............................................10 Properties for E Stitches Stitch fill types .........................................11 Properties for Programmable Stitches fill types ................................12 Properties for Elastic Programmable Stitch fill types .........................15 Properties for Pattern fill types ......................................................15 Properties for Cross Stitch fill type .................................................16 Properties for Texture fill type .......................................................16 Properties for Sequin fill type ........................................................18 Properties for Appliqué fill type......................................................21 Properties for Radial fill type .........................................................23 Properties for Chenille fill type ......................................................23 Properties for Fur fill type .............................................................25 Properties for Macros fill types ......................................................25 Adjustment & Compensation ............................................................26 Adjust to curve ...........................................................................26 Corner compensation...................................................................27 Underlay....................................................................................27
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Stitch effects..................................................................................37 Connections & Functions...............................................................42 Borderline......................................................................................43 More .............................................................................................44 Size & Order...............................................................................44 Connections & Functions...............................................................45 Object Inspector Expertise Level .......................................................47
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In this chapter we will review the different properties the sections have, taking into account the different types of stitches available for each one, since you can access the properties related to any object located in Stitch ERA design’s area from the Object Manager. These properties are organized in the Object Tree, Style Gallery and Object Inspector.
The Object Manager
Available for Stitch ERA Lite, Liberty and Universal
The Object Tree shows up as a docked window at the right side of your screen. These utilities offer you alternatives for the visualization of the element being created or edited: Images, Vectors and Sections, either to see it with more detail, or to visualize the sequence view, or to block or show/hide some of their parts or features. There is an icon for every section and vector type. The icon color for an specific section match the section color (fill and border) except for multicolor fill types The Object Tree view is strictly hierarchical and displays the object packs (simple sets of sections or connected sets) with their contents. Some options to control the tree look are available at the context menu: - Small caption / Large caption: Let you control how many information is displayed for each element. - Collapse all / Expand all: Expands or contracts the entire tree.
Groups, Packs & Branched Packs In Stitch ERA terminology, groups are sets of object geometrically linked. This means that all the objects in a group will be moved, scaled and transformed together, as a whole. Objects in a group may be in any position within the embroidery sequence and not be consecutives. Groups are not shown in the Object Manager in a special way. Just all the sections belonging to a group are highlighted when you select one of them. A more advanced concept related with section grouping is the Section Packs. Section packs are groups with members that lay consecutives within the embroidery sequence. Section packs are shown in the Object Manager as one element, with its members inside it. Section packs are created automatically by Lettering and Monogram. You can also create your own by dragging a section (or multiple sections) and dropping it over other one. The stitches generated for each element of a Section Pack are not
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related. In a section pack, the embroidery order inside it is defined by the position (in the sequence) of its components. Finally, you can use the Branch tool to connect the stitches generated for a section pack so the whole pack has just one start and end point and the stitch order inside it becomes controlled by the system. Although the section components are display in an order, the embroidery sequence may not proceed as displayed.
Select and Drag-Drop in the Object Tree The tree panel of the Object manager is a powerful element at the time to select sections and explore the design sequence. The context menu allows you to perform many of the block operations and the drag-drop schema is useful to modify the design sequence and to create section packs. The tree may also be used as a feedback element when you select elements within the graphic view
Editing the sequence Dragging an element (while doing it, move the mouse pointer slightly at the left until a blue horizontal line appears) let you change its position within the embroidery sequence.
Creating Packs To create packs, drag an element (or a set of them) and drop it over another one. Stitch Era will create a pack formed by the entire element you dragged and the element where you drop over. Dragging an object contained in a pack outside it, extract it from the pack.
Style Gallery
Available for Stitch ERA Lite, Liberty and Universal
It is a list of fill styles available in the system’s library. Styles are components that contain a complete definition of all their fill properties for the different section types. The only feature not defined in a selected Style is the color that the new section will have. Its election is independent of the specified style. Only by selecting a style from the gallery, you define the features that the next section you create will have. In the style gallery toolbar, the first button allows to show the style components according to the section type: path, column or area. It also allows to show the styles alltogether, since this might help to find the desired one.
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Add to favorites If you right click on any Style icon, you will see the context menu. From here you can execute related commands to the selected style: delete it, edit its Properties or add it to Favorites.
When choosing this last option, the style defined is copied to the list of favorite styles. Later on, you will be able to click on the Favorites button, to visualize only the styles that were designed as Favorites.
Views It drops down a list with the visualization options available and the filters that allow you to choose among the styles created by the user and those already available in the application.
Creation of a new style If you wish to keep a fill for its later use, you should create a new style with it. Follow these steps: 1) Select the configured section with the desired fill. 2) Inside the Style window, click on Save Style. 3) A dialog box appears, showed in the next figure.
Introduce the new style’s name, and define from the boxes whether the new style will be saved (it is then said that the style is permanent, otherwise it is temporary) or will be included or not as a Favorite. Stitch ERA automatically builds the simulated style sample (icon).
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When the style is temporary, it will no longer appear in the following program sessions. If you create a style that will be used several times in the future, do not check the box “Don’t save, it is a temporary style”.
The Object Inspector
Available for Stitch ERA Lite, Liberty and Universal
If you do not select any element in the design area, the Object Inspector will not show anything. You may keep the Object Inspector open, roll up or roll down, while you work so as to interact between it and the different sections you are designing. In order to open the Object Inspector, click on the Object Manager panel or press the F8 key.
List of properties: It is the table on which you visualize the values of properties. Some items are groups of properties, which can expand as a tree to be edited and are highlighted with the sign. Note: If for a couple of seconds you leave the cursor on any field heading, a box appears showing you all the possible values for that property, as shown in the right figure. This happens in all the panels.
After clicking over each command of the object inspector, and pressing F1 a context window help will appear to give you a description synthetic and a example plot.
Tabs Properties In the Object Inspector you can access several tabs (Body, Border, More) with panels when working with a section selected. These panels may or may not appear depending on the type of fill of the edited section. These tabs and panels are described hereunder:
Body In this tab you define the basic configurations of the section. Remember that the properties shown in the Object Inspector depend on the type of section you are working with. We will hereunder describe the most important ones or those that are frequently repeated.
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Stitch Fill: This panel gathers the most important items, such as fill type, density of stitches, color, etc. Adjustment & Compensation: Useful values so as to correct offsets to fabric shrinking. Stitch Effects: To define changes applied to stitches. Connections & Functions: In order to configure the properties of the Entry and Exit points, insert locks, commands and thread cuts.
Stitch Fill - General Properties Fill mode The fill mode is the type of stitches chosen for the section. It can be: Running stitch, Zig-Zag, E stitch, programmable stitch, patterns, spiral, sequin, texture, flexible, chenille, manual stitch, appliqué or cross stitch, depending on the section you are working with and on the level you have installed. All the other items present in the Object Inspector depend on the option defined in this item. When you change a section’s fill mode, you can see how the other properties showed in the Object Inspector vary too. Nevertheless, there are some properties that are common to the majority of the different fill modes. These are:
Color It refers to the main color of the section. The stitches that form the section’s main fill will be created in the selected color. It corresponds to a determined needle number in the embroidery machine. This option is available in practically all fills.
Density The density shows how many lines of stitches (by length unit) are created during the section processing. The more density a section has, the more stitches it will create and the spacing between them will be less.
This property is present in Zig-Zag stitches, E stitches, pattern and flexible fill either of a Path, Columns or Areas.
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Hole This attribute may be applied to Area type sections, depending on the type of stitches and their geometric shape. Even though the holes are empty after being created, you can specify a fill for them, either with Zig-Zag stitches or a pattern. Note: The set of Hole properties is only available in some Area sections, but also subject to the level you have installed.
This set of properties is available when you select an Area. The properties defined for the holes, will be applied to all the section’s holes.
- Type The hole of a complex area section may be: Empty (in which case the rest of the items belonging to the Hole group are disabled), filled with Zig-Zag stitches or with a pattern.
- Pattern name In the case the hole is filled with a pattern, you must define the name of the pattern selected from the library, pressing the button located on the right side of the box. Only for patterned Area sections.
- Stitches on edge It allows you to specify whether you wish to create stitches on the edges of the holes or not, so as to make them stand out. The options available are Yes o No. Only for patterned Area sections.
- Apply Outline Available in the Outline panel. It allows you to apply the fill established in the Outline panel to the hole edge. This option is only available when the section has an outline applied. There is no effect if it does not have one. For further information about Outline properties, examine the Outline section in this chapter.
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Available properties according to stitch types We will hereunder list the rest of the stitches properties. We organized them according to the type of stitches they correspond to.
Properties for Running Stitch fill type Running stitches are available in Path type sections. When you specify that the Path has Running Stitch fill, the parameters appear in the Object Inspector. Within the fill modes available for the Path section, the running stitch bears specific properties that you will not find in the other fill modes.
Properties already seen available in Running Stitches: Color. For this type of stitches the Adjustment & Compensation and Stitch Effects panels are available. They depend of the Body tab.
Stitch Length Stitch length. If you enlarge this value, there will be more distance between the stitches. This property is also available in the following fills: (in Path, Column and Area sections) and Flexible (Area), depending on the level you have installed in your computer.
Repetitions It is the minimum amount of overlapped stitches. When a Path has more than one repetition, the running stitch is embroidered and the machine will make running stitches on it, according to the specified value. It is generally used to enhance the running stitch.
Small steps The running stitch can be made in two different ways: Small steps: Implies that the stitch by stitch advance is done in the following way: step forward, step back and step forward again. They imply a return stitch. Long steps: The advance is done from beginning to end, repeating all the path backwards and finally forwards.
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Add Stitches on It defines where the stitches will be made. The options are: Reference: stitches are generated only on the nodes Path: it only respects the traced path Path and Reference: there are no stitches in the nodes; stitches are generated along the path and in the traced nodes.
Fit on Path Makes regular stitch spacing from one reference to the other, using a similar value to separate them, along the Path. This property works in the cases where there is an adjustment between references, that is to say, that the ‘Add stitches on’ property was set to ‘Path and Reference’. Selecting the References or Path and References option from the Fit to Path box, you achieve better finishing, especially in the section’s angles. Note: Avoid errors like the one shown on the right figure by applying this property correctly. Observe that the thread does not adjust to the reference node in the angle, resulting in a cut corner.
Properties for Zig-Zag Stitch fill types Even though the properties we will describe are features of Zig-Zag, they also appear in many other fill types. Note: Zig-Zag stitches are available in Path, Column and Area sections type fills. Properties already seen available in Zig-Zag stitches: Color and Density. For this type of stitches the Adjustment & Compensation and Stitch Effects panels are available. They depend of the Body tab.
Column width Defines either the stitches column width or the thickness of the path. If you increase this value, the path width enlarges. This property is also available in the following fills: E stitch, depending on the level you have installed.
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Path layout This property defines the location of the fill along its axis: possibilities vary from 0% to 100% from side A to side B, 50% corresponding to the fill axis. This property is also used in E stitches depending on the level you have installed.
Z Stitches Zig-Zag type fill stitches can be standard or Z-type, in which stitches are parallel between them and the odd ones produce the forward movement.
This property is exclusive for Zig-Zag type stitches.
Properties for E Stitches Stitch fill types The properties of these stitches are similar to the ones for the Zig-Zag type stitches, except for the Side option available for E stitch. Note: These stitches are available in Path, Column and Area sections depending on the level you have installed. Properties already seen available in E stitches types: Color and Density. For this type of stitches the Adjustment & Compensation and Stitch Effects panels are available. They depend of the Body tab.
Type From this item you can choose between two alternatives: E (default option) creates E stitches, while the second one (Square) modifies the layout of stitches, turning them into square type stitches. This property is exclusive for E type stitches.
Side Indicates the side on which E stitches ends are placed. Options are Side A and Side B or Both. According to the side you choose, the side of the stitches changes while in the Both option it creates stitches on both sides of the section, thus resulting in the so called EE stitches (double E). This property is exclusive for E type stitches.
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Properties for Programmable Stitches fill types From the Object Inspector you can modify both the predesigned figures (typical of this type of stitches) and the section colors (up to 4) and a series of variations, such as scales, number of rows, etc. Note: The programmable stitches are available in Path, Column and Area type sections, depending on the level you have installed. Remember that you have the possibility of creating new programmable stitches (also depending on the level you have installed). In the Components chapter you have a reference of how to create new stitches of this type. Properties already seen that are used in the programmable stitches: Stitches on… For this type of stitches the Adjustment & Compensation and Stitch Effects panels are available.
A programmable stitch is formed by a group of stitches, as shown on the left figure. When you apply the fill to a section, such stitches will repeat forming figures that are duplicated one beside the other (like a mosaic) until all section area is covered. In the right figure observe the result of applying a programmable stitch to a section. The properties of the programmable stitch type of fill vary according to the type of section being edited. Take into account that from the list shown below, some properties may not be available in your computer; this depends on the level of Stitch ERA you have installed.
Colors - Color 1, 2, 3 and 4 It is the fill color list. The stitches that form the main fill will be generated in the sequence of colors chosen. These colors are associated with needle numbers of the embroidery machine.
Name It is the library component with which the fill is made. If you change the component you achieve different results for the same fill type. To do so, click on the button on the right side of the box.
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In that way you access the window on figure, where you can choose any fill of the ones listed (either included in the application or one you created), by double clicking on it. In order to visualize the component you created or those included in the application, click on the box of the corresponding option.
