Computerized embroidery: Difference between revisions

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{{syllabus
<pageby nominor="false" comments="false"/>
|is_part_of_syllabus=Machine embroidery
|is_module_of=Computerized embroidery
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|status=to improve
|see_also=Embroidery software,
Embroidery machine,
Embroidery glossary,
Concepts of computerized embroidery,
Embroidery and sewing needle,
Embroidery stitch type,
Hooping and stabilizing in computerized embroidery,
Embroider on socks,
Embroidery patch,
Computerized embroidery in education,
Conference embroidery,
Hotfix stone
|cat_syllabus=Computerized embroidery
}}
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== Introduction ==
== Introduction ==


Many modern sewing machines (including the ones for the home market) can be computer-controlled. Good sewing machines can sew, stitch and quilt. I.e. you get three machines in one. We probably can distinguish between the following kinds of models:
'''Computerized embroidery''', also called '''Computer-controlled embroidery''' or simply '''machine embroidery''' is a kind of [[Computer-aided design and manufacturing]] (CAD/CAM).
* computer-controlled (directly from a computer). I imagine that these could exist in industry.
* computer-controlled (via file upload, i.e. specific firmware in the machine will read a proprietary CNC file and execute it). That's the solution existing in mid and high-end home machines (in the $500 to $10000 range). A good model (like a Swiss Bernina that can both sew and stitch will cost around CHF 3000.-)
* Computer-powered, i.e. the machine will have more than a single motor and stuff is synchronized with a computer instead of complex mechanics. Typically, low and mid-end home machines.


For the time being, this page will focus '''on links''' about '''embroidery'''. See also [[fab lab]], an introduction to end user-created design and fabrication. Expect more wiki entries if or (rather) when I decide to buy some hardware - [[User:Daniel K. Schneider|Daniel K. Schneider]] 15:34, 19 April 2011 (CEST).
See the {{goblock|content=[[Machine embroidery]]|nowrap=yes}} portal page for a list of all embroidery-related topics.


[[image:aurora-450-embroidery-module.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Bernina Aurora 450 with embroidery module]]
In this short article, we shall introduce some basic principles. More technical information about computerized embroidery is available in other articles available indexed in the [[:category:computerized embroidery|computerized embroidery]] category.
In computer-powered or computer-controlled home sewing machines, {{quotation|the computer directly controls several different motors, which precisely move the needle bar, the tensioning discs, the feed dog and other elements in the machine. [...] The computer drives the motors at just the right speed to move the needle bar up and down and from side to side in a particular stitch pattern. Typically, the computer programs for different stitches are stored in removable memory disks or cartridges. The sewing-machine computer may also hook up to a PC in order to download patterns directly from the Internet. Some electronic sewing machines also have the ability to create complex embroidery patterns. These machines have a motorized work area that holds the fabric in place underneath the needle assembly. They also have a series of sensors that tell the computer how all of the machine components are positioned. [...] The sewer simply loads a pattern from memory or creates an original one, and the computer does almost everything else.}} [http://home.howstuffworks.com/sewing-machine3.htm Computerized Sewing Machines], retrieved 13:07, 15 April 2011 (CEST). With that kind of machines, a user can focus on design and the needs to learn how to interpret orders from machine like replacing the threads.
'''Computerized [[embroidery machine]]s''' are specialized machines that can create embroidery from computerized designs. Such machines exist for the home market, for the small independent professional and for mass production. Many home sewing machines can be turned into an embroidery machine by adding a hardware module. [[Embroidery machine]]s can be found in [[fab lab]]s and other [[maker space]]s.  


According to Wikipedia and other sources, the first modern day computer controlled sewing machine was built by Orisol in 1987 for making shoes.  
'''[[Embroidery software|Embroidery design software]]''' exists in various form, either as special-purpose tools for various design stages or as complete design suites. Embroidery designs can be stored in a '''multitude of proprietary design formats''', that can be exported to '''proprietary machine formats''' (now often sold over the Internet). Free "open source" designs files are difficult to find. Converter software between various machine formats exists. Most design formats cannot be translated.


Design software exists in various form. Designs are both sold and also available as open "source". Converter software between various control formats exists.
See also:
* [[Fab lab]], an introduction to end user-created design and fabrication (including a description of many other types of computer-controlled machinery)
* [[Computerized embroidery in education]]
 
== History ==
 
It can be argued that computer-controlled ''embroidery'' machines are older than computers. In the beginning of the 19th century, Jacquard invented looms controlled by a "chain of cards". However, embroidery machines controlled in real-time by a "puncher" through [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pantograph pantograph]s dominated the market in the 19th century and lasted until the 1970's we believe. Models made between the two WWs used [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punched_tape punched tapes] for control, i.e. software driven embroidery machines became important. In the 1980 the first computer-controlled machines for the home market appeared ([https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machine_embroidery#History Wikipedia], retrieved May 2018). [http://apisource.blogspot.com/2011/02/history-of-world-no-history-of.html Chitter Chatter Embroidery Machine History] and [https://community.annthegran.com/post/2011/06/03/computerized-embroidery-of-yesteryear-well-sort-of! Ann the Gran Embroidery History] include some interesting pictures.
 
According to Wikipedia and other sources, the first modern day computer controlled ''sewing'' machine was built by Orisol in 1987 for making shoes, i.e. much later than embroidery machines.


== Computerized embroidery ==
== Stitching and design steps ==


More or less according to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machine_embroidery Wikipedia], the basic steps for creating an embroidery are as follows:
More or less according to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machine_embroidery Wikipedia], the basic steps for creating an embroidery are as follows:
* Get or create a digitized embroidery design file
* [Optional] Get or create a digitized embroidery design file in some kind of editable format. Typical formats are .emb, .exe, .dst, .cnd and .fdr. Each software manufacturer has its own proprietary format.
* Edit the design and/or combine with other designs (optional)
* [Optional] Combine it with other designs, e.g. add some custom lettering (optional)
* Translate to machine executable code (optional)
* Translate the design to machine executable code (or get a file that is executable). Typical formats are .art, .pes, .jef, .sew and .hus (see below)
* load the final design file into the embroidery machine
* Load this "stitch" file into the embroidery machine
* stabilize the fabric and place it in the machine
* Stabilize and hoop the fabric and attach the hoop to the machine
* start and monitor the embroidery machine
* Start and monitor the embroidery machine, i.e. change the thread if needed.
 
