InkStitch
[As of summer 2022, this documentation is outdated and requires some updating. Principles remain the same]
Introduction
Ink/Stitch is an Inkscape extension for designing machine embroidery patterns and machine embroidery files. Ink/Stitch is in our opinion the best open source and free embroidery digitizing software. It offers good basic functionality and can be used in schools to teach both vector graphics and design. - Daniel K. Schneider 20 July 2018
According to the extension page, “Select objects that you want to apply embroidery properties and using the extension, set the parameters for the desired object(s). Once all desired objects have embroidery properties, use the extension to generate the necessary stitch file.”
According to the project page, “Ink/Stitch aims to be a full-fledged embroidery digitizing platform based entirely on free, open source software. Our goal is to be approachable for hobbyists while also providing the power needed by professional digitizers.”
List of tutorials
You also can use the navigation menu to the right
- InkStitch - installation
- InkStitch - basic use
- InkStitch - satin columns
- InkStitch - manual stitches
- InkStitch - tips and trouble shooting
- InkStitch - from satin columns to fills with satin borders
- InkStitch - stitch files from Noun Project icons
- InkStitch - emoji embroidery
- InkStitch - embroidery logos
- InkStitch - create stitch files from hand drawings
- InkStitch - embroidery patch
- InkStitch - QR code embroidery
- InkStitch - lettering
- InkStitch - design letters
- InkStitch - Geneva-simple typefaces
- InkStitch - fills with programmable stitches
- InkStitch - data visualization
- InkStitch - hotfix
Print version
- EduTech Wiki:Books/InkStitch (either as free PDF or as PediaPress book)
Warnings and disclaimers:
- This documentation is not associated with the InkStitch project. Please also read the official documentation (including tutorials) in the official site. We just made a little tutorial while we were learning and testing this extension.
- Some screenshots were made from early versions. Since the project took off during late sprint/summer 2018, changes were made to the interface and others may follow. Please take this into account. Over time, we will adapt most of the documentation...
Features
As far as we can tell, the Ink/Stitch extension is the first usable open source program that allows creating embroidery files within an open source drawing tool. Summarizing:
- Ink/Stitch allows creating stitch files from particular SVG drawings, i.e. so-called path. Any SVG object can be translated into a path object.
- SVG fills can translate to filled stitch areas (i.e. tatami stitches), SVG strokes can translate to zigzag (simple satin) and lines. Finally, there is a mechanism to create satin columns from paths that include two sub-path lines.
- SVG path objects can be parametrized for all of these four stitch types (filled areas, simple zigzags, complex satin zigzags, or lines). Various underlays can be configured, e.g. satin stitches can have three sorts (a center line, border lines or a zigzag).
- Most embroidery formats can be imported, reused and adapted using Inkscape's path tool (F2).
- InkStitch also supports thread color and project management.
As of December 16, 2018 the latest release was 1.21.0. We strongly encourage using the latest version and checking regularly for updates.
See also:
- Computerized embroidery
- Embroidery glossary and Concepts of computerized embroidery
- Computerized embroidery in education
Support groups
- Report technical problems as issues to the developers at Github. Do check first if there is already an open issue with the same problem
- inkscape - inkstitch. Friendly and dynamic french group.
- InkScape to Ink/Stitch Enthusiast Group Unfriendly American group (e.g. links to tutorials outside facebook are not allowed, who wants to create content on facebook ?)
Events
| Place/Date | Status | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Amsterdam, Monday, July 24, 2019 |  |
Machine_embroidery_in_education_workshop_(EdMedia2019) Short URL: https://edutechwiki.unige.ch/en/meew |
| Dagstuhl October 29, 2018 | Done | Data visualization with machine embroidery (75 min workshop at the Dagstuhl Seminar 18441 on DataPhysicalization |
| New York October 9. 2020 (demo) | |
Computerized embroidery for identity building (fablearn2020) (http://edutechwiki.unige.ch/en/fablearn2020) |
Copyright modification
Contents of this page including pictures and SVG files are also available under the GNU Free Documentation License and the Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0) license.
The Inkstitch project can use any element (text fragments, SVG files, pictures) for the project's official docs without giving attribution (just copy and paste).