Scale - Horizontal
- Vertical
Change in the dimensions of the component on its horizontal axis. Configuration suggested: 100%
Change in the dimensions of the component on its vertical axis. Configuration suggested: 100%
Layout - Spacing Spacing between the horizontal rows that form the fill; varying this value you produce a horizontal offset that displaces the lines produced by the programmable stitch, thus resulting in an effect. Configuration suggested for both cases: 0 (zero).
- Rotation Rotation angle of the component.
Border mode (for Areas) It is the way in which the programmable stitch is cut out on the section edge. There are three options: 1. Inside: The programmable stitches fill the area entirely and are included within the section’s limits (sometimes they do not reach the edge) 2. Outside: The programmable stitches fill the area entirely but totally included inside the section, even if they fall outside the area. 3. Edge (Default): The programmable stitches that fill the area are cut out, according to the border of the area. Available in Area sections with programmable stitch, depending on the level you have installed.
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Number of rows Number of rows of programmable stitches on the path. Suggested configuration is 0 (automatic). This configuration is available in Path, Column and Area type sections with a programmable stitch fill, depending on the level you have installed. If you increase this value, you get the effects shown in the figures:
a) Path with programmable stitch b) For the same section, we specified a value of 3 rows (the same row is repeated 3 times).
Fit on path It allows you to fit the programmable stitch on the path, thus presenting continuity between consecutive programmable stitches, allowing a deformation. If this option is set to No, the figures formed by the programmable stitch are not deformed.
In the figures please observe a same section with the Fit to Path option: a) Activated b) Deactivated This property is only available for Path type sections with programmable stitch fill
Keep Vertical It allows you to keep the programmable stitch in its original position, disregarding the path. Observe the configuration for the following figures:
a) Fit to Path: Yes, Keep Vertical: No (inactive attribute) b) Fit to Path: No, Keep Vertical: Yes As you can see in figure b) the programmable stitches do not follow the path and keep vertical between themselves. This property is only available in Path type sections with programmable stitches that do not fit to path.
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Object Manager
Properties for Elastic Programmable Stitch fill types This type of fill is identical to the programmable stitch but, in this case, the figures formed by stitches face perpendicularly to the direction line, with a longitudinal layout fill, since the stitches deform as the geometry of the section’s main reference changes. The properties of this type of stitches are present in the programmable stitches, except in the Edge Mode and those related to holes. For this type of stitches the Adjustment & Compensation panel is available.
Properties for Pattern fill types Also known as fill, it is frequently used in areas that must be entirely covered with stitches. The pattern fill allows a fill on the basis of pre-designed figures (library patterns).
Pattern stitches are available in Column or Area type sections, depending on the level you have installed. Properties already seen used in Patterns: Color, Density, Edge Bordering and those that depend on the Hole. For this type of stitches, the Adjustment & Compensation and Stitch Effects panels are available.
Name of pattern Press the button on the right end of the Name box in order to access a dialog box of pattern Selection. From there, choose any of the available listed fills by double clicking on it. Note that from the “Type” drop down list you can define whether you insert a math, graphic, manual or combined pattern. In that way you will be able to insert any pattern included in the application or downloaded from the Internet. You can also apply all those Components that you previously created. To do so, click in the User option box.
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Parallel Edge Makes the stitch rows ends take the border shape, instead of finishing in a sharp angle. This property is also available in pattern fills (available in Column, Area), depending on the level you have installed.
In the examples of the right figure you can see a Column type section with a Longitudinal fill. Observe the difference in its ends: a) Edge Bordering property is set to No b) Edge Bordering property is set to Yes
Properties for Cross Stitch fill type Due to its conformation, the Cross Stitch has five properties: Color, Width, Height, Repetitions and Clipping. The Cross Stitch is available in the Area sections. Properties already seen that are used in the cross stitches: Color and Border applied to the Hole.
Width and Height There is a direct relation between both of these properties: The Width controls the Height. In other words, when Width is changed in first place, then the Height is automatically updated. If you need different values, then you need to change the Height in second place.
Properties for Texture fill type Using textures you create fills with effects of clouds, grass, wood, sea waves, etc., without needing to design them manually. The properties for this type of fill are exclusive due to the peculiarity of this tool. Textures can only be applied to Area sections. Properties already seen that are used in the textures: Color and those related to Holes. For this type of stitches, the Adjustment & Compensation panel is available.
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Object Manager
In the figure please note a circular section with a texture. There is a second section over it with a pattern type fill.
Name of texture When you press the button located to the right side of this box, the texture library will open for you to select any available texture to apply to the main fill. Once you have done this, in the main graphic view, Stitch ERA will show a new texture inside the Area.
Texture layout From the Object Inspector you can modify the offset, scale and texture angle, inserting the values in the Texture Layout group boxes.
- Angle Texture rotation angle measured from the horizontal.
- H and V Offset (Horizontal and Vertical) From these controls you adjust (in mm.) the horizontal and vertical texture displacement.
- H and V Scale (Horizontal and Vertical) From these controls you adjust the horizontal and vertical texture scale.
Texture stitches To generate the sections that form the texture, Stitch ERA uses the default values.
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- Use default If you want to modify the values by default, select the option ‘Yes’, so you can modify the values of these boxes:
- Stitch length Length to be used in textures running stitches.
- Repetition Number of repetitions to be used in the running stitches that form the texture.
Random edge It allows you to apply the texture to the object using a slightly random edge instead of using the object’s border. It is used to produce a more artistic clipping of the texture along the section’s borders.
Trim length The jump length between texture zones that may force the use of thread cuts. You can add thread cut controls to jump between texture components in order to get a better result. The Cut Length parameter allows you to establish the maximum length between texture components. If this value is exceeded, a thread cut will be inserted.
Properties for Sequin fill type In this special type of stitches you have certain parameters that define aspects referred to the type of sequins with which you will create your embroidery: diameter, sequins spacing, security margin around the sequin, etc.
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Object Manager The sequin fill mode (together with all its parameters) is available for Path or Area type sections, depending on the level you have installed. For this type of stitches, the Adjustment & Compensation panel is available. In the figures above you can appreciate the effect produced by the insertion of sequins, both in Paths and Areas. Properties already seen used in the stitches for Sequins: Color, Fit to Path and those related to Holes.
Sequin diameter External sequin diameter. Modify the value of this field to see the change in the sequin’s size which will be shown on the main graphic view.
Sequin color Color used for drawing the sequins in the graphic view. You select it from a drop down list.
Horizontal and vertical spacing Free space between consecutive sequins, either vertical or horizontal. You can define different values for this field, including negative values. A spacing of 0 places the sequins one next to the other, while a negative value overlaps them.
Area margin This parameter defines the distance between the edge of the section and the sequins. If you increase the value, you place the sequins farther away from the section’s ends. This property appears when you apply this fill to an Area type section.
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Initial offset of sequins Distance, measured from the path’s start point where no sequins are fitted. If you increase this value, you place the first sequin farther away from the edge (beginning) of the section. Only available in Paths with Sequins.
Fixing stitches - Sequin style Forms the group of stitches to be used to fix the sequins in place. The available stitches are: Tripod, E or EE, Scale and Horizontal.
- Repetition This value defines the number of repetitions of stitches that underlay the sequins.
- Sequin margin From this field you define a value corresponding to the security margin around the sequin. The application will not place stitches in this margin.
Please note on the right figure section a Path with Sequins with the Spacing property set in 0 and a Margin also set in 0.
In the second figure you can appreciate the same section, but the Margin has been set to 3.
Sequin to sequin path - Maximum stitch length It is the maximum length that can exist between stitches. It is applied to those stitches involved in the displacements between adjacent sequins.
- Repetition for Sequin It allows you to increase the number of stitches applied, it is the number of times the stitches are repeated for each sequin, overlapping one over the other. It is similar to the property of identical name available for Running Stitches, but in this case is applied for fastening the sequins.
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Sequin device position It allows you to optimize the process of sequins insertion, when defining the place where the sequin device is regarding the hoop.
Alternate placement direction When you activate this property the sequins are placed according to the section’s direction line.
Properties for Appliqué fill type
Optional for Stitch ERA Liberty
Given the peculiarities of this type of fill (since it was thought to embroider a fabric or similar in the form of an appliqué, to be joined to the underlay) its properties have exclusive characteristics. Configure the items according to the result you want to achieve and the materials you want to use; these items help you embroider a fabric so as to join it to the main embroidery. Properties already seen that are used in the Appliqué stitches: Color and those related to Holes. This panel introduces the Adjustment & Compensation panel.
Placement Stitches From this group of properties you define if the embroidery machine creates a reference applying a Running stitch Path to the entire border of the section (which we will define as appliqué reference) followed by a machine stop control. In this way, the embroiderer will be able to place the appliqué fabric in the exact place. The items are the following:
- Enabled Enables or disables this group of properties.
- Length Controls the length of the running stitches.
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- Stop Enables or disables the stop control at the end of the Path. This control will be applied when closing the main outline, but take into account that it will not be applied over an outline. Besides, this control may be followed by a thread cut.
- Holes Enables or disables the creation of the appliqué reference on the hole(s) of the section.
Running Tackdown The values of this group of properties define a Running stitch type Path that will be embroidered on the appliqué after placing it on the appliqué’s reference. Basically the properties are the same as the ones found in the previous group of properties. Hereunder we will describe the items of this group.
- Offset Offset value of the path for the machine not to embroider on the appliqué’s limit; only make stitches with an offset (measured in mm.) towards inside the figure.
Zig-Zag Tackdown The values of this properties group define a Zig-Zag type Path together with a running stitch Path that will be embroidered on the appliqué after placing it on the appliqué reference.
The properties are the same as the ones described in the previous groups except for the ones that correspond specifically to the Zig-Zag fill, such as Density and Column Width.
Trim Enabled Enables or disables the thread cut controls. These will be applied when closing either the main outline or the holes (in case they have been applied).
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Object Manager
Properties for Radial fill type
Optional for Stitch ERA Liberty
Basically, this fill is a track that goes around the area of the section in a spiral way, from the center to the border of the section. Its properties are similar to the ones found in a section filled with running stitches. The spiral type fill is only available for Areas. Properties already seen available in the spiral type stitches: Color, Length, Repetitions and those related to Holes. This panel introduces the Adjustment & Compensation and Stitch Effects panels.
Type This item shows a drop down list with two possible alternatives: Spiral and Concentric. Since the first property is the one by default, the stitches fill the area following a spiral track, while the concentric option causes a fill by layers; being able to insert in each level a thread cut or a connection. In the right figures you can observe in (a) a section with a spiral type fill (default value). On the other hand, in figure (b) you can observe the same section but with a concentric type.
Note: Take into account that those concentric type spiral sections use thread cuts in order to complete every fill layer.
Properties already seen used in the spiral type stitches: Color, Length, Repetitions and those related to Holes.
Offset Spacing value for each of the spiral’s laps or each of the layers for the concentric property. The smaller the number entered here, the bigger the density of stitches.
Cut Length Maximum stitch length value for this type of stitches, when the stitches tend to be more than the specified number in this item a thread cut will be made. This function is specifically useful when applying the concentric mode, in order to apply the thread cut in the connections of the different levels.
Properties for Chenille fill type
Optional for Stitch ERA Liberty
This fill mode is designed to be used with embroidery machines that includes chenille heads features. There are two chenille stitch types: Chain and Loop. Stitch ERA 9 - 23
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automatically sets the mode to chain for paths sections and for section borderlines and to Loop mode for area sections. Chain mode is a simple running, with no repetitions. Loop mode is implemented as a rectangular grid with properties to control the grid size. Chenille fill requires that changes in the sew direction be smooth, because abrupt direction changes produce an undesidered mode switch between chain and loop. This issue is due to the special shape of the chenille needle. A property called Minimun angle is used to ensures smooth direction changes.
Spacing This property controls the grid size. Smaller values produce more dense filling.
Minimun Angle Use this property to get smooth fill direction changes. The angle the property refers to is the interior angle shown in the figure at the rigth. Smaller values means more abrupt direction changes are allowed.
Margin This property controls the distance between the fill and the section boundary. Usually, to get a better finish, the chenille fill ends a couple of milimeters inside the area.
Border Finishing This property control the inserion of surrounding fill tracks that enhance the edge finishing of the chenille section. You can set the property to add up to three lines that will be spaced the same value the main grid is. The better value largely depends on the chenille thread used, so it is recommended to perform some tests with the machine to define it.
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Properties for Fur fill type
Optional for Stitch ERA Liberty
Fur fill is an advanced, special effect fill mode that simulates animal fur using just one section. Its is based on the creation of fill bands, slightly overlapped, with some random at one or both sides. This structure and the proper election of colors for each band produces a realistic effect with minimun effort. Two Fur fill types are available; one based on zig-zags stitches and one based on elastic patterns. Properties for this fill type are identical to Area zig-zag and Area elastic pattern.
Properties for Macros fill types
Optional for Stitch ERA Liberty
This fill type is the result of the combination of two structures: one structure creates equally spaced “tracks” and the second one is just a fill type that uses that “tracks” as it were paths. So, depending on the fill type used, we get the different Macro Fills: Running, Zig-Zag, E and Programmable Stitch. Properties in Macro Fill includes a group to control how the “tracks” are created and a group to control the fill type over them. The picture below shows three examples of Macro Fill, over the same section and with the same parameters for the tracks, but with the three different sub-fills available.