Creating a digitized embroidery file itself includes at least two steps:
* (Optional) Create a drawing in an editable vector format. It is also possible to vectorize (traced) raster images, but this can be very time consuming.
* Digitize (translate, punch) the vector drawing to a (preferably) editable embroidery design format. A stitchable design includes embroidery-specific information like stitches and thread color. Good software rather defines "stitch objects", e.g. lines and fills (columns and areas) that are parameterized with stitching information such as the filling patterns, density, stitch density, pull compensation, stitch direction, etc..
* Export to machine-specific formats.
 
== Typical paradigm ==


== Software and repositories for embroidery ==
While some more modern machines perform actions like dropping a sequin to be sewn in place, most modern embroidery consists is entirely of the same looped interlock stitch that have been the mainstay of sewing machines since their inception. Computerized embroidery formats ultimately contain instructions for the embroidery machine to perform. Move to a new location in two different directions, move but block the needle-bar (jump), cut the thread, drop the needle, switch to the next thread. These are all the actions that a sewing machine can take, usually in increments of 1/10th a millimeter. The goal then within design software is often how to pattern these stitches in useful ways for the person using the software. These patterns result in a lot of the underlying concepts within embroidery software. Stitches like zig-zag, satin, flat fill, bean stitch, and others are simply straight stitches in particular patterns, and the methods used to generate these are not explicit to the media.


Disclaimer: None tested so far, therefore none we could recommend.
Typically modern embroidery software uses vector shapes with fills applied to the objects. This allows the users for editing of the objects and thus the fills those objects create and adjustments to the density, direction, or any other property used to generate the resulting stitches. The advantages to this is that embroidery can be done quickly. A lot of stitches in recognizable patterns can be applied quickly with skilled users getting the results they expect. The software then stores the vector object and the fill properties to generate the underlying stitches. When the underlying stitches are edited by the user, regenerating the stitches would lose those modifications.
[[image:Simm_Stickerin.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Franz Xaver Simm: Die Stickerin Oil on canvas, 94 x 68 cm]]


We can distinguish between several types of software, although sometimes the frontiers are blurreded.
While vectors are a key aspect of this paradigm, it's not the case that you could go from vector to embroidery without some additional information about the type of fill being applied to that object. While software could take a vector as the answer of where to fill, they don't answer the question of how to fill. There's also a considerable amount of things that are technically permitted of a series of short line-segments (and thus embroidery) but are not easily accomplished through the dominant paradigm.
* Software to create designs for "manual" embroidery
* Vectorizers (can translate a bitmap to vector formats)
* Digitizers (can translate a vector format to CNC code)
* Converters can convert from one format to another (may include the above)
* Editors (can draw, but sometimes also vectorize)
* Viewers (allow to view files, useful for script generated formats for example)
* Organizers (help to organize designs)
* Complete embroidery CAD Suites, can create sophisticated drawings (''vector based embroidery'', VBE) and support all the design stages. Often, the drawing module is based on existing high-end vector graphics software. E.g. Pulse's ''embroideryi2'' is an addon for either Illustrator or Corel Draw. Bernina's ''Embroidery software'' is based on Corel. High-end embroidery software suites should include all of the above.


It is very difficult to find out what software costs and - funny - where and how to buy. Some companies (like Bernina) seem to sell anything only through authorized resellers. In addition, I couldn't find any up-to-date list that includes any sort of comparison. Add the various numberous obscure file formats and you find yourself in a software jungle that is hard to beat in terms of inacessibility and obscurity.
This seems to be the reason there are so many different formats, basically a different one for each type of embroidery. And different versions of formats add more such features to the software. If you wish to edit a design later, you need to have all the objects the file used to generate the stitches. Often software suites develop different methods for filling various objects or different features and these are unique to that particular brand. It's also the reason why, even when some formats have vector information (say PES files), these are not loaded by other software (eg. Wilcom Trusizer) in a manner that could be resized beyond about 10% without noticeable loss of coverage for the fill. Other software that can load a format, will often only load the actual stitches themselves (since that's what, all embroidery files must have to be sewn), which prevents any editing of the shapes used to generate them initially.  


=== Design and multi-purpose tools ===
A ''straight stitch'' or ''running stitch'' is the typical name for a stitch that is generally not in the pattern of one of the other types of stitches. Technically all stitches are the same and they are all running stitches. They can't be anything else.


; Free just design tools
Fill stitches, also called ''tatami stitch'' are montone fills of particularly defined areas. These tend to be a sort of flood fill done with stitches. Most modern embroidery software executes this by using vector objects which then have a fill applied to them.
(these will just create patterns for hand stitching)


* [http://sourceforge.net/projects/kxstitch/ KXStitch] aims to produce software to allow the creation and editing of cross stitch patterns. Runs under Linux/KDE. See [http://sourceforge.net/apps/mediawiki/kxstitch/ kxstitch wiki]
Mathematically the objects being filled must be monotone or broken into different parts. Monotone geometric objects can be filled with an unbroken scanline starting from the top to the bottom without changing directions. Since some objects being filled will lack this property, the objects are converted into monotone objects by clipping off the non-monotone parts. These are then underpathed (a straight stitch to the other merge/split node occurring such that it will be covered) and filled, and merged with the current fill. There is a lot of differences in how this algorithm is implemented between different software suites.


; Free design tools for computerized embroidery
Sometimes even monotone objects are broken in this manner to allow for a start and stop location to be predefined. If you are filling a circle from the top to bottom, but want to start from the left, the algorithm will need to underpath to the top, then fill to the bottom. If an exit location is needed, it will stop at the level of the exit-node, underpath to the bottom, then fill up to the exit position.
These can output CNC file formats. You may have to use a converter to get it working on your machine.


