Think embroidery digitizing is rocket science? Think again! With the right programs to digitize embroidery and a dash of step-by-step magic, even total beginners can be creating stunning designs in no time. Whether you are dreaming of custom hoodies, creating cool patches, or opening your own embroidery business, mastering the basics of digitizing software is your doorway to success. This easy-to-follow tutorial will take you by the hand through the basics of the most important tools, the important file formats, and creating your very first embroidery design from scratch — with a minimum of hassle!

What Is Embroidery Digitizing?

Embroidery digitizing is the process of converting artwork or images into an embroidery file that a machine can read and stitch. Embroidery digitizing software allows you to map every stitch, define stitch types and colors, and predetermine a flawless path for your embroidery machine.

For newbies, the ideal software to digitize embroidery combines ease of use with powerful features that enable you to start simple and build your skills over time.

Choosing the Correct Software to Digitize Embroidery

There are a lot of software to digitize embroidery, but not all are suitable for beginners. Some popular beginner-friendly choices include:

Brother PE-Design

Embird

SewArt

Wilcom Hatch (basic version)

Ink/Stitch (free and open source)

They provide the tools necessary to start digitizing embroidery without overwhelming new users with complicated features. 

Getting to Know Basic Tools in Embroidery Digitizing Software

Embroidery digitizing software is full of handy tools that make it easy for you to create and edit your designs. First, the select tool lets you grab and move parts of your design around like an embroidery ninja in the virtual world. Then there are your drawing tools, your painter's brushes — perfect for sketching shapes, curves, and lines that imbue your design with character. Digitizing tools are where magic happens: they enable you to decide which stitch type—be it silky satin, cozy fill, or neat running stitch—goes where. Need to select the perfect thread colors? The color palette has you covered, enabling you to mix and match colors like a pro. Zoom and pan are your trusty magnifying glass and map, so you can get lost in the tiny details without, well, getting lost. And the cherry on top? The preview or simulation function shows you exactly how your masterpiece will stitch out, so you can catch any boo-boos before the needle ever meets the fabric. Knowing these tools is your ace in the hole to learning any program to digitize embroidery — and having fun doing it!

Common Embroidery File Types

When using programs to digitize embroidery, you'll come across various file types, each of which works with various embroidery machines. The most common formats include .DST, which is widely used and is famous for being compatible with Tajima machines. The .PES format is shared among Brother, Babylock, and Bernina machines, while the .EXP format is ideal for Melco machines. Janome embroidery machines also accept the .JEF format. It is ideal to save and export your design in the file format that your specific embroidery machine reads so that it can read and stitch the design accordingly.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating Your First Design

Ready to try your first embroidery digitizing project? Use the following steps with your selected program to digitize embroidery:

Step 1: Open Your Program and Import Artwork

Most embroidery digitizing programs allow you to import an image or logo to trace over. For your first design, use a simple, high-contrast image.

Step 2: Set Up Your Workspace

Set the hoop size based on your embroidery machine and project. This will make your design fit exactly.

Step 3: Trace Your Design

Use the drawing or digitizing tools to outline the main parts of your design. This can be done manually or with auto-digitizing features if available.

Step 4: Assign Stitch Types

For each part of your traced design, assign stitch types like satin for borders or fill stitch for large areas. Programs to digitize embroidery will have options to customize stitch length, direction, and density.

Step 5: Choose Colors

Apply thread colors to your design parts using the color palette. Choose colors close to your actual embroidery threads for accurate simulation.

Step 6: Preview Your Design

Use the preview feature to simulate stitching and check for any issues like overlapping stitches or gaps.

Step 7: Save and Export Your File

Save your project file for future edits, then export the design in your machine’s preferred format.

Tips for Beginners Using Software to Digitize Embroidery

When first trying out embroidery digitizing, find the easiest shapes and simplest designs to increase your confidence. It is also important to learn about the various stitches, as having a fundamental understanding of the stitches and how they might affect your embroider design, will lead you to more innovative, professional looking designs. Always test stitch your designs on fabric prior to the final production to prevent any mistakes or alterations for future embroidery. Use the tutorials and community forums that accompany most digitizing software as they are full of great information, provides helpful instruction and examples. Finally, digitizing is a skill that requires practice and experimentation, so continue practicing and improving gradually as you continue to design, and you will become better at it!

Why use programs to digitize embroidery?

Embroidery digitizing software allows you to alter and customize and adjust every detail of your embroidery designs. Having complete control over the design allows you to develop and showcase a range of unique designs that are just for you. Whether you are embroidering onto clothing, or giving gifts, or promotional items, learning how to utilize these programs is your first step towards professional embroidery!

Conclusion

Embroidery digitizing is a fun and creative process for transforming your designs. With the appropriate programs to digitize embroidery, patience, and practice, anyone can create amazing embroidery designs. 

Begin today by choosing a beginner digitizing software, using the basic tools, and create your first simple design. Before long, you'll be carving out advanced embroidery techniques and producing professional quality embroidery right on your computer! 

When you feel prepared to take your embroidery projects a step further, check out the digitizing services available from Amazon Digitizing, and get expert help for professional quality.