Spacing This property controls the distance between tracks
Margin Defines a distance, from the section reference toward its interior, that will be free of stitches.
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Max Stitch Length Sets the maximun stitch length used for the internal connections required for the fill mode.
Internal Connections Controls the method used to connect the differents fill rows. Several options are available: running stiches, thread trims, jumps (with or without lock stitches) and edge walking.
Alternate Placement When enabled, fill stitches proceed in both directions, that is, when a row is completed, the next one is generated in the opposite direction.
Use Connection From Sets the distance from which will be used the Internal Connection method selected.
Adjustment & Compensation The purpose of this panel is to correct the possible errors or offsets that can show up when embroidering due to, for example: fabric type, density or stitch size, the design shape, the amount of under backing to be used, etc. The options available depend on the section and stitch type selected previously. When the type of section has a main fill that allows you to include an underlay, the Object Inspector presents another panel known as Adjustment & Compensation. The values that you insert in this panel will be appropriate if you know the embroidery behaviour on the fabric beforehand.
Adjust to curve This control reduces the length of stitch in curves when it makes a path with running stitch with a pronounced curve. The values of adjustment of this function are the following ones: NOT (Deactivated), Low, Medium-Low, Medium, MediumHigh and High. Example: the first section of the example without applying adjusts in curve. Soon it distinguishes the changes in second. This has High value of adjust selected. This property is only available for running path sections.
Filter small stitches When you activate this option the application will filter the small stitches of the section, taking into account the value entered. 9 – 26
Object Manager This group of properties is available for all the sections except an Area with Appliqué fill.
- Type From this item you define whether this property will be applied or not or if Stitch ERA will assign it automatically, defining its value according the section’s peculiarities and the fill attributes. Define the correct option from the drop down list.
- Minimum stitch length This is the value with which this property is applied. You should enter the desired number only if you choose the Yes option in the previous item.
Corner compensation When you activate this control the application will pull the stitches applied to the corners of the section, compensating them automatically. This will allow the optimization of those sections where, due to the geometry of its main reference, the correct finishing of the embroidery is in jeopardy. Available in Zig-Zag stitches and E stitches for Paths and Columns.
Underlay In order to tighten the fabric and avoid its deformation when the section is completed with stitches of the main fill, you must perform an Adjustment, also known as Underlay or adjustment stitches. The purpose of this underlay is to produce stitches that are hidden under the main fill. This group of properties is available in the following fills: Zig-Zag and patterns, depending on the level that you have installed. Property already seen that is used in the Underlay stitches: Density.
Note: You can perform a machine stop after the underlay; that is, before starting to embroider the main fill. For this, select the Stop option from the Command after Underlay field.
Remember that you should not insert an underlay in sections where the main fill has programmable stitches (or any other low density fill type) since it will not be possible to 9 - 27
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hide the underlay stitches, resulting in undesired effects. The options for this group of properties are the following:
- Fill mode Stitch ERA offers several alternatives for this fill type. This is the most important feature of this group of properties. These Underlay are available in Zig-Zag and pattern fill types.
Centered Underlay Generates stitches located on a path over the section’s center. We recommend the use of this underlay when applied to an extremely thin section and you cannot define any other type of underlay. Note: Whenever possible use other underlay methods since they are more effective to avoid fabric deformation.
Underlay in Path by Edge Generates stitches located near the border of the area occupied by the section. Use this underlay only when the type of fabric is tough, and you only need to reinforce (underlay) the borders to get a better definition.
Zig-Zag Underlay Generates Zig-Zag stitches, distributed inside the area. The recommended density is of 15% to 25% of the value used for the main section fill.
Double Zig-Zag Underlay Generates stitches in the shape of two overlapped Zig-Zags. The recommended density is of 15% to 25% of the value used for the main section fill.
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Object Manager
Parallel Underlay Generates parallel lines of stitches, distributed inside the area. The recommended density is of 15% to 25% of the value used for the main section fill.
Edge and Double Zig-Zag Underlay This mode is a combination of the Path by Edge and Double Zig-Zag underlay modes.
Edge and Parallel Underlay This mode is a combination of the Path by Edge and Parallel underlay modes.
In the following figures we expose, as an example, the underlay stitches without the main fill stitches. In the examples, we have highlighted the underlay stitches so that you can recognize them easily. Centered:
Path by Edge:
Zig-Zag:
Double Zig-Zag:
Parallel:
Double Zig-Zag and Edge:
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Stitch ERA – User Manual Parallel and Edge: Note: It is important that you take the Margin value into account, so that its stitches do not step out of the main fill. Remember that the underlay must be hidden in the embroidery stitches.
Most of the options for all these underlays are similar to the stitch properties available in the Body tab. The properties mentioned hereunder are the ones that are established as proper of the Underlay.
- Margin Space free of underlay in regards to the border of the main section. The lower this value is, the nearer the underlay gets to the edges of the main section. It is not available in the centered underlay.
- Maximum stitch length Maximum stitch length of underlay stitches. The application will not perform stitches longer than the specified in this field.
- Command after underlay Machine command that will be added after the underlay during the generation of stitches. It will be run before starting the stitches of the main fill. The Command after Underlay can be used to produce a pause in order to fix any application. For example; It may be used to add a stop before the main fill of a section starts in the case of an applique.
- Edge Stitch length
- Repetition
Length of the underlay or adjustment stitches.
Repetitions of the underlay stitches or running stitch type underlay.
Both options are only available for the running stitch fill type.
- Angle Slant angle of the underlay stitch lines regarding the direction of the main fill. This property is only available for Area sections with Parallel Underlay.
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Pull compensation According to several factors, such as the stitch density, the type of fabric, the thread pull, etc., there could be fabric shrinks, causing visible variations in the stitches length. This group of properties has the purpose of correcting these defects. Basically, they make a stretching on the edges of the stitches. See on the figures, how the section width increases when applying a Pull Compensation (in the second figure) This group of properties is available on the following fills: Zig-Zag, E stitch (both for path and for fill) and patterns, depending on the level you have installed.
- Side Border in which the stretching is produced. The suggested value is Both. Only for Zig-Zag fills, E stitch, Pattern, Elastic Pattern.
- Type of compensation
Fixed The pull compensation due to thread tightening is defined as a fixed value independent of the stitch length.
Proportional Varies along the stitch or lines of stitches, since it depends of the stitch length
- Value of compensation Value mm - Fixed Value (in mm) of the stitches pull for the compensation of the thread tightening.
Value % - Percentage Value of the stitches pull in percentage of the column width (or stitches length).
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Short stitches Short or intermediate stitches allow you to compensate the lack and the heaps of stitches. This group of properties is very useful in zones of sharp curves (or differences in lengths) that leave as many spaces without thread as spaces with thread heaps. Even if the short stitches attributes are activated, they are only executed if the section being worked on really needs it. It is available in the following fills: Zig-Zag (in Path, Column and Area sections) and Patterns (Column and Area), depending on the level installed.
- Levels Number of short stitches to be introduced when there is a sharp curve in any area of the section. You can setup five levels of short stitchs. (NOT: disable)
1 Level
Several levels
Example: On the following example there is a section configured to have three levels of short stitches. Observe that the values of each of the levels determine the location of the short stitches on the final model.
Level 1: 85% Level 2: 70% Level 3: 55%
Observe the result of the specified values in the figure. Note how the short stitches only appear in the curve. A) Normal stitch B) Level 1 C) Level 2 D) Level 3
This property works together with the following.
- Level value It is the distance of the short stitches, measured in percentage (based on the normal stitches). Appear as many Level value boxes as Levels you have specified previously. Specify a percentage for each level in those boxes.
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Example: Please observe how short stitches and their respective level values are configured for the section shown in the right figure, avoiding stitch overlapping.
The following figure shows a Path type section with a Zig-Zag fill forming a curve. A density of 0.50 line/mm, and a column width of 20 mm has been specified.
Example: see the right figure in configuration of Short Stitches. The values are in 1 Level to 50% and soon it sees the extended result.
Having inserted only one Level with a value of 50%, it produces a short stitch with the 50% of the normal value. In the case of specifying more levels, more short stitches will be produced, of the value specified for each one.
- Centered Indicates whether a short stitch will be centered between the last and the next stitch. Otherwise, it will be orientated towards the next stitch.
- Trigger at Percentage corresponding to the difference between edges of a section. As from this value intermediate or short stitches will be applied. You can vary this value from 0 to 200%. The higher the percentage, the lesser the number of short stitches the figure will have.
Auto Split Divides stitches in several parts (producing more stitches) when the stitch length exceeds the established value. This group of properties is very valuable since it avoids having extremely long stitches. The options are listed hereunder. It is available in the following fills: Zig-Zag and E stitch (for Path, Column and Area type sections), depending on the level you have installed.
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- Type of Auto Split Division can be made in three ways, also called types: (None: disable)
Fixed: Stitches division as from a fixed length. The defined value does not change along the stitches to which it has been applied. Proportional: Takes, as a parameter to divide the stitch, a percentage of it. Random: This division type continues respecting the values defined in the Auto Split group of properties, however you can appreciate a random distribution of the stitch divisions. Observe in the following figures, an example of each of the different types of stitches division. Fixed:
Proportional:
Random:
- Start splitting at It is the stitch length as from which it is necessary to split it in parts.
- Value It is the value in mm. that shows where the stitch splits.
Under path It refers to the internal paths generated by the application. This happens when it is necessary that the needle makes stitches between one area zone and another which is not adjacent; these allow you to join the different areas of the complex figures.
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This group of properties is used to define the paths or passes characteristics between zones in the same section. For example, the group of stitches that go from the entry point to the point in which the fill starts is an Under path. These stitches must remain under the fill not to produce undesired effects. Observe hereunder the sequence of an under path:
Note: Activate this property if you wish, for example, to create Area type sections with complex geometries but with a low stitch density. In general you will not need to activate this control since the under path is hidden under the main fill. This group of properties is available on the following fills: Zig-Zag, patterns and programmable stitch, depending on the level installed.
- Centered From here you can define whether there will be a Path in the center of the section or from its edges. The position of the under path that remains under the fill can be centered (for a normal density) or at certain distance from the edges. This last one is very useful on low density fills in order to reduce the visibility of the Under Path. When selecting the option No in the Centered box, the Edge Distance box enables. When selecting the Yes option in the Centered box, the Edge Distance box appears in grey, indicating that is disabled.
- Stitch length
- Edge Distance
Stitch length of the underpath. When increasing this value, the stitches distance apart from each other.
Distance from the position of the underpath stitches to the edge of the section. It defines the margin in which the stitches will be made.
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Overlap Form this box you define the number of stitch lines that will overlap. This can happen in the sector where different zones of a same section converge (see Under Path). The aim of the overlap of stitches is to avoid having unfilled spaces at the time of embroidering the design. The value is generally 1 line, but according to the type of fabric to embroider you might have to consider increasing this value. It is available in the following fills: Zig-Zag and E stitch (available in Path, Column and Area sections) depending on the level installed.
You can specify the correct value of the overlap number, in order not to have stitch free sectors (resulting from, for example, a little fabric offset). The higher the overlapping value is, lesser is the possibility of having gaps in the embroidery.
Exclusion margin It is the area close to the border free of stitches. The exclusion margin avoids the little stitches near the edges, since they produce an irregular finishing visible aspect. Observe in the figure an Area with pattern section. Different exclusion margin values were specified. a) Exclusion margin has been set to 0. b) Exclusion margin value has been increased. Available on the following fills: Pattern (Column and Area), depending on the level installed.
Avoid on small width When the width of the area to fill is smaller than the value specified in this box, the pattern is not carried out, since once it has been embroidered it will not be clearly perceived. In that case, to avoid it will bring up a better result. This property is available in the patterns, depending on the level installed.
Emboss Intercross The split line compensation for Pattern or Zig-Zag stitches, performs a small displacement in the split line stitches; in this way the stitches split and the result is affected. This option is available for sections with Pattern and Column with Zig-Zag stitches.
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Stitch effects From this panel, you may configure the different aspects corresponding to the distortions applied to the stitches. When the section is a Path section, it will have two groups with complementary properties (Start and End)
Random With this option, the effect on the edges of a section is irregular. You can define both the transformation percentage and the side(s) on which the effect will be applied. This group of properties is NOT available for the following elements: programmable stitch (Column or an Area), cross stitch, texture, flexible and programmable stitch (Area), depending on the level you have in your computer. Example: In the right figure, observe the effect on a Column with Zig-Zag type section, with a 60% random effect on its Side A.
- Side and value Side It specifies the side on which this property is applied. (None: disable)
Value The width percentage affected by this effect is adjusted.
Beginning & Ending The Beginning and Ending groups of properties control the effect used for the beginning or ending of the Path. To do so, you must select an effect from the list and determine the length and amplitude of the Path. The properties listed hereunder are applied both for the Beginning and the Ending effects of the Path. These groups of properties are available for all the Path type fills, except for the running stitches and sequins depending on the level you have installed.
Name It corresponds to the shape type used in the starting or ending points. Choose any of the options in the drop down menu.
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Length It controls the length marked with an “L” on the left picture. This distance ranges from the beginning of the path through its interior.
Amplitude This property is stated as a percentage corresponding to the column width (W1 for the Zig-Zag path in the figure above). A 100% amplitude corresponds to an effect which width (W2) duplicates the column width.