* [http://embroidermodder.sourceforge.net/ Embroidermodder]. Free software tool (under development as of April 2011) that allows the user to add custom modifications to their embroidery designs. Can read/write 5-6 formats. Started in 2004 by Mark Pontius, last update on 11/2010 when last checked (April 2011). I installed this on Win 7 64 and the program runs. I created a simple text and was able to save a .dst file and then open it with Wilcom TrueSizer. Some stiches seem to be wrong.
Satin stitches are so-called because they have a soft satiny look. They are geometrically sweep fills of sweepable objects. A sweepable object is one that can be completely filled by a sweepline that transverses the object and  is permitted to change directions. By definition if an object is sweepable it is monotone, as it does not need to change directions. Satin stitches are usually done with areas small enough that a single stitch can fill the objects.


* [http://www.achatina.de/sewing/INDEX.HTM Rudolf's Sewing / Embroidery related Programs] (last updated 2005, not tested). Includes a free conversion program and a simple drawing program creating *.pcs.  
This covers most of the conceptual design aspects within embroidery software. Some popular tools like Wilcom B, generally work by creating the vector object and fill direction and fill information at the same time. Which is a step away from the paradigm of ''vector + fill -> embroidery''.


; Commercial embroidery/stitching design tools
Read [[embroidery stitch type]] for a short presentation of various options available in embroidery software.


* [http://www.buzztools.com/ BuzzTools] sells a series of design tools, e.g. design management software. graphics to stitches, words to stitches, etc. (between $99 and 300)
== Moving on ==


* Brother, also a maker of sewing machines sells [PED Basic Embroidery Software] (simple editing) and [http://www.brother-usa.com/Homesewing/Software/SoftwarePEDDesignLite.aspx PE-Design light] (digitizing, letters, combining, etc. about 300 €). A higher-end product also exists (see below)
The [[concepts of computerized embroidery]] article will introduce some important practical concepts of machine embroidery. [[Embroidery stitch type]]s are discussed in a separate piece. [[Hooping and stabilizing in computerized embroidery]] explain how to ready a fabric for embroidery.


* [http://www.stitch-sew.com/index.php?en Stitch & Sew] made by Compucon has several product levels: Designer (Standard Digitizing & Editing package), Editor (Lettering & Editing package), Embroidery Studio (digitizing & editing).  The full package is called ''Embroidery Studio Plus''. No idea how much it would cost.
[[Embroidery software]] tries to provide an overview of various embroidery software. [[Stitch Era tutorials]] is the starting point of a vector-drawing centric series of tutorials of a powerful and relatively cheap complete embroidery software. [[InkStitch]] is the start page of a tutorial series for an open-source platform based on [[Inkscape]], '''the''' open source drawing program.


* [http://embrilliance.com/embrilliance-essentials Embrilliance]. A (relatively) cheap multi-purpose tool for converting/mergin/lettering etc. Supports most embroidery formats, but can't import "normal" 2D graphics. (Mac/PC)
For technical people, software developers in particular, [[Embroidery format]] assembles everything that is known about propriety machine embroidery formats.


* [http://www.stitchesinmotion.ca/ Stitches in Motion] has Sew Art (software for converting clipart or other forms of raster and vector images into an embroidery file). It can output in PES or JEF. For other formats, you will have to use a conversion program.
== Links ==


* [http://embird.com/ Embird Embroidery Software] sells several programs, A base program (Basic Embird) plus several plugins e.g. Embird Studio (digitizing). Can read/write many formats.
=== General links ===


* [https://www.aps-ethos.com/embroidery_software.php ApS-Ethos] has several programs. The top-end [https://www.aps-ethos.com/virtuoso_embroidery_software.php Virtuoso Plus] can edit, letter, digitize, import vector files, etc.
; Sewing and embroidery websites (unsorted)


* [http://www.creativeseries.com/cs2_products.asp Fancyworks] has a series of products. The top-end [http://www.creativeseries.com/cs2_fancyworksstudioplus.asp Fancyworks Studio Plus] (editing, digitizing, lettering, import, etc.) costs $650.
* [http://www.k2g2.org/ k2g2] {{quotation|is an open platform that is spearheading the brains and crafts movement of the 21st century, taking a hacker's perspective on everything from handicraft to crafting machines}}. This website includes good "portals" for [http://www.k2g2.org/portal:machine_knitting machine knitting] and [http://www.k2g2.org/portal:machine_embroidery machine embroidery]. '''Best''' resource for open source projects, but doesn't show much activity over the years.
* [http://wiki.embroiderymachine.com/index.php/Main_Page Embroidery Machine Encyclopedia] (Wiki, 148 articles as of May 2017). As of Jan 2018, the site is full of spam (>20'000 pages) but still includes the useful information.
* [http://www.sewing.org/ Sewing.org] has free sew, quilt and craft projects
* [http://www.gotsewing.com/ Sewing & Craft Alliance] provides educational information and creative resources to the sewing and crafting enthusiast
* [http://sewreview.com/ SewReview], includes a blog with entries on various topics plus buying guides and reviews
* [http://www.ehow.com/ eHow] includes entries about sewing, embroidery, etc.
* [http://www.tumblr.com/ rumblr] includes a few entries about sewing etc.
* [http://www.egausa.org/ The Embroiderers' Guild of America] (EGA). A few interesting links.
* [http://sewing.patternreview.com/ patternreview] Popular site for sharing patterns and advise (including computerized stuff)
* [http://embroidery.embroiderersguild.com/ Embroidery]. Nice traditional embroidery website for junior stitchters, textile students and teachers.