Modulation This feature allows you set a geometric criterion, which is applied along the path and affects the Zig-Zag stitch width.
The modulation effect is controlled by clicking on the button on the right of this field.
In the box Amplitude Modulation, select the shape of the desired effect from the list that appears on the left side of the box, and set the properties by means of the controls on the right.
Side: This control specifies the side of the Path were the effect will be applied. Direction: Defines the field as Normal or Reverse, allowing you to establish the direction of the effect (from the first node to the last one and vice versa). The result of this property will only be visible in those effects that do not have a horizontal symmetry, such as Ramps. 9 – 38
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Symmetry: There are two options: Mirror and Parallel. Use this control to specify how the effect is applied to both sides of the Path. The Mirror option produces a symmetrical modulation while the Parallel produces an identical modulation in both sides. Amplitude: It establishes the modulation size (measured in percentage) of the column width. Repetitions \ Length: Use these two options to control the scope of the effect on the direction of the path. Define Repetitions for Stitch ERA to adjust the scope of the effect in order to present it the specified number of times. Use Length to define the scope of the effect and let Stitch ERA repeat it as many times as possible throughout the path length. Observe a Path configured with a Mirror Symmetry Modulation:
Observe that same Path with a Parallel Symmetry Modulation:
You can combine different types of effects in order to obtain an attractive result.
Customizing the amplitude modulation You may customize the modulation using the graph on the User tab. Use the controls located at the top to Select, Create, Save or Delete a modulation. By dragging the nodes in the graph you may define the shape of the effect. Bear in mind that the vertical axis is stated in percentage corresponding to the column width, while the horizontal axis is stated in an arbitrary unit. Therefore, if you wish the effect to be repeated only once, this will correspond to the path’s length.
Stitches angle This option applies a slant to the Zig-Zag, which produces a similar effect to that of the Z stitches; however, in this new option you can modify the slant angle. It is available for Zig-Zag stitches and E stitches for Path type sections.
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Variable Density The variable density allows you to define density variation curves in order to obtain different effects, such as: color fades including up to 3 colors (assigning the same section up to 3 fills, overlapped with different density variation pattern and different color)
This property is NOT available for the following elements: Path with Running Stitches, programmable stitch and longitudinal (either Column or Area), cross stitch, texture, flexible and programmable stitch (Area type), depending on the level.
Next to the Variable Density item, you will find a button for accessing the density scheme dialog box. The Basic Styles tab lets you use predefined density variation models. You may select models for 1,2 or 3 colors using the Type combo box. The list at the left will present the predefined styles available for each type, while the chart at the right will display how density will vary for the selected style.
Distance (the horizontal axis) is represented in %, where 0% corresponds to one end entity (the start point) and 100% to the opposite one (the exit point). The Custom Style tab allows you to define your own density variation schemas. The figure shows a Variable Density dialog box with a threecurve scheme. The vertical axis (in %) measures the density variation regarding to the value set in the porperty Density within the Object Inspector, whereas the horizontal axis represents the relative position inside the section. The toolbar at the top lets select different density schemes and save them on disk.
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Object Manager
The Type combo box controls controls how many density curves will be defined for the style. Each density curve will be associated to a different thread color:
1 color: One density curve. 2 colors: Two overlapped density curves. Normally, you define one of them and use the controls at the top right to create the second automatically. 3 colors: One constant density curve and two variable ones.
Styles you may previously created will be available for selection using the combo box at the right. You may select a previously created style, modify it and then save it to disk, using the floppy icon, with the same or different name. To edit a density curve (it is recommended to start with the blue one), just drag the grips located on the desidered curve, vertically. This will modify the density value for the particular position within the shape. Using the buttons located at the top right of the Custom Style page, you may create the second curve (the red one) starting from the first (the blue). The red curve will be created as a mirror (vertical or horizontal) of the blue.
Example: The example shows the figure that represents an Area. Here, the L value represents the section’s length. Two variable density curves are established for such section (D1 and D2)
The variation takes place throughout line L, keeping the density values specified in the curve. Observe that the fill of the density curve D1 starts on the right of the section (the darker color) and the fill of D2 (lighter color) starts on the left.
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Stitch ERA calculates a fill for each curve, and overlaps them on the same section. The overlapping of D1 + D2 will make the section have a fade effect (left figure).
In the example below, a Variable Density is applied to the section shown in the left figure below.
Connections & Functions From this panel you can modify the Automatic Locks Stitches. These are stitches that fix the first and the last stitch of a section (to avoid unthreading)
Automatic Lock Stitches This option is used to decide how to insert a lock stitch in automatic cuts and color changes. The possible types of lock stitches are: Classic, Star, Ribbon or Cross. The classic type enables you to specify the lock stitch length as well as the number of repetitions.
- Repetition From this item you define the number of times that the lock stitch repeats.
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Object Manager
Borderline It produces stitches in the border of the section. It is a way of providing the sections with an better finishing, or applying an embossment to the section’s outline. Most of the properties for the Outline are similar to those of the Path fill. Note: For a further explanation on the border properties, refer to section Main Properties of the Path type stitches. These properties are available for the fills of the following sections: Column and Area, depending on the level.
Fill mode The following figures show a section where automatic borders with different fill types have been applied, in order to appreciate the difference between them.
Running Stitch border
Zig-Zag border
E Stitch border
Programmable stitch border
Sequin border
Optional Feature
Notes: Take into account that you will be able to apply these borders according to the level you have installed in your computer. The Adjustment and Compensation and Stitch Effects panels are only available for some outline types: Zigzag and E stitch, depending on the level you have installed in your computer.
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Command before Outline Machine control added after the main fill of the sections, before starting the automatic outline. The Command before Outline may be used, for example, when you need to fix an applique, so as to add a stop after the main fill.
More This tab contains properties to control general features of the sections, like size, order, etc. There are two sections inside this tab: Size and Order and Connections and Functions.
Size & Order This section contains properties to set the position of the section within the sequence and to control the section size accuratelly. These properties are available in all the fill modes. The elements of the list of properties in this panel are the following:
Number The sequence position indicates the sewing order for the selected section. It is also called Index. This property allows you to change the section position by simply modifying the index value.
Section size - Left, Top, Width and Height Using this properties you can accuratelly control the section position (within the geometric layout) and its size.
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Object Manager
Connections & Functions From this panel you can modify the properties (layout, optimization, locking, etc.) of both the Entry and Exit points. It also allows you to insert Commands, Locks and thread cuts. Remember that in some cases, certain values of this panel can be graphically modified from the main window, such as the entry and exit points.
Entry Point & Point These are the coordinates that correspond to the entry or exit point. From these groups of properties you optimize and/or modify these points. For example, when an Area section is created, both the entry and exit points must be inserted manually. From this option you can control the exact positioning of these points.
- Lock stitches At entry point Lock stitch when starting the fill. It can be Classic, Star, Ribbon or Cross types.
At exit point Lock stitch when finishing the fill. It can be Classic, Star, Ribbon or Cross types.
The maximum number of lock stitches is 5.
- Length of the lock stitch It corresponds to the stitch length used for the lock stitches, either at the beginning or at the end of the fill. It is only available if the lock stitch option is activated from the previous box.
- Optimized This is the point where the stitches generation starts (if an Entry point) or ends (if Exit Point) in the current sections. It makes the thread that joins two sections to do it through the shortest distance. After applying the Optimization (either for the entry or exit point) you will have to activate the Generate All function. To do so, press Ctrl + F9, or go to the Ribbon and click on Reprocess All. This will make the stitches fit the new parameters you have configured.
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In the examples, look at the difference in the thread jump between the two sections. In the first figure, the entry and exit points were not optimized, while in the second figure, an optimization was applied to both sections. In order to visualize the thread jump from one section to the other, activate the function Show Connectors.
- H / V (Horizontal or Vertical coordinates of Entry and Exit points) It controls the layout through coordinates X and Y of the entry and exit points, which is measured in decimals of mm. You may vary any of these points in order to define an exact location for the entry and exit points.
Commands These commands are frequently used to produce a stop whenever you need to fix an application. For example, you can introduce a machine stop before starting to embroider the main fill to insert an appliqué. From the drop down lists in the option ‘Command Before Section or Command After Section’, you have to choose any of the options available: Stop, Speed (High, Medium High, Medium Low, Low), Borer On or End, Hoop In or Hoop Out, Sequin Start or Sequin End, Sequin, Origin, User. If you apply any Command that the embroidery machine does not support, it will automatically ignore it.
- Command Before Section Machine control added before starting the section, during the generation of stitches.
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- Command After Section Machine control added at the end of every section, during the generation of stitches.
Object Manager
Trim at the End Thread cut machine control, which is added after the selected section. That is to say, once the fill is finished, the thread cut is performed before starting the next section.
Object Inspector Expertise Level Object Inspector may be customized to show differents sets of properties according to your needs and expertise. The Context menu that appears when you right click the tabs area, allows you to select the Object Inspector appearence based on predefined expertise levels. According with this setting, The Object Inspector hides or shows some properties to offer you an easier interface.
You can also configure your own level by using the Expertise Editor. Simply check the properties you want to work with and uncheck those you want to hide The predefined levels were set so the Starter level displays the OI in the Quick mode (a basic, simple and graphical approach), good for beginners. Levels 1 and 2 add more properties that give you more detailed control.
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To adjust the custom level, you'll need to use the Expertise Editor. You can open the Expertise Editor from the button located at the right top of the Object Inspector box. Expertise Editor contains controls to select the object and fill type you want to adjust and separate tabs for the Body, border and underlay fill. Simply, check the properties you want OI displays or uncheck the properties you want Object Inspector hides on the column named Custom.
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Chapter 10
Advanced Digitizing Content: Digitizing Mode ........................................................................................... 2 Manual........................................................................................... 2 Assisted Trace................................................................................. 3 Expand and contract the recognized shape....................................... 4 Automatic Trace .............................................................................. 4 Using Autoshapes ............................................................................ 6 Advanced Section Filling ............................................................................... 9 Path .............................................................................................. 9 Column .......................................................................................... 9 Area .............................................................................................10 Symmetric Lines .........................................................................15 Undo and redo............................................................................16 Advanced Block Tools..................................................................................16 Grouping .......................................................................................16 Branching......................................................................................17 Branch off ..................................................................................18 Disconnect .................................................................................18 Block to Vector...............................................................................18
Stitch ERA – User Manual
Digitizing Mode
Available for Stitch ERA Liberty and Universal
Trace is the process by which the geometric shape of a section is marked (traced). There are several ways of making this trace: Manual Assisted Trace Automatic Trace Using Autoshapes
Manual The manual trace is the one in which you insert manually each of the points that represent the outline. This is done point by point, indicating its properties (straight, curve, corner) by a combination of clicks and the Shift and Control keys. To make a manual trace follow these steps: 1) Insert a reference image. 2) Select the Creation mode them select Manual Edition mode from the ribbon. For this to happen, check that the Manual Digitizing mode is active (pressed). 3) Take the creation tool you are going to use, for example, Area, and define the type of stitch to apply. 4) Select the needle color and the type of predetermined node 5) Click around the figure’s border, with the purpose of creating a section, as the following figures show.
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Advance Digitizing
Key Mouse Click
Function Executes the trace in manual mode
Remember that both the manual and the automatic trace should be done after indicating the type of section to be created. The section type Column does not allow this type of operation.
Most of the design wizard tools are very useful when you create a design. The correct configuration and adjustment of these tools to your particular needs will make the tracing process easier and faster.
Assisted Trace
Optional Feature
The assisted trace marks the outline that defines the section in one step. It is used generally to create sections from simple outlines. The system explores the image in the working window and traces on the area it finds under the mouse cursor which color matches with that of the cursor’s position. The auto trace mode is especially useful when having images with pure colors, with clearly defined outlines and the sections are formed just by following the outline path. For that reason, even though it is a very convenient mode, its use is somehow limited. To make an auto trace, you must follow these steps: 1) Insert a reference image and select the Creation mode. 2) Select the Auto trace mode in the ribbon. For this to happen, check that the Auto trace mode is active (pressed). 3) Take the creation tool with which you are going to work with, for example, Area, and define the type of stitch to apply. 4) Place the mouse cursor over any point of the area to be traced and execute pressing click. Then, all the border of the future section appears marked. See that it will have the same geometry that the red scan line had. (left figure) Note that the selection only includes those parts of the image having the same color. 5) Press Enter to confirm the trace. You can use the scan function in more than one opportunity to change to the path that the trace will follow. Note that in the following images nodes have appeared in the border of the same color surface. From there on, continue with the following creation steps.
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Note: The length of each trace step (approximate distance between nodes) can be adjusted as you wish from the Auto Trace dialog box, so as to decrease the number of nodes in sections with regular shapes and increase them when the shapes are more complex.
Expand and contract the recognized shape Once the boundaries of traced areas have been recognized, you can increase or decrease detected areas by pressing the up arrow or down arrow keys as much as you need. By doing this, not only can you filter some areas that are very close among each others but you can also smooth some abrupt outlines. This Filtering process can also be done automatically. For this to happen, once the outline has been recognized, access the context menu and select Contract detection or Expand detection. In the left and right figures you can witness the result of applying an expansion.
Stitch ERA will expand or compress the traced outline, resulting in the elimination of the outline’s narrow areas. Once you are satisfied with the obtained recognition, press Enter and generate the design.