=== High end commercial design suites ===
; In other languages
* [http://forum.broderiemachine.fr/ Forum Broderie Machine]
* [http://blog.stickmuster-shop.de/ Stickmaschinen-Blog] (good tips)


It is difficult to find out who really makes what, how much it costs and what is meant for "prosumers" (advanced home users) and professional. I find it interesting that three products are based on Corel and wonder if there is some common ground ...
; Blogs
* [http://www.dognamedbanjo.com/ Dog name banjo]


* [http://berninausa.com/product_detail-n6-i293-sUS.html Embroidery Software] (en)  based on Corel Draw is about $2000/€ 1500. They sell other products:  [http://www.berninausa.com/product_overview-n6-sUS.html Software link] (en/USA). See also the [http://www.bernina.ch/product_overview-n6-sDE.html Swiss version] of the software page (de/fr).
; Other links of links


* [http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite/us/en/Product/1207851980808 Wilcom DecoStudio] {{quotation|integrates CorelDRAW® Graphics Suite X4 with Wilcom's renowned stitch processor, lettering, monogramming and appliqué tools to create a complete graphics and embroidery software solution}}. This product was formerly called ''Edit/Plus''. See also [http://www.wilcomdiscovery.com/Products/DecoStudioe2/DecoStudioFeatures/tabid/153/Default.aspx DecStudio] at Wilcom. Wilcom also has a product line called [http://www.wilcomdiscovery.com/Products/DecoStudioe2/ProductLevels/tabid/150/Default.aspx Embroidery Studio] with several product levels. These are more sophisticated and more expensive (probably over € 10000).
* [http://embroidermodder.sourceforge.net/ Embroidermodder] has some good links (including broken ones, last update was 2004)


* [http://www.pulsemicro.com/pulse-products.htm Embroidery software] by Pulse. Pulse creates various products like Tajima DG/ML, Tajima Librarian, Tajima Passport. High end and ''really'' expensive. For the home user there is Embroideryi2 for Illustrator or embroidery i2 for Corel. See for example [http://www.embroideryi2.com/ Embroidery i2] (both for Corel and Illustrator) These are rumored to cost just a few thousand $.
=== Introductions ===
(Retrieved April 2011, unless otherwise stated)


* Brother PE-Design NEXT (about € 1500).
; Introductions to traditional embroidery
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embroidery Embroidery] (Wikipedia). Follow-up the various Wikipedia links at the bottom.


* [http://www.embroideryoffice.com/ Embroidery Office] (EO11) made by Sierra includes: Art and Design; Design Administration; Production Organization; Machine Connectivity; Catalog Preparation and Spreading. Claims to be very high-end, but their web pages are full or errors and won't display well in FF4 and IE9 ... (on April 19, 2011).
; Introductions to computerized embroidery


=== Free converter tools and other utilities ===
* MIT [http://hlt.media.mit.edu/wiki/ High-low tech] wiki has a series:
** [http://hlt.media.mit.edu/wiki/pmwiki.php?n=Main.EmbroideryMachine Embroidery Machine Tutorial Part 1: Software]
** [http://hlt.media.mit.edu/wiki/pmwiki.php?n=Main.EmbroideryMachine2 Embroidery Machine Tutorial Part 2: The Machine] (Bernina Artista 630 tutorial)


[[image:wilcom-truesizer.png|thumb|right|250px|Screenshot of Wilcom TrueSizer V2.x]]
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machine_embroidery Machine embroidery] (Wikipedia). Not a particularly good article as of Jan 2018.
; Free utility tools (converters, digitizers, etc.)
* [http://www.ehow.com/how_5129778_digitize-embroidery-designs.html How to Digitize Embroidery Designs] at eHow
Some of these are available as plugins for graphics programs


* [http://www.evilmadscientist.com/article.php/hershey Hershey Text: An Inkscape extension for engraving fonts]. This is not directly useful, but this extension could be used as "middleware" for an Inkscape to embroidery converter (see below)
; Introductions to computerized sewing machine
* [http://home.howstuffworks.com/sewing-machine3.htm Computerized Sewing Machines], at How stuff works (part 3 of [http://home.howstuffworks.com/sewing-machine1.htm How Sewing Machines Work])


* ''Planned since 2009'': The [http://www.k2g2.org/wiki:blf Brother Liberation Front] announced working on and Inkscape and Gimp plugin named Yarnscape and Crafty Gimp respectively. If this will happen, then Inkscape could become a free embroidery design tool.
; Introductions to normal sewing machine
* [http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2010/05/flashback_anatomy_of_a_sewing.html Flashback: Anatomy of a Sewing Machine], April 2007 in CRAFT Volume 03: by Christine Haynes and Kent Bell. (mechanical parts)


* [http://www.jonh.net/~jonh/inkscape-embroidery/ Embroidery output extension for Inkscape] by Jon Howell, 2010. GPL. Easy to install on Linux, needs python and the shapely library. Tested on April 2011 under Ubuntu 10.04. To install:
* [http://home.howstuffworks.com/sewing-machine1.htm How Sewing Machines Work] at How Stuff Works (includes good animations)
apt-get install python-shapely
cp embroider.inx embroider.py PyEmb.py ~/.config/inkscape/extensions
: In Inkscape, the extension is available in Extensions->Render->Embroider
: Only works, if you create a drawing with ''filled regions'' that are converted to ''pathes'' and are ''not grouped''. (So no grouping, no strokes, etc. !)  
: Result *.exp will sit in your home directory or some other place ...
I managed to create a stitched oval and display it with some *.exp viewer. - April 2011.


* [http://www.joachim-riedel.de/freeware/ Joachims's freeware] include Pesview 1.3.0, a Viewer/Conversion-Tool for PES/PEC/PCS/DST/SEW and EasyPEC for converting PES.x to PEC 1.0
; Specialized tutorials
* [https://learn.adafruit.com/electroknit Hacking the Brother KH-930 Knitting Machine]


* [http://git.kernel.org/?p=linux/kernel/git/torvalds/pesconvert.git;a=summary PES-file thumbnailer] by Linus Thorvald himself ! (for Linux, needs pnglib-devel and cairo-devel to comple) Read [http://torvalds-family.blogspot.com/2010/01/embroidery-gaah.html Embroidery.. gaah] January 13, 2010
=== Software links ===
(see our own links in the [[embroidery software]] article)


* [http://www.njcrawford.com/programs/embroidery-reader/ Embroidery Reader] for PES (Brother)
; Useful websites
* [http://www.k2g2.org/portal:machine_embroidery Machine Embroidery Portal] at k2g2. Used to  be a good resource, but not updated since 2014 (as of Jan 2018).
* [http://sewing.patternreview.com/SewingDiscussions/topic/48008 embroidery software which runs natively under Mac OS X] (2/2010)


; Free converters/resizers/etc from commercial companies
; Comparisons


[[image:bernina-artlink.png|thumb|right|250px|Screen shot of Bernina Artlink 6 (Unconvincing model made with Embroidermodder)]]
The best table we found is Wikipedia's [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Comparison_of_embroidery_software Comparison of embroidery software]. However, it does not really choosing a good software.  
* [http://www.wilcom.com.au/PRODUCTS/TrueSizer.aspx WILCOM TrueSizer]. Read, resize, rotate and convert many popular industrial and home expanded/condensed file formats. Can't write .ART. Windows, free but registration is required. Tested under Windows 7 64 bit. Software works, but so far I don't have a sewing machine to test for real (April 2011). Anyhow, as far as I can tell, this seems to be the '''one of the two best free converters'''.


* [http://www.stitch-sew.com/index.php?id=24,29,0,0,1,0  multi-converter] from [http://www.stitch-sew.com/ Stitch & Sew]. Can read designs from manufacturer's cards to the hard disk and the other way round. Registration required. I Installed it on Win 7/64, but did not understand how I could convert files within my hard disk.
A (good) 2013 comparison of software by Floriani (a software producer) is kept in the [https://web.archive.org/web/20131105225712/http://www.florianisoftware.com/newsletter/V51_DigitzingSoftware.pdf wayback machine]


* [http://www.bernina.com/Artlink6 Bernina Artlink], a free multi-purpose utility program form Bernina. Can resize, rotate 45 degrees, select stitch color, read/write many embroidery formats, display hoops for various types (also other brands), write to various hardware. As far as I can tell, this seems to be the '''one of the two best free converters'''. I somehow got the German version, but there is also an English edition ...
; File formats
* [http://www.achatina.de/sewing/main/TECHNICL.HTM Technical info about formats]
* [http://embroidermodder.sourceforge.net/ Embroidermodder] has links to other pages
* [http://www.needlework.ru/page/embroidery.html Need other embroidery format?] at needlework.ru


; Commercial converters
=== Hardware links ===


* [http://www.stitchesinmotion.ca/sewwhat.asp SewWhat!] from Stitches in Motion. Can read most formats and write a lot of formats (but not .art). Between $50 and $65. Free trial versions.
* [https://www.fabathome.org/best-embroidery-machine/ The 11 Best Embroidery Machines of 2018] (FabatHome. Notice: there is only one small multi-needle machine, one can not call a single needle machine "professional".)


=== File formats ===
; In other languages
* [http://blog.stickmuster-shop.de/stickmaschinen/ Stickmaschinen im Vergleich] (updated 4/11 or later).
* [http://www.hobbyschneiderin.net/portal/forumdisplay.php?f=29 Hobbyschneiderin.net] (forums)


There are several kinds of formats, in particular
; Do it yourself
* All sorts of 2D bitmap and vector formats for the drawings
* [http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2010/08/creating-a-computer-controlled-sewi.html Creating a computer-controlled sewing machine] and [http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2010/07/cnc-sewing-machine.html CNC sewing machine], Makezine, 2010.
* Embroidery and sewing specific file formats that work on a range of machines and also can be used as exchange formats.
* Machine formats that are mostly brand or even type specific


; List of formats
=== Free design repositories ===
('''Not''' sure that it is correct. It seems that there are about 20 different formats and it is not very clear what formats a specific machine from various Brands can read. Also, most vendors include some conversion software. I.e. I don't know yet if Bernina hardware can read, .pes, .art and .exp or if there is just official support through the conversion software


* ART Bernina
There don't seem to be many truly free and easy to use websites. Most commercial web sites offer some free designs. In addition, some of the free open source or close source software packages include free designs (see above).
* PEC Bernina ?
* CSD Singer
* DST Tajima
* EXP Melco (Bernina high-end models)
* FDR Barudan
* HUS Husquarna
* JEF Janome
* PES Brother (Bernina?, Bablock, Deco)
* SEW Elna
* PCS,PCQ,PCD,PCM,VIP Pfaff
* SHV Viking


See also:
* [http://www.thingiverse.com/ Thingiverse]. Search for em broidery. As of 1/2018 only a few designs....
* [http://www.secretsof.com/content/612 What Format Does My Machine Use?]
* You could search for [http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=embroidery%20patterns&w=all embroidery patterns on Flickr]. Some are free (but you then need to digitize these or find another version)
* [http://www.embroideryarts.com/resource/files/faq/formats_supported.php Formats Supported]


=== Free repositories ===
=== Fablab work, open source, etc. ===


* [http://www.needlework.ru/indeng.htm Needlework Russia] (some free)
* [http://www.inkscapeforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=4776&sid=040a487ccaf7b0b1456f987e2af2d4e6 svg to/from embroidery converter] (for now just a discussion at Inkscape Forums)
* [http://www.annthegran.com/ AnnTheGran] (some free)
* ....
(more needed)


== Links ==
== Bibliography and journals ==


; Sewing and embroidery websites (unsorted)
; Introductory books for machine embroidery


* [http://www.k2g2.org/ k2g2] {{quotation|is an open platform that is spearheading the brains and crafts movement of the 21st century, taking a hacker's perspective on everything from handicraft to crafting machines}}. This website includes good "portals" for [http://www.k2g2.org/portal:machine_knitting machine knitting] and [http://www.k2g2.org/portal:machine_embroidery machine embroidery]. '''Best''' resource for open source projects.
* John Deer (2007). Digitizing Made Easy: Create Custom Embroidery Designs Like a Pro, Krause Publications. ISBN 0896894924 (Good introductory book to digitizing, a cheaper and simpler alternative to Nielsen)
* [http://www.sewing.org/ Sewing.org] has free sew, quilt and craft projects
* [http://www.gotsewing.com/ Sewing & Craft Alliance] provides educational information and creative resources to the sewing and crafting enthusiast
* [http://sewreview.com/ SewReview], includes a blog with entries on various topics plus buying guides and reviews
* [http://www.ehow.com/ eHow] includes entries about sewing, embroidery, etc.
* [http://www.tumblr.com/ rumblr] includes a few entries about sewing etc.
* [http://www.egausa.org/ The Embroiderers' Guild of America] (EGA). A few interesting links.
* [http://www.open-source-embroidery.org.uk/ Open Source embroidery]