Automatic Trace
Optional Feature
The Automatic Trace Mode is enabled by pressing the corresponding button (magic wand) on the Options ribbon. This tool allows you to create a section from an image file, automatically and without taking care of the capture details The big difference between the Assisted Trace mode and the Automatic Trace mode is that the latter allows a more complex processing of the created traces. Sections created can be filled with Zig-zag or other Stitch Types.
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To get good results, the images used need to have certain attributes that are very important factors. The next considerations will help you prepare your images adequately for getting the desired results.
The system will recognize areas with pure colors only. Avoid images that have color gradation and mix of colors. Images with well-defined shapes and borders work best. Avoid having small areas. Stitch ERA might show some error messages if the image is not adequate for using this trace method. In this case, correct the image and try again.
Follow the steps shown below to operate with this tools: 1) Insert an image and select the desired stitch type. 2) Place the cursor (with the shape of a magic wand) where you wish to do the tracing. Then, click on it to perform the dragging of the area in order to find out if it corresponds to the desired shape of the section. In the figure, observe that when you click on the area marked as (1) the tracing of the outline is performed. 3) In order to trace another area, press the Ctrl key and click on the chosen area for the second section (marked as "2" in the figure). 4) Press the Enter key to confirm. The traced areas will be filled with the type of stitch chosen. Generate the stitches by pressing on the F9 key. The result will be similar to the one shown in the figure, note that both sections correspond to those areas of the graphic that have that have the same color and that were also traced.
In the following example, we will perform a tracing on the crystal ball in the figure so as to obtain a section with a hole, which will correspond to the white reflection in the original image.
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1) In the first ball, observe that with the Automatic Trace, a tracing was made by clicking on the surface of the crystal ball. Note that the selection is made with a unique color, while there are four “holes” in it.
2) A click is done over three of the four holes while the Ctrl key remained pressed. In this way, the selected area was enlarged. In this part of the tracing you may use the keyboard’s up and down arrows for enlarging or reducing the outline.
3) Finally, the creation is confirmed by pressing the Enter key, and generating the stitches with the F9 key. In the figure you can observe the result, note that the section created contains a hole that corresponds to the white area in the ball.
Using Autoshapes You have the possibility of creating sections based on standard geometric shapes (rectangles, triangles, ellipses, etc.) with only a few mouse clicks, thus having a good control over the size and layout. You may use geometric figures in the creation of Path and Area type sections. The main function of the geometric figures is to save time while tracing, also guaranteeing a good sections finish. Observe in the figure that the mouse pointer changes its shape when working with this option.
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Remember that when creating geometric figures, you obtain shapes with symmetric sides when pressing the Shift key, (squares from the Rectangle tool, circles from the Ellipse tool, etc.).
Example for the creation of a geometric figure In the next steps we will show you how to create a geometric figure. 1) Select the Path or Area creation tool and the desired stitch type. 2) Choose one of the available options Figures. 3) In order to create a figure, press the main button of the mouse over a point in the design’s area, and drag it without releasing it. From where you have pressed the mouse button, a box with dotted lines is drawn. This will be the figure that will change its size as you drag the mouse (figure a). 4) Once the box has the desired size, release the mouse button. Immediately after the figure is created, it will be available for you to adjust its size and shape (figure b). If necessary, before proceeding to confirm the section’s creation, modify the shape and layout of the figure.
By dragging the corners you reduce or enlarge the figure in both axis at the same time; whereas, by dragging the middle points you enlarge or compress the figure in only one direction. By keeping the Shift key pressed when carrying out the dragging, you obtain a symmetrical displacement of the box’s sides, maintaining the center in its position. In order to rotate the figure, place the pointer in any of its corners, and keeping the Ctrl key pressed, drag it. This will make the figure rotate (figure c). At any time (before confirming the creation of a section), you can move the outline of the section to any place in the design’s area. To do so, drag the mouse pointer to the border and when it turns into a cross (figure e), click and drag it to the desired position.
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Once the shape and layout is defined, press Enter to end the creation of the section (figure e). Stitch ERA will then create the figure within the design area. Once it is created, you can edit the section as usual.
You can also use the geometric figures to create holes or split lines, for example. In the right figure observe an Area section with a hole, which was applied with the Rounded Rectangle option.
Shape controllers Some figures have transformation nodes, known as shape controllers. These nodes are used to modify the figure outline, once defined in the design area. Its symbol is a transparent square. When selecting one of the shape controllers, this turns into a small black diamond (right figure), which when dragged varies its shape. Once the outline has been defined, press Enter to create a section.
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Advanced Section Filling Path Chenille
Sequin
Optional Feature for Stitch ERA Liberty
Optional Feature for Stitch ERA Liberty
Programmable Stitch
Main properties: Colors, stitch name, horizontal and vertical stitch scaling, stitch spacing, rotation and number of stitches lines, adjust stitches to the shape (distortion)
Main properties: Color, Stitch Length, Minimum Angle
Main properties: Thread color, density or spacing between sequins, diameter, style and maximum stitches length, inicial offset, stitches repetition, adjust to path, exclusion margin.
Column Pattern Main properties: Color, type (mathematical pattern, graph, manual, combined or masking), density of stitches or spacing, random effect, width pull compensation, automatic stitches separation.
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Programmable Stitch Main properties: Colors, stitch name, horizontal and vertical stitch scaling, rotation and number of stitches lines.
Area Programmable Stitch
Main properties: Colors, stitch name, horizontal and vertical scaling, spacing between stitches, rotation and number of files. It only supports the first direction.
Description: The Programmable Stitch may be applied to sections with more complex shapes and holes but will have only one direction and the stitches appearance will not change.
Cross Stitch
Main properties: Color and size of the cross stitch. It only supports the first direction. Width, Height: This properties let you define the size of the cross stitches. Repetitions: Indicates how many cross stitches the system will generate for each cell. Clipping: When set, stitches that are partially outside the object area were trimmed with the object contour. When unset, those stitches were inserted normally and may lay partially outside the object area.
Description: These are stitches with the shape of a cross. All the crosses have the same size and are linked one to the other covering the entire section’s area, resulting in an apparent manual embroidery. Define the stitches size according to the effect you desire.
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Radial fill
Main properties: Color, length, repetitions, type (spiral or concentric), variable density. This fill type does not support directions.
Description: This is an artistic fill method that creates a series of concentric paths, projecting the section’s shape towards its center. In the previous figures you can observe the result after applying this stitch type in different sections. Bear in mind that the path varies according to the configuration chosen, since this may be either Spiral or Concentric.
Texture
Main properties: Colors, name, horizontal and vertical scaling, displacement, rotation, stitches length, repetition, random border, cut length. It does not support directions.
Description: This fill is used to create designs with different patterns, since you will not have to create the different textures manually. In order to apply this fill type, you simple select the appropriate texture (wood, clouds, etc.) and establish some parameters referred to its aspect (scale, displacement, angles, etc.). From the Graphic View you will be able to visualize the changes made.
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Chenille
Optional Feature for Stitch ERA Liberty
Main properties: Color, Stitch Length, Spacing, Margin: Distance from the edge at which no Underlay stitching will be placed., Trim Length, Minimium Angle:It defines the minimum angle of stitch with Chenille fill. In corners with smaller angles to the established one, the needle generates a second stitch distanced the last one, to extend the angle and to avoid errors in the design, Border Flinishing: The fill take distance of the edge and is generated up to 4 completions to the design. Recommendation: value 1
Description: This fill produces needle picks that form a soft tufted cord. You can observe the resulting effect for this stitch type in the figure.
Elastic Pattern Main properties: Color, library pattern, spacing, fill, hole features, width pull compensation, avoid small width, outline free of stitches.
Description: The difference between patterns and elastic pattern is that the Pattern fill enables the creation of more complex figures but it supports only one direction. Instead, the Elastic Pattern fill supports more than one direction line, however, it does not admit holes or a complex main artwork. Depending on the application level you have installed in your computer, you will be able to create your own patterns, customizing the design fills.
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Elastic Programmable Stitch
Main properties: Color, horizontal and vertical scaling, stitch name, horizontal spacing, rotation, number of lines. Stitches are oriented according to the directions of the sections.
Description: The Elastic Programmable Stitch will be applied on sections with a simple section shape and no holes, accepting several direction lines. Also, stitches will deform according to the area’s geometry and the layout of the direction lines.
Sequin
Optional Feature for Stitch ERA Liberty
Main properties: Style, diameter, spacing, margin, repetition, device’s layout, maximum stitch length, adjust to path. It does only support the first direction.
Description: This is a special fill type that allows you to insert sequins to those machines supporting sequins. The result will make the sequins to become fix, one by one, to the fabric through the thread, filling the section’s area as much as possible. On the right figure you can observe an embroidery created with the sequins’ technique.
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Spiral with Sequin
Optional Feature for Stitch ERA Liberty
Main Properties: Combines the properties of the Radial Stitch with the ones from the Sequin stitch. Does not support directions.
Description: They are stitches for sequins arranged according to the location of the radial stitches. The correct functioning of this design depends on the sequin device, since it must allow the location of sequins in any angle.
Fur Fill (Zig-Zag or Pattern)
Optional Feature for Stitch ERA Liberty
Main Properties: Colors, density, random effect (side and value). The stitches are oriented according to the section direction, while the end effects will be determined from the Object Inspector: side in which is going to be applied and transformation percentage.
This fill types introduce a random transformation effect on one of its sides, or in both, making the section end irregular.
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They allow more that one direction, and also the multiple effect lines inclusion. Each line defines a needle change, allowing multiple section colors. The effect lines have the similar features as a direction line. These fill types do not allow the use of holes or a too complex main reference. Applying a combination of the options allowed, this fill offers a lot of possibilities, making the creation of outstanding embroideries an easy matter.
Macro (Running Stitch, Zig-Zag, E Stitch or Programmable Stitch)
Optional Feature for Stitch ERA Liberty
Main Properties: Spacing.
For Running Stitches: Stitch Length, repetitions, short steps. For E Stitches and Zig-Zag: density, column width. For Programmable Stitch: Vertical and horizontal scaling.
The Macro type fills, either Running Stitches, Zig-Zag, E Stitches or Programmable Stitches, produce stitch marks in rows that are parallel to the direction lines. These rows are equidistant between them, and distribute over the section’s length.
Symmetric Lines This option allows you to close the new section taking as a reference a partial shape, and it is especially useful when you wish to create sections with symmetric shapes.
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Hereunder you can find an explanation of the procedure to operate with the application: 1) Select any of the creation tools, for example Path or Zig-Zag stitch. 2) Start creating the section by inserting the corresponding nodes, as shown in the right figure. 3) After capturing half of the section’s shape, open the context menu and choose the option Symmetric lines. 4) When using this function, the figure will be finished, reproducing the figure already created, but inversely. To confirm the creation of the section, click on Enter.
Undo and redo It is always possible to undo the last actions taken, starting by the most recent, from the Undo command. It is also possible to access this command from the quick access toolbar or from the Ctrl + Z shortcut. If you are not pleased with the undo result, you can restate the option from the command Redo, or through the shortcut Ctrl + Y.
Advanced Block Tools
Available for Stitch ERA Liberty and Universal
To maintain permanently a group of sections in a block, there is an function known as Grouping, which can be accessed either from the context menu or from the Ribbon.
Grouping The groups creation does not alter the sections sequence, it only links them in terms of their physical position within the design. In order to group two or more sections:
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1) Create a block with the sections, which may or may not be next in the section sequence. 2) Select the command Group from the Ribbon. As from here, each time that you click on any of the grouped sections Stitch ERA will automatically select the whole group. You can delete a section from a group without ungrouping, just selecting any element of that group and delete it. You will observe that the group has all the original sections with the exception of the one deleted. To ungroup a group select any of its sections (Stitch ERA will select the entire group) and activate the command Ungroup from the Ribbon or from the context menu.
Branching A branch is a group of sections linked in a particular way: having only one entry and exit point, and the stitches are generated by taking the group as if it were only one section. The sections that make up a branch are layed out automatically one after the other in the sections sequence. Their layout is controlled automatically by the system. You can be accessed either from the context menu or from The Ribbon Block. In the next figure, there are four sections of the Area type, which were created randomly. To connect them in a branch, you must follow these steps: , and create a block 1) Enable the Setect Object mode that contains all sections. 2) In the Ribbon or context menu, select Branch. 3) Move the pointer towards the (A) zone and click to set the entry point for the entire branch. In the same way, move the pointer towards the (B) zone and click to set the exit point.
The group of sections has been connected in a branch. Stitch ERA generates the stitches taking into account the entry and exit points of all the group, optimizing the runs. The embroidery sequence for the previous design is the following:
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You can create branches by using any type of section and combination. Use any stitch type, except programmed stitches and Variable Density stitches with more than one density curve. The connection of sections into branches does not affect their physical position, although they do affect their location in the design sequence, which is automatically controlled by Stitch ERA. The sections that are connected through branches appear in the Doc Map view a box sign.
Branch off In order to disconnect a branch please proceed as follows: Select the entire branch and select Branch Off command from the Ribbon Block or contextual menu.
Disconnect If you want to disconnect a Branch and keep with the embroidery secuence established by Branch, you must use the Disconnect command.