; Blogs
* Jones, Deborah. (2009). ''Machine Embroidery on Difficult Materials'' (Book & CD Rom), Krause Publications, ISBN 0896896544. (Explains how to embroider on silk, leather, lace, etc.)
* [http://www.dognamedbanjo.com/ Dog name banjo]


; Other links of links
* Nielsen, Bonnie (2010). ''Punch  - Digitizing for Embroidery Design'', Verlagshaus Gruber. Directly order from the editor (cheaper price at 53€): https://shop.verlagshaus-gruber.de/int_de/featured/punch-digitizing-for-embroidery-design.html ('''Best overall book.''' There is also a German edition: Punchen – Kreatives Erstellen von Stickdesigns ISBN: 978-3-00-044615-3)


* [http://embroidermodder.sourceforge.net/ Embroidermodder] has some good links (including broken ones, last update was 2004)
* Twigg, Jeanine (2001). Embroidery Machine Essentials: How to Stabilize, Hoop and Stitch Decorative Designs,  Krause Publications, ISBN 9780873419994 (Useful for absolute beginners. There are several companion books from the same author).


=== Introductions ===
; Other introductory books for machine embroidery
(Retrieved April 2011, unless otherwise stated)


; Introductions to embroidery
(I don't have any of these, and therefore can't recommend any - DKS June 2011)
(there are many, but we keep it down since we are interested in computer-created designs only here)
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embroidery Embroidery] (Wikipedia). follow-up the various Wikipedia links at the bottom.


; Introductions to computerized embroidery
* C&T Publishing (2004), ''All About Machine Arts'', ISBN 9781571202277.


* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machine_embroidery Machine embroidery] (Wikipedia)
* Betty Barnden (Author) (2003). ''The Embroidery Stitch Bible'', Krause Publications, ISBN 9780873495103.
* [http://www.ehow.com/how_5129778_digitize-embroidery-designs.html How to Digitize Embroidery Designs] at eHow
* [http://www.ehow.com/how_5876025_create-digital-embroidery-design.html How to Create a Digital Embroidery Design] at eHow


; Introductions computerized sewing machine
* Deb Menz (2004). ''Color Works'', Interweave Press, ISBN 1931499470 (This book address color for crafters).  
* [http://home.howstuffworks.com/sewing-machine3.htm Computerized Sewing Machines], at How stuff works (part 3 of [http://home.howstuffworks.com/sewing-machine1.htm How Sewing Machines Work])


; Introductions to normal sewing machine
* Linda Turner Griepentrog, Rebecca Kemp Brent (2006). ''Machine Embroidery Wild & Wacky'', Krause Publications.
* [http://blog.craftzine.com/archive/2010/05/flashback_anatomy_of_a_sewing.html Flashback: Anatomy of a Sewing Machine], April 2007 in CRAFT Volume 03: by Christine Haynes and Kent Bell. (mechanical parts)


* [http://home.howstuffworks.com/sewing-machine1.htm How Sewing Machines Work] at How Stuff Works (includes good animations)
* Linda Miller (2010). ''Creative Machine Embroidery'', A&C Black. ISBN 1408103982.


; Specialized tutorials
* Van Holmes (2008). ''Encyclopedia of Machine Embroidery'', Anova Batsford, ISBN 9781906388188.
* [http://www.ladyada.net/learn/electroknit/ Electro-knit!] Hacking the Brother KH-930e knitting machine by Ladyada, March 2011. See also [http://www.antitronics.com/wiki/index.php?title=Electroknit_Technical_Information Electroknit Technical Information] by Sconklin. (Dec 2010).


; Other
; Academic Journals (may contain articles about embroidery)
"* [http://scripts.mit.edu/~emu/fab/?p=1159 computer controlled embroidery?]. Discussion about fab labs and tools of culture (fab/MIT)


=== Software ===
* [http://trj.sagepub.com/ Textile Research Journal], Sage.


; Useful websites
* [http://www.scirp.org/journal/ADR/ Art and Design Review], Scientific Publisher, Open Access.
* [http://www.k2g2.org/portal:machine_embroidery Machine Embroidery Portal] at k2g2. It includes pointers to the most of the few open source software and:
** [http://www.k2g2.org/links:industrial_embroidery_software List of Industrial Embroidery Software] ('''Best''' list I found)
** [http://www.k2g2.org/links:commercial_embroidery_software Links to commercial embroidery software],
** [http://www.k2g2.org/links:industrial_embroidery_software Links to industrial embroidery software]


; Online retailers (multiple products)
; Research
* [http://www.embroidery.com/ embroidery.com]
* Irene Posch and Ebru Kurbak. 2016. CRAFTED LOGIC Towards Hand-Crafting a Computer. In Proceedings of the 2016 CHI Conference Extended Abstracts on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI EA ’16). ACM, New York, NY, USA, 3881-3884. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/2851581.2891101
* Amazon sells various embroidery software.


; File formats
; Trade journals
* [http://www.achatina.de/sewing/main/TECHNICL.HTM Technical info about formats]
* [http://embroidermodder.sourceforge.net/ Embroidermodder] has links to other pages
* [http://www.wotsit.org/ Wotsit.org] includes a description and a link for most somewhat popular computer file formats. (you will have to search for stitching/sewing formats).


=== Hardware ===
* [https://graphics-pro.com/ Graphics Pro], includes articles about embroidery (some education)


* [http://products.howstuffworks.com/computerized-sewing-machine-reviews.htm Computerized Sewing Machines Reviews and Prices] at products/how stuff works.
* [https://www.impressionsmagazine.com/ Impressions], information for apparel (screen printing, embroidery, heat-applied graphics and digital decorating).  
* [http://www.bestsewingmachinesonline.com/ The Best Sewing Machine Online]. Explains some history, how they work and discusses various models (include some that are computer-powered or controlled).
* [http://bestsewingmachine.net/ Best Sewing Machine]. Lots of reviews (> 600 models)


; Do it yourself
* [http://www.stitchprint.eu/ Stitch and Print]
* [http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2010/08/creating-a-computer-controlled-sewi.html Creating a computer-controlled sewing machine], Makezine, 2010.