Block to Vector This command allows you to create a figure that will reproduce the shapes of a section. In doing so, you will not modify the original section at all. The vector-based figure could be edited in the Vector-based figures edition mode.
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Appendix A
Machine codes Content: Storage and transport .................................................................................. 2 Physical Media, formats and codes ..................................................... 2 Machines Profiles ......................................................................................... 3 Machine codes interpreters ........................................................................... 4 Machine Codes Interpreters Data Base................................................ 4 Predefined Values ............................................................................ 6 Machines Profiles Data Base .............................................................. 6 Predefined Values ............................................................................ 9
Stitch ERA - User Manual
Storage and transport The embroidery designs are made of a bunch of information (data) that represents them. This data can be stored in different media types, for example, they can be in one or several files in the hard disk, in diskettes, in CDs, in a hard disk of another computer that is connected through a network, in the memory of the embroidery machine or in the memory of embroidery machines connection devices, etc. Media type 3.5” Diskettes Hard Disk CD Rom Pen Drive PC Network Connection to machines
Storage * * * *
Transport *
* *
The codes: Unlike other industries, the embroidery machines manufacturers have not yet established a unique format for the embroidery designs; each embroidery machine manufacturer has created at least one data format that identifies it with its own name or brand. Moreover, the manufacturers of systems for embroidery creation have done the same thing. We must add to this problem an even bigger one: data formats have been constantly developing in time (changing) and we can find some incompatibilities between data formats and machines of different generation.
Physical Media, formats and codes The design can be codified in some of the codes allowed by the physical media where it resides. The storage and transport media more used currently is the diskette. The diskette allows you to save the embroidery designs, and at the same time it becomes the most common way of transporting it to the embroidery machine. The current embroidery machines can read diskettes, but they might not be compatible with all the codes that the diskette can support. In the disks you can find different formats, some of them only accept one code. For example, there is a code named Barudan FDR and another Barudan FMC. In these codes, you can only save designs in Barudan code. The same occurs with the ZSK format, and many others. However, the D.O.S. format (developed by Microsoft) is supported, among other codes, by the Tajima, Toyota, Happy, Melco Exp, etc codes. That is to say, in a disk with D.O.S. format, you can save designs in several codes simultaneously. In the following chart you will find some examples of different media, formats and codes, which may be compatible or not with different embroidery machines. Check on the compatibility specification of your embroidery machine. Physical Media 3.5” Diskettes 3.5” Diskettes 3.5” Diskettes Appendix A – 2
Format Barudan FDR Barudan FMC ZSK
Code Barudan Barudan ZSK
Machine codes Physical Media 3.5” Diskettes 3.5” Diskettes
Format D.O.S. HD D.O.S. DD
Code Mitsubishi, Tajima, etc. Tajima, Toyota, Happy, etc.
As shown in the previous table, some codes are only supported by a unique format, so whenever you mention that code, you are also referring to the corresponding format. That is to say, when we refer to the ZSK disk code, we are also referring to the diskette’s format and its code (logic interpretation). Even though most of the current embroidery machines are compatible with several diskette codes at the same time, Stitch ERA is able to recognize (export and import) a great deal of codes available in the market.
Machines Profiles This tool allows you to adapt the embroidery designs to the specific characteristics of each embroidery machine.
The different embroidery machines, with their particular characteristics (that include the code, maximum stitch length, number of needles, thread cutter, borer, etc.) are considered by the application through the definition of these machine Profiles. Note: For example, it is possible that an embroidery machine may work with designs that have less than 6mm stitches only, while other machines work with designs of 12mm stitch length. In this case, the same code might be needed, but the internal information is modified to be adapted to each particular embroidery machine. If you do not indicate the profile, Stitch ERA will automatically apply the default profile.
Each time you export a design you will have to indicate which machine profile must be applied, so that the embroidery information is generated according to the requirements of each machine. The Machine Profile properties box has three tabs that refer to the different media types in which the information can be sent to the embroidery machine: disks, paper tapes and connection to machines (through direct connection or EO Net).
Preconfigured Machine Profiles When installing some of the products of the Stitch ERA line, the Machines preconfigured profiles will be automatically installed; which will be useful in most of the cases. These will be automatically selected according to the code you choose while finishing (export in diskettes, machines, etc.) and we recommend not modifying these preconfigured profiles.
Appendix A - 3
Stitch ERA - User Manual
Machine Profiles Personalization If you need to adapt your designs to some particular machine, establish a specific profile for that machine and save it, so as to use it later when required. Define as many machine profiles as you want, the system will keep that information in the data base to be used later.
Machine codes interpreters Designs (in their formats) that are prepared to be sent to embroidery machines usually have an extra quantity of controls and/or stitches that are required by the machines. Stitch ERA has a tool to accurately interpret this information replacing such data sequences for direct commands in order to obtain a cleaner design that makes its edition or processing clearly easier. This tool is known as Machine Code Interpreter, and it is normally used when importing designs (in different media types and formats). The application includes many preconfigured interpreters and you can add as many as you need so as to bear in mind the features of your designs codes. It is highly recommended not to modify the preset interpreters. Examples of preset interpreters: empty stitches to synchronize the beginning, jumps sequence to indicate a thread cut, stops to indicate a color change, etc.
Machine Codes Interpreters Data Base Name (Interpreter): Selects an interpreter from the data base for its modification. New: Creates a new code interpreter. The system will demand a name for the new interpreter. Delete: Deletes the selected interpreter permanently.
Appendix A – 4
Machine codes
Available Options (A) Empty Stitches at Start will be considered Sync. (avoid): The interpreter will delete all the stitches with zero displacement that are at the beginning of the design. (B) Empty Jumps at Start will be considered Sync. (avoid): The interpreter will delete all the jumps with zero displacement that are at the beginning of the design. (C) Delete Color Change at the Beginning of the Design: If there were a color change at the beginning of the design, it will be deleted. It is assumed that the design will start with needle 1. (D) Stops will be considered Color Changes (charge): The interpreter will change all stop controls for color changes. (E) Some consecutive Jumps will be considered as Thread Cut (add): A consecutive jumps sequence will be replaced by a thread cut control in addition to the corresponding displacement. (F) Force Jumps After including Thread Cut (instead of stitches): The displacement that follows the inserted thread cut controls will be represented by an extra large jump stitch (otherwise, it will be represented by an extra large stitch). (G) Consecutive Jumps for Thread Cut: Defines the number of consecutive jumps required to be interpreted as thread cut. (H) Delete Empty Jumps Before Controls: Automatically deletes the jumps with no displacement that are placed before the controls, since they do not carry useful information. (I) Delete Empty Jumps Following Controls: Automatically deletes the jumps with no displacement that are placed after the controls, since they do not carry useful information. (J) Delete Empty Stitches Before Controls: Automatically deletes the stitches with no displacement that are placed before the controls, since they do not carry useful information. (K) Delete Empty Stitches Following Controls: Automatically deletes the stitches with no displacement that are placed after the controls, since they do not carry useful information. (L) Delete Other Empty Jumps (avoid): Deletes the jumps with no displacement that are in the design, excluding those at the beginning and the ones placed before and after the controls. (M) Delete Other Empty Stitches (avoid): Deletes the stitches with no displacement that are in the design, excluding those at the beginning and the ones placed before and after the controls. (N) Delete Thread Cut from the End of Design: Deletes thread cut (if it exists) at the end of the design. This information may be unnecessary. (O) Delete Last Control from the End of Design: Deletes the last control (if it exists) at the end of the design. This information may be unnecessary. (P) Borer Offset (H): Defines the horizontal coordinates of the borer device. (Q) Borer Offset (V): Defines the vertical coordinates of the borer device.
Appendix A - 5
Stitch ERA - User Manual
Predefined Values A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M N
O
P
Q
Brother PHB – Standard
N
N
N
N
N
N
0
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
0
0
Brother PHC - Standard
N
N
N
N
N
N
0
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
0
0
Barudan - Standard
Y
Y
N
N
N
N
0
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
N
0
120
Bits and Volts - Standard
N
N
N
N
N
N
0
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
0
0
Brother - Standard
N
N
N
N
N
N
0
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
0
0
Elna-Janome - Standard Generic
N Y
N Y
N N
N N
N N
N N
0 0
N Y
Y Y
N Y
N Y
N Y
N Y
N N
N N
0 0
0 0
GMI Ela - Standard
Y
Y
N
N
N
N
0
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
N
N
0
0
Happy - Standard
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
Y
3
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
N
0
120
Happy Bar – Standard
Y
Y
N
N
N
N
0
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
N
0
120
Imbro - Standard Juki - Standard
Y Y
Y Y
N N
Y Y
Y N
Y N
3 0
Y Y
Y Y
Y N
Y N
Y N
Y N
Y N
N N
0 0
0 0
Komtekct - Standard
Y
Y
N
Y
N
N
0
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
0
0
Melco - Standard
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
Y
3
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
N
0
0
Mitsubishi - Standard
Y
Y
N
Y
N
N
0
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
N
Y
N
0
0
Pfaff - Standard
N
N
N
N
N
N
0
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
0
0
Sierra - Standard Singer - Compucom - Standard
Y N
Y N
N N
N N
N N
N N
0 0
Y Y
Y Y
Y Y
Y Y
Y N
Y N
Y N
N N
0 0
0 0
Siruba - Standard
N
N
N
N
N
N
0
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
0
0
SunStar - Standard
N
Y
N
Y
N
N
0
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
0
0
Tajima - Standard
Y
Y
N
Y
Y
Y
3
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
Y
N
0
120
Toyota - Standard ZSK - Standard
Y Y
Y Y
N N
Y N
N N
N N
0 0
Y Y
Y Y
Y Y
Y Y
Y Y
Y Y
Y N
N N
0 0
0 180
Pfaff PCD - Standard
N
N
N
N
N
N
0
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
0
0
Husqvarna - Standard
N
N
N
N
N
N
0
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
0
0
Husqvarna Viking - Standard
N
N
N
N
N
N
0
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
0
0
Pfaff PCM - Standard
N
N
N
N
N
N
0
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
N
0
0
Pfaff PCS - Standard Brother PEC - Standard
N N
N N
N N
N N
N N
N N
0 0
N N
N N
N N
N N
N N
N N
N N
N N
0 0
0 0
Machines Profiles Data Base
When you click this icon, the following dialog box opens. This contains a series of controls which we will now explain.
Appendix A – 6
Machine codes
Machine profile: Selects a profile from data base for its edition. New: Creates a new machine profile. You must insert a name for the new profile. You may create a new profile as from the values of the active profile (the one you have selected) or either taking as a reference the default configuration. Delete: Deletes the selected profile permanently. Predetermine: Establishes the active profile as default for the code selected in the disk tab. Net, Tape, Disk Tabs: Allow to change between the available media type to enter the parameters for each of them. Disk Codes (disk tab): Shows the default code that will be used when exporting to diskettes using the selected machine profile. Tape Codes (tape tab): Allows you to indicate the default code that will be used when punching tapes using the selected machine profile. Net Code (net tab): Allows you to indicate the default code that will be employed when sending embroideries through direct connection or EO Net using the selected machine profile.
Available Options Copying form Disk tab: Allows you to automatically fill the tab (Tape or Net) with the same Disk tab configuration (only in Tape and Net tabs). Code: Establishes the code to be used for the tab media type. Maximum Stitch Length: Defines the maximum stitch length that the embroidery machine allows. Check the documentation of your machine. The range allowed is between 1 and 12.7 mm. Maximum Jump Length: Defines the maximum jump or jump stitch length. Some machines operate with a jump length less than the maximum stitch length. Refer to the machine’s manual. The range allowed is between 1 and 12.7 mm Thread Cut After: Establishes a distance which when exceeded, a thread cut order will be automatically inserted. Jumps on Thread Cuts: Establishes the amount of consecutive jump stitches that will have to be produced to indicate a thread cut. This option should be enabled only for those codes that use this method to indicate a thread cut. Needles: Establishes the number of needles the machine has per embroidery head. This control is enabled for those codes that allow needle pointing in the Color change command. Color Instruction: Defines the command that will be used to indicate a color change. The options are: (a) Needle: indicates that the instruction for the change will be sent to the respective needle. (b) Stop: indicates that a stop instruction must be sent in order to represent a color change. This option is automatically disabled in those codes that only admit a Stop command as a color change instruction. End Instruction: Defines the instruction to be sent at the end of the embroidery. The options are: Stop, Final and Rewind. Appendix A - 7
Stitch ERA - User Manual
Empty Stitches at the Start: Defines the number of empty stitches or jumps stitches (with no information) that will be inserted at the beginning of the design for those embroidery machines that require these stitches in order to synchronize. Borer offset (horizontal and vertical): Compensates the borer device offset with respect to the needle position. Delete Empty Stitches: Filters all the empty stitches (without displacement) excluding those associated to commands (for example: cut, stop, Empty stitches at the beginning, etc.) Delete Empty Jumps: Filters all the empty jumps (without displacement) excluding those associated to commands (for example: cut, stop, empty jumps at the beginning, etc.) Automatic Centering of Design: Adds a displacement at the beginning of the design (if necessary) in order to make the design begin in its center. Automatic Return to Start Point: Inserts a displacement at the end of design (if necessary) so it ends at the same spot where it started. Add Needle Selection at the Starting: It automatically inserts a Needle Selection command at the beginning of design for the machine to select the proper needle before it starts embroidering. This function is recommended only for those machines that require its use unavoidably. Return to the First Needle at the End: Defines if it goes back to the first needle once the embroidery has finished. Optimize Number of Stitches: Defines the way in which the stitches will be performed during the extra large displacements. (a) If you choose this option the system will produce a maximum length jump stitch and then a stitch until displacement is completed. In this way the minimum amount of possible stitches will be generated. (b) If this option is not selected the system will produce jumps stitches and a stitch, all with the same value, until displacement is completed. The number of stitches produced will not be the minimum but the displacement will be softer. Control Mapping: Defines the data sequences that will be sent to the machine for correct running of a command. A machine command can be represented by data concerning stitch and control type. When you export the design through any media type, the existent command in the design will be replaced by the indicated sequence, from the active machines profile. Mapped Control: This command will be replaced by the indicated sequence in the controls mapping table. Control Column: Defines which control will be associated to that row. When you click on any row of the Controls column, you can define and/or change the existing assignment. Displacement in X: Allows you to assign a displacement in the X axis for that row of the command sequence. Displacement in Y: Allows you to assign a displacement in the Y axis for that row of the command sequence. Special: Allows you to define additional information for that sequence file. It is suggested not to introduce new values to this column unless it is indicated by a technical support expert. Appendix A – 8
Machine codes
Predefined Values Instructions List: N= Needle, E= End, S= Stop, J= Jump stitch
Barudan FDR Standard / Barudan FMC Standard / Barudan HD Configuration
Disk
Tape
Network
Disk code
Barudan FDR / Barudan FMC / Barudan HD
Barudan
Barudan
Maximum stitch length
12,7 mm
12,7 mm
12,7 mm
Maximum jumpstitch length Automatic Thread Cut
9,0 mm 30,0 mm
9,0 mm 30,0 mm
9,0 mm 30,0 mm
Jumpstitch in thread cut
0
0
0
Needles
7
7
7
Color instruction
N
N
N
End instruction
E
E
E
Empty stitches at beginning Borer offset (x )
2J 0,0 mm
2J 0,0 mm
2J 0,0 mm
Borer offset ( y)
12,0 mm
12,0 mm
12,0 mm
Delete empty stitches
YES
YES
YES
Delete empty jumps
YES
YES
YES
Automatic Centering Automatic return to origin
YES YES
YES YES
YES YES
Add needle selection at beginning
NO
NO
NO
Return to first needle in the end
YES
YES
YES
Optimize number of stitches
NO
NO
NO
Brother Standard / Brother PEC / Brother PHB / Brother PHC Configuration
Disk
Tape
Disk code
Brother
ZSK
Network Native
Maximum stitch length
12,7 mm
12,7 mm
12,7 mm
Maximum jumpstitch length
9,0 mm
9,0 mm
9,0 mm
Automatic Thread Cut
NO
NO
NO
Jumpstitch in thread cut Needles
0 16
0 1
0 1
Color instruction
N
S
S
End instruction
E
E
E
Empty stitches at beginning
None
None
None
Borer offset (x ) Borer offset ( y)
0,0 mm 0,0 mm
0,0 mm 0,0 mm
0,0 mm 0,0 mm
Delete empty stitches
YES
YES
YES
Delete empty jumps
YES
YES
YES
Automatic Centering
NO
NO
NO
Automatic return to origin
NO
NO
NO
Add needle selection at beginning Return to first needle in the end
NO NO
NO NO
NO NO
Optimize number of stitches
NO
NO
NO
Appendix A - 9
Stitch ERA - User Manual
Elna-Janome – Standard / Generic Configuration
Disk
Tape
Network
Disk code
ZSK
Native
Maximum stitch length
Elna/Janome / Native Expanded 12,7 mm
12,7 mm
12,7 mm
Maximum jumpstitch length
12,7 mm
9,0 mm
12,7 mm
Automatic Thread Cut
30,0 mm
30,0 mm
30,0 mm
Jumpstitch in thread cut Needles
0 16 / 32
0 11
0 16
Color instruction
N
N
N
End instruction
E
E
E
Empty stitches at beginning
None
2J
None
Borer offset (x )
0,0 mm
0,0 mm
0,0 mm
Borer offset ( y) Delete empty stitches
0,0 mm YES
18,0 mm YES
0,0 mm YES
Delete empty jumps
YES
YES
YES
Automatic Centering
NO
YES
NO
Automatic return to origin
NO
YES
NO
Add needle selection at beginning
NO
NO
NO
Return to first needle in the end Optimize number of stitches
NO NO
YES NO
NO NO
Configuration
Disk
Tape
Network
Disk code
Native
ZSK
Native
Maximum stitch length
6,2 mm
12,7 mm
12,7 mm
Generic PLK
Maximum jumpstitch length
2,0 mm
9,0 mm
12,7 mm
Automatic Thread Cut
30,0 mm
30,0 mm
30,0 mm
Jumpstitch in thread cut Needles
0 1
0 11
0 16
Color instruction
S
N
N
End instruction
E
E
E
Empty stitches at beginning
None
2J
None
Borer offset (x )
0,0 mm
0,0 mm
0,0 mm
Borer offset ( y) Delete empty stitches
0,0 mm YES
18,0 mm YES
0,0 mm YES
Delete empty jumps
YES
YES
YES
Automatic Centering
YES
YES
NO
Automatic return to origin
YES
YES
NO
Add needle selection at beginning Return to first needle in the end
NO NO
NO YES
NO NO
Optimize number of stitches
YES
NO
NO
Appendix A – 10
Machine codes
GMI Ela Configuration
Disk
Tape
Disk code
GMI Ela
Tajima
Network Native
Maximum stitch length
12,7 mm
12,1 mm
12,7 mm
Maximum jumpstitch length
12,7 mm
12,1 mm
12,7 mm
Automatic Thread Cut Jumpstitch in thread cut
NO 0
NO 0
NO 0
Needles
16
1
16
Color instruction
N
S
N
End instruction
E
E
E
Empty stitches at beginning
None
None
None
Borer offset (x ) Borer offset ( y)
0,0 mm 0,0 mm
0,0 mm 18,0 mm
0,0 mm 0,0 mm
Delete empty stitches
NO
NO
NO
Delete empty jumps
NO
NO
NO
Automatic Centering
NO
NO
NO
Automatic return to origin
NO
NO
NO
Add needle selection at beginning Return to first needle in the end
NO NO
NO NO
NO NO
Optimize number of stitches
NO
NO
NO
Configuration
Disk
Tape
Network
Disk code
Happy
ZSK
Barudan
Maximum stitch length
12,1 mm
12,1 mm
12,1 mm
Happy – Standard
Maximum jumpstitch length
9,0 mm
9,0 mm
9,0 mm
Automatic Thread Cut Jumpstitch in thread cut
30,0 mm 0
30,0 mm 0
30,0 mm 0
Needles
1
7
7
Color instruction
S
N
N
End instruction
E
E
E
Empty stitches at beginning
2J
2J
2J
Borer offset (x ) Borer offset ( y)
0,0 mm 12,0 mm
0,0 mm 12,0 mm
0,0 mm 12,0 mm
Delete empty stitches
YES
YES
YES
Delete empty jumps
YES
YES
YES
Automatic Centering
YES
YES
YES
Automatic return to origin Add needle selection at beginning
YES NO
YES NO
YES NO
Return to first needle in the end
NO
YES
YES
Optimize number of stitches
NO
NO
NO
Appendix A - 11
Stitch ERA - User Manual
Husqvarna – Standard / Husqvarna Viking VIP - Standard Configuration
Disk
Tape
Disk code
Husqvarna
Tajima
Network Tajima
Maximum stitch length
12,1 mm
12,1 mm
12,1 mm
Maximum jumpstitch length
9,0 mm
9,0 mm
9,0 mm
Automatic Thread Cut Jumpstitch in thread cut
0,1 mm 0
30,0 mm 3
30,0 mm 3
Needles
16
1
1
Color instruction
N
S
S
End instruction
E
E
E
Empty stitches at beginning
None
2J
2J
Borer offset (x ) Borer offset ( y)
0,0 mm 0,0 mm
0,0 mm 12,0 mm
0,0 mm 12,0 mm
Delete empty stitches
YES
YES
YES
Delete empty jumps
YES
YES
YES
Automatic Centering
NO
YES
YES
Automatic return to origin
NO
YES
YES
Add needle selection at beginning Return to first needle in the end
NO NO
NO NO
NO NO
Optimize number of stitches
NO
NO
NO
Configuration
Disk
Tape
Network
Disk code
Imbro
ZSK
Imbro
Maximum stitch length
8,0 mm
12,7 mm
8,0 mm
Imbro - Standard
Maximum jumpstitch length
3,0 mm
9,0 mm
3,0 mm
Automatic Thread Cut
30,0 mm
30,0 mm
30,0 mm
Jumpstitch in thread cut Needles
0 1
0 11
0 1
Color instruction
S
N
S
End instruction
E
E
E
Empty stitches at beginning
None
2J
None
Borer offset (x )
0,0 mm
0,0 mm
0,0 mm
Borer offset ( y) Delete empty stitches
0,0 mm YES
18,0 mm YES
0,0 mm YES
Delete empty jumps
YES
YES
YES
Automatic Centering
YES
YES
YES
Automatic return to origin
YES
YES
YES
Add needle selection at beginning Return to first needle in the end
NO NO
NO YES
NO NO
Optimize number of stitches
NO
NO
NO
Appendix A – 12
Machine codes
Juki 212C Configuration
Disk
Tape
Disk code
Juki Ams
ZSK
Network Native
Maximum stitch length
10,0 mm
12,7 mm
12,7 mm
Maximum jumpstitch length
1,0 mm
9,0 mm
12,0 mm
Automatic Thread Cut Jumpstitch in thread cut
30,0 mm 0
30,0 mm 0
30,0 mm 0
Needles
1
11
16
Color instruction
S
N
N
End instruction
E
E
E
Empty stitches at beginning
None
2J
None
Borer offset (x ) Borer offset ( y)
0,0 mm 0,0 mm
0,0 mm 18,0 mm
0,0 mm 0,0 mm
Delete empty stitches
YES
YES
YES
Delete empty jumps
YES
YES
YES
Automatic Centering
YES
YES
NO
Automatic return to origin
NO
YES
NO
Add needle selection at beginning Return to first needle in the end
NO NO
NO YES
NO NO
Optimize number of stitches
NO
NO
NO
Komtekct – Standard Configuration
Disk
Tape
Disk code
Komtekct
ZSK
Network Komtekct
Maximum stitch length
12,7 mm
12,7 mm
12,7 mm
Maximum jumpstitch length
12,7 mm
9,0 mm
12,7 mm
Automatic Thread Cut
30,0 mm
30,0 mm
30,0 mm
Jumpstitch in thread cut Needles
0 1
0 11
0 1
Color instruction
S
N
S
End instruction
E
E
E
Empty stitches at beginning
None
2J
None
Borer offset (x )
0,0 mm
0,0 mm
0,0 mm
Borer offset ( y) Delete empty stitches
0,0 mm YES
18,0 mm YES
0,0 mm YES
Delete empty jumps
YES
YES
YES
Automatic Centering
NO
YES
NO
Automatic return to origin
NO
YES
NO
Add needle selection at beginning Return to first needle in the end
NO NO
NO YES
NO NO
Optimize number of stitches
NO
NO
NO
Appendix A - 13
Stitch ERA - User Manual
Melco Exp – Standard Configuration
Disk
Tape
Disk code
Melco Exp.