== Bibliography and journals ==
* [http://www.embroiderersguild.com/stitch/ Stitch], hand stitching (from the [https://embroiderersguild.com/ embroiders' guild])


* [http://trj.sagepub.com/ Textile Research Journal], Sage.
* [https://www.stickstoff-magazin.de/ Stickstoff Magazin] (in German, pay)


[[Category: hardware]]
[[Category: hardware]]
[[Category: Design methodologies]]
[[Category: Computerized embroidery]]
[[Category: Fab lab]]
[[fr:Broderie machine]]

Latest revision as of 18:36, 10 November 2022

Machine embroidery
Module - entry page
Computerized embroidery
⚐ to improve ☸
⚒ 2022/11/10
See also


See also

  • Quality: to improve


Introduction

Computerized embroidery, also called Computer-controlled embroidery or simply machine embroidery is a kind of Computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM).

See the Machine embroidery portal page for a list of all embroidery-related topics.

In this short article, we shall introduce some basic principles. More technical information about computerized embroidery is available in other articles available indexed in the computerized embroidery category. Computerized embroidery machines are specialized machines that can create embroidery from computerized designs. Such machines exist for the home market, for the small independent professional and for mass production. Many home sewing machines can be turned into an embroidery machine by adding a hardware module. Embroidery machines can be found in fab labs and other maker spaces.

Embroidery design software exists in various form, either as special-purpose tools for various design stages or as complete design suites. Embroidery designs can be stored in a multitude of proprietary design formats, that can be exported to proprietary machine formats (now often sold over the Internet). Free "open source" designs files are difficult to find. Converter software between various machine formats exists. Most design formats cannot be translated.

See also:

History

It can be argued that computer-controlled embroidery machines are older than computers. In the beginning of the 19th century, Jacquard invented looms controlled by a "chain of cards". However, embroidery machines controlled in real-time by a "puncher" through pantographs dominated the market in the 19th century and lasted until the 1970's we believe. Models made between the two WWs used punched tapes for control, i.e. software driven embroidery machines became important. In the 1980 the first computer-controlled machines for the home market appeared (Wikipedia, retrieved May 2018). Chitter Chatter Embroidery Machine History and Ann the Gran Embroidery History include some interesting pictures.

According to Wikipedia and other sources, the first modern day computer controlled sewing machine was built by Orisol in 1987 for making shoes, i.e. much later than embroidery machines.

Stitching and design steps

More or less according to Wikipedia, the basic steps for creating an embroidery are as follows:

  • [Optional] Get or create a digitized embroidery design file in some kind of editable format. Typical formats are .emb, .exe, .dst, .cnd and .fdr. Each software manufacturer has its own proprietary format.
  • [Optional] Combine it with other designs, e.g. add some custom lettering (optional)
  • Translate the design to machine executable code (or get a file that is executable). Typical formats are .art, .pes, .jef, .sew and .hus (see below)
  • Load this "stitch" file into the embroidery machine
  • Stabilize and hoop the fabric and attach the hoop to the machine
  • Start and monitor the embroidery machine, i.e. change the thread if needed.

Creating a digitized embroidery file itself includes at least two steps:

  • (Optional) Create a drawing in an editable vector format. It is also possible to vectorize (traced) raster images, but this can be very time consuming.
  • Digitize (translate, punch) the vector drawing to a (preferably) editable embroidery design format. A stitchable design includes embroidery-specific information like stitches and thread color. Good software rather defines "stitch objects", e.g. lines and fills (columns and areas) that are parameterized with stitching information such as the filling patterns, density, stitch density, pull compensation, stitch direction, etc..
  • Export to machine-specific formats.

Typical paradigm

While some more modern machines perform actions like dropping a sequin to be sewn in place, most modern embroidery consists is entirely of the same looped interlock stitch that have been the mainstay of sewing machines since their inception. Computerized embroidery formats ultimately contain instructions for the embroidery machine to perform. Move to a new location in two different directions, move but block the needle-bar (jump), cut the thread, drop the needle, switch to the next thread. These are all the actions that a sewing machine can take, usually in increments of 1/10th a millimeter. The goal then within design software is often how to pattern these stitches in useful ways for the person using the software. These patterns result in a lot of the underlying concepts within embroidery software. Stitches like zig-zag, satin, flat fill, bean stitch, and others are simply straight stitches in particular patterns, and the methods used to generate these are not explicit to the media.

Typically modern embroidery software uses vector shapes with fills applied to the objects. This allows the users for editing of the objects and thus the fills those objects create and adjustments to the density, direction, or any other property used to generate the resulting stitches. The advantages to this is that embroidery can be done quickly. A lot of stitches in recognizable patterns can be applied quickly with skilled users getting the results they expect. The software then stores the vector object and the fill properties to generate the underlying stitches. When the underlying stitches are edited by the user, regenerating the stitches would lose those modifications.

While vectors are a key aspect of this paradigm, it's not the case that you could go from vector to embroidery without some additional information about the type of fill being applied to that object. While software could take a vector as the answer of where to fill, they don't answer the question of how to fill. There's also a considerable amount of things that are technically permitted of a series of short line-segments (and thus embroidery) but are not easily accomplished through the dominant paradigm.

This seems to be the reason there are so many different formats, basically a different one for each type of embroidery. And different versions of formats add more such features to the software. If you wish to edit a design later, you need to have all the objects the file used to generate the stitches. Often software suites develop different methods for filling various objects or different features and these are unique to that particular brand. It's also the reason why, even when some formats have vector information (say PES files), these are not loaded by other software (eg. Wilcom Trusizer) in a manner that could be resized beyond about 10% without noticeable loss of coverage for the fill. Other software that can load a format, will often only load the actual stitches themselves (since that's what, all embroidery files must have to be sewn), which prevents any editing of the shapes used to generate them initially.

A straight stitch or running stitch is the typical name for a stitch that is generally not in the pattern of one of the other types of stitches. Technically all stitches are the same and they are all running stitches. They can't be anything else.

Fill stitches, also called tatami stitch are montone fills of particularly defined areas. These tend to be a sort of flood fill done with stitches. Most modern embroidery software executes this by using vector objects which then have a fill applied to them.