Tajima
Network Native
Maximum stitch length
12,7 mm
12,1 mm
12,7 mm
Maximum jumpstitch length
9,0 mm
9,0 mm
9,0 mm
Automatic Thread Cut Jumpstitch in thread cut
30,0 mm 3
30,0 mm 8
30,0 mm 0
Needles
1
1
1
Color instruction
S
S
S
End instruction
E
E
E
Empty stitches at beginning
None
None
None
Borer offset (x ) Borer offset ( y)
0,0 mm 0,0 mm
0,0 mm 0,0 mm
0,0 mm 0,0 mm
Delete empty stitches
YES
YES
YES
Delete empty jumps
YES
YES
YES
Automatic Centering
YES
YES
YES
Automatic return to origin
YES
YES
YES
Add needle selection at beginning Return to first needle in the end
NO NO
NO NO
NO NO
Optimize number of stitches
NO
NO
NO
Network
Mitsubishi PLK – Standard Configuration
Disk
Tape
Disk code
Mitsubishi
Tajima
PLK EPROM
Maximum stitch length
6,2 mm
6,2 mm
6,2 mm
Maximum jumpstitch length
2,0 mm
2,0 mm
2,0 mm
Automatic Thread Cut
30,0 mm
30,0 mm
30,0 mm
Jumpstitch in thread cut Needles
0 1
0 1
0 1
Color instruction
S
S
S
End instruction
E
E
E
Empty stitches at beginning
None
None
None
Borer offset (x )
0,0 mm
0,0 mm
0,0 mm
Borer offset ( y) Delete empty stitches
0,0 mm YES
0,0 mm YES
0,0 mm YES
Delete empty jumps
YES
YES
YES
Automatic Centering
YES
YES
NO
Automatic return to origin
YES
YES
NO
Add needle selection at beginning Return to first needle in the end
NO NO
NO NO
NO NO
Optimize number of stitches
NO
YES
YES
Appendix A – 14
Machine codes
Mitsubishi PLK-A – Standard Configuration
Disk
Tape
Network
Disk code
Mitsubishi
Tajima
Native
Maximum stitch length
12,1 mm
12,1 mm
12,1 mm
Maximum jumpstitch length
9,0 mm
9,0 mm
9,0 mm
Automatic Thread Cut Jumpstitch in thread cut
0,1 mm 0
30,0 mm 3
30,0 mm 0
1
1
Color instruction
S
S
S
End instruction
E
E
E
Empty stitches at beginning
None
2J
2J
Borer offset (x ) Borer offset ( y)
0,0 mm 0,0 mm
0,0 mm 12,0 mm
0,0 mm 12,0 mm
Needles
Delete empty stitches
YES
YES
YES
Delete empty jumps
YES
YES
YES
Automatic Centering
YES
YES
YES
Automatic return to origin
YES
YES
YES
Add needle selection at beginning Return to first needle in the end
NO NO
NO NO
NO NO
Optimize number of stitches
NO
NO
NO
Pfaff – Standard Configuration
Disk
Tape
Network
Disk code
Pfaff
Tajima
Tajima
Maximum stitch length
12,7 mm
12,1 mm
12,1 mm
Maximum jumpstitch length
12,7 mm
9,0 mm
9,0 mm
Automatic Thread Cut
30,0 mm
30,0 mm
30,0 mm
Jumpstitch in thread cut Needles
0 6
0 1
0 1
Color instruction
N
S
S
End instruction
E
E
E
Empty stitches at beginning
None
2J
2J
Borer offset (x )
0,0 mm
0,0 mm
0,0 mm
Borer offset ( y) Delete empty stitches
0,0 mm YES
12,0 mm YES
12,0 mm YES
Delete empty jumps
YES
YES
YES
Automatic Centering
NO
NO
NO
Automatic return to origin
NO
NO
NO
Add needle selection at beginning Return to first needle in the end
NO NO
NO NO
NO NO
Optimize number of stitches
NO
NO
NO
Appendix A - 15
Stitch ERA - User Manual
Pfaff PCD – Standard Configuration
Disk
Tape
Disk code
Pfaff PCD
Tajima
Network Tajima
Maximum stitch length
12,7 mm
12,1 mm
12,1 mm
Maximum jumpstitch length
12,7 mm
9,0 mm
9,0 mm
Automatic Thread Cut Jumpstitch in thread cut
30,0 mm 0
30,0 mm 0
30,0 mm 0
Needles
6
1
1
Color instruction
N
S
S
End instruction
E
E
E
Empty stitches at beginning
None
2J
2J
Borer offset (x ) Borer offset ( y)
0,0 mm 0,0 mm
0,0 mm 12,0 mm
0,0 mm 12,0 mm
Delete empty stitches
YES
YES
YES
Delete empty jumps
YES
YES
YES
Automatic Centering
NO
YES
YES
Automatic return to origin
NO
YES
YES
Add needle selection at beginning Return to first needle in the end
NO NO
NO NO
NO NO
Optimize number of stitches
NO
NO
NO
Pfaff PCM – Standard / Pfaff PCS - Standard Configuration
Disk
Tape
Disk code
Pfaff PCM / PCS
ZSK
Network Native
Maximum stitch length
12,7 mm
12,7 mm
12,7 mm
Maximum jumpstitch length
12,7 mm
9,0 mm
9,0 mm
Automatic Thread Cut Jumpstitch in thread cut
0,1 mm 0
0,1 mm 0
0,0 mm 0
Needles
16
1
1
Color instruction
N
S
S
End instruction
E
E
E
Empty stitches at beginning Borer offset (x )
None 0,0 mm
None 0,0 mm
None 0,0 mm
Borer offset ( y)
0,0 mm
0,0 mm
0,0 mm
Delete empty stitches
YES
YES
YES
Delete empty jumps
YES
YES
YES
Automatic Centering
NO
NO
NO
Automatic return to origin Add needle selection at beginning
NO NO
NO NO
NO NO
Return to first needle in the end
NO
NO
NO
Optimize number of stitches
NO
NO
NO
Appendix A – 16
Machine codes
Sierra – 120 / Sierra – 40 / Sierra – 60 / Sierra – 90 Configuration
Disk
Tape
Disk code
Sierra
ZSK
Network ZSK
Maximum stitch length
12,0 mm (Sierra – 120) 4,0 mm (Sierra - 40) 6,0 mm (Sierra – 60) 9,0 mm (Sierra – 90)
12,0 mm (Sierra – 120) 4,0 mm (Sierra - 40) 6,0 mm (Sierra – 60) 9,0 mm (Sierra – 90)
12,0 mm (Sierra – 120) 4,0 mm (Sierra - 40) 6,0 mm (Sierra – 60) 9,0 mm (Sierra – 90)
Maximum jumpstitch length
12,0 mm (Sierra – 120) 4,0 mm (Sierra - 40) 6,0 mm (Sierra – 60) 9,0 mm (Sierra – 90)
12,0 mm (Sierra – 120) 4,0 mm (Sierra - 40) 6,0 mm (Sierra – 60) 9,0 mm (Sierra – 90)
12,0 mm (Sierra – 120) 4,0 mm (Sierra - 40) 6,0 mm (Sierra – 60) 9,0 mm (Sierra – 90)
Automatic Thread Cut Jumpstitch in thread cut
30,0 mm 0
30,0 mm 0
30,0 mm 0
Needles
16
11
11
Color instruction
N
N
N
End instruction
E
E
E
Empty stitches at beginning
None
None 2 J (Sierra – 90)
2J
Borer offset (x )
0,0 mm
0,0 mm
0,0 mm
Borer offset ( y)
0,0 mm
0,0 mm
0,0 mm
Delete empty stitches Delete empty jumps
YES YES
YES YES
YES YES
Automatic Centering
YES
YES
YES
Automatic return to origin
YES
YES
YES
Add needle selection at beginning
NO
NO
NO
Return to first needle in the end
YES
YES
YES
Optimize number of stitches
NO
NO
NO
Siruba – Standard Configuration
Disk
Tape
Disk code
Siruba
Tajima
Network Tajima
Maximum stitch length
12,7 mm
10,0 mm
10,0 mm
Maximum jumpstitch length
12,7 mm
12,1 mm
12,1 mm
Automatic Thread Cut
NO
NO
NO
Jumpstitch in thread cut
0
0
0
Needles Color instruction
1 S
1 S
1 S
End instruction
E
E
E
Empty stitches at beginning
None
None
None
Borer offset (x )
0,0 mm
0,0 mm
0,0 mm
Borer offset ( y)
0,0 mm
0,0 mm
0,0 mm
Delete empty stitches Delete empty jumps
YES YES
YES YES
YES YES
Automatic Centering
YES
YES
YES
Automatic return to origin
YES
YES
YES
Add needle selection at beginning
NO
NO
NO
Appendix A - 17
Stitch ERA - User Manual Return to first needle in the end
NO
NO
NO
Optimize number of stitches
NO
NO
NO
Sunstar – Standard / Sunstar SWF – Standard Configuration
Disk
Tape
Network
Disk code
Tajima (Sunstar – Standard) Sunstar SWF
Tajima
ZSK
Maximum stitch length
12,1 mm
12,1 mm
12,1 mm
Maximum jumpstitch length
9,0 mm
9,0 mm
9,0 mm
Automatic Thread Cut Jumpstitch in thread cut
30,0 mm 3
30,0 mm 3
30,0 mm 0
Needles
1
1
1
Color instruction
S
S
S
End instruction
E
E
E
Empty stitches at beginning
2J
2J
2J
Borer offset (x ) Borer offset ( y)
0,0 mm 0,0 mm
0,0 mm 0,0 mm
0,0 mm 12,0 mm
Delete empty stitches
YES
YES
YES
Delete empty jumps
YES
YES
YES
Automatic Centering
YES
YES
YES
Automatic return to origin
YES
YES
YES
Add needle selection at beginning Return to first needle in the end
NO NO
NO NO
NO YES
Optimize number of stitches
NO
NO
NO
Tajima – PLK Configuration
Disk
Tape
Disk code
Tajima
Tajima
Network Tajima
Maximum stitch length
6,2 mm
12,1 mm
12,1 mm
Maximum jumpstitch length
2,0 mm
9,0 mm
9,0 mm
Automatic Thread Cut
30,0 mm
30,0 mm
30,0 mm
Jumpstitch in thread cut Needles
3 1
3 1
3 1
Color instruction
S
S
S
End instruction
E
E
E
Empty stitches at beginning
None
2J
2J
Borer offset (x )
0,0 mm
0,0 mm
0,0 mm
Borer offset ( y) Delete empty stitches
12,0 mm YES
12,0 mm YES
12,0 mm YES
Delete empty jumps
YES
YES
YES
Automatic Centering
YES
YES
YES
Automatic return to origin
YES
YES
YES
Add needle selection at beginning
NO
NO
NO
Return to first needle in the end Optimize number of stitches
NO YES
NO NO
NO NO
Appendix A – 18
Machine codes
Tajima- Standard Configuration
Disk
Tape
Disk code
Tarima
Tajima
Network Tajima
Maximum stitch length
12,1 mm
12,1 mm
12,1 mm
Maximum jumpstitch length
9,0 mm
9,0 mm
9,0 mm
Automatic Thread Cut Jumpstitch in thread cut
30,0 mm 3
30,0 mm 3
30,0 mm 3
Needles
1
1
1
Color instruction
S
S
S
End instruction
E
E
E
Empty stitches at beginning
2J
2J
2J
Borer offset (x ) Borer offset ( y)
0,0 mm 12,0 mm
0,0 mm 12,0 mm
0,0 mm 12,0 mm
Delete empty stitches
YES
YES
YES
Delete empty jumps
YES
YES
YES
Automatic Centering
YES
YES
YES
Automatic return to origin
YES
YES
YES
Add needle selection at beginning Return to first needle in the end
NO NO
NO NO
NO NO
Optimize number of stitches
NO
NO
NO
Toyota – 850 B / Toyota 860 / Toyota – Standard / Toyota – Standard 2 Configuration
Disk
Tape
Network
Disk code
Toyota
Tarima
Toyota (Toyota – 850 B / Toyota 860) Tajima for (Toyota – Standard / Toyota – Standard 2)
Maximum stitch length
12,7 mm
12,1 mm
Maximum jumpstitch length
9,0 mm
9,0 mm
12,7 mm (Toyota – 850 B / Toyota 860) 12,1 mm (Toyota – Standard / Toyota – Standard 2) 9,0 mm
Automatic Thread Cut
30,0 mm
30,0 mm
30,0 mm
Jumpstitch in thread cut
0
0
0 (Toyota – 850 B / Toyota 860) 3 (Toyota – Standard / Toyota - Standard 2)
Needles
1
1
1
Color instruction
S
S
S
End instruction
E
E
E
Empty stitches at beginning
2J
2J
2J
Borer offset (x ) Borer offset ( y)
0,0 mm 0,0 mm
0,0 mm 0,0 mm
0,0 mm 0,0 mm
Delete empty stitches
YES
YES
YES
Delete empty jumps
YES
YES
YES
Automatic Centering
YES
YES
YES
Automatic return to origin
YES
YES
YES
Add needle selection at beginning Return to first needle in the end
NO NO
NO NO
NO NO
Optimize number of stitches
NO
NO
NO
Appendix A - 19
Stitch ERA - User Manual
ZGM – Standard Configuration
Disk
Tape
Network
Disk code
Native
ZSK
ZGM
Maximum stitch length
12,7 mm
12,7 mm
12,1 mm
Maximum jumpstitch length
12,7 mm
9,0 mm
12,1 mm
Automatic Thread Cut Jumpstitch in thread cut
30,0 mm 0
30,0 mm 0
30,0 mm 0
Needles
32
11
16
Color instruction
N
N
N
End instruction
E
E
E
Empty stitches at beginning
None
2J
None
Borer offset (x ) Borer offset ( y)
0,0 mm 0,0 mm
0,0 mm 18,0 mm
0,0 mm 0,0 mm
Delete empty stitches
YES
YES
YES
Delete empty jumps
YES
YES
YES
Automatic Centering
NO
YES
NO
Automatic return to origin
NO
YES
NO
Add needle selection at beginning Return to first needle in the end
NO NO
NO YES
NO NO
Optimize number of stitches
NO
NO
NO
Configuration
Disk
Tape
Network
Disk code
ZSK
ZSK
ZSK
Maximum stitch length
12,7 mm
12,7 mm
12,7 mm
ZSK – Standard
Maximum jumpstitch length
9,0 mm
9,0 mm
9,0 mm
Automatic Thread Cut
30,0 mm
30,0 mm
30,0 mm
Jumpstitch in thread cut Needles
0 11
0 11
0 11
Color instruction
N
N
N
End instruction
E
E
E
Empty stitches at beginning
2J
2J
2J
Borer offset (x )
0,0 mm
0,0 mm
0,0 mm
Borer offset ( y) Delete empty stitches
18,0 mm YES
18,0 mm YES
18,0 mm YES
Delete empty jumps
YES
YES
YES
Automatic Centering
YES
YES
YES
Automatic return to origin
YES
YES
YES
Add needle selection at beginning Return to first needle in the end
NO YES
NO YES
NO YES
Optimize number of stitches
NO
NO
NO
Appendix A – 20