Mathematically the objects being filled must be monotone or broken into different parts. Monotone geometric objects can be filled with an unbroken scanline starting from the top to the bottom without changing directions. Since some objects being filled will lack this property, the objects are converted into monotone objects by clipping off the non-monotone parts. These are then underpathed (a straight stitch to the other merge/split node occurring such that it will be covered) and filled, and merged with the current fill. There is a lot of differences in how this algorithm is implemented between different software suites.

Sometimes even monotone objects are broken in this manner to allow for a start and stop location to be predefined. If you are filling a circle from the top to bottom, but want to start from the left, the algorithm will need to underpath to the top, then fill to the bottom. If an exit location is needed, it will stop at the level of the exit-node, underpath to the bottom, then fill up to the exit position.

Satin stitches are so-called because they have a soft satiny look. They are geometrically sweep fills of sweepable objects. A sweepable object is one that can be completely filled by a sweepline that transverses the object and is permitted to change directions. By definition if an object is sweepable it is monotone, as it does not need to change directions. Satin stitches are usually done with areas small enough that a single stitch can fill the objects.

This covers most of the conceptual design aspects within embroidery software. Some popular tools like Wilcom B, generally work by creating the vector object and fill direction and fill information at the same time. Which is a step away from the paradigm of vector + fill -> embroidery.

Read embroidery stitch type for a short presentation of various options available in embroidery software.

Moving on

The concepts of computerized embroidery article will introduce some important practical concepts of machine embroidery. Embroidery stitch types are discussed in a separate piece. Hooping and stabilizing in computerized embroidery explain how to ready a fabric for embroidery.

Embroidery software tries to provide an overview of various embroidery software. Stitch Era tutorials is the starting point of a vector-drawing centric series of tutorials of a powerful and relatively cheap complete embroidery software. InkStitch is the start page of a tutorial series for an open-source platform based on Inkscape, the open source drawing program.

For technical people, software developers in particular, Embroidery format assembles everything that is known about propriety machine embroidery formats.

Links

General links

Sewing and embroidery websites (unsorted)
  • k2g2 “is an open platform that is spearheading the brains and crafts movement of the 21st century, taking a hacker's perspective on everything from handicraft to crafting machines”. This website includes good "portals" for machine knitting and machine embroidery. Best resource for open source projects, but doesn't show much activity over the years.
  • Embroidery Machine Encyclopedia (Wiki, 148 articles as of May 2017). As of Jan 2018, the site is full of spam (>20'000 pages) but still includes the useful information.
  • Sewing.org has free sew, quilt and craft projects
  • Sewing & Craft Alliance provides educational information and creative resources to the sewing and crafting enthusiast
  • SewReview, includes a blog with entries on various topics plus buying guides and reviews
  • eHow includes entries about sewing, embroidery, etc.
  • rumblr includes a few entries about sewing etc.
  • The Embroiderers' Guild of America (EGA). A few interesting links.
  • patternreview Popular site for sharing patterns and advise (including computerized stuff)
  • Embroidery. Nice traditional embroidery website for junior stitchters, textile students and teachers.
In other languages
Blogs
Other links of links
  • Embroidermodder has some good links (including broken ones, last update was 2004)

Introductions

(Retrieved April 2011, unless otherwise stated)

Introductions to traditional embroidery
  • Embroidery (Wikipedia). Follow-up the various Wikipedia links at the bottom.
Introductions to computerized embroidery
Introductions to computerized sewing machine
Introductions to normal sewing machine
Specialized tutorials

Software links

(see our own links in the embroidery software article)

Useful websites
Comparisons

The best table we found is Wikipedia's Comparison of embroidery software. However, it does not really choosing a good software.

A (good) 2013 comparison of software by Floriani (a software producer) is kept in the wayback machine

File formats

Hardware links

In other languages
Do it yourself

Free design repositories

There don't seem to be many truly free and easy to use websites. Most commercial web sites offer some free designs. In addition, some of the free open source or close source software packages include free designs (see above).

  • Thingiverse. Search for em broidery. As of 1/2018 only a few designs....
  • You could search for embroidery patterns on Flickr. Some are free (but you then need to digitize these or find another version)

Fablab work, open source, etc.

(more needed)

Bibliography and journals

Introductory books for machine embroidery
  • John Deer (2007). Digitizing Made Easy: Create Custom Embroidery Designs Like a Pro, Krause Publications. ISBN 0896894924 (Good introductory book to digitizing, a cheaper and simpler alternative to Nielsen)
  • Jones, Deborah. (2009). Machine Embroidery on Difficult Materials (Book & CD Rom), Krause Publications, ISBN 0896896544. (Explains how to embroider on silk, leather, lace, etc.)
  • Twigg, Jeanine (2001). Embroidery Machine Essentials: How to Stabilize, Hoop and Stitch Decorative Designs, Krause Publications, ISBN 9780873419994 (Useful for absolute beginners. There are several companion books from the same author).
Other introductory books for machine embroidery

(I don't have any of these, and therefore can't recommend any - DKS June 2011)

  • C&T Publishing (2004), All About Machine Arts, ISBN 9781571202277.
  • Betty Barnden (Author) (2003). The Embroidery Stitch Bible, Krause Publications, ISBN 9780873495103.
  • Deb Menz (2004). Color Works, Interweave Press, ISBN 1931499470 (This book address color for crafters).
  • Linda Turner Griepentrog, Rebecca Kemp Brent (2006). Machine Embroidery Wild & Wacky, Krause Publications.
  • Linda Miller (2010). Creative Machine Embroidery, A&C Black. ISBN 1408103982.
  • Van Holmes (2008). Encyclopedia of Machine Embroidery, Anova Batsford, ISBN 9781906388188.
Academic Journals (may contain articles about embroidery)
Research
  • Irene Posch and Ebru Kurbak. 2016. CRAFTED LOGIC Towards Hand-Crafting a Computer. In Proceedings of the 2016 CHI Conference Extended Abstracts on Human Factors in Computing Systems (CHI EA ’16). ACM, New York, NY, USA, 3881-3884. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1145/2851581.2891101
Trade journals
  • Graphics Pro, includes articles about embroidery (some education)
  • Impressions, information for apparel (screen printing, embroidery, heat-applied graphics and digital decorating).
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